Köln, Germany

France has 4 bank holidays in May, so it ended up being a big travel month for us. I had this trip booked months ago when I was trying to be organized and write all of the holidays in the calendar. When we actually got to the weekend, I think we would have all rather spent the weekend at home, but we went anyways.

One thing Germany is great for is kid friendly restaurants. Outside beer gardens are fantastic for taking kids! There are things for them to look at, kid-friendly food, they can be kids and no one cares. France, on the other hand, is very difficult to take kids out to dinner. The restaurants don't open until 8 at night, French meals last at least 3 hours and there are hardly ever any highchairs or changing tables. So, anytime we can sit outside in a beer garden in Germany and enjoy a meal out with our kids, it is a great time!

The cathedral in Köln was amazing. I think it jumped to the top of the list of European cathedrals we have visited. It was hit by 15 bombs in WWII, but stayed standing.  

140 foot tall ceilings inside.

We don't do a whole lot of museums on vacations. It is a struggle to take the kids into them and to be honest, Ken and I aren't all that into them either! We did decide to make a stop at the Chocolate Museum on Köln. I could get into that!

We all made our own chocolate bars. Not surprising that mine is the first one gone!

Loving their chocolate bars!

Ava was having a "hard time" when we visited the cathedral in the morning and she refused any pictures. In the afternoon, she was in a much better mood!

A fun little spot along the river.

Such a tired boy!

She loves German sausage!