SB 19, Day 2

After a great night of sleep, we left Stuttgart on a very scenic drive toward Munich. Bret tested the rental car on the autobahn, but he only did so as I slept. Smart man. 

Our first stop was sobering but important. We spent the morning at the concentration camp at Dachau. We spent quite a bit of time researching what to expect for kids, and we spent even more time prepping the kids. They deserve awards for how they conducted themselves. I almost have never been prouder. They put the hoards of field tripping teenagers to shame. 

We toured the museum and the barracks. We had great conversations about standing up for those who are persecuted and learning from history. It won't be the highlight of the trip for the Hawkins children, but I doubt they ever forget it. 

We then grabbed a quick lunch of meat, cheese, shrimp, stuffed peppers and the most glorious brown bread ever at a local deli... and then it was off for Trent's birthday experience. 

The wild animal park was just what we needed after a heavy morning. The kids saw lots of animals, including bison and wolves (the whole reason we went), but they also played in the glorious sunshine at what, I swear, was Europe's largest playground. Our kids LOVE playgrounds in other countries. Our litigious U.S. had ruined playgrounds. The kids squealed with delight as they nearly died, no doubt, around every corner. There were football fields upon football fields of playground equipment, and the kids declared it a perfect afternoon. 

There was an unfortunate incident for Trent that only his grandparents will appreciate. Trent, running down a path at the animal park, came toes to break with a peacock. If you thought chickens induced fear... poor boy is so afraid of birds. 

We then drove to Salzburg, Austria where we will spend a few days. Grant is already begging me to stop singing from the Sound of Music. I hate to tell him i am only three songs into my repertoire.