Visiting Berlin

This past summer Jason, Lucas and I were able to take a trip to Berlin and some other small nearby towns.  Berlin was an amazing city and we had a fabulous time.  Jason had to work while we were there but Lucas and I had fun spending some time exploring on our own on the days that Jason couldn't join us. 


Berlin has two very different sides. The historic part of the city that everyone pictures when they think of the war and its destruction and all of its museums and churches.  The buildings that are left (which isn't many) are riddled with machine gun bullet holes and so much war damage.  Seeing the wall and the many memorials is very sobering.  Berliners are very careful to not forget what atrocities happened in WWII and how far they have come since the end of the Cold War.  There is also a whole other post-war side that is a funky, modern city full of little communities all different in their own right.


The thing I love about Europe whenever I visit is that all the countries feel "European" but they are all so very unique at the same time and Berlin didn't disappoint.  Lucas and I felt very safe even when we were off the beaten path and in some slightly sketchy areas.  The hardest part was not knowing very much of the German language.  Berliners were very friendly for the most part, exceptionally so in the small towns we visited.

I feel like there is so much more to experience in Germany, I would love to go back and see other areas like Bavaria.  It would also be amazing for Lucas and Jason to visit where Jason's family is from in Cologne, there are still relatives living here that we have never met. 

Maybe one day.  So many places, so little time!



Halloween

Sophie wanted to be Emma Wiggle for Halloween again this year.  It didn't matter what we suggested she made it quite clear that Emma was the choice.  So, Emma it was!  Sophie's grade is part of the parade at school as well.  Here she is with her nurse and EA.

Lucas was Smurfette.  What can I say, I have a daring boy with a good sense of self and humour!

Zoe was Rapunzel and she came trick or treating with us for the first time.

Lucas went with all his buddies again this year and a couple of the moms tagged along with them, they became the candy haulers as it is all about the quantity for these boys.

Sophie went with all her school friends for the third year, these girls love Sophie to pieces and Sophie was so excited to be out with them all for trick or treating.  They are always sure to bring Sophie some candy from each house.  She can't eat any of it so I get a few snacks ;)  Zoe had a blast with the older girls and they made her feel so welcome.

The best part is it only rained a tiny bit and it was much warmer than last year.  Hurray!

Thanksgiving Smiles and Sunshine

Back it up to October again.

Thanksgiving was a little later this year on the weekend of October 12th, so many leaves were down but it was a beautiful day, if not a bit chilly.

We headed out to my mom's for dinner a little early and took a detour to the park we go to each year for Thanksgiving photos.  This year it was just the four of us but I got some great photos.  We rode the little train and the carousel and just had a nice walk while Lucas scootered along up and down the hills.

We have so much to be thankful for. Sophie and Lucas have both been very healthy this fall.  When days are hard or especially tiring I remind myself of that.

Lucas wanted to ride both the carousel and the train and Sophie was quite happy to do the same.  We had the carousel all to our selves.  The train was busy and we had to brake for some Canadian Geese which added some excitement for the kids.

The holiday weekend was over in the blink of an eye as always.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!