Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Twists

One of my best friends Kendra found out that my mom was going to buy some baby gear for my little trip.  She thought it was totally ridiculous and insisted I use all of her stuff while I was in town.  This is Alessandra enjoying the loaner car seat.  Alessandra is a funny Pea.  She doesn't love her paci but she does occasionally want to suck.  And if she wants to suck and her paci isn't readily available she'll go with whatever she can get her hands on.  Sometimes she sucks her thumb, sometimes her sleeve (which her Daddy absolutely can't stand) and today it was the tip of the hat from the upside down Santa bib she was wearing.  (Yes it's the end of May and I have my daughter in a Santa bib).  

As you can see she was pretty comfy in her loaner.  


After a short nap and some play time at the Reps we headed out for a walk through downtown Parker to the fro-yo shop.  Kendra and I daydreamed of how awesome life would be if we lived on the same continent, in the same country, in the same state, and even in the same town.  We could go for walks just like I do with Katrin.  Our kiddos could play and grow up together, and the thought made my heart ache.  I would love that so much, but at the same time I love what we have in Germany.  

I love this life that we are living our way.  Cutting our own trails and getting the bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes that go along with being a trail blazer.  I know, I know, we aren't the first expats - we aren't even the first in our families.  However, we are still a little bit crazy and love a little bit of adventure.  We may be back in Colorado before the end of the year but we may be able to stay in Germany for a few years.  And if Jon and I had our way that's what we'd choose.  We'll see where this life takes us but for now, on this little vacation of mine I'll appreciate having my girlfriends close, and our families close.  I'll get as many hugs and lunch dates and parties as I can.  And then I'll go home, to Germany, and wish I was back in Colorado again.

Charmian  

Monday, May 30, 2011

90

My Grandpa turned 90 this year - that shouldn't be too hard to believe considering he turned 89 last year but for whatever reason it's a little unbelievable.  I absolutely love my Grandpa.  He is an amazing man.  I wanted to quickly thank him for his wisdom, his patients, his time, the adventures, the lessons, and all the love.

Thank you Grandpa!

I love you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!


We had a big shindig for him this year but my stinkin' camera ran out of batteries before I could really document how big of a celebration it really was.  Family and friends gathered from all around to celebrate.  
It was quite the fiesta.


We played games, hula hooped, 


enjoyed some cool drinks, sunshine, and A LOT of wind.


We visited with family


had some dessert,


and then brought the party back to Grandmommy's house 
because we just weren't ready to say goodbye.

HAPPY BIRTHDAGRANDPA!!

Eichs

One Eich,
 Two Eich, 
Three Eich, 
Four?!?


We had a wonderful day with the Eich's getting to play with 
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandparents all day!!

















Charmian

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Three Get-togethers

One Busy Day!


The day started with my step-brother Christian's graduation party.

Then we stopped over for a real quick lakeside bloggy fest where I met these three lovely ladies.  Renee was there of course.  My only regret for this part of the day was 1. it wasn't long enough and 2. I felt like all we did was talk about me.  Hopefully we'll be able to get together again so I can remedy that. ;o)


Then we finished the day with a surprise 30th birthday party for my dear friend Sabrena.



















Like I said - One Busy Day!!!

Charmian

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Old Friends - New Beginnings

When I was pregnant with Alessandra I reconnected with one of my best friends from junior high/high school.  Reagan and I had a special friendship and as it turns out it's become one for the ages.

Thank Goodness!



When we were young we were inseparable.  We'd go everywhere together, talk on the phone for hours, spend the night at each others houses, and told each other every deep dark secret.  And then one day we weren't friends any more.  I never knew why, or what I had done, but I had lost one of my best friends.  One day we stumbled upon each other on Facebook and shortly after we arranged for a get together, and then another get together.  I was so happy to have Reagan back in my life, to catch up on the 15 years that we had lost and to start making new memories together again.

So after a lunch date and a dinner date we decided it was time to get the kiddos together.  We went to Monkey Bizness and it was so much fun.  


They played all together in the baby area


Mady loved Alessandra - and Alessandra loved watching the kiddos play!


Well there are some pics of our new memories made.  

Reagan if you're reading this 
PLEASE send me those photos from the good ol' days
so I can put up some of the old memories too.


:o)

Charmian