Palmengarten in Winter

We went to the Palmengarten last week.  You may remember our first visit here and here.  While it's not quite as amazing in the winter outside... inside the greenhouses it's lovely.  Warm, humid, and smelling like dirt.  We met up with our friends Audra and Hollis to run around for the day.

Sweet Hollis offering to share a cracker.

Here is where Fisher learned first hand (ha ha) about cactus defense.   Yes, he touched one.  I remember him saying, "look at this furry one".  Then suddenly he says, "my hand is really itchy".  Upon closer inspection he had a bunch of super tiny prickers in his fingers.

We tried to get as many out as we could.  They were so tiny and hair like that I had a hard time being able to focus on them to grab hold.

After both moms had a turn I think we got most of them out.  I guess I should carry tweezers and duct tape in my bag at all times with this one.  (Or you know, he should just not touch them!  He knew what greenhouse we were in!)

Proud on the playground

It really was a lovely day even it if wasn't completely sunny.

These guys are everywhere!

Audra came up with an excellent photo shoot idea and the kids loved it.  Tossing leaves.

We had a super fun time prickers and all.  (I sure do hope he learned his lesson.)

JKFP

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 

 

 

Playing along with Soule Mama.

 

 



Today Was Good. Today was fun.

Today we took part in a fantastic celebration.  It's called Fasching here but back home it's Mardi Gras.  It's basically a massive party before Lent.  Today we went to our very first Fasching parade.  It. Was. Awesome.  Everyone dressed up and they threw candy at the kids.  Piper kept screaming, "I LOVE THESE PEOPLE"!

Right after we got there but before the parade started.
Fisher was a pirate and Piper was a garden fairy/gnome thing.

They played with this little girl the entire time.

Little friend, Piper, Hollis, and Fisher.
I know, I know.  Sun glare.  But wait...SUN!

Taking a minute to warm up in the stroller.

Check out that blue sky!

Fisher yelling Helau!  They yell
something to you,  you yell "Helau" back and
they throw candy at you.  He was in.

 

Shortly after this I realized I'd committed the cardinal sin of
photography when my camera battery died.  And no, I don't have
a backup. 

We met up with some new friends and had candy thrown at us until we were too cold to stand it anymore.  Did I mention the SUN was shining?  It was a beautiful day even if it was on the chilly side.

Today was good.  Today was fun.

JKFP

Gray: Grau

It's gray here.  Really gray.  Like- those vampires in Twilight should have come here instead of Forks, Washington cause I guaran-damn-tee you it's less sunny here- gray.  The lack of sunlight is very seriously jacking with my sunny disposition.  (Hence the not so frequent postings.  You don't really come here for crying.) 

Anyway, the kids and I went to our favorite (because it's close) playground today and played in the snow or in Piper's case ate snow and ice off playground equipment. 

We tend to make friends with older ladies and their
dogs.  This is Baloo.

We got new boots last night so our feet were warm and toasty.

We pretty much all have the blues or maybe the grays would be more accurate.  We could use your good thoughts or juju or prayers or whatever as this transition is still proving to be difficult.  And should any of you be blessed with the ability to change the weather... help a sister out!

JKFP

This German Life

“It must happen to us all…
We pack up what we've learned so far and leave the familiar behind.
No fun, that shearing separation,
but somewhere within,
we must dimly know that saying goodbye to safety
brings the only security we’ll ever know.”

- Richard Bach, Running from Safety: An Adventure of the Spirit

A favorite perch.

No, really.

I always end up humming the soundtrack to Mary Poppins
when they are up there.

The super cool construction project
going on out the window.

Our tree!  We made salt dough ornament,
pipe cleaner loops/shapes, we also knit up
 candy canes and garlands.

A favorite park right on the Main river.

He collected a LOT of corks after the craziest
New Years we've ever experienced.

He searched all over for "treasures".
He wondered the whole time how
people could throw away such useful stuff!

Look at that determination.

I love smiling eyes.

This is the building out our window
from the other side.  And what it's going
to be when it grows up.

It's right by the park too.

I came across that quote the other day and it perfectly said exactly what I needed to hear.  (I haven't read that book but I think this quote alone is enough land it on the "must read" list.)  It's been rough, this transition to our new life.  My sister gave me some excellent advice the other day.  Start out small and do one thing a week that scares the shit out of you.  Work your way up to doing one thing a day and by then you'll be comfortable and not scared anymore.  Sound advice!  We are at the point now where everyday is a little bit better and I'm very grateful for that.

This is a little glimpse into the last few weeks.  I hope I'll be back to posting a little more regularly now.  Love you guys and miss you all like crazy!

JKFP