What I See in the Spring by Adelle

Some of the signs of spring I see are sunshine, flowers, and warmer weather.

I think the first bird of this spring was the robin.

We don’t know when it arrived.

I've never seen a butterfly in Colorado before.

Butterflies don’t come here to Colorado because it’s too windy.

The first flower to blossom in the spring is the Schneeglöckchen.

The first tree to have leaves on it in the spring is the elder.

Monkeys

Micah is the subject of lots of conversation at our house. He's funny and cute, even when he's upset. Adelle in particular is somewhat enamored with him.

This morning at breakfast she whispered to Joseph: "Do you think Micah's cute?" Joseph, in true josepheque style, shrugged and didn't care to engage in such uninteresting dialogue.

Unsatisfied with his response, Adelle went to Peter and asked the same thing. Peter immediately replied "No!" To make sure this was true, he then asked Micah, "Micah, are you cute?" Micah responded with, "I'm a monkey!" Peter turned to Adelle and said, "See?! He's not cute; he's a monkey!"

spring is coming!

Here are some cute spring chicks checking out the sweet little white flowers that have been hiding in the earth all winter!

Fasching/Fasnet

We celebrated Fasching (which is called Fasching but written only as Fasnet here in this part of Germany). It's the crazy time right before Lent for the Catholics. In the last 10 years or so the Lutherans have started in on the fun too.

The kids dress up for several days at school to their heart's desire. Last week there was also a Fasching Party with REALLY LOUD music, a free soft pretzel and warm punch, and a 3-legged race (with lollipops for prizes). Peter was a horse, Micah a lamb (it's his winter coat anyway), Adelle a ballerina then a purple dinosaur, and Joseph an Indian.

Benjamin and Joseph - 2 wonderful 3rd Graders and Friends

One cute Micah in our very dependable "snow stroller"

The parade. The wooden masks.

(we left out the picture of the witch grabbing our friend

and running away with her down the street!)

Peter, the horse.

In the background: the typical colorful rag-garlands

that are hung all around town right after Christmas till mid-Feb

Joseph and Adelle ready to race...

Kindergarten with Adelle

Peter and Mommy got to go to Adelle's pre-school last week.

Peter had fun playing house and counting. Germans love wooden toys.

Adelle served us tea and dressed us all up with hats, bags and scarves for a party!

Adelle's snowman

Adelle created and decorated this snowman in front of front door. Peter was helper #1.

Great job, Adelle!

Unterjesingen, the town next door

Below is the view in late summer from our dining room window.

We continue to be amazed at how beautiful it is.

We saw double rainbows this day, one above the other.

This week we are living in a winter wonderland. When Adelle saw this rider and horse going by our house, she said "I know her! That's ***" I said, "Oh, was she your teacher for horseback riding?" Adelle replied with a chuckle, "No! I know the horse! Not the girl!"