Kinder Field Trip

Jackson's kindergarten class took a field trip to Luisenpark in Mannheim this week. I don't know if he was more excited about the bus ride there or the field trip itself. Since Jason takes him to school and I pick him up he doesn't ride the bus. So he couldn't wait to take the hour long ride to the park.

The weather cooperated and it turned out to be a very beautiful day. 

The kids had fun taking a boat ride through the park and seeing the fish, turtles, storks, penguins, flamingo and pelicans. We did lots of playing on the playgrounds and running through the fields. They were completely exhausted at the end of the day. Grace fell asleep on the way home and I now know she is done with naps. She didn't fall asleep until about 10 o'clock last night!

It's hard to believe his kindergarten year is almost over. It went by so fast!

This is the "schnullerbaum." 

It is a tree that the babies take their binky's to when it's time to give them up.

 Waiting for the boat ride.

 Landon, Jackson, Lily and Grace

 These cars cost 1 euro to ride. They loved it!

 The kids loved the ice cream break before heading back on the bus.

Video of Performance

Here is one of the videos from Gracie's performance. As you can see it's organized chaos...but oh so cute!

Patriotic Performance

At preschool today we had a Patriotic Performance for the parents. We have been practicing these songs for weeks so it was great to see it finally come together. They all did fantastic and looked so good in their red, white and blue!

 My class is the top left and Grace is center stage.

 She was so happy that it was finally the day to sing. Our little performer!

Here are a few videos of them singing. (Sorry for the shaky and off center camera...I was trying to watch Grace as well as keep an eye on my class during the performance.)

A Perfect Mother's Day

Mother's Day this year was so wonderful!

We started off the day by going to church for the early service. After church we came home and took a little snooze while the kids watched a movie. So nice!

The weather was gorgeous, low 60's and sunny skies. We headed down the path to our favorite outdoor restaurant, Block Haus. The kids really wanted to ride their bikes and we knew we needed to get Emma out with us so Jason and I decided to walk. Grace has been getting really good on her bike so it was fun for her to go on the trails for the long ride. Jackson was good to stay with her and remind her to stop at the streets and wait for us. Such a sweet big brother!

On the way we had to stop and feed the horses. They ran up to the fence when we stopped. You could tell they love having people interaction.

 How can you go wrong with a view like that?

 Jackson playing football with some boys while waiting for our food.

 Me and my precious babes!

 After an amazing (long-2 1/2 hour) lunch of Rahmschnitzel, brats and pommes the kids picked out their favorite ice cream.

 We went a different path home and of course had to feed more horses. Here is Jackson feeding them they way Papa taught him.

I am so thankful for the children that God has given me. What a blessing they are in every single way! Each day they make me happy and proud. They are typical brother and sister who love each other one minute, then the next are oil and water. That is what it's all about! I am so thankful for my busy boy and sweet girl!

I am so thankful for my mom and all of the wonderful things that she has taught me over the years. I could not of had a better role model to teach me what an amazing mom does. And 24 years later my mother in law came into my life. Without her my husband would not be who he is today. She did a fantastic job raising me a great husband!

Thank you to our moms for being who you are! We are so blessed!

~We love you two and can't wait to see you soon~

Jesus' Seamless Robe in Trier

On Saturday we went to Trier to see the seamless robe of Jesus. It is the robe that Jesus wore shortly before (or during) his crucifixion. According to the Gospel of John, the soldiers who crucified Jesus did not divide his tunic after crucifying him, but cast lots to determine who would keep it because it was woven in one piece, without seam. 

The mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the robe in the Holy Land in the year 327 and gave it to the cathedral in Trier. 

This is only the 4th time in the last 100 years that the tunic has been on display for the public to see. The last time it was shown over one million people came from around the world. It is on display now because it is the 500th anniversary of the first pilgrimage after the Emperor Maximilian demanded to see the holy robe.

When we arrived at the cathedral there were SO many people there. Once we were in line we asked a volunteer and she said it would take about 2 1/2 hours from where we were. We debated on not staying and going back another day, but decided since we made the drive we would wait. We hoped the kids would be good during the wait.

The kids took many breaks up on Jason's shoulders. It was a great way for them to see the crowd of people around us.

 There were these colorful sticks with a biblical phase in different languages printed on a piece of fabric hanging from each one. It was really pretty to see blowing in the wind.

 At this point we were in line for about 2 hours. And they still have smiles on their faces!

 Once we got into the cathedral there was a Saturday afternoon mass going on. It was neat to see, but added about 30 minutes onto our wait time. So, 3 hours later...

the tunic!

A huge rush of emotion came over me when I saw it. It is amazing to think that our Lord and Savior wore this robe when he took the ultimate sacrifice! To see people around us crying and kissing the glass was overwhelming. I am so glad we were patient and waited to see this amazing sight. 

It is neat to hear the kids talk about what we saw. I know that they fully don't understand it just yet...but I pray that one day they will truly appreciate it.

Once we were finished we took the kids to get some ice cream. 

They were FANTASTIC waiting in line!

A well deserved treat for my sweet children.

(Jackson got zitrone (lemon) and Grace got kokos (coconut.)

 I of course had to get a few door pictures on our way out of the city.

Love the Rapeseed Season!

I love this time of year when the hills are full of rapeseed. There is nothing like looking out the window and seeing bright yellow flowers everywhere. I had to stop and get pictures before they were plowed for harvest. Thanks to the beautiful blue skies today they went well with the yellow backdrop. 

Springtime makes me love and appreciate where I live. I love living in Germany...

Grace Rides a Two Wheeler

Grace has been really practicing on her two wheel bike she got for her birthday. Today we took it down the street and she did amazing! She kept saying, "I am so proud of myself!"

We are too, baby girl! Hard to believe you are cruising around on a "big girl" bike!