He's Back!

Our elf Micah showed up for the Christmas season on Sunday. It's fun seeing the excitement in the kids as our elf is up to all sorts of crazy surprises.

Thanksgiving

For this years thanksgiving we went over to the Sechrists house. We had fun eating and hanging out with good friends...one of the many things I am thankful for!

Jason was on the couch watching the games, and Blake came over to chat. We girls thought it was funny!

Rebecca with the wine that Mattias brought for the night.

Painting Party

I have been wanting to have a painting party and happen to meet a lady in the checkout line at the commissary who has a company called "Brushstrokes and Bellinis"in the area we live in.

I gathered a group of friends together and we painted away!

She found this studio and her landlord finished it for her by putting in a fireplace, electricity and windows. And the best part is it is attached to her house by just a few steps.

She has the pictures already drawn out and ready for us to paint. After a few tips and painting techniques we got started with it.

Here is the picture that we were able to go by.

My finished project! 

It was so much fun and especially the friends I did it with. Everyone's painting had their own unique brushstrokes which made it fun to see how different a bird can be painted.

Poor Grace

Grace came home from school yesterday with a fever. While I was making dinner she was taking a bath. After a while I went to check on her and I found her like this...

Guess that's the sign of a sick girl! 

AJ's German Fußball Team

Jackson recently joined up with our village (and 3 others that are around us) for weekly practices at the Bürgerhaus. We are in the process of getting his players pass which will allow him to start playing in the games. When we receive it he will be a part of the "JVF 5-Eckstein."
It was a big decision to join because he had to make a choice between soccer or karate which he has been a part of for the past 4 years. He loves soccer and really has a talent for it, but on the other had has come far in karate earning his belts. We let him think about it for a few days and he decided soccer would be good for him. We are looking forward for this new adventure in the German league!

My S.T.A.R. Kiddos

Both the kids came home today with a STAR Student award. We are so proud of them! 

Grace got hers for: Thoughtful

Jackson got his for: Studious