Connstadter Fest - the German Oktober Fest

One of the many reasons we love Germany is they really know how to party.  Even if you really aren’t ‘in the mood’ walking into the world’s largest beer fests on a Sunday afternoon, hearing the music pumping, watching the rides spinning and seeing the kids grinning, you can’t help but feel the German love.  Now what exactly is German love quantified in a substance?  Well beer of course! 

After Shane’s birthday we opted to head to the fest.  Obviously, we were not the only ones there…….  The sky was just beautiful.  Before we left, Chris and I debated the lederhosen option.  We decided not to, however, nick was all about it!  He loves his lederhosen.  As he put it on, he told us he loves putting his hands in his shorts – as he did that, he grinned and said – “and I can feel my pee pee!”  Sweet!  Off we go!  The evening was filled with Nick rides.  Bumper cars is always a favorite

 Lots of folks opted to 'dress up' so many, that I would think we looked out of place.

 This is our first iteration of the 'car roller coaster'  at this point nick was scoping out which cars we would LOVE to ride in 

 Shane was disappointed by the height restrictions

 Top choice - the Ferrari.  We weighted 3 iterations for this car.  One other boy did too.  Sweet ride!

 Who can resist the porsche?

After several turns on the cars (we waited 3 iterations just to get the Ferrari), Nick and I headed to the Log flume.  We waited in line for a bit and as we did, I was wondering if he was just a bit young.  Right before we boarded a child clearly older than nick, was leaving and just bawling!.  Thankfully only affected mom as nick hopped right in the log.  We sat in front, during the first ‘drop’ Nick enjoyed it, but told me it scared him.  Needless to say, a drop 3 times that size was right around the corner.  I gave him a super big hug and down we went.  His face got all wet, but he loved it.  I figured it would be joy, or I would have scarred him for life!!  Thankfully he is one brave dude!

 A little love from your brother

One more snack before we join the masses on the train

Later in the week, Chris and Brian headed to the fest without kids.  Walking into the tents, hearing the music and seeing all the folks makes you want to grab a liter mug of beer, and another, and another an another.  Thankfully the tents close at 11:30.  The boys tried to navigate the train system home (amoung thousands of other Germans) but ended up in a location where the trains were actually done for the night.  Thankfully a taxi dumped them at our house.  Great night boys!

I finally did it!

In January, my New year’s resolution was to pursue certifications to become a Fitness Instructor.  Three major certification hurdles, some ridiculous government red tape, and this past week I finally closed the loop!  I taught 4 classes (2 spin at 6AM and 2 pump at 9:30).  I was insanely nervous Monday night (mostly worried that I would turn off the 5:15 alarm).  As I walked into the gym at 5:45 what did I see, the smiling face of Lindsey!  Getting the support of friends (especially at that hour) makes all the difference in the world.  Thanks for being that person!  Jen M was a rock star and was at all 4 classes this week.  Lots of ladies juggled childcare and other schedules to be there.  My hubby managed to have a ‘project managers’ meeting at my Thursday class so I was thrilled to have some MC Dean folks in attendance too.  The gym manager was impressed with how many folks attended the first week.  I was proud to say they were all my buddies (just a few other stragglers)  Here’s hoping many of us benefit from this achievement!

Happy Birthday Shane Edward!

A year in the record books for Shane Edward. It’s amazing to sit back and think of all the wonderful things we have enjoyed with Shane in our lives. One year?? Does it really have to go by so quickly? Of course we must reminisce about how Barbara flew in the day BEFORE he decided to come (amazing planning). Our only night in the hospital we watch fireworks outside the window (for German Unity day). We came home from the hospital within 24 hours because being on our couch watching football with family was better than being in the hospital!

Just one week later, the family leaves me alone with Shane (remember when being with a newborn was hectic? Well, when you have a munchkin – being with a new born is heaven!)

From touring Europe to touring the states Shane has always come with a smile. He loves life and if you just turn your head to look at him, but lights up with a smile. He doesn’t mind that Nick hasn’t learned to share yet, he will take whatever scraps Nick offers up.

Within this past week he has already improved his balance and looks to be interested in walking. It may only be a matter of days, weeks, who knows. Chris just finished child proofing a few choice cabinets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hNvY7CSFcg

Today we shared a beautiful birthday brunch with some of the most important folks in Shane’s life. We love our family here and are thankful for every moment we get to share with them. Thank you to the McCulloughs and the Wisenskis for being such an important part in our lives this year.

Opening his first gift

My first Thomas (he is sleeping with him as we type)

oooh a car

The musical band

Happy birthday and welcome to the sippy cup with milk in it!!

Of course, Shane shares - Nick is our little fire rescue man!

Our borther-in-law Tam is Veitnamese and told us about this little tradition.  We though it would be fun to adopt it.  We put these items in the circle to see what Shane would be drawn to (as a way of prediciting his future)  We took quite a bit of liberties with the items.

 - $1  - success in wealth

 - ball - success in sports

 - measuring spoons - success in domestic life

 - car - success with travels

 - calculator - success in studies

 - cookies - success in food

Which one did he chose?  watch and see!  What is Pauli's future.... hmmmmmmmm.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwhudNpe_3Y

Polish pottery shopping OSU style

We departed at 11:30PM from the post parking lot headed for the polish pottery mecca.  Our wallets full and CC ready!  Its all about the pottery!  At 5:30AM we woke up for a light breakfast and finished the drive to Poland.  Here is our first stop at about 8:30. 

Funny, during the course of the day we were asked a few times if we were sisters.  Honestly, I consider that such a HUGE compliment to be grouped with these beautiful ladies.  Honestly, I think they could see the connection.

Little tour of one of the factories.  They say that American's purchase 80% of the pottery.  Gosh, they don't call us consumers for nothing?! 

Some 'pre-painted' pottery

Here is the pottery before the final glaze and fire

Here is were the 'magic' happens - or at least the painting.  All the designs are hand applied, whether its stamped or drawn.  Their ability to maintain a high level of attention was absolutely fastinating to me.  I know I could NEVER do that

And here is it on the shelves for us to buy!

EVERY pottery store accepted credit cards, Euros, or $, however, our lunch stop said 'none of the above' so we managed to grab some zolty's from the ATM to have lunch.  Now ordering was a total different story.  Thankfully there were photos - but here is my salad with FRENCH FRIES in it!  Yum yum!

later that night was a yummy dinner at a pyramid restaraunt of all places.  Farrah's Gram was an amazing trooper.  I can only hope to be as active when i am 82!  Thanks for joining us Gram!

Time to ride home with nothing but boxes.  It will feel like Christmas when we get home (only Santa didn't bring these...)

And now its raining

Saturday morning brought the cold and the rain.  Nick's soccer game kicked off at 10:45.  Knowing that if they cancelled these games based on rain, there would also be a chance they would NEVER play.  So we went to the field and sure enough, everyone was there.  Nick was thrilled and hit the field with great enthusiasm.  He still maintained his 5' radius of the ball (expect when elected for throw-ins and kick-offs) but he seems to be catching on.  Either way, we are thrilled he enjoys it.  Afterwards we all went home for hot showers and warm soup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l5iNkqAVBw

Enjoying the final days of SUMMER weather and the PUMPKIN fest

This passed week we were blessed with some of the most beautiful German weather.  It was about 70 degrees during the day and 40 at night.  We call it the final days of summer. 

On Sunday Chris motivated us all to hike up to Hohenneuffen castle and enjoy the beautiful scenery and a yummy meal.

On Wednesday we took advantage of another beautiful day at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin festival.  Nick was decked out in Orange for the occasion.  Orange shirt, orange bike...   

Anyone want to guess the theme for this year?

 Lunch was YUMMY and filled with everything pumpkin - pumpkin soup, pumpkin Maltaseaun, Pumpkin rice, pumpkin quiche, and of course pumpkin muffins - I even bought a bottle of pumpkin champagna for Chris that night!) 

We walked up to the 'hay' play area with one of my buddies Shannon.  As she saw the munchkins throwing hay she immediately rolled her eyes saying 'I am totally over hay'.  Well, being an Iowa girl - she has surely had her fair share!  Funny since I feel the same way about sand!!  That evening I did find hay everywhere!

Next we enjoyed a little boat ride around the park.  Here is Lundy and her sweet girl Madeline and buddy Brayden.  She was a tropper with her two munchkins - its surely not easy when you are changing 3 diapers and catering to many little people timelines! 

For the record, Shane was wearing green to be our 'stem' but it was too hot, so he is supporting the USMC right now.  

 This is Nick's octopus face.

It was a wonderful afternoon - we were ALL exhausted at the end, but this winter when its rainy and yucky, we will be missing the pumpkin fest!

Shane at 11 Months - seriously?

Maybe its 2nd child syndrome, but I still think of Shane as my little baby - not a toddler - but gosh, is it coming.  He is 1 month away from his big 1st Birthday.  Still a charmer.  Yesterday as he and I were having some rare 'chill' time.  I was fortunate enough to receive 2 Shane bear hugs as he crawled to me and bowled me over with a huge and major Shane excitement.  He smiles anytime you glance his way and just seems to be loving life!

Yesterday he spent over 20 minutes in pure fascination of his stacking blocks.  What a simple dude. 

Still a good eater, although we have found a few things he is not terribly interested in (green beans....  Yuck...)  Ice cream, YUM.  He is making the transfer to milk without a problem and could care less whether the milk comes from a bottle or a sippy cup - as long as its coming!!  We are thrilled that he can finally hold the cup/ bottle on his own.  Surprised it took that long - but kudos to Deakon as he was the inspriation (either that or he was tired of driving backwards on his way to Tuscany)

He walking (with support) is hysterical.  He enthusiasm totally outweighs his balance as he throws his upper body forward.  He usually stomps with the upmost enthusiasm as well.  There is always the Shane signature squeal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwcqa-ai2U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xEY1FoMZmw

Hugs from the little man

Night Night