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!"