Happy Easter

We wanted to post a few photos and videos of our Easter morning. Nick woke up on the wrong side of bed, so it took a while for us to get in the proper 'Easter mood'.

Here's some time to reflect - On Friday our group of friends set out in search of a german beer garden. We wanted some German beer, a playground for the kids and fest tables outside (nothing specific really...). The original selection was closed due to weather (odd since Friday was opening night and although it was a bit chilly, the sun was out and the weather was beautiful - since when are us Americans more hearty than the germans) well 6 phone calls later and a few address inputs to the GPS we all finally landed at a rather American/German beer garden in Boblegin. The menu was in German and English. The waiters and watresses spoke English and they even served up cheeseburgers and pitchers of beer. You would think we would be extatic - but maybe we are spoiled by the true German beer gardens and felt this one was stuck between Germany and America - Are we getting good at this place??

That night we enjoyed some colorful conversation amound the friends we call family. We even chatted about spending holidays with family. What is it was like to live so close to family that you could spend every holiday with them? What a novel idea. Of course since college that has never been the case for either Chris or I. In order to spend holidays with family it involves plane tickets - schedule deconfliction - coordinating dog sitting - air mattresses - room selections. Its never been a weekend drop in type of event. But thankfully we have lived with friends that truly become family. We can parent eachother's kids (it takes a village), we can sift through eachother's kitchen in search of the water glass or serving spoon needed. We can even pack our bags, heading down the street for a sleep over.

Therefor today I will reflect on how fortunate we are to have family in places truly all over the world. Today Chris's folks will be celebrating with Liz and Tam's family in DC. My folks are celebrating with my sister's family in CT. The Carson's will be celebrating with Deakon's family in Georgetown. We will be thinking of friends hosting celebrations in Yuma, Michigan, Savanah, California and coutless other places. We are thrilled to be wearing pastel and cooking food to share with the wonderful family we have here in the Stuttgart Germany area. Where today we will enjoy colorful conversation - crazy kids willing to be parented by the nearest adult - great beer and amazing lamb .

As you read this blog we hope that you spent a wonderful weekend with family or with friends that are like family.

Yes, Nick FINALLY got around to opening his easter basket
Sweet shades - just like dad!
Now for the search - we kept it simple (as you can see the eggs are just jumping out at you) but Nick needed to get some practice time as this afternoon he will be competing with Tate, Eve, Anna, Darion, Elise, Casey, Vivian, Gianna and Frankie (I can safely leave Macy and Shane out of this year)



These eggs were passed along from my family - so they are every bit of 30 years old. We cannot find the 'openable' eggs here. Therefor my mom was thrilled to get them outta her house and into ours. The tradition continues - even through easter eggs!