Sensapolis

For Memorial Day weekend we took a mini-vacation to Sensapolis in Stuttgart. This place is a big indoor playground and science center full of all kinds of things to keep the kids occupied for hours on end. It rained ALL day, so we were good with the decision to drive up there.

We went with some friends who recommended it in the past. The kids had so much fun playing together in this 10,000 square foot playground.

This is just one end of it. On this end is a climbing wall, ropes course, water play, ball area, and 3 crazy slides.

We could not get the kids out of this area. Jason and Matt even braved it!

 This is the best I could get of the kids during our lunch break. They were overstimulated to say the least.

 Inside this space ship were guns, mazes and rides to shoot the aliens. At the very top is a slide that literally drops STRAIGHT down where we were airborne for a little of it. (You can see the end of the slides at the bottom of the ship.)

I can't begin to tell you the feelings I had going down. It was unlike any slide I have ever been on!!

 This is in the science center. I wish I would of taken a picture of what it looks like from the side. This optical illusion had us laughing. 

 Jackson maneuvering around in a wheel chair.

 Water area

 Crazy ball pit with guns to shoot people.

 Jackson loved this one. He had fun climbing to the top and ringing the bell.

Fun day at this place! The kids were exhausted and are already asking to go back.

Goodbye Preschool!

Wow!

Its amazing to think we no longer have a preschooler in the house!

She had a such a great year with Mrs. Shelley. We are so thankful for the year that she had in her class and the wonderful friends she made.  Shelley was perfect for Grace in so many ways. Grace learned so much from bible verses to starting to read in this past year.  I am really going to miss have "my little sidekick" down the hall from me, but I know that she is going to have so much fun at kindergarten. She can't wait for next year at RES!

On the last week of school the classes all performed for the parents. Here is one of the songs Grace's class sang:

(If you get my blog through email updates you will have to go directly to the website to view the video)

 Grace with her graduation hat and diploma.

It was a special day for her!

Watch out, kindergarten...Grace is ready!

Rhubarb!

We have a huge amount of rhubarb growing in the backyard. 

I have never cooked it before, but look forward to trying some new recipes with it.

Here is one that I want to try!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/05/strawberry-rhubarb-baked-oatmeal.html

Our neighbor asked us if he could have some and he is going to make rhubarb wine out of it.

Yummy! Can't wait to try that!

I'll keep you updated with how that goes.

Our Olympic Triathlete

Jason told me back in December that he wanted to do the triathlon here in the city in May. I was very excited for him and knew that he would train his hardest and be ready when the big day arrived. 

The three parts of the race are:

swim - .93 miles

bike - 25 miles

run - 6.2 miles

After countless laps in the pool, miles on the bike and runs on the trail the big day finally arrived. He was a little nervous about a week before the race, then as the days approached his excitement grew and he was like a giddy school boy waiting for the first day of school.

After Jason picked up his race packet, Grace modeled his swim cap and goggles. The kids were ready to cheer Daddy on!

On the morning of the race eating a good bowl of oatmeal and reading Mens Journal.

The swim was at a lake on the outskirts of the city. We dropped Jason off and intended to take the shuttle back to the lake to see him. The schedules didn't work out, so unfortunately we didn't get to see him swim. 

At the time this picture was taken it was 6 degrees C (44 F) and when it was his turn to hit the water it was pouring down rain with occasional hail showers. Yikes! 

While we waited for Jason to come by on his bike the we played "I Spy" with one of the local ads from the paper. That kept the kids busy for a little bit.

Here he is! He made it for the swim and now this is the end of the bike ride.

Making his way to the last portion: running.

Off he goes!

He did it!

The kids even got a medal when the greeted Jason at the finish line. They thought that was pretty neat.

We are SO very proud of all you hard work, Jason! 

All the months and hours you put in to training and it all paid off. Your goal was 3:15 and your final time according to the website was: 3:15:34

What a great accomplishment to be proud of.

We love you, Jason!!

Mother's Day

We celebrated our Mother's Day a day early here in the Scherden house because of Jason's race.

It was nice having it on a Saturday because we could sleep in and take advantage of the morning without having to rush off to church. We did our usual thing and had breakfast and the T.V. ready for the kids so they could wake up and be okay for a while so Jason and I could sleep in together...it was so nice!

The kids drew me a card for Mother's Day. Much better than any store bought Hallmark card!

 Jackson's card/book

 He had me answer some questions and fill in the blanks with my answers. I thought that was so cute.

 Here is what Grace made me in her class.

That is what I look like according to her.

 This questionnaire is something I just love! It's neat to hear her answers about me through the eyes of a 5 year old.

 Jason made me a spanish omelet for breakfast. We had this in Spain and remembered it was amazing!

 The completed omelet. It was so delicious!!

 I got these beautiful hanging baskets to hang from the terrace. My other gift is still on it's way...so I can't wait to see what it is when it arrives.

Mother's Day this year was very special in so many way. We were able to celebrate it in our new house together all day with no distractions. The morning was relaxed and that carried on into the afternoon. We watched "Annie" as a family, then headed off to dinner after Jason's briefing for the race the next day.

God has truly blessed my life with two wonderful children who I adore. It wouldn't be possible without my amazing husband. I cherish Jason and all he is to me. He made this day special and did everything to make me feel special in every way. Sometimes I wonder what did I do to deserve this man...then I realize that our father in heaven brought us together and it's how it's meant to be.

{BLESSED}

After School Walk

Here are some shots of our walk this afternoon after everyone made it home from school. 

We love the village we live in with all the open spaces, horses and fields for the kids to run in!

Window Boxes

Spring has arrived and I have been so excited to plant my window boxes.

I went with a friend of ours, Jan, and she helped me through the process of what kind to get for my windows.

This is a trial and error process for me, but I am hoping that I can keep these things in good condition so they can flourish into the summer months.

We love owning a home and enjoying these little moments of adding to our home. 

Kurpfalz Park Field Trip

Jackson's class took a field trip to Kurpfalz park with a few other first grade classes. Thankfully I was off work that day so Grace and me were able to join.

The park consists of playgrounds, big slides, alpine slides, many varieties of animals and water rides.

Here is Jackson's group for the day.

Frau Whitely's class

 These mirrors made me laugh. Here is a midget version of Jackson.

 Jackson's face says it all! This slide does a serious drop on the beginning.

 This bird show was very entertaining in many ways. The guide's english wasn't that good, so some words were said that were not very appropriate for children. In a way it was funny because he just had no idea what he was saying. Ahh...the funny things that happen here in Europe!