Oh, Berliner how I love thee!

Here we are at our neighborhood bakery.  There are at least two on every street and one on every corner. We've decided to make it a mission to try everything in the counter once... it is a hard task but we are up for the challenge. 

Heidelberg Castle

We had our first Eouropean Castle experience today and it was great.  Pascal and I have vowed to never take "guided tours" with kids but in order to go into the castle you had to. Sooooo after an hour and half we had to bail.  The tour was not in vain as Owen was able to recape what the guide went over by saying,  "the castle is broken down because Louis blew it up with sugar powder."  I think we might have a history buff on our hands. 

Slowly finding our way!

What a journey!  But we made it, after a few weeks without internet we are finally connected and we feel like we are once again linked to family and friends.  Thank you for all your prayers, it was a bumpy ride and after a dislocated elbow, 2 cases of strep, a badly infected "piggy" toe, and pink eye we are finally getting adjusted to our new home.  We arrived on the first day of snow in Heidelberg and it hasn't stopped since.  We felt very ill prepared coming from 90 degree weather in Arizona.  But we are trying to expand our winter wear wardrobe... it rarly gets out of the 20's. The Lord helped us find a great apartment and the kids each have their own room.  We have not been able to explore  much between doctor appointments and moving but are finally feeling like we can with the boxes slowly coming to an end.  We received some of our stuff but are still waiting on our little Honda and our furniture.  I can say we do know where the Heildelberg emergancy room is as well as the acute care clinic we are on a first name bases!  Everyone is super nice and the kids think it is all so grand.  They love the bakeries and love eating Belina's (a german doughnut filled with rasperry jam).  Owen can now go to the counter and order one in German!  Now that I am connected I will do my best to keep it updated and post pictures of all that is around us.  Thank you again for praying for us, there were a few moments I wasn't sure I was going to make it!

This is the view from our kitchen.  We live in a town called Leimen, just 10 min. from the commissary, 10 min.  from Pascal's work and just a walk to 2 bakeries! (priorities, can you tell)

Our new apartment! Seven flights + 50 steps =  Beautiful views and high ceilings!  We think it is worth the climb.  I only have to remind myself of this on grocery day!

Pascal and his brother Laurent and their mom, "Pe'tite mom." They had not seen each other for 5 years!

We met up with Pascal's family, at an outdoor animal park.  It was the first time the cousins had met and the first time they met Meg.  We had a great time and they were instant friends!