Tag funf - Tag der Unabhängigkeit in Deutschland (Day 5 - Independence Day in Germany)

So, the fourth day of July arrived as it does every year, and we found ourselves celebrating in Germany. As you may have imagined, it was a typical summer day in Germany. On the base, however, preparations were underway for a massive Independence Day celebration.

We began our morning by letting the boys sleep in since we had not returned from our Legoland/dinner in Stuttgart until after midnight. They finally stirred around 9:45, and we decided to join some of my sister & brother-in-law's friends for a brief exploration of the Heidelberg Castle. The walk up was a bit steep, but we survived and the views of Heidelberg below were quite charming.

A university town, Heidelberg was bustling with activity. So, after the castle we walked through old town, which is filled with dozens of shops and sidewalk cafes. It was a warm and sunny day, but a slight breeze and walking on the shady side of the street kept us all comfortable.

We stopped and had lunch at a Mediterranean cafe, dining street side. Good food and great people watching, folks. Afterwards, the boys were eager to find a sweet treat. We found a strange new delicacy to fit the bill...a schneeball (snowball in English). Layers for pastry and cream shaped into a giant ball and coated in chocolate, powdered sugar, nuts, etc. made for a delicious, but messy treat. It was a great distraction for Sam, who was a bit unhappy with being in the stroller with so much fun to be explored.

Later, we headed back to the base and let the boys catch a nap. A few other folks might have indulged in a snooze too. Emily & mom went over to celebration central to snag a spot for the festivities. After the necessary rest, we joined them. The boys had a grand time riding the carnival rides and launching themselves recklessly around the inflatables.

In an unfortunate (for a four-year-old) turn of events, Jack decided he wanted his face painted after the volunteers had packed up the supplies. We jokingly offered a lipstick face painting. Aunt Lisa (my brother's wife) mentioned she had some, and Jack said, "okay!"

I suggested stars on his face thinking it would appear patriotic and it would be simple artwork. Jack declined, explaining that he'd prefer a helicopter on one cheek and Batman on the other. When Lisa told him it might embarrass him if she tried to paint Batman on his cheek, they began brainstorming things she felt like her artistic skills and a tube of tinted gloss could handle. Jack settled on a square. Of course, once Sam saw the painting session, he had to have it too. He went with the stars though.

The boys really enjoyed playing on the adjacent skate ramps, using them as slides. About 10 p.m., Josh & I decided we probably better get the ticking time bombs home. It still wasn't dark there and it didn't seem close enough to wait it out. Jack was a little disappointed about missing the fireworks, but didn't fight the walk back too much. They were too exhausted to object. I managed to catch a few of the fireworks from the back window of my sister's place around 10:45. Thankfully, the boys were snoozing away by then.

Tag Vier - Lego Meine Eggo (Day Four - Lego My Eggo)

Up and at 'em, we checked out of our hotel in Munich and spent a good little while in traffic. Once we finally escaped the city, we found a Burger King. I expected it to be a different experience, but wasn't sure how. No biscuits or croissants, instead there were muffins, doughnuts and a breakfast burger. Yes, a hamburger patty with egg, cheese & bacon on a bun. And, yes, it was quite delicious and certainly had us geared up for our busy day.

I can't believe my parents are making me go somewhere fun!

A little while later, we arrived at Legoland Deutschland. Jack was beyond excited. We had told him we were going somewhere fun with rides, but I hadn't said where. I didn't want him to be too bummed if we got rained out. Instead the overcast sky kept the temperatures mild. In fact it was a bit chilly when we first arrived, and I made Sam wear his jacket...much to his dismay. He also wasn't happy that no one would carry him.

We didn't waste any time starting in on the rides. Jack wanted to ride everything and so did little brother, Sam. Only trouble, Sam was only tall enough for about half the rides. We took turns occupying him on the numerous playgrounds throughout the park when he was unable to join us on a ride. We suffered through a brief shower that began while we were riding a roller coaster with Jack. By the time we finished lunch, the clouds had parted. We squeezed in a bit more fun before Sam collapsed on Mema. He had been a real trooper. We each grabbed a quick snack before hitting the road back to our home for the week, Heidelberg.

On the journey home, we stopped in Stuttgart for a wonderful dinner at an Italian place in town. Again the boys were rock stars with minimal whining. Our leisurely dinner did result in a late arrival home, but we can sleep later, right? How often are you in Germany??

What a Ride

With Josh scheduled to work all weekend, we made big plans to do it up right on Friday night with a fun family night. Luckily, this weekend was the Mountain Laurel Festival. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festivities, Pitts Park became a carnival of fun.

A small side note: whenever Josh asks Jack what he wants to do for fun he always says, "go to the fair!" Josh always has to remind him that the fair isn't until the fall and even then it's only for one week.

You can imagine the excitement when I drove by Pitts Park on Tuesday after preschool to show the boys what we were planning to do on Friday night. Sam said, "that be fun!"

They rode every ride they were tall enough to ride, some of them even twice. And then of course we stuffed our faces with hot dogs & cotton candy. It was a full and fun Friday night!

You can see lots more of our fun here.

All's Fair

Last Tuesday we took our annual pilgrimage to the county fair. Jack had a lot of fun last year, but this year seemed like even more joyful. Sam also got to get in on the fun! Even though it is definitely for the kids, Josh & I love the fair just as much. Mostly for the food...my caramel apple was a messy delight!

Vroom, vroom!

Ready to see the top of the world from the ferris wheel



Whee...



Josh swears Jack was enjoying this ride...I'm not so sure.



This smile might be deceiving. I'm getting old, people. I almost lost my lunch!

The carousel was a little more my speed. Not to mention Sam's favorite!

Sharing a sweet treat

The boys back on the carousel.

Told you it was Sam's favorite!

Finished with another trip round the speedway.

Until next year...

saturday fun

On Saturday, we had a visit from Grandmommy & Grandaddy Garrett. We were excited to have the opportunity to let them experience the Family Fun Fest that evening with the boys. This is the third year we've loaded up and soaked up the fun and basked in our sweat to have a little fun with the little ones.

A little golf

even Sam took a whack at it...

the huge cardboard box maze

this boy has moves...

little brother's puppy tatoo. what a tough guy!

checking out where the firemen ride...and drink lots of 2-liter diet coke apparently

On the way up in the cherry picker

Way up there

What a ride!

His Fair Share

So, I've been meaning to update you on what's been going on around here, but I just haven't made the time. Here's hoping it happens soon. In the meantime, here's a little teaser:



I think he had his FAIR share of fun. What about you?



Trains, Planes & Inflatable Slides

Saturday afternoon Jack and I joined several friends and their sons at the Family Fun Fest hosted by the local United Way. I must admit I expected to leave having forked out at least $20 for food, games and whatever else they dangled in front of Jack. I left having only spent $6 and with a child who had a blast. This was a first-time event and it was so well planned and executed. Tickets, games and rides were very affordable. They didn't gouge us on the necessities either...food was a steal. Jack had a grand time with Gus, Mack, Brit, Tate & Andrew. These boys were full speed the entire time...well, except for little Mack who just grinned at all the excitement!

I hope the event raised a good bit of money and the organizers will do it again. It was fantastic. Jack loved all the inflatables (although an older boy had to help him climb to the top of the big slide). He was a big fan of the train ride and the helicopter too. There are many more pictures in our August album, which is rapidly expanding.

After church on Sunday, we headed to Athens for a shower for my sister. It was great getting to see my grandparents and catch up with cousins. One of my cousins, Jenna, was a sweetie to entertain Jack. He even talked her into reading him a book. I think we have a great babysitter in training here!