Happy Anniversary!

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary. Somehow it always sneaks up on us. Through the work of raising kids, work, and daily living, we find ourselves one year further into our marriage. Seems like yesterday we got married, but then when I think back to everything we have been through- early years of paying off debts, transitioning to another country, adjusting to a new culture and having a family-it seems like we have had a lifetime together already. I wouldn't trade any of it for anything because I know that I am married to my best friend and that makes it all worth it. It seems like every blog that I read when an anniversary rolls around I have to endure some real mushy entry and hear about how that person's husband is the best one in the whole world. So I will save you from enduring that here! Just know that we are still happy and in love after 13 years and that is all that really matters!

I decided to post a picture of us in a not so flattering way. Mainly because I have few of us together. But also as a reminder that marriage, for the most part is a lot of work and you are always seeing eachother at your worst. Well, here we are first thing in the morning and still enjoying each others company!

Ta-Da!

Everytime I talk with my parents, they always ask what new thing Sarah is doing. I try to remember but it is hard when she is asleep and not in front of me. But she is doing something really cute these days. On Sunday, I got her dressed in her cute little dress. I then told her to go to daddy and say, "Ta- da". Now everytime I get her dress, she has to go up to everyone and say Ta- Da! It is so cute. She knows now that she is cute but that there will be a little rival coming her way in December. Until then, she will soak it for all it is worth.

In other news, they guys are off for a two day camping trip to Southern Switzerland. They wanted to camp and hike around the Matterhorn. Jacob was very excited to be included in the outing. Us girls are have some quality time and enjoying a testerone free house for a couple of days.

Uncle Jimmy's Visit

We have been enjoying Uncle Jim's visit with us for a few days. The kids have had fun hanging out and for Sarah, warming up to him which only took a very short time. Now she goes to him all the time! Even though we don't have a big trip planned with Jim, it is still nice to relax and visit with him. Isn't that what summer break is all about- to stop and refresh and enjoy the sunshine? Here are a few photos so far of his visit with us.

The kids enjoying a quiet sunday afternoon with Uncle Jim.

Uncle Jim spending some time with Jacob reviewing some math facts. Got to keep those brain cells working during the summer too!

We took a day trip into the French side of Switzerland and came across this quaint village with a castle there. We then went on to tour a Cheese factory.

Eighteen Months Old!

Sarah turned a year and half on the 15th. She is right on track with her developement. On her half birthday she said used the word "no" several times to express her feelings to us. She also starting throwing her food on the floor when she disliked it. That earned her a spanking on her hand. Sarah is a joy to our family and will make a great big sister in a few months.

Paris

Finally, I am getting around to posting some pictures on our recent trip to Paris. We had a great time seeing all of the famous sights around the city. Paris is a huge city with a crazy metro line but we somehow mastered it. Here are a few pictures to show off our four days there.

Here are our friends the Meyers enjoying their first meal in Paris at a sidewalk cafe. We opted for something a little more familiar to us but still a treat- KFC!

The Church of the Notre Dame- very famous. We didn't take to hike up to the see the bell tower because there was a long line. The Church was free. Sunday was our "free" day as we were to see all of the attractions for free- a good deal!

Standing in line wating to go to the Louve. We saw the famous Mona Lisa painting with about two thousand other people but again it was free. Jeff and Will took turns carrying Sarah on their backs all over Paris. A tiring job!

Sarah during a rest time in museum trying to work the walkie talkie that we used.

Family photo at the foot of the Eiffle Tower.

Jeff and I at a Romatic spot!

Jacob and Sarah playing on top of the Eiffle Tower.

All the kids standing in front of the Arch of Triumph and the famous round-about in the heart of Paris.

We had a very full four days there and feel like we just touched the tip of the iceberg with all of the sights in Paris. Even though it was a fun place, Jeff and I both prefer the quiter life of the country rather than the city.

Still Busy!

Things still are busy for us here on the home front. We continue to enjoy our friend's visit with us here in Germany. We have done so much with them despite the cold rainy weather that we had to endure. Just today did summer decide to arrive back to our corner of the world. We escaped up to the a fun Amusement Park for the day and enjoyed sunny skies and screaming roller coaster rides. The kids had a blast and no longer do the little kiddie rides fill their hearts with contentment, they crave pure thrill rides! At least I have little Sarah to take on kiddie boat ride still. We came home a little sunburned and very tired a mark of a fun day. We only have three more days with our friends before they fly back to California. Their visit has been very special to us and a great encouragement to us as well. We sure appreciate them taking the time and money to come and see where we live.
Once our friends leave we can rest for a few days before Uncle Jimmy comes to visit us for two weeks! We all love it when Uncle Jimmy comes for a visit. Sarah will really get to know him well this time!
Don't worry, I plan to post about our time in Paris next once I get access to our home computer with the pictures. I know you are all waiting to see some pictures of the city of lights so hang in there!

Company

We have been busy around here for the last week or so. ( What else is new for us this summer!) Our good friends are here and we have enjoyed visiting with them and showing them our area. Our first couple of days we took them to a local castle. Then we ventured out to the Alsace region which is so quaint.

We went to see the town of Eguisheim with cobblestone streets lined with flowers. It was like stepping into a storybook.

Family picture by some beautiful flowers.

Coming up next, a report about our trip to Paris!