Still Alive

Well, it’s been a long time.  A really long time.  As you may remember, I had resolved to do better at keeping my blog up to date this year.  So much for that idea.  I guess the real reason I haven’t written for so long is that I’ve been so busy living my life that I just haven’t had time to write about it.  A few things that have happened since I last wrote…

- A 2 (which became 3) week trip to Spain (more to follow).

- A surgery for Ian (nothing serious, and he’s fine now).

- A 3 week visit from my parents.  (Fantastic!!!)

- A trip to Normandy with my parents (during aforementioned visit).

- A piano recital for all my students (which include my own kids).

- Naomi’s ballet recital.

- Ian’s class play. 

- 2 trips to the Berchtesgaden/Salzburg area.

- Soccer camp for both kids.

- Swimming lessons.

- Tennis lessons for me.  (FINALLY!  I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time, and I’m having SO MUCH FUN!)

- A week at YW camp because, oh, yeah, I got called to be YW president. 

Despite the hectic schedule, we are still loving Germany.  We love the travel opportunities.  We love our friends and neighbors here.  Ben has a great job.  I have a great job.  We are happy. 

Here are some pictures from the last few months.  I will try (emphasis on try) to elaborate more on some of the trips and events that I mention below in upcoming blog posts.  I’d really like to write about our extended Spain trip.  (Thank you volcano in Iceland!)  Ben is in San Antonio this week, so this just may happen.  For now, however….

                                     

Ian was one of the narrators and as well as a Paris alley cat in his class play.  The fish he is touching is the one he drew for the backdrop.  All of the songs they sang were in German, and he knew ALL of the lyrics.

                                                    

We started our trip to Spain in Madrid.  The trip there was a little rough (let’s just say at one point we were standing outside of the apartment we had rented at 10:00 p.m. without keys, unable to contact the landlord and wondering if we were going to have to find a hotel somewhere last minute).  Fortunately it all worked out.   Here is a view of the cathedral.

                          

Here is a view of the cathedral unspoiled by the people in front of it.

                        

The palace….

                       

Plaza Major….

                                              

Park time (ESSENTIAL!!!)…..

               

El Escorial...

              

              

Beautiful children at El Escorial…

     

Segovia…

                  

                  

                  

    

     

            

Toledo  (It was cold, rainy and somewhat miserable in Toledo.   We didn’t take many pictures.)

              

                                   

Last day in Madrid…

        

          

            

          

Well, I made it through week one of Spain.  As you can see it is a fantastic place.  I wouldn’t mind being stuck there again sometime….

More tomorrow!