Snow's Almost Gone

The temperature is raising and today it rained. Winter is far from over, and we wait patiently for the next storm. We have played outside in the snow almost everyday. All bundled up. On Friday we made a slide on the back stairs by shoveling all the snow onto them. We have little cheep sleds that you sit on and they can really get some speed.  

I couldn't resist sharing this picture of Toben in front of the house. The picture was taken before Christmas when it snowed one of the first times.

Quality Backpack

I'm not much of a feel sorry for you kind of person, or a have to fit into what everyone else is doing. BUT, there are always exceptions. Here we stick out like a sore thumb. Without any effort. So call it caving.... Naomi and Eyan wanted a Backpack like the kids at school. That's understandable isn't it. It's a small thing that we can do to make this an easier transition for them. A quality German Backpack, is that all they need!?!

Not your average Backpack that's for sure, it makes Jan Sports look like a joke. The hard shell is designed for easy carrying, and padded back plate for extra comfort. Notice the bright orange color and the reflective strip on the side, easy to spot markings for the dark morning walk to school. For an additional cost you can also get a Mepteon to hold all of your pencils and markers AND a sports bag for gym days. These are only a few of the accessories, the possibilities seem endless.

If I were to say that it comes at a cost that would be an understatement! Let's just say on the night that these children are moving out they will proudly have in hand a quality German Backpack. And they someday will hand down this amazingly durable Backpack that they got in Germany when they were young.

More Snow

Yet another winter storm! Friday night it started snowing and by morning we had around 6 inches. Saturday night it snowed again, maybe 2 inches. And today is Wednesday at it is still coming down. It's very pretty and very cold. There is a slight wind, and the snow is powdery not very good for snowmen. But, that doesn't stop us from going out. 20 layers later and we are out the door. Naomi and Eyan can stay out the longest, they come back in with pink cheeks and frozen fingers. Silus comes in when his cheeks are cold and little Toben only can make in for about 45 minutes. (I think that's how long it takes to dress him in all the winter garb) On Sunday we took a sled and walked on a forest path. It was so beautiful to see everything covered in a white blanket of snow.

Pyssla

Naomi and Eyan have both been making all kinds of stuff lately. Here is one of the many crafts they have been working on. The tub is filled with bright colored plastic beads and they are carefully placed on a hard plastic shape. Next the beads are ironed under wax paper. After it cools you have a melted shape and a pretty little thing. I don't really know what we'll do with all of these beautiful creations, but I'm sure we'll think of something. I can't think of what these little things are called. Can you?

New Year's Goal

As a family we talked about goals that we would like to accomplish in the New Year, and I thought we'd share.

Martin: Become Staff Sergent, Prep for WO1 Packet, Be a better Hubby and Father

Sarah: Read Bible everyday, Keep up this blog, Do a craft with the kids every week and cook with them on a regular basis, learn German

Naomi: Be fluent in German, Be nicer to brothers, Read more German books

Eyan: Make something using every Lego piece

Silus: Not take apart toys

Toben: Stop drinking out of bottle

Massive Eruption

The boys have recently been very interested in Volcanoes, so we decided to make one. It only took a few minutes, but they are still talking about it. We went into the corner of our back lot and made a small mountain with a glass bottle in the center. I know the Baking Soda Vinegar trick, but googled it to see if we might get a bigger explosion. With warm water and dish soap the reaction almost doubles and the boys were so impressed. We also added red food and a whole bottle of Vinegar. The next time I go to the Commissary I will pick up a couple of bottles, we'll see just how big of an eruption we can get.

Christmas Came and Went

Christmas morning was filled with ooohhhhs and aaahhhhs and 4 very happy children. They have been very content to stay home and play with new toys and each other. It's going to be really hard to go back to our routine.