First day of Schule

Timmy had his first day of school this week!  In Germany you start at the Elementary School in 1st grade.  So, this is his first time at the "Grundschule." In Germany, this is a HUGE deal.  It is really hyped up, and there are lots of gifts and congratulations going around.  Aaron also started at a new Kindergarten in our little suburb.  They both love it and are looking forward to the new year.

To start off, Timmy had a "kennenlernen" Tag to get to know his teacher and classroom.  For this, you bring your Schulranzen (humongous backpack) with all your school supplies.  This Scout Backpack is a typical style, with the reflectors and all.  Timmy loves the Sport Theme.

Then, the actual 1st day of school happened the following day, beginning with a worship service at the church next door.  There were songs, prayers, a talk and blessings for the children by a catholic and protestant minister.  All of the kids were holding their Schultüte. (Cones)

After the worship service (Gottesdienst) the children met on the playground (Schulhof), and then entered the gym (Turnhalle).  Here, the 2nd,3rd, and 4th graders welcomed them with a song, poem, and a circus performance.  It was fantastic!

 Then, the teachers had all the kids line up and took them in for an hour of lessons, while the parents socialized and met one another.   Here is Timmy's Schultüte.  It was a Smurf Theme.

 Aaron also got a little one, so that he wouldn't feel left out.  

This is tradition for the younger siblings to get a little one.

 After the classroom hour, the kids got to show us their classroom and their desk.  Timmy gets to sit by Omid, who we know already from the Kids club at the gym!

 Our attempt at a family portrait that morning.

 These three photos were taken on the "kennenlernen Tag" on Tuesday.  

This photo was from Monday, Aaron's first day at his new Kindergarten after the summer break.  It looks really really fun and well organized.  We are really happy he gets to attend there.

Our goal is to walk to Aaron and Timmy's schools each morning on foot or bike.  This takes a good hour round trip (2 hours then per day!), but we are going to try it, both for exercise, socialization, for the environment, for better attention when we arrive at school, and for good "wind down" time after.  

I am sore already. :)

Church Prezi

Happy Baby

A few Summer Events

Some of our everyday happenings as of late:

Celebrating the stuffed animals "birthdays"

Lunch with friends

BBQ with friends who are moving away. :(

New baby for Steffi!  I hosted a baby shower for her in June at the church. 

We are happy this cute little one is here and safe.

Generally fighting and saving the world....that kind of stuff.

The Stake Primary Sommerfest, which is always amazing!  Was a "Trip Around the Word" this year visiting booths with info, food, crafts from various countries.  So. much. fun!

Scott and the boys had a theater day during the baby shower, while Cora and I hung with the girls.

Scott attended a big conference in Barcelona for a week at the end of July.
We couldn't find the camera before Scott left.  Bad luck!  Here is a bad quality photos of La Sagrada Familie on the tablet camera. I found the camera a few hours after Scott left in a Lindt Easter Egg tin of the boys.  They had some funny photos on there too, which they took right before they hid it. 

Tibidabo in Barcelona

Park Guell in Barcelona

A great deal of our (the boys and my) summer has been spent here.  The family changing room at the Westhall Pool, as we get ready and clean up from Swimming lessons.  We did a 3 week intense class which was 7 times per week.  Mon-Fri at noon and ALSO 9 am on W/F.  It was pretty crazy.  Now we will continue twice a week for a few more weeks.  The boys are great little swimmers now, and it was all worth it.  Cora also loves to splash around in the pool.  It was a nice way to spend the summer.

This cute girl has had a nice week as she has become mobile.  A bit ornery trying to get used to being able to roll and move all around in the crib.  We lay her on her back, but she always falls asleep now on her tummy.  A bit of a transition to get used to the switch for her. 

 I did a major major art clean out last week.  Pulled an all nighter the night before Scott got back from Spain, and just cleared out.  Loved this gem. :)

 Swimming on the mats.

 The whole group!  The parents and I got to know each other pretty well seeing each other every single day.