Germany :: Day 03

The first photo is me standing outside of the house I lived in during my year abroad. Felt so great to be back. On Saturday, we drove to Sierksdorf / Neustadt to meet up with one of my host-father’s friends who graciously invited us for a trip around the harbor on his gorgeous boat since my host-parents boat is not in the water yet for the season. It was another beautiful day, and the ride was absolutely lovely. I even got to drive the boat for a bit! After, we went to Claudia, their cousins house, which is also close by. She and her husband own Hansa-Park, an amusement park. The season doesn’t start for a couple of weeks but I was given a really fascinating behind-the-scenes tour. How cool is that?

Germany :: Day 02

After a long, good night's sleep at Stephan + Gudrun's, it was time for time for me to transfer over to my Mami + Papi's house. Last time we visited, they were in a different house and Stephan lived in the house they were in when I lived there. Now, Stephan has built a new house, and they are back in the house I lived in. It felt like home. Even though they did renovate my bedroom into a bathroom, in what seemed at the time like immediately after I left in 1988. Ha! Papi and I had a leisurely afternoon at home, then it was time to head into Hamburg. They had a retirement party to go to, so I had a few hours to wander around one of my all-time favorite cities with their driver. When I lived there, I spent so much time in Hamburg, usually with friends or meeting up with other exchange students. We walked around the harbor, city hall and along the Alster. I love this city so much. And what a gorgeous day to get to revisit it again. 

Germany :: Day 01

I just got back from a whirlwind, amazing few days in Germany! What? I know, right? Here's how that happened. Less than a month ago, I was texting my host-mother from Germany, to wish her a happy birthday. Before you know it, she was inviting me and Brian to come over to surprise my host-father for his 80th birthday. I honestly didn't know how to reply. Of course that sounded incredible. But also a little crazy, considering the big day was less than three weeks away. I said Brian unfortunately was going to be traveling, but that I was available. Before I knew it, I was on the phone with cousin Claudia, and plans were in place. Only a couple people knew I was coming. My host-mom, who had the grand plan, Claudia, who speaks perfect English and really helped me out as a liaison. Later, Gudrun, my host-brother's wife, found out, since I would be staying at their house the first night. Stephan, my host-brother, was worried about keeping the secret, so he found out two days before, since he was the one who picked up up at the airport. So funny. We spent the morning and Stephan and Gudrun's house. My host-mom stopped by for a little bit to say hello, then she was off to get ready for the big party at Restaurant Hof Immenhorst. I was able to relax a little that afternoon, then Claudia and her husband picked Gudrun and I so we could head over to the party. I don't think anyone expected it. It was amazing. I love how happy we all look too. Me for sure. It was the first time in 15 years that I've visited my host-family. Way too long. My German was definitely rusty, but better than I thought I would be. Let's just say, I understood most, and could get by. It was a beautiful party, and a fantastic night. These people mean the world to me, and I hope it meant even half as much to the birthday boy as it did to me. 

Moments 03 25 :: Week 04

Sleepy head. This her favorite spot to sleep upstairs. So sweet.

Another sleepy head. And to think, we thought this was going to be our smaller dog. 

Brian and I had a lunch date and went to the Milwaukee Art Museum over the weekend. Here are some the pieces that inspired me on this visit. Love how it always changes.

Staring out at Lake Michigan. The Milwaukee Art Museum is just so stunning.

On our way back, we stopped to check out the abandoned boat. Poor boat.

Every night while we eat dinner. 

Moments 03 25 :: Week 03

It was the last week of the CrossFit Open. Evening wear and a guacamole contest. Don't most of us look like a train wreck? So funny. I'm happy to report, however, that my guacamole won! In my 10 years of doing CrossFit, this was probably the most fun I've ever had doing the Open. 

Meanwhile, Cole arrived home, to Naperville, after a wonderful time in Rome. He was visiting Zoe, who is studying abroad this semester. They had such a great time. I cannot wait to see all the photos and hear all about it.

And then Hudson sent this incredible photo from the Longhorn Steakhouse in Orlando. He finished his first week of training for the new airplane he'll be flying. These are his classmates. I love it. This week was SIM training, and he only worked with the guy on the right. Needless to say, I think he's ready to be done. Can you imagine hanging out in a hotel doing intensive training for 2.5 weeks? Yikes. It's almost over though, and he's crushing it. 

On Saturday, Brian and I went out to Avil to celebrate his birthday. It was fun to have a little date night. 

His actual birthday (54) was on Monday. We had our standard Irish fare. He's had it every year of his life but one when he was in Taipei,

I also made a Chocolate Olive Oil cake. It took a few days, but yes, we did polish this whole thing off. 

Van is such a goof! Why is he so cute? Little Gretel got scared of some thunder so had to get some super snuggles. Van wasn't sure what was going on or what to do. 

Took a walk to the lake on the first day of Spring. The water is getting higher, so my little path along the beach is going to go away soon. 

Love Lake Michigan rocks.

Me and my little buddy. Brian was in Iowa for work. Gretel was chilling at home.