Germany Trip with Dad

Paul had a conference in Germany and his dad was able to go with. They had an amazing time in the Alps and old town Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber and Heidelberg. It was a great time reminiscing of days when Paul used to live there. They enjoyed their father-son time so much that they stayed up late the last night watching the Vikings game (yes, Germany supports the Minnesota Vikings)!

Week in Buhler

While Paul was in Germany I got to go to Buhler! Elli absolutely loves hanging with Grandpa and Grandma and this trip she was close buddies with Grandpa. Everyone would try to make her laugh with no success until Grandpa came into the room, then whatever he did would make her happy or laugh. She did get sick (Roseola) and was in a very bad mood most of the trip (again, except for when Grandpa was around). Dad, Elli and I checked out the Mennonite Heritage Musuem which was a fun day and I got to see Bro Mike and Tina and fam twice which was wonderful. Too bad I didn't get pics. Another highlight was seeing cousin Joni--see below!

Lunch Date with Joni and the Aunties

So I have the coolest family ever! Yep, no refuting that! My cousin, Joni, came to Buhler last weekend, too, and we had a lunch date with the aunties as well as one night we got together and laughed and laughed about life. It was extremely refreshing and they make me more motivated to be silly any time life allows!

The Exotic Farm

Dad and Mom were in Texas for a week and we had a blast! We stayed at an exotic farm in Johnson City and it was a very unique and fun experience. First of all we went on a "safari" feeding all of the exotic animals. I have never been that close or fed a bison, elk or kangaroo. Then we went swimming and a camel would casually walk by or an elk would cry out to it's mates. Hilarious! Elli's cousin, Landon, made a "deer" friend and the guys made the most wonderful grilled meal. Our cabin was inside the safari grounds (with a fence) but my mom laughed and laughed because their bed was next to a window where the zebra were. When she would turn over, that's what she would see. It was the craziest time, but extremely fun and memorable! I highly recommend it to anyone with children.

Child Dedication

When Mom and Dad were out, we had a child dedication with them. It was a very special time.

Cute Grapevine, TX

Ooh Boy am I behind on blogging! But wanted to include a few pics of our week in Grapevine, TX (Dallas area). Paul had a conference there so instead of staying at the hotel, we rented a house downtown. We would walk (or run) to the cutest downtown area and enjoy a pastry everyday and Christmas shop or whatever. I took a jewelry making class and we enjoyed the marina, too, where we saw the biggest houseboat! It was a wonderful week! Also, Elli said her "first word", Mama appropiately! I am so honored, though it was while she was screaming after a fall. I got up one morning and went to a community garage sale and found Elli a toy and a great birthday week present for Paul (the remote controlled windsurfer). Every vacation is better with a great garage sale!