What did I do today?

I went to church with Oma and Opa and fell asleep when the singing was over. We also went to a pottery show but there were so many people and it was so warm...we decided to go for ice cream instead. That was OK with me!
We came home to Oma and Opa's and I got to play outside. Yeah! I tried to eat some grass but it did not taste very good...I won't try that again!
We had fun playing ball until it rolled down the hill into the bushes.

I love shoes and Oma has some I am just loving! They matched my clothes and I have so much fun walking in them.
Opa's belt was also fun.
Auntie Shawna is visiting GG (Great Grandma) in Canada. I got to talk to them on skype today. It was not a very good connection but at least we got to see each other.
We are going to talk again tomorrow. Oma said we are also going to skype with Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox when Mommy and Daddy get back.

A message from Chiara!

Hi everyone! I have had a busy Saturday AM at Oma and Opa's house. I am pretty tired so I am taking a nap right now...but I think my dreams will include some of the fun things I did this morning. First, I got dressed and ate a good breakfast with Opa. Then we went outside and cleaned the street (you have to do that here in Germany on Saturdays!) First we did in front of Opa's house and also cleaned for the lady across the street. (Her husband passed away yesterday so she is feeling very sad. Opa thought this would be one way to make her feel a little better!) We worked hard as you can see. It sure looked a lot better when we were done.


Look at the big bucket full of dirt we got!
Next I worked in the backyard with Oma. She was taking care of the flowers. She let me help her. That was pretty fun, but I didn't understand why we left some flowers on the plant.


After we finished the flowers I was roaming around and found something I wasn't sure I could play with. I looked at Oma and did my jibber-jabber and she seemed to understand what I was saying (she is getting better at understanding me although I do not know what the problem is because I always know what I am talking about) anyway, she said it was OK.

Since it was so nice out, playing in the water seemed a pretty good idea. The hole in the watering can wasn't very big, but I did manage to get pretty wet.

Did you know when your hands are wet and you clap them together, it sprays water everywhere. I got myself in the face!
I thought it was so funny! I told Opa all about it and he laughed too!
So as you can see...I am having a great time. We are having such nice weather. I can be outside every day. What could be better than that? I guess that is all for now. I am looking forward to more adventures here. I sure am having fun! Wish you could be here too!

PS I guess I should tell you that Mommy and Daddy left me with Opa and Oma while they went to London (wherever that is!) I am doing fine without them. Oma said they would be back in 4 big sleeps (the night-time ones) That is not very long, is it?

Fun with Chiara!

Playing with the dishes Mommy and Shawna used to play with when they were little girls. (Where did that time go?)


She discovered that this pan makes a good drum, guitar, whatever!
Dancing is a favorite part of Chiara's day. Turn on a little music and away she goes!!


Turning in circles is ever so fun.


Talking to herself in the oven door 'mirror'.



She also loves to 'read' books.

Reading to Oma's sheep is especially fun!

We are absolutely loving having Ben, Sharla and Chiara with us. They arrived on Monday and after a few days of trying to get them over jet-lag, we ventured out and spent the day in France. It was wonderful with perfect weather and all!
Below, Sharla and Chiara are enjoying a French Carmel Crepe! (Ben and Sharla left for London this am and we have Chiara for the next 5 days.)
Friends loaned us this stroller for Chiara. She gets SO excited whenever we get it out for her! She loves being outside and going anywhere. What a trooper and little tourist she is becoming. She charmed a tour group of little ole ladies with her 'queen' wave today.

I love looking for unusual things when we are out and about. This stork nest is perched on top of a very steep tower of a church. There is a stork sitting in it but he would not look at the camera!



This loaf of bread was 3-4 feet long and 10-12 inches wide!





The streets are so quaint but they are hardly ever free of people so it is hard to take pictures.




We love the 'old' that is preserved in these buildings. There are lots of these everywhere.

Blessings...

Yesterday was a very special day for Jesse and I. It always amazes me how God works little miracles along the way to encourage our spirits and brighten our days!
Ben, Sharla and Chiara arrived safely from Seattle after a very long day. For the next two weeks, it will be our joy to share some special time with them. Added to the excitement of them coming, Shawna also worked a flight to Zurich yesterday (not the same flight they were on) and got to come home for the day!! It was so wonderful to be all together as a family last night for dinner on our patio!
So where are the pictures?? They will be coming, so stay tuned!

Sunday AM...early morning

This was quite early so it is a bit dark. We see this valley every morning from our house. The mist/haze made it look awesome!


I love our back alley!