Germany Part One

We couldn't have made our trip without Myles' sisters and their help, especially when the car broke down, the heater died...

We're grateful for the love and care they gave to our girls while we were gone and for having fun with them!

I'd like to write a lot more about our trip, but here's a few pics. for starters.

I Spy with my Little Eye

This art museum was pretty cool lit up at night.

the food

We had fun trying lots of new things. Everything in the bakeries always looked so good!

We bought ourselves a box of milk, some waffles, jam, and a can of whipping cream for breakfast one day.

Myles loved the variety of fruit juices that were really good and inexpensive, including kinds like mango and passion fruit, both of which he loved while living in Brazil.

We loved trying different kinds of fresh bread everyday. This is the only native German I ended up taking a picture of. I guess I didn't want to feel too much like a tourist, even though I was one at the time. I couldn't resist her cute hat and beautiful breads in the background.

European Vampire

We thought the tag on these blood oranges was pretty funny.

Yes, Stephanie Meyers' books were even in Europe.

Friends for Life

One of the highlights of our trip was definitely meeting such happy, friendly, helpful people! I had the misconceived stereotype that Germans would be a bit serious, perhaps. Someone told me, "They may be more like that in public, sometimes, but once you get to know them, they'll be your friends for life!'

I got to meet one of my best friend's sisters who lives out there. She and her kids were so fun. We also got to meet many Germans, as well as people from all over the world--Russia, France, Spain, Turkey, you name it! It is not uncommon for people to speak at least 3 languages.

Above, I'm standing in front of one of the buildings where we could attend church. I wanted our girls to see how close the train goes right behind it. Some services start a quarter past the hour to align with the train schedule.

Fun in Sun and Snow

I was so glad Macy and I could take this trip together to meet Baby Mike and spend time with the rest of the family. Macy had fun being the big helper and playing with Tyler. She was so proud to hold Mike and "babysit."

One day, we were freezing, and the next we were at the park and blowing bubbles. I guess that's OK for ya.

We were also glad for the friends and cousins we got to see on our way out.

Cute Valentine Idea (for next year)

A couple of the girls in Robyn's class made I-Pods. They covered a box of conversation hearts and used Hersey Kisses for the ear buds.

Upside Down

I was glad Robyn got to try out tumbling. She made some new friends and got some new skills.

oh, darling!

Dress-ups never seem to go out of style around here!

Sweets from my Sweets

Nov. 24, 2010-Jan. 31 2011

Macy (putting her doll in my bag): I told her not to get any crumbs in your purse. (Whispering): Good thing they're invisible.

Macy: I wanna sing the tithing song (good tidings we bring...)

Macy: My voice is getting higher, now that I'm getting older.

Macy's question of the month: How old is your great grandma?

Macy's name for me: Rockstar, Baby

Macy: Do you know the Muffin Man who lives on Lovers' Lane?

Macy (Pointing to her teeth): Oh, shucks, it's up to my bucks!

Christie: Macy, what are you doing? Going potty?
Macy: No, I'm just taking some time to talk to myself.

Macy to Myles: I think I'm in love with you.

Macy (looking at her curlers in the mirror): Look at how sweet I look.

Macy: I know why they call it jerky. Because you have to jerk, jerk, jerk it to eat it!

Christie: What do you think would make a good boy?
Macy: He's no smoking and he would do your jobs for you when you were sick.

Macy (at my bedside @ 3AM): Mommy, will people who are killed in war get resurrected?

During Primary, a Sunday School for young children, one of the teachers was testing their knowledge of the different books of scripture: Where is Joshua?
A little boy: At his grandma's house!

Macy: That would be sad to have the name Flo.
Me: How come?
Macy: Because it's almost like flu. You know, like, 'I've got the flu.'

Macy (while lining up her 4 My Little Ponies): Look, Mom! Four-lets!

Macy: I'm gonna marry a boy named Aaron who does not smoke and belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Me: That kind of bird is called a dove.
Macy: I thought doves were candies. (Dove chocolate)

Macy: Miss Harry...
Me: Do you mean Miss Hillary?
Macy: Oh, yeah.

Carly (when her watch stopped): The elves must've started making this a long time ago sine the battery already died!

Macy (after taking out her bun to see her curly hair): If I only had a hand mirror.
Robyn: Nanny has a hand mirror.
Macy: Of course she does. She's a rich woman.

Macy and Carly: chickmunks (for chipmunks)

Macy (looking at all the employees at Target): Mom, I think red is all of their favorite color!

Carly: Dad, would you rather be Mr. Potato Head or Johnny Tomato Seed?

Macy: Mom, can Uncle Mike come for my B-day? (Her B-day's 4 months away, and he lives in DC).

Macy (after Carly's rice bag exploded in her bed and all over their bedroom): Holy, cow, Carly! That's a problem.

Macy (in her prayer while we were in OK): Please bless the prophet while we're away and please bless Tyler to get better.

Science Fair

Robyn enjoyed participating in her 1st science fair. She was one of the winners from her grade. A big thanks to her mentor, Myles! She was diligent about watering her plants, taking pics, etc.

My brother and I both recently saw a research article related to my 1st science fair project. (My title was "Do Video Games Waste Time or Improve the Eyes and Mind?")

So, perhaps we should have Robyn patent her experiment. :)

5 out of 6

Glad to have a nice, little college reunion, catch up, and laugh and eat, of course! These gals, including the one not pictured, have definitely helped shape my life. I'm grateful for their friendship, encouragement, and ability to still have fun--even if it's not someone's B-day!

I Can Fly, I Can Fly, I Can Fly!

As part of one of their Christmas presents, I got to take the girls to see Peter Pan on stage. I expected it would be good, but it was spectacular--the flying scenes, all the different kinds of dancing and tumbling, the costumes, singing, stage sets... The live orchestra pit also made it especially magical. So glad we could "leave all our cares behind...and fly!"

Shiny, Happy People