Legoland Deutschland and Schloss Neuschwanstein

We just couldn't leave Germany without seeing the Neuschwanstein castle aka the "chitty chitty bang bang" castle to the boys. And on the way there, we stopped off in Ulm and spend the day at Legoland. It was so neat to see all the cool models of European sites that we have actually been to! Hamburg, Venice, London, and Neuschwanstein were just a few of the models. Grandma came along for the ride and we had a great time. The boys had a blast in the little water park and we even found an almost lifesize model of Thomas the Tank Engine.










Picture perfect Neuschwanstein Castle

We enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride up to the castle. We waited and waited for our turn to go into the castle. There were so many tourists and lots of americans. The boys did pretty good on the tour with exception to the adult size slippers that kept slipping off their shoes. After touring the castle, we walked up to the Marienbrücke to get a view of the castle. It was really neat.

Aubrey's Blessing and Aaron's Baptism

The first picture is of Mike and Aaron before Mike baptized Aaron. The next picture is of Mike holding Aubrey just before the baptism. I didn't get a picture of Mike in his suit and tie with Aubrey and so I just snapped a picture of the two of them before the baptism. The third picture is our family again before Aaron's baptism. The fourth picture is of Aubrey sleeping during the luncheon after Aaron's baptism.

Our last Sunday in Germany was a very special day and one that we will always remember and cherish. It makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it. It was the day that we had to say goodbye to the dear members of the Gemeinde Bonn. Mike and I look back with much gratitude for the opportunity we had to get to know such wonderful church members in Bonn. We were very grateful for the opportunity to serve. Mike served as the ward mission leader and I taught and planned activities with the young women. Mike was way more busy than I was. Not only did he have lots of church meetings but he also often had discussions and appointments with investigators some of which he spoke spanish. Even though it was very busy at times, we look back and see how the Lord has blessed our lives. Our ward made us a very special book filled with pictures and notes of gratitude. It makes me cry when I read it. Anette presented it to us at the luncheon after Aaron's baptism. It was so amazing to be in a ward where everyone is unique and you feel needed. It was so surreal saying goodbye. While last Sunday in our new ward was wonderful, it was also weird to once again be in a ward where there are so many families just like you. In one small moment I wondered how we will fit in. But we always manage to find our way. It always starts with seeking out the game players. :)

Summer Celebrations

Well, we've had a fantastic journey this summer! We are now in New Jersey and we will be in a hotel for just a few more days. The idea of moving into our house this week is really exciting to us especially after being in temporary housing for almost 7 weeks. July was a busy month for us despite being on summer break. A visit from Grandma, Aaron's birthday, road trips, and our last Sunday with our ward in Bonn are just a few things that kept us on the go last month.

Aaron and Connor at our favorite aquarium in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Mike and Aaron enjoying some fourth of July fun. We got together with some of our other American friends in Bonn. In Germany, it is not unusal to see these sparklers on top of birthday cakes. They are sold by the party supplies. They worked out perfect for our little celebration.

Connor was hesitant to join in the fun but eventually warmed up to the idea of holding a sparkler. As you can see by the picture, he was still rather cautious about it and insisted on holding the sparkler outside while standing inside.

Aaron celebrated his 8th birthday last month. He was really excited about his birthday this year. We had a few of his cub scout friends and church friends over for a pizza party. The kids had a good time especially when we played musical statues.

Aaron watched on as the kids danced and danced. Here's a videoclip of some of the fun.