September 24th, 2016
Happy Fall! Leaves are changing and falling in the streets, there is a crispness in the air and still plenty of sunshine. We love Autumn! Hopefully, it will last as LONG as possible. Please…
Summer in Germany was wonderful! I’m thankful for how it balanced out the grey/rainy winter and helped to replenish our vitamin D. As summer was wrapping up, our backyard pool continued to get good use. The boys figured out how to make a wave pool by one of them shaking the side while the other rode the waves with their goggles on! Adi checked out the pool, standing up on her hind legs. However, she had NO INTENTIONS of taking a dip!
They also loved doing a run and jump move into the pool. Here’s a quick video of S perfecting his Superman moves!
Our last weekend before school started for E, we added a few new experiences to our memories. On Saturday, we drove to the Kurpfalz-Park in Wachenheim. This park, like others we have experienced in Europe, seemed to put the emphasis on play and not purchasing. We didn’t see kiosks around each ride or attraction selling toys, trinkets and souvenirs. Instead, there was one gift shop near the exit. Also, though we found a couple of food stands, many visitors brought their own food. Large areas were set aside with picnic tables and outside grills for guests to use.
With a park that emphasizes play, we found plenty of opportunities to do JUST THAT!
Warthog greetings and funny mirrors
Slides…
Motorcycles and Swan Rides
The Kurpfalz-Coaster
S especially LOVED this ride we individually controlled with brakes. We were pulled up on rails and then released at the top to control our ride down. Of course, Daddy gave more of a thrill ride than Mama! E was pretty adamant about not riding but later let Mama talk him into it. The last picture is with him and the view ahead as we were taking our slow ascent. He really liked it too and wanted to go again!
The AWESOME playgrounds (of course!)
The Bumper Boats
The Petting Zoo and Wildlife
The Bird Show
We sat under a large tree in an open field and watched eagles, hawks, falcons and other surprising fowl do various tricks. This bird, with the trainer, was one of the stars of the show!
Walking/Running the Maze
Even on a hot day, this park was fun for all!
On Sunday afternoon, we drove to our landlords’ home in another village for lunch. Their adult son, Florian, was home this summer from college and they wanted to have us over for a barbecue and some extended time to spend together. They are such kind-hearted people! We spent hours in their backyard. They have a small garden house, complete with a covered porch. This is separate from their main home. The German meal they prepared for us was DELICIOUS!!!
The boys LOVED their pond filled with large goldfish. The fish, Fabian’s tool sharpening lesson, and the remote controlled fountain kept the boys pretty entertained for hours. E did try to pet one of the fish and fell in, thus the costume change in the photos. He got to wear one of Fabian’s shirts!
We have heard horror-stories about landlords. Thankfully, we have experienced both kindness and prompt attention to the requests we bring before them. They are thoughtful with the boys, enjoy teaching us about German culture and share their lives with us. Our afternoon barbecue was a sweet way to end our summer vacation before school started. We are so grateful for them and the home they rent to us!
