Sicily, Day 1

A getaway to sunny Sicily in the month of February is just what the doctor ordered. My mom makes her yearly trip around this time every year and we love doing a long weekend trip together while she is here. Originally Liz and I had planned on going to Marrakesh, Morocco, but the flight times didn't work out. Plus I was a little sketched out about going there. I am sure it's a great place to visit, but not on my bucket list just yet. Thankfully we have understanding husband and were able to leave on Valentine's day. That's okay...I/we know we are loved...

The four of us (Liz, Allyson, my mom and me) flew from Hahn on Friday into Trapani. We rented a car and were on our adventure for the next 4 days and 3 nights.

We made our way to Cefalu for the night, but first stopped at Segesta and the ancient temple ruins.

The drive was beautiful, but wow! the crazy Italian drivers kept Liz on her toes. Not many rules in Italy for driving!

Yes, it was THIS beautiful!

We had a great day exploring the ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery of northwest Sicily. We arrived in Cefalu at night so couldn't see much of the city until the morning. After a long travel day and a great dinner we called it a night.

Grace's 100th Day of Kindergarten

In preperation for Grace's 100th day, her teacher sent a project out for the kids to make a collage of a hundred items on half a poster board. So, what does a mom do who is "slightly addicted" to pinterest? Search for a great idea!

I found these pom poms at a local store and they turned out perfect for her 100 pom pom rainbow collage. Turned out pretty cute and Grace loves it...so that is all that matters!

Second Quarter a Success!

The kids brought home their second quarter progress reports yesterday. What good feelings we get when reading such great comments from the kids' teachers! It is one thing for them to be progressing well and on/above track, but another to read that they are good students/role models in the classroom. Makes this Mom and Dad proud!

Keep it up, AJ and Grace!!

                                                                            AJ-Second Grade

                                                                                                               Grace-Kindergarten
         

Nightly Reading with AJ and Grace

Ever since the kids were very little, we always read books to them before bed. 

It is so fun to watch the transition from being read to, to them reading us the books.

Grace is really starting to read and tries really hard at the words that she doesn't know. She absolutely loves books! Seeing her learn to read has been fun for us.

Jackson is a little book worm! He loves to read his many chapter books, and can read for up to an hour every night before bed. It is fun to quiz him on the books he is reading and hear the stories he tells about them. I hope he never loses his love for reading and all the things he can learn from them!

Freinsheim Wine Walk

Every year we look forward to this wine walk in the winter time. I remember last year we had quite a bit of snow on the ground, but this year we have yet to see any snow, so it was a ice/slush free (beautiful weather) hike! 

We went a couple other families; the Sechrists and Feutz. The kids had fun on their scooters throughout the 4 mile trail riding up and down the trails. When the adults would take a break to fill up, the kids would run through the vineyards, row after row.

It was a fun day for not only the kids, but the adults too!

20 * C + M + B + 14

The Three Kings came by our house today to sing and bless our house.

They are also known as the "Epiphany Singers" and are dressed in clothes to resemble the Three Wise Men or Three Magi. It is typically done on or around Epiphany Day (which celebrated the three wise men's visit to baby Jesus) on January 6th.

After the carolers sing, money or sweets are given to charity projects and poorer children. 

They write a blessing in chalk above the door (pictures below) that stay on the house. The initials are interpreted as the names of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. But, they officially refer to the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" which means, May Christ Bless This House.