Last Friday, the last official day of Christmas vacation, we took the kids to America for the day. Well, little America, also known as Patch Barracks Army Base outside of Stuttgart, Germany. A missionary serving in our ward currently, was previously assigned to the Servicemen's ward there, and knew a member who would get us on base. We called him up, and this kind gentleman, who didn't know us from Adam, spent his afternoon taking us shopping. We even got to eat lunch at Taco Bell! I am not sure what it says about our kids or American-style groceries stores, but our kids were acting like they were at Disneyland. They were seriously so excited! (Or maybe it was all the root beer they drank at lunch???) We ended up filling two huge carts full of important basic necessities like Double Stuff Oreos, Jello, maple syrup, ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, and root beer. The kids have already inhaled an entire bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and want to know when they can open the second one. Uh, that would be not for a while guys, sorry. It was a great way to end vacation and keep any after-Christmas letdown at bay.
On Sunday, Noah had his first official day of Primary as a Sunbeam. To our relief, his very favorite Nursery teacher was released from there and called to be the new Sunbeam teacher! So he had no problems going to class. It also helps that his very best friend, Xenia was there first thing, since her mom is the teacher. They had fun running around, sitting on all the chairs, deciding which one would be their chair while the other kids straggled in. When asked by Chris after church what they did in class, Noah responded, "There was talking, LOTS of talking." hahaha Guess he missed playtime a bit.
Monday it was back to school and work for everyone. I always hate when vacation is over. I miss the kids, I miss the relaxing mornings, I miss not having to worry about getting lunch ready right at 12:15 so the kids can eat and catch the bus again for afternoon class. But I suppose vacation is so special because it does last only a short time. We are all anxiously counting down the days until Ski Vacation in February, because that is when we go to Disneyland Paris! Yippee!
There was one other first on Monday, the girls went to their first ever ballet class. The teacher seems very nice, and there are about 6 other little girls as well. It was just a trial class, to see if the girls were really interested and wanted to sign up for regular lessons. I stayed the first 20 minutes or so, then left and came back to get them when it was all over. They both came out smiling huge smiles. Sarah said to her teacher, "Ich komme sicher nächste Woche auch." (I am for sure coming next week as well.) Sophie wasn't too sure she wanted to take ballet before we got there, but she decided it would be pretty fun and she especially loves the pretty clothes you wear. Sarah also made the comment that "the girl in the purple leotard is going to be my friend". Well, alright then, I guess that is all the stamp of approval we need! Now if only I could find a karate class for Nick…
Sorry no pictures this time, the hard drive with all the pictures on it crashed, BooHoo. But Chris is taking it to the Data recovery guys tomorrow so hopefully we can get them back soon.
I'm so glad you found another connection to get on an Army post somewhere.