Day out visiting 3 little pretty villages in southern Tuscany. Couldn't have picked a hotter day! Lord. Wont be hurrying to do that again. Underestimated how far away they were and how damn hot it gets between 12 and 4 pm. Must have been well over 30. At Montalcino, the first village, we climbed the fort and had a beautiful view of the undulating vineyards. What is it about always wanting to climb up, whether kid or adult?! Pienza, village number two, we didn't...

Glorious day of R & R in the glorious sunshine. Our first day where we didn't move and had home cooking all day. So relaxing!! Girls swam, caught up with their journals and we had a little walk around the vineyards around our villa. Think we all needed down time. The pool is simply gorgeous. The three Girls are bunking in together in double bed. They are so funny!! Could have one in with Lana or spit up in other rooms but they want to stay together, reckon th...

Sad farewell to Heidi, Horst, Eva, Uli! Seriously stunning drive!! Arrived at villa. Straight in the pool. Heaven. The more relaxing part of the trip begins !! Two weeks in the one spot, in a house with pool, a serious spoil. Gorgeous first evening in our local village, Castillina. Stocked up on groceries and had pizza in the piazza/ square while we listened to a live band rehearsal which Lana loved. She was so hilarious when trying to leave at 9.30pm... Saying...

Day on the mountains in Austria. Gorgeous drive, love the little Bavarian and Austrian little towns. So pretty with their red flower boxes on the window sills. Frankie did well. I was a bit worried Horst might take us on a huge hike but it was perfect. Not too long and lots of mud, huge cows, gorgeous views and a pretty family restaurant half way for lunch. Big success. We all loved it. Gabi was in one of her laughing crazy mud stomping moods; unfortunately it d...

Rain today so we visited the Herreninsel and the schloss of King Ludwig the 2nd. Couldn't believe how many tourists. Took an English tour, jaz soaked it up, again saying it was the best castle she'd seen, she tends to say that about every castle we go to. She loves them. Loads of gold and chandeleers, was never finished ( only 20 of the 70 rooms) as king ran out of $. Jaz stuck close to Eva quizzed her about the detail as eva was once a guide. Eva's being an abso...