The first leg of travel - really has 4 legs.

On Monday we started the moving process.  Pauli decided the move was too stressful, she wanted to spend some time with her grandparents for a bit.  So she book her ticket with Barbara.  I drove them to Frnakfurt - we parked right at the terminal while Barbara checked her bagage an located Pauli's departure point.  Shockingly, we had all the paperwork (to include a post dated rabies shot!)>  Pauli had a hamster bottle for water that Barbara confirmed was 1/2 empty at landing - guess she figured it out.

Both Barbara and Pauli had a smooth flight.  We are hoping the same holds true for the rest of this crew.

It is nice right now not having one more little one looking at me for attention - but I must admit, dinner clean-up is totally different.  Chris commented on the first night as he swept the floor (we NEVER seem to do that)  so we miss you Pauli. 

here is a cute note that was sent - from Pauli of course!

Hi Mom and Dad!

I'm having a good time at Grandpa and Grandma's. They gave me a good dinner (without anything from their table, darn it) and lots of water. They let me sleep in their room on a special dog bed that smells a bit familiar, like maybe a cousin of mine once slept there. This morning they brought the bed down into the living room for me.


My crate was all clean when I landed at the airport. I was" the best I could be" for a dog.


There are some chipmunk holes in the backyard and I will get right after those varmints today. My goal is to either catch them, or chase them over to the Astorino's yard. Mr. Astorino likes to shoot rats, so he may enjoy this new challenge.


I've been guarding the house. Grandpa leaves the big front door open so I can look out and whenever a kid walks by on his way to school I make a little growl. Once a handsome boy boxer went by! I'm ashamed to say I lost it, and barked like crazy!


I can't wait to see you in Jan. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, and I'll let you know if I can make any headway on the table scraps issue... here's hoping.


Love,


Pauli Girl

Latern Fest

The lantern fest holds memories of Nick preliminary Kindergarden days.  Because 2 years ago, these were the beginning days.  Shane was a new baby, Nick was new to Kindergarden (didn't speak any german)  I remember making Lanterns with Tate and Farrah at a German lesson in hopes of using them and not having our kids feel left out.  Well, fast forward 2 years, Shane now has a lantern and Nick has a million buddies to walk with and play in the square with after the fest while we sip on Gluvine.  yes, we will miss this too!

We believe the lantern fest holds the first bitter chill of the winter season.  Its a perfect night - chilly, but not freezing.  we watched Nick sing along to all the words, he is a pro now!

Shane on the other hand, fell asleep

Here in the Mouse group, to include Nick's lantern (that has lasted a full year without getting broken in our house! - i think I was as impressed as his kindergarden teachers!)

A sweet simple evening in Neuhausen.  Wonder if we brought trick or treating to Neuhausen, there is a possibility of bringing the lantern fest to Ashburn - a girl can dream right?

Savoring the Days

With the turn of the calendar, we are getting closer to leaving this beautiful area.  3 years ago, I never thought I would be the one draggin my feet....  but I am.  With the departure of our dearest friends in June, we figured it would be time to go - but somehow our network here kept growing abd the thought of leaving is becoming harder and harder.  we knew we would say goodbye eventually - and is it ever really time?  So I am trying harder to enjoy every day - Yes, we have a newborn, yes we have to pack up.  But here are some photos that will remind me to savor the days.

A beautiful Sunday evening walk along the farm trails

I love that the farm trails are filled with tons of families out walking - as well as horses - its Sunday for them too

Here is a moment I was to Savor - after nick's party, Chris and Barbara scooted out for an adult dinner.  Halfway through their dinner i texted them sayin I totally forgot tonight was the night I had to go to kindi to make Shane's lantern...  can they fill in after dinner.  They 'slowly' walked to the kindi and pulled on the door hoping it was locked - but nope!!  The parents were still there working diligently at these Igels'  Chris and Barbara sat down and with the help of the other parents, came home with a very professional looking Igel lantern for Shane!

And on Tuesday - our Chimney sweeper came - and yes, he looks like a chimney sweeper should.  He also made an appointment like all german's do, but leaving a sticker on your door saying what time he will be by - whatever works for him right?!

I hope these memories and the feeling of this town stays etched in my heart and the hearts of my family forever.

Drew is 1 month - when did that happen?

Just the other day I found myself standing in the Doctor's office - somehow Drew turned 1 month old.  Seriously?  I'm not sure when or how that happened.

He is already 10 lbs too.

He is still my lover bugger.  I am catching a few smiles here and there - but little ones.  Its sweet that at the moment he seems to reserve them for really special occasions - like a lazy morning together (he must know these mornings are fleeting too...)

But I love cuddling with him just knowing the level of comfort he gets from our proximity.  This is my favorite little valour german outfit - super cuddly!

Birthday boy!

Nick was patiently awaiting his birthday - its tough when Shane's comes first, than Drew's etc...  His celebration started on Friday with a surprise Skype call from his best buddy Tate!!  They didn't miss a beat, bringing toys to eachother, dressing up as Power rangers, Captain American etc...  Farrah and i just wished we could send them off to the play room so we could chat....

The celebration continued, on Saturday, Nick turned 5!

Good things come to those who wait, check out that forest!

A little test drive in the back yard

That night we celebrated a birthday dinner in nick's favorite place - downtown stuttgart!  i will never forget him saying that for the first time to my sister in CT - about 3 years ago....  Back than, those were some of his first words.

Pumpkin soup was a crowd pleaser

Nick zoomed all through downtown stuttgart on his new scooter - balance was a sintch for him as he zipped everywhere.  Shane on the other hand loved trying it, but surely must wonder about our fasination as he would take 2 steps, fall over - but get right back up, take 2 steps, fall over....  maybe someday Shane.

On Monday he got to celebrate with his kindergarden class.  I left the camera with one of his teachers as a vision of what goes on inside the classroom.  Guess its the conga!

Love that the birthday boy chose his new space ship shirt from Grandma - it glows - he figured out how to charge it up too!

Yup, he is already reading all those words,....  only 5! =)

Time to blow the candles out and head home for the afternoon and gear up for the next event

The Fun Park!!  Nick got to invite 3 kids from Kindi - Niklas, Finn and max all showed up at 3 (without parents - Chris joked that one parent barely slowed down as she dropped her son off)  I took them in the mini van with our babysitter (and translator) Jasmina.  Chris followed with Shane, Drew and Barbara with Eleanor close behind with Tyler and Travis.

For party favors, the boys each had their own T-shirt and football.  This was perfect for finding them in the funpark, and remembering their names!

Super cute crew

Seriously, travis just makes me giggle!  love him.  Shane was too busy on the slide to be extracted for a photo

Dinner time

What Nick has been waiting for... gift time

Ice cream anyone?  This was the closest to Ice cream we could get

This was the other option....  i guess i thought it would go with cake.  but when you are 5, it still does.

Shane was popping in to see what the excitement was all about

By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted, to include all the parents (that were present)  I think Ben spent more time on the trampoline than any of the kids.  Chris enjoyed running around with them.  I loved watching him make-up games on the spot and have the boys look at him following blindly.  Nick was the star for a few days - sure feels good!

Soccer Star

Saturday was the close of Nick's 2nd soccer season.  He was part of the sharks and REALLY loved it.   Chris helped coach as well.  It was pretty entertaining for me to watch him try to entertain 7- 5 year olds for an entire hour during practice.  Exhausting for both sides!

There is help coming beckam - just wait!

The congratulations tunnel, a munchkin favorite

Congrats little Shark - many goals this season.  Chris saw several, but I got to see his last one.  The best part about it - i saw him kick it in and immediately turn to me with the biggest grin on his face.  I was so lucky to catch his eye at that very moment!  Go Nick!

Halloween

Here's too the catching up as i hope to remember all these events enough to write about them.  As they say time flies with 3 and I am learning to live with constant chaos.  Barbara is here until Monday morning so I am trying to carve out some time for myself.  So here is my time for myself!!

Pumpkin carving time - a favorite holiday tradition. 

I love the different faces, the feel of the gooey pumpkin insides and the smell of roasted pumpkin seeds (yes Farrah, I just toss them in the oven at some abigous temperature for some random amount of time with a dash of salt....  Glad your sister agrees!)

Oddly enough, the boys love the goo too - guess we are the perfect pair

The boys with their works of art

On Friday night we hit the tail end of an on-post party Eleanor had caught work of.  Tail end no doubt, they were tearring down - perfect timing in both of our opinion!

As candy was slim, Shane (or my little lion) moved onto trick of treating for rocks.  Great weight loss plan!

Check out these super heros!

Monday night we opted to come on-post again to tour through Kelley.  There were about 6 houses (again, perfect!!) and we knew most of the families which was wonderful as well.  I think they enjoyed seeing these tiny nuggets at their doors. 

This is Mary-Jo's house and Travis was SO cute in his scrubs - paging Dr. Duelley - I kinda like that!

Spooky Navy guy.....  Oooh

After visiting a few homes, we packed up and headed home in case the German's hopped onto the idea.  Good thing!!  We were visited by someof Nick's kindi friends!  Nick, Shane and i went out to a few houses in our neighborhood too.  I love that they are catching onto this fun American holiday.  I didn't ring any doors of folks i didn't know - but the German kids seemed to ring them all!!  Yikes, maybe not everyone will love our holiday =)  Happy Halloween!