Preschool Coop

Violet and I were asked to join a Preschool Coop with a few other ladies in our ward.  I had never participated in one before, but it sounded like fun and like something for Violet to do.  Preschools here are pretty pricey, and she has been on the waiting list for the German preschool since we moved here.  I did hear that she was next on the list, so we are hoping that next year that option will open up for her.  But this little preschool coop has been wonderful.  Four kids total, once a week for 2.5 hours.  We just rotate houses each week, and focus on a different letter of the alphabet each time.  For my first week teaching, we did the letter 'K'.  The kids made kites and kangaroo pouches, and went hunting for letter 'k's to put in their pouches.  It was a lot of fun.

Bern-Kastel Kues

Our first outing after we moved here last August was a trip to Bern-Kastel Kues for their annual wine festival.  We had such a great time that we were looking forward to 2015 so we could do it again!  Members of our stake head down early enough to put down blankets all together.  The town is situated along the Mosel river, and when it gets dark enough (like 9:30 pm!), there is an amazing fireworks show that depicts a battle once fought here between a boat and the castle.  Seriously--most amazing fireworks show I've ever seen.  No joke.  I thought we might all have hearing damage afterwards.  Isla was NOT a fan.  Luckily, about half way through she finally decided to stop crying and just let Nate hold her ears shut.  

Before the show starts, we just wander around with friends.  There is one side that is a lot like a carnival or fair.  The kids love that part.  We even let the kids do the trampoline thingy where you are hooked up to a harness and get to bounce super high.  This year we ventured the other way to go purchase some grape juice, and found a whole other side of the party.  Next year we will spend more time there.  There were live bands, adorable buildings, yummy food...much better than carnival rides in my opinion.  ;)  Can't wait for next year!

September

Aside from school starting up, we had a lot of things going on in September.  Nate kept busy at work, as usual.  He started up a cool thing where he made custom ear molds for the pilots.  They were pretty excited about it.  He also got put on the Moulage team.  Anytime the base has an exercise in some type of disaster scenario, Nate goes in early to do the 'wound make-up'. He loves it, and it gets him out of staying all day long.  The pictures look pretty sick.  Rest assured, it's all fake ;).  

Sawyer started his first season of soccer.  He was pumped about it.  The excitement didn't quite translate to the field, unfortunately.  I think he spent more time looking at planes and playing with friends than looking for the ball.  Maybe next year...

I picked up some Dirndl's for Violet and Isla while in Garmisch for Girls Camp.  Unfortunately, at the moment, Violet fits in both dresses.  I'm hoping the smaller one fits Isla next summer so we can take some sweet pictures.  Now to find some Lederhosen for the boys...

Violet started Ballet/Tap.  She looks freakin cute in her little leotard and skirt!

Isla started becoming even more of a destroyer.

I took an old school desk from a flea market and painted it red (per Sawyer's request).  It gets used more for legos than for homework, but we are happy with it :).

I also celebrated my 30th Birthday!! Ahh!  When did I get OLD!?!?  My girlfriends threw me an awesome surprise lunch (which I was over 30 minutes late for!!!  whoops!).  And Nate took me out for Thai food.  He also bought me a silhouette (which arrived 2 weeks late)--but he took me to Paris to make up for the late purchase of said present.  So I forgave him ;)  More on that, later. <3 p="">

We got some really fun bath stuff from our German cousins.  Turns the water different colors, makes funny popping noises, etc.  

One of the kids gave Isla some breakfast--lucky charms and bbq chips

We have a great indoor pool on Base and finally started taking advantage of it every now and then.

Nate took the GED (or is it GRE??--can't remember!!) for his orthodontics application.  While in Frankfurt he located a Chipotle and brought some back for me!!!!  That was a good day!

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