Hans Christian Who??

In an attempt to educate my children, I have read them many fairytales, and some of their favorites are written by Hans Christian Andersen - a Dane!  So, since we were staying just 40 minutes from his home town of Odense, Denmark - it made sense to visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.  When I announced this to the kids one or two of them (I will not name names - but it wasn't Max) responded, 'Hans Christian Who?'  It is because of moments like this that I have self-esteem issues:)

Once I reminded them of the Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, and the Ugly Duckling,  the light bulbs began to went off in their sweet little heads!  

I loved this statue because you can almost hear him telling a marvelous story to this children.

Max and Emma took a seat with the Master - himself!

There are people who actually live in these houses - no problem with high ceilings!

Max might take up roofing!  Not as dangerous in Odense as it is in the US.

Next order of business was attacking the statue!

And the Viking from Pepperell prevails!

(and yes he wore this wonderful hat all day!)

How appropriate - ducklings swimming outside the Hans Christian Andersen Museum!  But none of them were ugly...

Hans Christian Andersen loved to make paper cut-outs.  Zac found it interesting that his cut-outs rarely had anything to do with his stories.  Hans didn't smoke, so after dinners he would join the ladies in the parlor and keep his hands busy by making paper cut-outs and telling the ladies about his adventures.  

Emma and Zac spent some time keeping their hands busy at the museum.

We loved this statue of the Little Mermaid.  One of the kids commented that she looked tie dyed!

Just loved how this shot came out - and yes the house was that brightly painted.  Danes are not afraid of color...

After the museum, it was time for some fun at a park down the street.  A game of hopping from metal dome to metal dome began.  What do you mean you have never heard of metal dome hopping - you need to get out more!

Tommy took the dome concept to his cheeks - adding an element of difficulty to this game!

Catie showed us the fashionable way to stand on a dome.

Tommy saved cousin Bryson from near death.  Falling from a metal dome is a horrible way to die!

Way to go Tommy!

Then they took to the trees - well some of them did!  This shot would have been great if Max and Betsy hadn't decided to take a nap during it!

I love this shot of Max - yes he is that big and that handsome!

They look so serious - I promise they were having fun!

This day concluded with yummy soft ice, a few bathroom stops, and a expensive parking ticket.