I have family that comes from Austria, and we had a chance to go to an old church in Breitenbrunn (about 60 km outside Vienna). We were able to see the birth and marriage records of my ancestors that were christened and married in that church back in the 1800s.

It’s pretty humbling being able to see where some of my family comes from – standing in the same church where they were married! I took a picture of the records – they are the original books that all of the records are kept on.

I have a wonderful cousin, Maria, that is from Breitenbrunn as well, and her father is the vicor of the church. He was able to show us around the church and the records that we were looking for. Being in the place where my family comes from makes me realize the importance of family history and keeping records – they are a part of me and my son!

Maria was a fabulous host, and we were able to meet her wonderful family. Ethan had a great time playing with her sons, and we really enjoyed our time spent with them.