Ostern Sonntag

We had four options for our Easter service.  They were; 6:30 a.m./9 a.m. with great music at the Thomaskirche (the resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach) or 9 a.m./11:15 a.m. at the Nikolaikirche with good music.  But, let’s be honest, after everyones busy travel day we really only had two options because there was no way we were going to make the 6:30 a.m. service.  So our two options were sleep in and have good music or pull ourselves out of bed and have great music.

Photo by Kendra

We pulled ourselves out of bed and we were all glad we did.  

The service was all in German, but I have a feeling they talked a little bit about Jesus, our Lord and Savior, dying on the cross for our sins and after three days rising again to take his place with God the Father in Heaven.  Just a guess though.  ;o)  The music did not disappoint - I do believe it may be the most amazing music I've ever heard during a church service.  The boy’s choir performed, the organ played, the regular choir performed.  It was amazing and I do believe Bach would have been proud.  

After church we went to one of the few places in Leipzig that was actually open on Easter Sunday for brunch.  The place was packed which forced us out in the sun and none of us had any sunscreen - big red bummer!  It was hot, and thank goodness we weren't in Colorado so none of us actually got sunburned so that was a plus.
  

Photo by Kendra

Photo by Kendra

After our buffet breakfast we headed back over to the Thomaskirche for a quick photo shoot in our Sunday best and then home to change, and pick up the girls before we made our way to the park for the rest of the afternoon.

Photo by Kendra

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the birds were chirping.  

Photo by Kendra

We stopped by a beer garden for some refreshments. 

Photo by Kendra

Then walked on stopping for some play time at the playground.  

Photo by Kendra

Photo by Kendra

We headed home to find the Easter Bunny had stopped by and left some goodies for the kids.



The boys slaved away in the kitchen making us a delicious dinner of meatloaf, veggies, and salad.  It was wonderful, we were all exhausted but none of us wanted to call it a night so quickly but we knew we had a big day ahead of us tomorrow.  So we called it and everyone headed home.

Happy Easter!!

A little sweet for your Easter morning

They're Here!

We  were on time and I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.  I was pacing up and down the platform fidgeting with  the little noise maker I brought.  Thank God for DB Bahn, the train pulled up and opened it's doors at 12:46 - right on time.  I don't know if I could have handled waiting a second longer.

Jon and I made our way down the platform, looking for them all the while, noise maker in hand.  Then I saw them coming out of a car nearly at the end of the train.  That's when I held Alessandra tight and began running down the platform shaking my noise maker like a giant idiot.  People were staring and I didn't care - my friends were here.  I finally reached them and started handing out hugs and kisses.

It wasn't until I settled down a little bit that it hit me and I had to really fight off the tears.  Here were my best friends, greasy and exhausted - wrestling with even more exhausted, crying kids.  They had just spent 1 full day traveling half way around the world, a week of their vacation time, and oodles of money to come here to see us.

I am so loved!

I am so blessed!

I am so grateful!

and I am so glad they're here!

So is Alessandra!
Photo by Kendra

Watch out Germany - here we come!

Charmian

Today was a Great Day!

I love my family!

I love going on walks! 

I love spring!

I love the park!

So today was a great day!

Charmian

My Sweet Pea is Five Months Old

5th Month Milestones

We finally know how much you weigh because we finally made it to the doctor.  You are as healthy as can be and as of March 29th you were 6.2kg and 61cm.  At the appointment they checked your eyes, ears, and reflexes.  Everything is looking good and you're right on track.  Yeah!! 

You still like to wake up for a couple of feedings in the night but for the most part you sleep from about 8:00 p.m. to about 7:00 a.m.  You still shout at us when you're getting sleepy.  This months nap time was only a little bit crazy after we mixed up your schedule with traveling.  

Speaking of traveling, you have now been to three countries; the States, Germany, and now the Czech Republic.  We went on our first family vacation and we all really enjoyed the time together.  It did take a few days for you to get used to falling asleep alone in your own bed again but who could blame you.

You are playing in/on your playmat less and less these days, probably because you are so interested in sitting up and seeing the world.  While you're sitting up you will lose your balance and fall backward so we try and pad the area with the bed or your boppy.  Now that you're sitting up more and more you're starting to like your "big kid" toys.   

Your favorite food is still home grown, straight from the source - your momma!  You may be the fastest nurser ever, but when you want to take your time you do, stretching your nursing time out 30 or even 40 minutes.  

All in all you have made our lives so much sweeter, more memorable, and way more documented.

We love you Sweet Pea!!!

Mommy

& Daddy

  

The Things I Don't Want to Forget

Month 5

I don't want to forget...

your stink face.

your first time in the gym.

your first family vacation.

the way your daddy looks at you.

your first time sitting up like a big girl.

the toe sucking at diaper changes.

I love you,

Mommy

The Leipzig Marathon

Today we packed up the Kinderwagen and headed into town to watch Jon's friends from school run finish a marathon.  As we were watching all the people run by Jon and I were talking about how we needed to do one before we get any older.  How much fun it would be to train for one and how nice it would be to get in shape and start running again.

We were definitely inspired and a little envious when they walked towards us all sweaty, smiling, medals around their necks, and carrying beers.  Yup, that's right, here in Germany when you finish your marathon they don't give you bananas and water - nope they give you beer.

Gotta love Germany!

Charmian