For the first 3 months here in Northwest Germany, we have had really really horrible weather. I was thinking I moved to Seattle, but in Germany!!! We have had lots and lots of rain with nothing but a minute of sun once in awhile. I was ready to move anywhere south in a hurry. Then out of no where, March 21st was here and we had SUN!! It was very strange that the first week of spring came and the rain went. Since this time, the cities around here have come alive. People are walking into town, kids are riding bikes, people are rollerblading..amazing, there ARE people here. Many shops that closed for the winter months are opening and surprise, surprise, the Ice Cream Cafe's are OPEN. That is the oddest site to see people holding ice cream cones at 9 AM, like it's a coffee.

We have been keeping busy out doors. Addison is still riding ponies twice a month in a nearby town, Esbeck. I took my turn with that in February...needless to say, I am very happy that Jason is the one taking her to these. I did not enjoy it as much as Jason. When the instructor/teacher told me to "be careful when walking behind the pony, because she will kick" and then went on to say, "this pony has bitten people before, again beware" I was thinking, WHAT the Hell is this pony doing working with children??!!

Addison also attends her Ballet school on Mondays and is really enjoying what she is learning there. We went to a show that her ballet instructor put on for the town..Nacht der Katzen..we think it is supposed to be his version of "Cats". It was an all age’s show. Addison should be ready for the next show that he does for the town.

For Jason's birthday in March, I got 6 friends together to join us for dinner in Soest, Germany at Zwiebel Brahaus. It is about a 20 minute drive and is known for its good steak dinner. It is still not as good as any American steak place, but it is the closet we have come to getting a decent steak here.

On Easter weekend we stayed around town. Jason was off on Friday and Monday so we ended doing a lot this weekend. We started by going to this really fun outdoor kid’s park called, Ketteler Hof. It was about a 45 minute drive away and totally worth it. The weather was perfect for it too. There was a small water slide, there were huge jumpy things, water playing areas (they seem to be a big thing here) and many, many other things. We all had a great time. The next day we went on a 7 K (round trip) hike to the huge wooden contraption, where there are stairs that take you to the top and you can look over the tops of the huge evergreen trees. Addison actually hiked the entire way, we were very impressed with her. Kylie had the luxury of the back pack and a nice nap in it. On Easter Monday we had brunch at a nice restaurant in town. It was a nice ending to a great weekend.

Just last weekend we went to Paris, France for 4 days. Actually we went to Disneyland in Paris, France. It was great! Let me start by saying we had every intention of going into downtown Paris and seeing the sites you are supposed to see, BUT we didn’t it. We ended up staying at our Disneyland resort for the entire 4 days. Unfortunately the weather was not the best there, lots of rain, but we made the best of it. We had rain coats, umbrellas, etc. The girls got to meet so many characters, ie: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Mary Poppins, Perla, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Baloo (my favorite) and on and on. The girls were truly amazed by it all and to be honest, so was I! I had only been to Disneyland in California, but it was only for 1 day and I am told it is not the same as Florida’s resort. There were many shows in doors too, so we took advantage of those when it was really pouring outside. We stayed at the Sequoia Lodge on the Disneyland resort and it had indoor pool which is always nice for the girls. We were up daily by 7:30 AM and we did not get home until almost 8:30 PM, then we would go to the pool for an hour after. We were all exhausted after this trip!!! Addison and Kylie went on so many rides too. Addison could go on most of them and loved the tea cups the best. Kylie loved the tea cups and the Dumbo Ride the best. They also had parades with all of the characters..fun, fun fun! I have to admit seeing the girls so excited to see all these Disney characters made it even better for us!

For Jason and I…hmmm. Jason is working, working, working. He had a Wii Guitar Hero night, which seemed like he enjoyed. He also recently went on his first mountain biking adventure with a guy from work. I think he was very happy we went and plans on going again very soon. He does not know yet, but I am signing him up for a Lippstadt 10K…hehe….For me, I continue to enjoy my gym a lot. I have made some friends there that have enjoyed some nice dinners with them. I am doing lots of reading; I have never been able to say that before now! I am on the last book in the Twilight series…they are sooo good! I try to get creative with our nightly dinners too. I set up play dates with Juno (the other American girl her age). We pretty much take turns going to each other’s house weekly. Addison plays with Louis and the kids on his street too. I try to keep the girls on track with their learning. Not a lot of TV and lots of play time. I will pay anyone big bucks if you can tell me how to be a patient parent! I am learning this slowly.

Jason and I try to go out on a date once a month. We usually just walk into town; have dinner and drinks then come home. It’s a nice break. The babysitter we have here is going to school in Costa Rica for 6 months starting in July, so we will have find a new one soon! That is too bad since the girl’s really liked her.

I am planning a Memorial Day BBQ in our backyard in late May. We might go somewhere nearby for a long weekend in June…. Other than that, we don’t have any major trips planned except in July for Mark and Meghan’s wedding!!

Enjoy our pictures!

Love, Elisa
XOXO