Friday, May 19, 2017

Europa Park

So I promised the boys I would take them to Europa Park before we left Germany.  It is only open at certain times during the winter so Christmas break was the time!


We headed down on December 19th.  The boys were ready to go!!  Look at those smiles!


I do enjoy going around Christmas time because of all the decorations!


The boys on the dinosaur ride.  One nice thing going during the week there aren't as many lines.


Coming at you!!


The boys took over the camera - I love when they do that!!!


And the camera switched hands - my other handsome boy!!



Heading into Russia - they have some good rides over there!


We decided it was time for some lunch.  We had worked up a pretty big appetite!!


What was cool about this restaurant is that they all come on a roller coaster for food.


Then you slide it to your spot and enjoy.


They send drinks and everything on these.  There are also a few places where they go upside down.  The boys and I really enjoyed ourselves, not just the food, but also watching them get delivered!


It was a little cold, so we stopped by a fire to warm up a bit.  AJ also was being so helpful by carrying the backpack since David wasn't there with us.


This is one of the largest wooden roller coasters and it was a fun ride!!!! 


Since it was winter time, they had a little snow hill to do some tubing.  Michael heading down the slope!


AJ's turn, look at that smile!!! 


The boys decided they wanted to race and it was a close one!


A little parade going through the park.


My fierce warriors!!!! 


It was getting dark - which is very early here - and looking beautiful!


The boys getting their treats and look at that cotton candy - it is almost as big as Michael!!!  Crazy!!


This blue roller coaster was awesome!!  It actually takes your pulse - pretty fun too!


On the way out we stopped into a couple of fairy tale cabins.  Unfortunately they were all in German, but we understood the jist.


It was a great day and we had a lot of fun!!!  We were all pretty exhausted at the end, but well worth it!!!!

Crossover to Boy Scouts

On December 18th, we headed to the scout hut for AJ's crossover ceremony.  He worked very hard with the new scout troop to get his arrow of light and be ready to crossover to Boy Scouts.


The boys hanging out before the meeting.


Michael decided to have a seat.  It doesn't look very comfortable to me.


AJ earned some awards and badges to finish up his arrow of light.


The boys getting their arrow of light - the last rank in cub scouts. 


We are so proud of him for sticking with it and continuing on with scouts and achieving this milestone. 


The next step was the ceremony for the crossover.  Dan did a great job with the ceremony.  All the boys signed the handkerchief.


AJ then lit the candles. 


Next he set the handkerchief on fire after putting it in special "water."


It did not burn - I think the boys were pretty impressed, if not I was.


AJ crossing from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.


He was a little too tall for Cai, but they were able to get his new handkerchief on.


The newest boy scouts in Troop 164!!!  So proud of AJ and all he accomplished!!!!  Now on to Boy Scouts!

Cookie making time!!

One of our traditions every Christmas is to make sugar cookies!!  I am not sure if the boys like making them, licking the frosting, or eating the cookies. 


The start of the process cutting the dough out into the shapes on December 11th.


They are getting so good at it - using all the space!


The next day after they have cooled, it is frosting time!!!


They stuck with me a much longer time this year - we made a lot of cookies.


Thankfully when the boys give out, David comes to my rescue and helps me finish the rest of the cookies.


The finished product and oh they tasted as good as they look!  They are ready for the teachers and us!

Winter concert

This was my first year that I didn't have to go to both days for the winter concert!!!  It was great!  It was on December 7th.


The student council was selling snacks at the concert.  Michael loves to help and he really wanted to put the whipped cream on the hot chocolate, so that was his job.


AJ ready for the concert - doesn't he look handsome?!?


Michael ready for the concert as well with a friend photo bomber, looking very handsome as well.


AJ doing a great job singing with the fifth grade!


The whole fifth grade singing.  They did a great job?


Michael's turn to see - I love his smile and he always has his hands in his pockets. 


The third grade is a little smaller - but they sang their hearts out!!!


Don't they look so handsome?  I LOVE their Santa hats!!!


AJ's turn to sing again - this is a fun song and they think they look really cool!


Michael up again to sing for the finale!


The whole school sang the last song together.  It was a great last winter concert at KES!!