Evening sky from our backyard

It has been a busy week at our house and thus a long time since we added anything to the blog. We hope you enjoy the following posts that give you a glimpse of some of the things we have been involved with lately.

Laundry day

Each summer the BFA dorms host English camps for German children from all over Germany and Switzerland. I had the privilege of helping with the staff laundry between camps. On two different days I did bedding/towels for around 40 - 45 people.


Aaah! The finished project! I would gladly do it again!

Note: While I was doing the laundry, Jesse was busy picking up people from the train and airport, doing minor repairs and helping with driver's ed.

Our annual block party.

These people really eat ALOT of meat!


This was a most entertaining ceremony as these two hilarious ladies (with the help of the only child that lives on our street) lit the candles that go in these paper lanterns. As they were lit the lanterns were hung on a wire rack and gave a pleasant glow to the evening. The comments from the ladies and the other people on the block were so funny. We love living on Burgunderstrasse with all these wonderful neighbors. The lady with the orange top is under so much stress with her husband being so sick. It was good to see her have fun in spite of the circumstances.

A Day with the Stemple Kids!

We got to take care of these wonderful children while Mom and Dad took a day away.

Who can resist the fountain when you have to walk right by it!

Our favorite place in summer...

Back yard gatherings are the best! We love our patio and enjoy our little yard so much.

Shawna's Birthday!

How fun to get word that Shawna was flying to Frankfurt for her Birthday! Jesse and I were able to take the train and meet her there for a relaxing, wonderful afternoon together! God is SO good! Mid-afternoon, Shawna got to choose a dessert from an Italian Ice Cream place. They did it up great for her!

Birthday dinner...so fun! Our little girl...all grown up! aaaah! Time goes fast!

We thought it was pretty neat that she was on the 33rd floor of the hotel for her 33rd birthday! Corny, I know but it was fun!

Room 33...whatever

The Marriot Hotel where Shawna stays from time to time on layovers.
Flags outside the Messe. (Like a fairgrounds/world trade center) This is right across the street from the Marriot.

The Messe tower.
Jesse had fun arranging these vacuums which were out for 'everything goes' garbage day! We are not sure why there were so many in one place.

Sweet Chiara...

We haven't posted pictures of our grand-daughter for awhile...here she is. I miss this little muffin a lot! (Photos are from Sharla.)

Flowers...the early morning

Porch Party

Every Wednesday evening this summer, the young BFA couple that live in the house with this porch have a Porch Party. All you do is bring your own meat to grill and a salad to share. It is a wonderful way for those of us who are here for the summer to connect and fellowship! Come and go as you like or stay all evening, play games or just visit! It is just great!


These guys were having a blast with this roll of fencing.
All ages are welcome!
Notice the view off this porch. The house is actually on a farm in the middle of corn fields. The farm is a veggie and fruit farm, selling the produce right there on their yard.


RASPBERRIES!!! Unfortunately, they are on the wrong side of the fence!!