Hey There!
Sorry for taking so long to check back in. I sat here a couple times working on a post and had some major computer issues! First I thought it was typepad, then I thought my computer was biting the dust. Turns out we had our internet plugs and stuff connected wrong and needed some filters on the phones and satelitte receiver. Now I actually have "high speed internet"! What a relief. Anyway, on to some updating.
First of all, our power came back within a week after Ike struck. We lost all our food in the fridge and freezer, but that was really the worst of it. We were so lucky, as I said before. And after a couple weeks delay, our shipment from Germany arrived safe and sound. We had damage to a few things...I think the sea was quite rocking with all the tropical storms. The items that were damaged are easily replaced, so no biggie. I have alot of work ahead of me now. We have way too much stuff! Truth be told, I have way too much fabric! But I'll be working to remedy that soon. More on that later.
Next up, we celebrated Lucas' 5th birthday! Can't believe my baby is five! He said he has been waiting his whole life to turn 5! He is so fun and funny! He melts my heart, seriously. I know all you moms can relate! Something about kids...they snag at the most tender part of your heart. He is a picture of my little guy on his birthday, enjoying a thick vanilla milk shake from one of our favorite places to eat out with the kids...Johnny Rockets!
And here is a picture of the strawberry version.
After 2 years, I am catching up on printing out photographs and getting them into albums. The kids have joined in on the fun and started scrapbooks of their own. Next post, I'll try to share a few of their pages...they are so cute.
I wanted also to share some pictures of our final days in Germany/Europe.
Here are a few pictures of our house in Germany. I never shared pictures, mainly because my house is always a mess! Seriously, I don't get an A for house keeping. That is for sure. And I never "decorated" the house there since we were renting and really did not know exactly how long we'd be there, but for sure it was temporary. I regret it sort of, but not really.
The living room.
The dining area.
A view from the kitchen.
The kitchen.
Leah's Room.
Lucas' Room
The back yard.
I am looking forward to adding personal touches to our new place, though. I'll share some pics of the interior of the new place once I get unpacked and get a bit of decorating done. I'll be making new curtains and lots of accessories over the next few months!
Next, here are some pictures from our visit to Disney Paris in August Disney Paris celebrates its 15th year this year! It was great to see it and the kids had a blast, of course. We have been to Disney in Florida a few times. I have to say, it is way better in our opinion. The Paris one is much smaller and just does not offer as many attractions. But it was still a total blast and still plenty for our 2 days there.
The main castle lit up at night, taken during the closing parade.
The Castle in Daylight.
The High School Musical Show was so fun to watch!
Lucas had a great view!
They do such a great job with the presentation of the place. The floral arrangements were just lovely!
We spent one day in Lille, France---we stopped there on our way to Disney Paris. I had always wanted to visit Lille, and am so glad we made time to stop here. I'd love to go back for a longer visit some day. Here are a few of my favorite images from the trip.
We enjoyed an incredible breakfast at this place Paul's. It seems to be a chain, as we saw it also in Reims, France. It was such a charming place...typical French Brassierie.
Lucas loved the pastry display in the window!
They host a book market in this place on the weekends. We caught the tail end of it. The building is spectacular.
The kids enjoyed dancing in the center of this outdoor courtyard.
And last up, some pictures in Reims, France---We stopped here on the way back from Paris to Duesseldorf.
Leah is into carrying around sketch pads with her and drawing everything she sees. She made some lovely sketches of the cathedral from the outside and the inside. So cute!
Inside the church was spectacular. I had an awful time taking pics inside. I really needed a tripod! I need to get a portable one to take along with us.
And then I'll leave you with a few pictures of the kids, hanging out in our garden here at the new house. I think that was the one thing I did not like about our place in Germany. The yard was so small! And with the weather, we were indoors alot! It feels so great to be outside for hours everyday. And it is nice to be able to send the kids in the garden, and they can hang out there for hours and just have a great time. The gorgeous garden is definitely what sold us on the house. The kids and I saw this place the first time without hubby---he was at the new job, meeting folks and such. Our realtor almost did not show us the house. But after hearing my comments on the previous houses, she figured this was more our style. And she was right. INSTANT LOVE! The kids ran straight to the garden, which was a great sign! And the air, light, space in the interior was just right. I felt instantly at home.
Leah hanging out in the pool.
Lucas in front of the pool. 
Lucas and the banana tree.
Lucas loves the swing set. After school, he usually rushes out there and swings to his heart's content, while singing his favorite songs. So cute!
The weather has been so great. Hot yes, but we are enjoying the heat and sun so much. Okay, back to unpacking. I'll be back soon with a business update. So much to share. I am so happy to be back in the US and able to make the calls and connections I need to move the business forward! I am looking forward to sharing some of my progress and plans with you all soon.
Hope you all are well and enjoyed your summers tremendously.
Stay Happy! Sheree
