It's Fest Season!

As I have mentioned before, Germans love a good fest.  And at this time of the year, there is not a shortage of them.  Sometimes it is difficult to choose which fest to attend.  This will go on through Christmas, at which time, the Weihnachtsmarkts (Christmas Markets), will take over.  To kick off our big festing season, we decided to do it in style with some good friends of ours, the Lincicums.  We drove to the Bad Dürkheim Wurstfest which was only about a 35 minute drive from our house.  Even though it is called a Wurstfest (Sausage Festival), it's really known for its wine because of all of the vineyards in the area.  No beer at this fest, only wine and LOTS of it! 

All good fests have plenty of entertainment for the kids.  The girls get warmed up on the slide.

Taryn and one of her BFFs, Maddie, on the ICE train.

Three cuties patiently wait for their wurst.

That is a SMALL glass of wine that I am holding.  These Germans are serious!

Our crew.

Leena and her wurst.

This fest was very big.  Lots of rides, food, and wine!

Taryn stops while one of the rides passes over her head.

Julie and I in front of a big wine barrel!  No, I am not short... she is TALL!

Leena heads to the ferris wheel.

A view of the fest from the top of the ferris wheel.

A view of the surrounding vineyards from the ferris wheel.

Our cute little shoppers.

Our more serious shopper!  Leena loves the European scarf look!

Taking a break from the crowds.

Taryn talks Daddy into riding the "Pirate Express". Thank goodness for Daddy and his stomach of steel!  The fest rides are so expensive, it's ridiculous.  This ride cost 7 Euro for the three of them to ride - about $10!! 

Off to the ball!

The waitress served the table next to us a tray full of pint sized WINE glasses.  And remember, the alcohol over here is much stronger than in the States!  It is no wonder that we saw a girl literally roll off of one of the fest benches while we were there (wish I could have discretely got a picture of that!).  I can't imagine what this place is like at night!

One last ride for the road!