Perfect Fall Day

Today was the perfect fall day.  The temperature was perfect, the sky was perfectly blue and the trees were at the peak of their color.  Even the kids were in a happy mood!

The morning started with Aaron looking out the living room window to find a doe and three fawns grazing in our backyard.  They have been visiting us throughout the year, usually munching on anything they could find in the garden.  One of the fawns was sporting two little bumps on his head where his antlers will be next year.  Aaron was very excited to see the deer up close!

By mid-morning, Aaron was being a typical little boy.  Making car noises as he pushed his toy across the floor.

But it wasn't all play today.  Like dad always told us...if you're old enough to eat, then you're old enough to work!

Germany

Last week I took a business trip to Germany.  The area where I stayed was very peaceful and rural.  It would be very relaxing if it were a vacation instead of a business trip!  The guest house where I stayed was the former family mansion of the Wolff family.

Foyer at the Wolff house

Pasture right outside the Wolff house

The only time that I had for pleasure was the Sunday that I arrived.  I spent the day in Bremen, Germany walking around the city.  The city is situated along a river with a very nice boardwalk.  The old part of town has some very narrow walking streets, along with a large town square.  Featured in the town square is St. Petri, a cathedral with two large bell towers.  

For 1 Euro, I got the privilege of hiking 12 stories up a narrow spiral staircase to the top.  From the top I got a good view of the city, including this shot of some arches that were rebuilt after extensive bombing in WWII.

There was a lot of history there that I wish I had known before I visited.  Another reason to go back, I suppose!

Full of Surprises

The great thing about raising kids is that you never know what they are going to do next.  Suddenly the room goes quiet, and the hair on the back of your neck stands on end.  They must be up to something!  When you enter the room you find one of two things - either they are doing something they shouldn't be and things are about to get ugly, or they are doing something completely hilarious and you can't help but laugh.

For example, we found this scene one afternoon as Maribel was potty training.

Or, you may find that they have both climbed into the laundry basket and are eagerly awaiting a trip around the house.

Finally, while it doesn't fit with the theme...guess which one of these people never sleeps.