Oktoberfest 2008

After a few beers at Oktoberfest we thought we should all buy unique hats to help us to find each other in the crowds at Oktoberfest. We settled on these Bavarian style hats. Pictured from left to right is; Jim Hicks, Ed Altimari, Andy (Gooter) Gutgasel, myself and Doug Schultz. We spent a week in the Alps before making a swing through Munich for one day of the fest.

Our Table in the Beer Tent

Space like this at Oktoberfest is rare to come by and quite valuable. We lucked into these spots by first being early (11:00am arrival) and second being lucky, a group just left as we approached. This picture is in the Augustiner festhall.

A View from the Paulaner Tent

We stopped in this tent for one fine Paulaner Beer. All the tents at Oktoberfest were unique and each was worth walking through.

The Lads Wind Down at Hofbrauhaus

After the beer tents at Oktoberfest, we stopped off in downtown Munich for a night cap at the Hofbrauhaus before heading back to Garmisch for the night.

View From Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany. This view looks down towards Garmisch Germany 6600 feet below.

Summer vacation

First stop, St. Louis to visit friends. 14 of us met at Fortel's
Pizza in Arnold. We didn't get pictures with Drews or
Fulkersons, but here is Dustin, Kenny, Christopher, and
Nicole.

No fish for Christopher

We got to spend 4 days at the Lake of the
Ozarks with Helen, (she was Christopher's
baby-sitter). Too bad for Christopher though,
he didn't catch a single fish!

Christopher and Tyson

The boys (they've been friends forever, Tyson also used to
go to Helen's) enjoyed taking the paddle boat out around
the dock.

A tube ride

Christopher enjoyed getting a tube ride while we were
at the lake.

Christopher and Oreo

Christopher made a new friend, Oreo, Helen's
shitzu. We hope when we move back to St. Louis that
we'll get one of Oreo's puppies for a dog of our own.

Tom Island

Tom proudly shows off his creation on the island, hence the
name "Tom Island". The accoutrements in the background were created from logs and other floating debris in the Missouri River near Springfield, SD.

Stuck in the sand

Josh, Traci, Jordan, Tom & Christopher are trying to see
who can get their feet buried in the sand the furthest.

Mini-golf

We made our annual trip out to the lake so the kids could
play mini-golf. Christopher and Jordan are both trying to
come in first.

More mini-golf

Christopher got to go play mini-golf with his
cousin Kennady before we had to take her to
Sioux City.

Shriners Circus

The Shriners circus came to town so we went to
a performance. This was the first real circus that
Christopher went to. We had a really good time,
inspite of the heat.

The big cats

The first act of the evening was the tigers. I wouldn't have
wanted to be in the cage with them.

2 strong men

These guys were incredible. It was amazing
watching them.

A favorite - the elephants

The other animal act was the elephants. You could also ride
one during intermission, but I couldn't talk Christopher
into riding one.

A day at the races

A trip back home wouldn't be complete without a stop
at the go-karts. This year Christopher was old enough
to drive his own go-kart.

Christopher is in the lead

Christopher maintains his lead over Dad and Jim.

Jim says Hi!

Jim gives a wave as he flies by on his go-kart.

Med Cruise 2008

Our big trip this year was a 12 day Mediterranean cruise. We departed out of Venice, stopped in Croatia, Greece and Turkey before returning to Rome. Pictured here are Arnie, Sheila, Christopher and Linda Juhnke.

Our Hotel In Venice

Our hotel was the dark red building on the corner.

Grand Canal

One of the many fine views of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

Dinner in Venice

We a nice dinner in Venice the night before we boarded our Med Cruise ship, the Emerald Princess.