Pumpkin Time!

It's that time of year again for the Hitscherhof Pumpkin Festival. We love going every year because it not only gets us in the mood for the fall season, but we get to enjoy some of their famous kuerbiscremesuppe (pumpkin soup).

We of course had to get the kids picture on the giant pumpkin! It will be fun to look back over the years of the pictures we take and see how much they change from year to year. This has become a great tradition in our family.

I love these artichoke blooms.
Jason, Jackson and Grace with Shawn, Mason and Willow going through the corn maze.
The adults hanging out in the shade while the kids played in the sand.
Grace and Ella...two peas in a pod!

They love being together. I was trying to get a picture of the two of them but they were being very funny and wouldn't stay still. They truly love each others friendship so much...it is so sweet!

Mom and Dad's Visit

My parents were able to come out for a nice, long visit this summer since we didn't go to the States. It was so nice having them here!

They arrived August 6th which gave us plenty of time to relax before the school year started. Our friends Noa and Julie were here for about two weeks of the start of their visit. It was fun having so many people in our house this summer. Made it that much more special.

The kids were so excited to see Gaga and Daddy Don. Hard to believe it had been a year since we have seen my dad. Knowing that they were going to be with us for 5 weeks, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Because their visit was extended we did many things in our area and in the surrounding cities and countries. They were hoping to do more traveling this time, but we were keeping them so busy they didn't have time! We went to Treir, Heidelberg, little areas around here and Jason took them to France to one of our favorite stores, Cora.

They left on September 17th and are currently on a 14 day cruise in the Mediterranean which they booked during their visit.

About 3 weeks into their visit their were massive fires around their home and they weren't sure they were going to have a home to go to when they arrived back in Austin. Thankfully, they stayed and all was well. They were spared from the fires, but many of their friends lost their homes. They are anxious to get back and help those in need during this difficult time.

Here is a hodge podge of photos from their time here. I am so thankful they were able to stay as long as they did. I know my dad was a little ansy at times (he's a busy body!), but hopefully we kept them busy and they enjoyed being with Jackson and Grace. Thank you Mom and Dad for a special time!! I love you!!

Family shot at the Culinary/Wine walk in Rodenbach

This was the kids best memory I am sure. My mom bought some paint at the local store and experimented with face painting. She did a pretty good job!

Jackson is definitely playing the dragon part here. Scary, huh?
Of course, Spiderman. Funny thing is he went on a bike ride with my dad like this...costume and all!
Butterfly Grace

Dinosaur!

It was fun having them here for the kids first day of school.

Off to preschool for Grace!
Off to kindergarten for Jackson!
Every first weekend of September a wine village has a festival to celebrate the new wine they have that season. It is absolutely beautiful there! The kids love going. There is great food, wine, beer and an amazing firework show at night.

Here is my mom near the vineyards.
The town of Bernkastel

They were able to cheer on Jackson at his soccer games. He loved that!

My dad took the kids to the park in our village many, many times. They love to feed the ducks and play at the playground.
Mom and Dad in Trier.
At a local medieval festival. Jackson loved seeing the bow and arrows and other medieval stuff.
He even got to shoot a cross bow!
There was a lot of baking going on while they were here. Here are the kids posing with their banana and nutella bread.

We got a weekend away while my parents watched the kids. It was very nice being able to spend time with our friends. We stayed up late and slept in...ahhh!
Our day trip to Heidelberg.
One of our many walks/bike rides.
Of course my mom had to get crafty while she was here. She made curtains for my classroom. As you can see the kids were a lot of help.
Dad pushing Grace on the zip line at the park.
They were able to make it to a FCK soccer game. I have heard they are crazy and something you won't forget. Definitely a german experience!
Thank you for all the good times! Of course, not all of them were captured on camera. These are only a few. We love you!

Hammer Time!

Our good friends, Noa and Julie came to visit us the beginning of August. It was such a special trip and we are so thankful that they were able to come to our part of the world. We were able to see and do many things while they were here, but most of all just enjoyed each other's company.

Since they are expecting their first baby in November it was so much fun to see Julie with her growing tummy. It was amazing how much she grew just in the two weeks they were here!

I didn't get many pictures of the trip that we took to Spangdalem with the Yost's for Tom's baseball tournament. It was so great having the six of us together again...re-living the Okinawa days! If there would be a way for a Navy doc to make it here we would be in heaven!

Jason and I have already started to plan our trip to Washington State next summer to visit them and "Sally."

Jackson and Noa

Julie holding up the size that her baby was at the time. According to the baby books the baby was the size of a cauliflower.
The boys went to and FCK game in Kaiserslautern. That is something that Noa really wanted to do when he was here.
The six of us went to a sushi restaurant in Saarbrucken for our 8 year anniversary. Thanks to my parents who keep our kids and the Green's kids.
I just love her. ;-)
Grace's turn on Noa's shoulders.
My mom and dad in Trier.
Daddy Don having fun with Grace.
This was the best shot out of 4.
My two favorite boys in the world.


Lunch in Heidelberg.
No, this is not wine. The waitress brought Grace apple juice in a wine glass. She loved it...
as you can tell.
Jackson loves to eat lemons.
Julie modeling her unique skirt she bought in Heidelberg.

Love...
Okinawa crew back together again in Germany. Crazy how things all come back around.

We ate at a fantastic place near the LaGraves place. Cherished memories...
Saying our goodbyes to the Hammers. Very sad, but even more thankful for our time with them.