3 Month Anniversary

This past week marked our 3 month anniversary since we landed on this side of the big pond. It is more difficult to realize that summer is over with, especially since we have been experiencing cool temperatures (mid 50's) and sporadic rain showers daily for the past few weeks. We have adapted to apartment living and living in the city.  We have also gone through our 1st/2nd round of supplies we brought over with us as most containers/items are made for about 2 to 3 months use in the US. Plus, we are now establishing a routine with the  girls in school, so there are less impromptu outings as when we first arrived.

This week began with frowns on Monday as we started another week of school, but by Friday, the frowns were turned upside down. The girls have recognized that no one speaks English in the classroom with them and this was very frustrating to them. However, by Wednesday, Adeline was invited over  to play with one of her classmates in the afternoon and she informed me she was chatting with the girls while they were changing their shoes for gym class. When I asked her what they chatted about, she just commented, "Oh  Stuff." I still am not sure what they discussed, but I was happy to hear the comfort in her voice about being with her classmates. As the week progressed, Emmie was happily telling me when I picked her up how the big girls in her class were playing with her and helped her out. Emmie is learning German very quickly from Adeline through the songs she comes home and recites to me and by Adeline correcting my German pronunciation. In addition, Emmie is constantly asking what everything is German- to the point I have to get out the translation dictionary.

Our weekend was  planned out with the various types of festivals going on in the area. Saturday afternoon, we spent in downtown Frankfurt at the Museumsuferfest. Christina, a Michigan friend, was in town doing some work with her Chrysler supplier, so she met up with us as we walked the 8km festival along the Main River. Food, drink, and gift vendors lined the riverfront walk along with stages for bands and dance acts. The weather brought a light rain shower, but it did not discourage us from the enjoying the festival. When the crowd started to get thick, we ventured over to old town Frankfurt to show Christina. Here we found a Starbucks which brought a smile to Christina's face and the bier bike. This time, Eric managed to get a picture of it which shows the drinkers powering it as they peddle while sitting at the bar.

Sunday morning was an exceptionable service at church, as the new pastor, Carston Lotz, and his family had their induction ceremony to ICF. It is amazing how God works in his own ways for the church's timing of searching for a new pastor and the Lotz family's ideal church to ministering in to be the best fit for each other at just the right time.

Sunday afternoon, we spent the afternoon in Mainz. The Mainz Winemarkt is held in the city park. Instead of food treats, we allowed the girls to have their faces painted. There was a 30 minute wait, so Eric and I enjoyed a wine. It is here Sarah discovered Eric ordering a wine at the vendor. We all then enjoyed the atmosphere while the girls got their faces painted. Adeline requested a butterfly and Emmie asked for a flower. We then continued  strolling through park when their faces were finished. We ran into Uschi and her husband while we were strolling around. All of us gathered around a table and enjoyed the later afternoon in the park. Unfortunately, it started to rain and then pour. Luckily, we were under a large umbrealla to keep us dry and we had an excellent wine vendor close to keep us happy. The rain was not lightening up, but the time was getting late, so we just took a run for the car, 5 plus blocks away with our umbrellas and rainjackets.  Monday morning would come about quickly and ALL of us girls will be attending school in the morning.

Wiesbaden Winefest

This weekend was a weekend of making new friends and meeting up with old friends. 

Friday evening, I enjoyed a women's social gathering at the church. The evenings theme was, "Finding the Hat for You." They had a lovely display of hats when you entered the church foyer, a local lady who makes hats speak about the history of hats and demonstrate how to make a felt hat, a delicious spread of cold salads for dinner, and another speaker who talked about selecting the most appropriate hat as a Christian. Before the evening ended, I met a few ladies who live close to us and also have children in the German school system.

Saturday morning, Adeline participated in the Hofheim kids basketball program. It is a new program that just started and I recognized numerous children from Adeline's class attending it, too. They did not play with any basketballs this week, but the movement and exercise had Adeline sweating when the program was over. Adeline liked racing around the cones with the handball the best.

Not a cloud in the sky over Wiesbaden's Church

Saturday afternoon the temperature rose to 90 degrees as we met the Kuchera family in downtown Wiesbaden for the Winefest. Even though the sun and heat were intense, we found a cool spot under an umbrella for our families to sit and enjoy wine from the Rheingau. 

With over 100 local winestands to choose from, Josh and Eric picked out some tasty Reislings for us to enjoy. The children enjoyed the grape juice and festival food. The evening brought a large crowd, but the children were tired, so it was a good time to make our exit with the strollers.

Sunday after church, we joined everyone from church at the local park for an afternoon picnic. The sunny weather was ideal for the many families to be out and about. This gave Eric the opportunity to meet some of the spouses as I have been meeting the ladies through the various church events I have been participating in. It also allowed us to taste some good food, as some families also shared their salads with us. The children had fun playing soccer and with the toys everyone brought.

1st week complete and many more to go

Adeline and Emmie have completed their first week of German school with smiles and excitement. Each day has brought about a new learning experience and more comfort of being in the classroom. In addition, the girls are also reciting a new German word everyday they have picked up from the classroom environment.  Adeline's word is "fertig"(complete) and Emmie's word is "oopsala"(oops).

The girls were very happy when it was a sunny Wednesday morning, as Emmie could ride her bike and Adeline her scooter to school.

In kindergarten, Emmie has gone from playing puzzles independently to making friends with the older girls and playing dolls with them, and sharing shovels in the large sandbox.  She has brought home shoes full of sand everyday. Wednesday mornings they have a group breakfast where all the children sit together and eat the same thing. This week was pancakes with jelly. Emmie enjoyed it so much that on Thursday, she walked around the tables looking to see if there was anymore of it for snacktime. On Friday, the class took a fieldtrip to the garden center. Emmie explained to me it was to far to walk, so they all got on the city bus and went to buy flowers for the classroom.

Everyday there has been something new for Adeline in her classroom. She is still learning the children's names, but a few of the children who speak English come and say hello to her in the morning when I drop her off at school. She received her reading and math books on Wednesday and has had a coloring or drawing sheet of homework everyday. Adeline draws a house on the top of the worksheet if she needs to complete it a home, this way I know too what needs to be done. The school teachers have also paired her up with an 8 year old girl who speaks very good English to help ease the transition too. She now plays with her and her friends at recess.

Friday we received the upcoming week's schedule from the teacher. I now understand why Adeline was given so many hourly charts for her school week to be filled out when we were gathering school supplies. Adeline's class schedule varies from day to day. It just depends on the day and what classes are being taught. Some days she has a short day of only 4 classes, so she can sleep in and gets out earlier, whereas other days she will go in earlier and stay later if is a day with 5 or 6 classes.

Our family calendar is already filling up with class social gatherings, meetings, and school events. This school year will be a time of learning for me too as I get acquainted with the school times, learning objectives, and activities. I have been meeting a few of Adeline's classmates mother's every morning as they have been very kind in offering playtime for the children outside of school and assistance to me as we are starting the school year. We are looking forward to the new experiences and learning opportunities the school year will bring for all of us.

1st Klasse

Tuesday was Adeline's first day of school. Another day of drizzle and cool weather, so the girls had their rain gear along with their backpacks, while Eric and I carried the cameras and Adeline's schultüte as we set out for school. We dropped Emmie off at kindergarten with no issues. We then went to Adeline's school which is directly behind Emmie's school. We were early for the ceremony, so we just waited, and then went to make sure the office had our correct phone numbers as we did not have these when we first registered Adeline. 

When the secretary pulled out her school file, a  conversation about her religious upbringing came about as the school also teaches religion class and they needed to understand what class she should attend. (There is no separation of church and state here.) Once we settled this and updated our phone numbers, the secretary then informed us, the first ceremony was at the church, not the school. She also informed us of the 2 churches that where having the ceremony and the evangelical church we would desire did not have very good parking, so it would be better to walk. We had 10 minutes to get to the church service which was about 10 minutes walking distance through the park. So off we set quickly to the church. 

As we are briskly walking through town, we hear the church bells ringing. We make it in time to the Johannesgemeinde Lutheran church to hear the church's kindergarten class sing their last song. After a few songs, the pastor then talked about how the children are like eagles leaving the nest and learning to fly and us parents are going to help them on their journey. The service also includes a nice prayer for the children, parents, and teacher. When the final song is over, the children are given eagle ornaments to remind them of this special day before they return to school. 

Eric and I notice as we are walking back to the school, we are the only ones walking. It is interesting though, as everyone else is almost parking back by our apartment, since there is no parking near the school. We arrive to the gymnasium and Adeline is escorted to the front bench marked 1A. This is her seat with her class for the ceremony that is going to be put on by the current students. 

We watch and listen to the various songs and skits put on by the classes. Then they call each child up in Adeline's class to come to the front and meet the teacher. Eric quickly goes over to instruct Adeline what to do and she nods. Her name is called so she proceeds to the front of the room, shakes Frau Kühner's hand, and stands in line with her backpack and fellow classmates. After they have called all 25 children up to the front, the kids get in a line and follow Frau Kühner out the gymnasium door and to their classroom which is in the school next door. (Here is where the tears start for me.) We are then invited to the school's foyer for coffee and cake. Eric is happy to pick out a slice of blackberry cake and I select a mandarin piece.

While Adeline is in class, Eric retrieves Emmie from kindergarten and I peek in on Adeline's class from the outside. I can see she is sitting at a desk and coloring with her new school supplies. A few other mothers also come over and introduce themselves to me and so kindly inform me that if I have any questions or would like to set up a playtime with their daughters, they would be happy to. 

Adeline's class is dismissed 45 minutes later, so we have Adeline show us her classroom and where she sits. She informed us how she first sat in a circle and then at her desk, but she had to move a few times. She also stated she knew how to do some things by watching the other students.

Upon returning home, Adeline is anxious to open her schultüte. She is delighted in the variety of treats, school supplies, and other items that are contained within. She then shows us the paper schultüte they started decorating in class.  Our celebration lunch menu of cheeseburgers and chips was selected by Adeline for this special day. She decorates her dessert cake with sprinkles and flowers for when Melanie and the girls come over to celebrate.

While we are relaxing in the afternoon, I receive a phone call from the school. It is from another teacher who speaks clearer English, asking if Adeline had a schultüte, as they did not see her carrying one. I informed her she did have one and she was thrilled that I did know about the tradition because their homework was to draw the items they received in it. Upon hanging up the phone, I inform Adeline about her first homework assignment. She sits down and starts drawing out her jewelry, bubbles, and candy. Her first assignment takes a few hours to complete as we have cake and visit with Melanie, Hanna, and Marie. By dinnertime it is complete and packed in her bag, ready for school tomorrow.

Steinberg Kindergarten

Monday morning was Emmie's first day of kindergarten. She was very excited to be going to school. We all walked her to class in the drizzling cool weather. Upon entering the school house, she was happy and ready to go into the class to play. I showed her and her teacher, Sabina, where her snacks where in her packback and then we all said our goodbyes. 

We returned two hours later to find her standing near her  coat and packback almost in tears. The adults did not realize she was out of the classroom. After asking her what was wrong, we found out a little boy went on a play toy, walked past her, and then spit on her. Eric immediately started conversation with Sabina about what had occurred and then had Emmie point to the child. The teacher  quickly responded and the little boy came and apologized to Emmie. 

Sabina said Emmie was independent and played quietly. When we were walking back home, Emmie informed us she played with puzzles and another girl did not want to share a babydoll with her. She also said how she ate her morning snack of blueberries all up, but only had 2 pretzel sticks. When we questioned her if she wanted to return to school, Emmie said yes, so it must have been a good morning for her.

Upon returning home, Emmie opened her schultüte to discover the little treats and fun goodies which had been stuffed inside of it. We then celebrated with a lunch menu specifically choosen by Emmie: hotdogs and french fries. In the afternoon, Brigitte and Atisha came over to celebrate the first day of school by having rootbeer floats with us. This was the first time they had these and they enjoyed them as much as the girls did.

In the early evening, we went to the Rhein Main Therme. Click for Rhein Main Therme pictures The  indoor pool, spa, and fitness center was a perfect activity for the cool rainy day. Emmie enjoyed the children's pool, while Adeline had a blast going on the water slides.

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.

Saddle Ridge Ranch

Monday morning, we arrived safely at Saddle Ridge Ranch. The church was transformed into a cowboy ranch for Kids Kamp. We all received sheriff badge nametags when we checked in. Adeline joined the Posse group which consisted of grades kindergarten thru second. There were about 12 kids in her group. 

For the first day of camp, it was just Emmie and Titus, the Pastor's youngest son, in the toddler camp.

This morning and every morning started with songs, prayer, and a little video they watched about 4 kids at a western ranch. Emmie enjoyed watching the video with all of the running horses. Adeline made a craft and had trail mix of Honeycomb, Chex, and Cheerios cereals with apples and m&ms for her snack. Her group then went to the bunkhouse (another themed room)  for their bible story and small group activities. Camp day concluded by gathering again in the church and ending with songs, reviewing James 1:5, and a skit from the high school girls discussing the lesson of the day. They each got a cowboy hat at the end of  Monday's session.

On Tuesday, the girls awoke and quickly got ready as they were excited again about returning to the ranch.We had a detour to the doctor's office as Emmie needed documentation she was ready for kindergarten next week. We met the very nice local doctor and after a few measurements (96 cm ~37 inches/ 14.4 kg~31.5 lbs), check-up, and 25 minutes later we were on our way to camp. We made it in time for the last opening song and then the girls went to their respective groups.  Adeline informed me the bible study is told by one leader in English and the other leader in German, so she is hearing more German dialogue. She also played ranch games of knocking down the empty cans, horseshoes, and ring toss. The girls both enjoyed the haystack snack which was a butterscotch rice krispie treat. 

Third day of camp and the girls are starting to sing the songs they are learning. Adeline completes her picture frame craft. Adeline was happy I could watch her play the games again today as she knocked down 4 of the 6 cans. Snack today was belt buckles (aka sugar cookies) and the kids would have each eaten a half dozen if we let them. Emmie did the picture frame craft today. The girls received a bandana at the end of today's session.

Thursday is the last day of camp and the girls are a little tired so I plan breakfast in the car for them. This works out as we hit a traffic jam due to construction on the way to church. The energy is low in the morning gathering but throughout the day, the happiness and energy level is back to normal. The kids complete their last craft of a cowboy boot. Adeline had fun making her bunkroll snack. It is a ham slice covered with cream cheese and then rolled around a pretzel. Emmie had a tent and her camping gear in class today. Titus and her had a fun camping and safari adventure today. To end the camp, the kids watch the final episode of the kids they have been following all week do their horse stunts and then rehearse the song they will sing on Sunday in church. 

As for me, I plugged in at camp where ever help was needed. Monday, I played with Emmie and Titus. On Tuesday, I helped in the kitchen and learned that the snacks chosen throughout the week were chose with great consideration since many German kids may or may not eat the finger foods such as trail mix and rice krispies since they are not familiar with these snacks. Wednesday, I was the snack lady and was very popular since it was cookie day! I also had to wash many tupperware cups though as in Germany, we do not use disposal items if there is enough normal dishes to use. Thursday, I watched over the toddler room as this time there were a handful of little ones from age 2-4. 

Saddle Ranch Ridge was fun for everyone this week. It helped us  get more familiar with the church and its surrounding area and get acquainted with some of the  church members  The half days of activity were wonderful for the girls as it allowed them to socialize with other children and be busy. It also helped me to get them on a schedule for school as it starts next week.