Last weekend before school starts!

Friday morning we spent in downtown Hofheim, enjoying the things the girls like to do as I did errands. It was nice not having to drive too. I enjoyed once again walking as driving all week to camp was stressful.  The girls picked out their bakery treats, played on the toys, and choose their favorite ice cream before we headed back home. 

In the evening, Eric watched Tinkerbell on the German local station with them while Melanie and I went nighttime shopping at the mall since they were open till 10pm. Melanie and I had fun picking out items to go in the girls' schultüte for their first day of school.

Saturday morning, we rode our bikes around town doing errands. Adeline received a schultüte from the local grocery store. The girls were excited to come home and discover the fruits, snacks, and games they had put inside of it. I packed a picnic lunch and we headed out for another bike trip.

This time we rode into the hills. After one hill with a grade of 5%, I walked my bike up and down the hills as they were too steep for my comfort level on the bike with Adeline. We managed to go from our town, up and over to the town of Lorsbach. After our picnic at the park, Eric found the sign that said Eppstein, 4km this way or 7km that way. He choose the 4km. Once again, up and over another hill, so Adeline and I were walking in the forest while Eric and Emmie were bike riding. We finally arrived to Eppstein. 

In Eppstein, we found the an old castle to explore. Click for castle pictures The castle was initially built in the 10th century and throughout the years has been addded on to and demolished in areas. We all climbed the 134 steps to the top of the lookout tower. This tower was only 25m high, but at one time it was 33 meters high. We had a beautiful view of the town and Taunus Hills. On our way home, we took the longer route home through the valley, and I could manage biking the small inclines along this route. The route home brought us directly to the center of Hofheim, so we stopped for an afternoon ice cream treat.

Sunday morning at church, Adeline along with the other campers sang the song, "Who He Says I Am." Melanie and Hanna joined us and we were very happy they could come. The children did a wonderful job singing the words and doing the actions that went along with it.

Adeline said she really had fun singing. Afterwards, they had a slideshow of camp throughout the week, so the entire congregation could see how much fun the children had. The kids were then released to their Sunday school classes and the service continued on with the sermon. Adeline really loved kids camp and is already looking forward to next summers camp. 

This week begins school for  Emmie in Kindergarten on Monday and Adeline in 1st Klasse  on Tuesday.  It is hard to believe the summer is over as it has gone by so quickly.  Our family schedule will now revolve around the school calendar for many years to come. We wish both girls lots of  happiness and enjoyment in the classroom and in their activities as they begin the new school year.