Catch Us if You Can!

   Howdy from the multi-colored hills of Buda!

   The leaves have all changed gorgeous hues of gold, red, and orange, and the evergreens are standing tall as the air turns cooler. The sun has been hiding more often than not, but on days it appears, we make good use of our time outdoors. 

Handsome Husband and Titus surveying the land 

   This past Saturday we soaked up every ounce of sunshine we could by adventuring to a castle in a neighboring village and a lookout on top of the hill we view from our living room. It was a wonderful day full of sight-seeing and laughter. The big kids are getting really good at hiking. Clark is still feeling the burn from carrying Titus on his back the whole day. 

Emma and Ransom bundled up and looking at the village below

 We started our day at Solyamari Var (Solyamar Castle). It is the ruins of a castle originally built around 1355. For 1000 HUF (About $4 USD) we got to walk around the remains of the turrets, water tower, and imagine what it would have been like for knights to walk along the high walls. The views were lovely, and it was a nice start to our morning.

The Lookout

   Next we drove down the road and parked at the base of a hill across from our house. We followed the steep and slightly rocky path up to what we know as the Pagoda. It is a lookout on the top of the hill, and from it you can see the Danube River, Pest, and Buda. We were even able to zoom in with the camera and find our house.

Our house from the lookout

Pretty church on the hill surrounded by autumn color

People Parasailing off the hill

    We followed our hikes with a lunch of hamburgers and fries from Sunny Diner. It is a cute burger joint with "American" food and VH1 90s countdown on the TV. I think we have gone back because Clark and I like the music so much. I still haven't found a hamburger I would say was good, but if you close your eyes and pretend you're at Whataburger... No. It still isn't. But when the scenery is as great as what we get to enjoy, I really don't feel like there is much reason to complain.

   The kids are doing really well. Emma is loving 2nd grade and is making some really good friends. Ransom enjoys kindergarten, but he really doesn't see the need to go EVERY day. Titus is weighing in at a solid 29 pounds, wearing 18 month clothes and always smiling (except when you put him in his carseat). Clark and I are enjoying this season of lots of time together, and we are grateful for your prayers and love from around the globe.

    We will try to keep you posted as our time in Budapest flies by! Hugs and blessings!