Maulwurf heisst MOLE!!!

When we stopped by Oma's house this week, she had left something out in the yard for us to see... it was a "Maulwurf", or a mole. He was much larger than the ones our kitties have caught in Georgia. She then showed us his "work" in her yard. Boy... he really did do some damage. The "Maulwurf" is a protected animal in Germany according to her. So.... when I asked what happened to her little, dead mole friend, she said something in German that I couldn't quite understand....then, with a little wink and a sly smile said, "I couldn't help it." That part I understood.

Erntedankfest (Part 2)

Thomas' hometown, Haemelhausen celebrated their harvest this weekend with the traditional "Erntedankfest" parade. Our neighbor, Karin is in the riding club in Haemelhausen and was sweet enough to ask if our girls could ride in the parade with her and the club. Ironically, Thomas' cousin drove the tractor. The procession was actually underway for several hours, but the girls enjoyed every second! They were still in "party" mode after we got home that night. The wagon was decorated with sunflowers and greenery and looked pretty amazing.

Sarah's Prinz is here!

Well, I think Sarah has met the love of her life... and at the age of 10! Here he is... the fabulous Prinz, translation... Prince! Since the girls have been riding, Hannah has remained with Tiger, but Sarah has tried a couple of different ponies who were sweet, but not ideal for her. Prinz has changed all that! He's slightly larger than the other ponies.... and just look at that sweet face and those eyes! Here are some shots of them together.

Friday evening, the 5th annual "girls' weekend" convenes in Columbus, Ohio. This will be the first year I have missed and I am so sad that I won't be there! I met these ladies when we were all living in the same neighborhood in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. We have all since moved out of "The Burg," but have mangaged to stay in touch and meet at least once a year. Let me assure you... THIS IS A FUN GROUP OF GALS! They are so very special to me..... Thanks for the wonderful memories thus far ladies! You better take lots of pics, document feet, quotes and your every funny moment! Please toast me once or twice! Here are some pics of previous years....

Starbucks... German style!

These Starbucks employees totally blew my cover when I ordered my Latte in German.... they spoke back to me in English... and while I was trying to impress Leslie with my language skills! Ugh..... I hate it when that happens! The twang is just too recognizable I guess! The coffee tasted pretty nice though... just like home!

"A-tu-ti-ta"

We recently taught the Goerler girls the "A-tu-ti-ta" song so as to improve their English through music! I wish I had video of this to post. We were rolling laughing! Here are the girls performing for us at the park. I wonder what the other guests at the playground thought of them!

Shades!

During Leslie's visit, it was beautiful and sunny most of the time, so we sported our large, stylish sunglasses. The oldest Goerler child, Ole, asked us if all American gals wear large, dark sunglasses. Here he is modeling mine. Leslie if you are reading this... send some please!!!

Church in Bruchhausen Vilsen

We had to stop at this beautiful, old church on the way back to our car and snap a few photos. I've seen several churches here that have memorials on the church grounds for fallen soldiers during WWII. The beautiful churches here are truly a sight to see.

Sunday afternoon in Bruchhausen Vilsen

The Goerler family invited us to join them last Sunday on a trip to a park. We spent several hours walking, playing, photographing and exploring. Germans often go "Spazieren", or walking... especially on Sunday afternoons. Thanks Georlers for introducing us to this beautiful park!

Here are some pics of the kids in the "healing" waters at a park. Germany is full of "Kurorte" or health resort areas. The small little "pool" is for your feet and the elevated trough-type structure is for your arms. The sign instructed us to sink our arms in the icy water for 15 seconds and promised to improve circulation. The kids thought it would be good to put their faces in as well!

Erntedankfest Parade

Erntedankfest was celebrated here over the weekend... this is a time when Germans give thanks for the harvest. Different groups of folks decorate their tractors and trailers, meet at a certain "Hof" or farm. They say a prayer then hit the streets to show off their decorations and toss candy to the kiddos. After the parade, the "Krone" or crown which is made of greenery is hung at another farm and the party continues.

Ice Cream

We recently had ice cream at a little cafe' here. The Italians temporarily plant themselves in Germany over the summer to sell their ice cream. GERMANS LOVE ICE CREAM and the sundae's here are ENOURMOUS! Sarah ordered a mint chocolate chip sundae and Hannah got "Spaghetti Eis", which is vanilla ice cream that looks like spaghetti drowning in strawberry sauce. Oma got a mixed fruit sundae, and I stuck with one scoop of "Haselnuss"..... I was confident I'd have to assist Sarah in finishing hers... Moms are almost always right, aren't they?

Raps

Here is a picture of a Rape field.... breathtaking! These flowers are the brightest yellow you can possibly imagine!

slip and slide baby!

Vogel Park fun

The girls didn't mind posing for me with the flowers and in the playground area of the park.

Birds

Yesterday, the girls and I took advantage of the beautiful weather here and drove about 20 miles to Walrode to visit the "Vogel Park." We saw some interesting feathered friends from all parts of the world. Here were some of our favorites.