School Begins Again!

Today was the first day of school!  The boys were excited to see all of their friends and meet their new teachers.  The class lists were just published yesterday and everyone is pleased.  Alex and Liam both have male teachers which is new and exciting for them.  Carter is in class with lots of friends and a great teacher.

Ready for the 1st day!  Liam in 1st grade.  Alex and Carter in 3rd grade.

Waiting at our bus stop.

Our little town is completely under construction with three different sections of one lane traffic.  With all of this back-up and congestion we decided to get on the bus 30 minutes earlier than normal.  The bus gets delayed and we didn't want to be late on the first day of school.

On the bus...thinking about the day ahead.

It was a quiet ride in compared to how busy it usually is on the bus.  We got to Kaiserswerth 30 minutes early and ate our picnic breakfast.  So as to not have to get up too early, we didn't take the time to eat at home .  It was going to be a long day as it is! 
From there we caught the train two stops to school.  We still ended up early, but didn't have to wait too long.





Everyone gathered on the playground until the bell rang.  It was fun to see everyone after the summer.  Then, the kids each found their teacher who led them into their room.  Here they are waiting in their classes to enter the school.  They gave me a kiss and hug and were on their way to the new year!

Alex's teacher and class

Carter's teacher and class

Liam with his teacher and class

Summer Holiday

We had a busy summer holiday.  The Weeldreyers came over to tour Europe with us in June.  What an experience and lots of memories for everyone!  The boys and I flew back to the States with them in July.  We enjoyed spending lots of time with family and friends.  Liam spent the first day back in Michigan walking around our house saying, "Home Sweet Home."  It was cute - a glimpse into his mind. 

August came quickly and it was time to return to Germany.  I was on my own with the four boys coming back to Germany.  I got many looks and comments of me traveling alone with the boys.  But, the trip was great.  Uneventful and the boys did really well...cooperating and helping me along the way.  They are growing up!  All four of them even slept on the plane.  Kaleb fell asleep on take off and I woke him when I picked him up to get off the plane in Dusseldorf.  Can't complain:)  We were happy to see Greg waiting for us here in Dusseldorf.  It had been five weeks since seeing him so it was good to be back.

After adjusting to the time change and jet lag, which is always a bit rough for a few days, we had 10 days before the new school year started.  We did lots of bike riding, playing at parks, building with Legos, playing Ticket to Ride, Euchre, other games and Wii.  We had beautiful sunny weather which was a pleasant surprise from the normally rainy weather or drought conditions back in Michigan!

One of the many biking paths we enjoy.

Another path - boys biking, daddy running.

Tractor Show in Angermund...felt like home!

Carter and Alex watching the parade.

There was a camper towed by a tractor...that was a new one!:)

Observing a wild boar at a local Wild Park - beautiful trails and some animals.

The deer were free to roam and come right up close.  The boys were impressed, and a little on edge:)

Kaleb loved all the creatures!