Becky and Emerson met in California when they were five years old. Becky moved to Germany about three years ago so they hadn’t seen each other. They must be real good friends because they didn’t skip a beat. They acted as if they had seen each other recently. Same with her mom, Claudia, and me. So wonderful to spend time with a good buddy.

Maddux has been wanting to go on a boat ride so badly but the weather everyplace we go has been crap. We will be patient so that when we do get on a boat- it will be glorious!

No matter where we go in the world, if there is any type of animal nearby- we will find it and stare at it for an incredibly long time. The kids loved watching these fish eat – you can see their mouths poking out of the water. Becky showed the kids that you can touch the fish, so they had lots of fun doing that. The ducks tried to snag some food but were quickly chased away.

An old jailhouse in Barmstedt was converted into a restaurant.

Jesse drives, Emerson navigates. It works out better this way!

We have been having a blast with our good friends who moved here from California. Even though it has been rainy and cold- it hasn’t slowed us down! We have walked all around the city, took a train to Hamburg, went to a farmers’ market and paddle boated around their beautiful lake. The kids, Jesse and I went to Claudia’s school and spent time seeing the school where she works. Emerson also got to spend a day at school with Becky. How fun! In their English class- they discussed bad words. All the kids were very attentive for that lesson!
Being here has been like staying at a spa. They have a sauna and a hot tub. Claudia makes killer food- so we are eating well! I think Emerson would like to stay here indefinitely!