tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-722621435382208452024-03-13T12:46:51.933-05:00Three Redheads and Counting . . .Wright Family AdventuresHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-84109294894199557082017-03-13T08:46:00.004-05:002017-03-13T08:46:59.388-05:00Sewing up a Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love to sew. I love making clothes and quilting. I love putting colors together in beautiful ways. We've been doing a lot of sewing over the couple of months. Hyrum, Hannah, Jonathan, Charlotte and I have all picked up our needles and thread or used the machine to create some "masterpieces".<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9L64R6DpgIVLVlUgwhbFFBVqA1mgmckYMr-Gf-1BdxVteddjpmoVsNWNKNQGrsSMI7LBI2nc64cL7xFkz9pe2SkSCqf_5GWqN9DAA-I3DeY184sIBQepZaB6ZdgHrpkiNsNkWdlZwvibhu42XqPn0344xnlmacFXvD5rkB1e4UjDqfvVqtE__oTNGXSj7KCZT4zA6-3lEtGZs6f1WieJnVEeoHXYYCYgGVQfwVhryEKSUUi1truk5yI1-sPMZKpwFI1qN6bVb2WdWVqLW1oRADaQ4NPyi2JvmyNHPOoORPPwKZMF_qa_fbtcsuqVl9mWj-pb08oVqJNtdflDMdmLNVB0RVjFwklh2pbQTtVaYeLZAN-vrUZRI27fXE-tgxaB91nI5wPBSM0rCCFOeuBeF1Wpj1JAXW31qj1I5sF62UpwAozcSBXejg1sL7gJ4uiCbg167adaqiyGh1UbRh5VVDwWhW73gGKv6aXMtnHLPDVDjDxKNy74orxKU52u_3Tc3fhHp499Xwq3B_qKVDkdJzF1PYS_ShiMPLtilQxReH9LmOTkzlDSzMQJSWq3xMBporaP5CMSTIhrSBXTxs0jf89TrTwcpuUYaQMTXIotNKXmE4c5Sr9aUHb3HyhC3FmiNJRBOjKbacCiB4TNDwIzgFOsYG138Q_ZXwOXWw=w815-h611-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Jan 28, 2017, 10:42:06 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="299" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9L64R6DpgIVLVlUgwhbFFBVqA1mgmckYMr-Gf-1BdxVteddjpmoVsNWNKNQGrsSMI7LBI2nc64cL7xFkz9pe2SkSCqf_5GWqN9DAA-I3DeY184sIBQepZaB6ZdgHrpkiNsNkWdlZwvibhu42XqPn0344xnlmacFXvD5rkB1e4UjDqfvVqtE__oTNGXSj7KCZT4zA6-3lEtGZs6f1WieJnVEeoHXYYCYgGVQfwVhryEKSUUi1truk5yI1-sPMZKpwFI1qN6bVb2WdWVqLW1oRADaQ4NPyi2JvmyNHPOoORPPwKZMF_qa_fbtcsuqVl9mWj-pb08oVqJNtdflDMdmLNVB0RVjFwklh2pbQTtVaYeLZAN-vrUZRI27fXE-tgxaB91nI5wPBSM0rCCFOeuBeF1Wpj1JAXW31qj1I5sF62UpwAozcSBXejg1sL7gJ4uiCbg167adaqiyGh1UbRh5VVDwWhW73gGKv6aXMtnHLPDVDjDxKNy74orxKU52u_3Tc3fhHp499Xwq3B_qKVDkdJzF1PYS_ShiMPLtilQxReH9LmOTkzlDSzMQJSWq3xMBporaP5CMSTIhrSBXTxs0jf89TrTwcpuUYaQMTXIotNKXmE4c5Sr9aUHb3HyhC3FmiNJRBOjKbacCiB4TNDwIzgFOsYG138Q_ZXwOXWw=w815-h611-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hyrum worked on his yearly textile project. We filled three quilt blocks this year. That's a record so far-one I'm ok letting stand for a while. We only have one more row before we'll finish this quilt off. We thought this would last us twenty years, we're only in 11 1/2 so far.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1dY3wlFzHFkbuRATEYlpDHIW3jihG7nCIie0H2dVnjDdA7YjdJ7MDiMCb5zSf6P3gAYBPo_2zPp2kn9t5KopmpjnYtXqofqzGTKbYferKsBRjIznzAk7iLcDCN-zNvFJsfzEP6G1onwMzjsCmVbEbdiBVXo7JrGBODpNVWBbw1RCZYJciigdXuflBmebr3LZUT7eOlH43E6QEVckUmYa-7bb1AxgYuHInVIenpwBDOm9Cu7bPAOwv40zPhCUm4mZGjd-CFO50KK2bqR-WpuWI3nwEU3RL3Vp-tBHwrx21U6pTukr4OdnyUSUHakYSEmX9Mauhs3OaHBkumNYRy-1eSzqiwKXHkdXclZC84Y-u9QqyDg_YGAGFOxfIRwsQEbtBEsDIZWLqcZOZurzLV6AY9mY8z9QQDV_UolKKafhImkQThRaxX1vDAJ51s6adb9uU1-MuA-EiBmWbFlful3ZUNbNj15SpMFBqE3n6CZSO7DZDNh2JxMEaEhYtfbCVT0hApiqsw_y-OCKvfDFtvcRHHVQ_caV0IkK82KjsmZdGJJE7uheUHWs2ooG4cJIDC-eNMxKfNGr6D2NVhyy4P20jp5R5kHmRy16RxYAJvOcyI3N8b2IqVeWIpxhAPv0-eO9jtGAzrNk5lqRt5lpCPMdz1SHRoYwO9CPk2sE2Q=w1038-h361-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Jan 28, 2017, 10:08:10 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="111" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1dY3wlFzHFkbuRATEYlpDHIW3jihG7nCIie0H2dVnjDdA7YjdJ7MDiMCb5zSf6P3gAYBPo_2zPp2kn9t5KopmpjnYtXqofqzGTKbYferKsBRjIznzAk7iLcDCN-zNvFJsfzEP6G1onwMzjsCmVbEbdiBVXo7JrGBODpNVWBbw1RCZYJciigdXuflBmebr3LZUT7eOlH43E6QEVckUmYa-7bb1AxgYuHInVIenpwBDOm9Cu7bPAOwv40zPhCUm4mZGjd-CFO50KK2bqR-WpuWI3nwEU3RL3Vp-tBHwrx21U6pTukr4OdnyUSUHakYSEmX9Mauhs3OaHBkumNYRy-1eSzqiwKXHkdXclZC84Y-u9QqyDg_YGAGFOxfIRwsQEbtBEsDIZWLqcZOZurzLV6AY9mY8z9QQDV_UolKKafhImkQThRaxX1vDAJ51s6adb9uU1-MuA-EiBmWbFlful3ZUNbNj15SpMFBqE3n6CZSO7DZDNh2JxMEaEhYtfbCVT0hApiqsw_y-OCKvfDFtvcRHHVQ_caV0IkK82KjsmZdGJJE7uheUHWs2ooG4cJIDC-eNMxKfNGr6D2NVhyy4P20jp5R5kHmRy16RxYAJvOcyI3N8b2IqVeWIpxhAPv0-eO9jtGAzrNk5lqRt5lpCPMdz1SHRoYwO9CPk2sE2Q=w1038-h361-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e8Z-mA_uISF9shhr0dsHS2Zadu-5dUaz6zozDKZWLOdzIsUHCtVtyqFPbgjMQGcIO01HZbw1IUJ5XLoP-rhVr2j99f0YzF2r3OhIaLqvMO-7f3r7fICG0sSkkBz5hXBEPdmFXQH3JjjQr49tWLcyIemZUsjzsw5P3pvrpmhRyDkveleoeznG3RZH4RGwQ2NbY1Iz8RWWuhp1KbNqofDnHQHEuL8Yh5jrQpwkig72NbkHGf1W59ZDTua6L9XwLv3rqmD9oO7cCWvMAoyDinQmQA7nN_FWZo2BZmw0VFDfM310_63F9qr85-1hCXDl52_THRwQFJbaPvgkmsADYLHoexk34Zuk0AIoAKei9tdyD2OAKx9Qmp_GSaMLab0DwxcJZU2hpvUnCojvWG9QnfEi_5V7ITQkqPP1uiCSk3Tp0la-eCFVp5-QOKWanU_RwGLJJFSyYei7EsVctWilO-Jcp8xmlgRP6uIel0SIzOMJmgwe0O9yz3pUC6uZnnKFgX1TBXBeEQs0O3eKdW7TEGRf9to2DPObnz7vDnvkCJoiTHXPc8eROv8rNJjovnXJarWj-s8OtPQfDch9_ZqNg19sAWETLfFLH9aLOjJ-477lSO2c9A=w1113-h626-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e8Z-mA_uISF9shhr0dsHS2Zadu-5dUaz6zozDKZWLOdzIsUHCtVtyqFPbgjMQGcIO01HZbw1IUJ5XLoP-rhVr2j99f0YzF2r3OhIaLqvMO-7f3r7fICG0sSkkBz5hXBEPdmFXQH3JjjQr49tWLcyIemZUsjzsw5P3pvrpmhRyDkveleoeznG3RZH4RGwQ2NbY1Iz8RWWuhp1KbNqofDnHQHEuL8Yh5jrQpwkig72NbkHGf1W59ZDTua6L9XwLv3rqmD9oO7cCWvMAoyDinQmQA7nN_FWZo2BZmw0VFDfM310_63F9qr85-1hCXDl52_THRwQFJbaPvgkmsADYLHoexk34Zuk0AIoAKei9tdyD2OAKx9Qmp_GSaMLab0DwxcJZU2hpvUnCojvWG9QnfEi_5V7ITQkqPP1uiCSk3Tp0la-eCFVp5-QOKWanU_RwGLJJFSyYei7EsVctWilO-Jcp8xmlgRP6uIel0SIzOMJmgwe0O9yz3pUC6uZnnKFgX1TBXBeEQs0O3eKdW7TEGRf9to2DPObnz7vDnvkCJoiTHXPc8eROv8rNJjovnXJarWj-s8OtPQfDch9_ZqNg19sAWETLfFLH9aLOjJ-477lSO2c9A=w1113-h626-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a pretty typical January Saturday--chores and sewing.</td></tr>
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My mom and I have made the girls some clothes. My mom helped Hannah with this skirt and then made Charlotte one too with the extra material. I made Charlotte this cute dress. The girls love to sew especially when Grandma is involved.<br />
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Grandma also brought material and showed Charlotte how to hand sew little pillows. All of the kids have been at it, including Jonathan They love going through my scrap drawer looking for the "perfect" fabric. It started with pillows but now they have visions of purses and blankets. who knows what they will create!<br />
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Along with Charlotte's dress, I made myself a dress--one day I'll post
about that. It was an experience. I've also been working on a sampler
quilt and another one I've had in the works for a bit. I love the
colors and though its tedious, I enjoy the time to do something I love.
I put the quilts away for the kids to choose from when they get
married. I'm hoping to have two for each of them. <br />
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<img class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/V2IFAjJLEQop6ckJlzFYfTWjsT6SBMBfSVLRP4vYXO6G9diN1JQzeNY8R08x8o5pC4C9EK02elYV5AhJ9Y6BfSTOW9YGK5aZgBoIslI_a7PN_rqqFpWbuluOGZeMQ8an1lgLkhC8iQiwGX8aLVJu7aQlizlXH66b5kjthr_vMJmyWnGOZjMkbTs2Jk6YeahjLfF4gk4GrtxVj6Eaa26c2nKUr9yYhhH6XHWaF_mNEEFxUSxsDkUuUys08_r_zBYVrNaBmKCATylK5_Q0BznyR-Jd1EmHm4cOh-ws93tmb300oQrU59iUMFc4WIpDyszHc0lAHau7XOLV7o2c65m5ArThmKxgcYzoxN2Frt-TiIREwM-aGIUzACZrjkKjYzdFa73F-ZIDKyMl3zPOjIARV-Zur8cZN9fIWDD5V-AwSvzvd1y8T5Yd86wowztrqUpWUYYNXZWpkVP8fr9QmUck_XiBtQya0tfi-ldQwv1o_8190OZq60Q3oAnQI8Zl0KCKnl1wy15JAEh8_BXaP7cn1M740MvOYdhX8ZTSwZA_4xvTz1vfY1d7xFCj6AAo0wrUHRns7HGyR-serKHRIxx8dDzXlaVEyAc6QZwqD8MKD35g8w=w1113-h626-no" width="320" /><img class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZnEu0N7dLHHCxiuJrjuXQwJN8gDOxjWXOmi6UYd5bOlVFX17vbQURmdPaNDCfHCFINuhBBAJM9FcqsG7flIe7cqU3T7CxLO0KZbHO1xL8bPHGM2Xnz2fjqos1bH1MfMWk-ldBjgz8RTi2s6cQjBQxdGYS4mAArEFbQxe64NhKkDMideZ_PCrTrQ7JAd_s5Dw3FGZj9QgT-w5sP-AohgtR_EFj7PIvY7a72ritsTveIe-1LgYdn7vgFvs73K2mGQnJWx2CpEf-0w4FeysHGiJtyACSlr19f_o2LYw9tSxOzvJ7JQLCIiTBnpUMCzINrcJw8o--i8EC0vxfQ-wUTDgbx_Nw1fpsROvoE7BkLjkR_Poo5KOhz9zwk2WK_XfcgESnRwPm56iK0kMYoDyOISa5c5liW4fy5gtDa7NmroKnPcOVwI9RPtsN22td0Y5-Uo1MHiWzP-LSE9GwPr0F-X7-s1VhZzYvFf7ENnxJ6M-saivvhPw_-icbNH7qd_oHyX1N4xknQJSyyXTEebOqgbDdFkp5pb0izWRDhN7FQAasltRjSenPyr-ZBxNRBT1qdrD0LJyxbrUEW5jG6BuUZvPqssqW9neeaGjamv8ZAomfEFgrg=w1113-h626-no" width="320" /><br />
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Sewing is a way of life for me since my girls are too tall and thin for most off the rack dresses. Unfortunately, Charlotte hates jeans so I need to make her a bunch of jumpers and little dresses as she's grown out of those she has. I'm thankful for my mom and her patience in teaching me to sew. I didn't sew a lot of clothing as a teenager but at least I knew the basics and due to necessity, over the years I've learned to really love it. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-57023836903846976992017-03-12T19:01:00.002-05:002017-03-13T08:43:05.328-05:00Cub Scouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="SzDcob" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ifNrp1KNUFy1_9MweWRfIl3upyli_FeyFcz-ZnkkAjCeTtNmh3AzyM3HjuqH_yZlZaMkWdPR19JkfIAVWsDqrTUMO8iZS8cjY8hhCZCp2uTfyMejBQCEMZFuuz17zwftqHqfhegKhFq8LhCtZ6mNK1oDwoy1_LC3RPscGUinqzGXMkBs97IugGX1_ZzEJ69JjCK7HThOpOz70d8SaRFsx_VGby1cTsZsH-num1C83m766L_-HLM_lqhtqYW4GBDlYzX5Ru7pEZAD0-d4XgJD8Rp86QaerK84tZgI3RoFG_FIvR_xZvDIP1uzpxIpitRp7XXukaX8sZRBMS3ZwXYwwxYsvPqHRrQI8w9dt0xsQHmaqdpz5kerhT42O0ZQz3VrDGX98nSgRmZyNXX275_P-ms5_a6X7FFsyXvCxuDKiQI87Q7fA4KWT0rqb_ySzzxjN2kV9kDZdwRlGEvo0CzYUlINg7OtD34WX5rMe_WX2j77rW19fxzuAycDtjrlvY8tikrsW7_seBh27_8pYGawOpAkF4D5-qMipvuyHbmxin8ICw2IrQfD_1fnT2h5jKg0H90kJjAGMum7uKskWIIrvQsg8kXebOXTQt506F4TZXR3Qw=w1113-h835-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake for our Blue and Gold Banquet. Our theme was "Be A Super Cub". We billed it as Superhero Training camp with activities geared around the elements of the scout law as the boys super powers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Cub Scouts is fun, chaotic, creative, busy, and good. I really am enjoying my time with the Cub Scouts. Sometimes there is so much to do and not a lot of time to do it but I think the boys are learning and having fun. We've had a service project, met the Mayor, had the Pinewood Derby, and Celebrated Cub Scouts with our Blue and Gold Banquet. This month we're building candy dispensers. The boys are super excited!<br />
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Jonathan loved Cub Scouts. It has given him goals to work towards every week and things he can learn. We are having a good time together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d7x0wSoPN_NFSbHsMkk0R1D0ze4jB6Lm5gQzB0TzBx7hjUaOxp8C6FII8M2bMlhAB5t2FrE6WCqQeOEg0zWb5xT5IvS1il3CONYhUy68O8MKFQdPfILqwud7DMP7INU4MiaP1GrOF-y8rbvOHpDjIBks77TxJ6PdgsDUc0wsAb9b2A-6Vgx6IzKE0Q_mVRfCvyutFKjZIgcSFzxtQ3GnCnZxqGcdskpn-h4hsDJXj9YGcIQZ2T1O6B7Hhq9B4PTiUK31DCdTM6jKqnZY8bn0sP8HU1_8iqLWOex1KCdD1gbjo7O6JONSFvA3JSL_OCSFt7fHDOFHqNM2ARSTf6DhJDU2JclntPRlLTqwC5JG7YgIEzzieT1nn6_xw1u-VEluoaGhftxBEul-xdvyjOe--6_hlXGJPgrdvFSjq_Tb8X9t7sxF71oGibPDnBF5pihZ9aZLYhISn6MDtF2TDsG-JlmMUahXaFcNJ8wztXw1vwtHidoXbuKW5XHW4gKQxAbubOuAhuy9ctK3oljxUenkzEF9RGXlV2IeGnVzb1WsMlvHPI78kj-bdsa2WjrVKEjucUTkKRafsgNH5cpaSyvwDnv5FUAJvvLzhA1sh7zU1TYMVg=w1113-h626-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d7x0wSoPN_NFSbHsMkk0R1D0ze4jB6Lm5gQzB0TzBx7hjUaOxp8C6FII8M2bMlhAB5t2FrE6WCqQeOEg0zWb5xT5IvS1il3CONYhUy68O8MKFQdPfILqwud7DMP7INU4MiaP1GrOF-y8rbvOHpDjIBks77TxJ6PdgsDUc0wsAb9b2A-6Vgx6IzKE0Q_mVRfCvyutFKjZIgcSFzxtQ3GnCnZxqGcdskpn-h4hsDJXj9YGcIQZ2T1O6B7Hhq9B4PTiUK31DCdTM6jKqnZY8bn0sP8HU1_8iqLWOex1KCdD1gbjo7O6JONSFvA3JSL_OCSFt7fHDOFHqNM2ARSTf6DhJDU2JclntPRlLTqwC5JG7YgIEzzieT1nn6_xw1u-VEluoaGhftxBEul-xdvyjOe--6_hlXGJPgrdvFSjq_Tb8X9t7sxF71oGibPDnBF5pihZ9aZLYhISn6MDtF2TDsG-JlmMUahXaFcNJ8wztXw1vwtHidoXbuKW5XHW4gKQxAbubOuAhuy9ctK3oljxUenkzEF9RGXlV2IeGnVzb1WsMlvHPI78kj-bdsa2WjrVKEjucUTkKRafsgNH5cpaSyvwDnv5FUAJvvLzhA1sh7zU1TYMVg=w1113-h626-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan's Pinewood Derby Car</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pIAXT_3_5zzs7NogLbZ_BiUCuY1vJxVmDDiZnSIV7sfYdHCLqU3PicW940nEA_HhMsIXccaacARRV9R5UUl47pwTCQdfsT6zTH9e57ZtAkoua68Ka5m1JHmYn2ohQpYjX1IXpBSFd-pcOcHC1RC5FcEv3LcmSuOJ7pCS6us1c6Iy6vqjGEaPPGzJEQJuoBaKtv7JrkdAfqrHM3l6drygDkiWrbfvy7lWBHbGgJ7UWfaysp-a4WbX4Q_zRxWSoAUd5syosA0G0UbXr98clixN5CcgK-KGcbpo8j16AAbeDAy69pxJZthwsQJrnEQiIZ9YsCiTJCx7rjXOOO_3Ub86Y68NCcPYfSZjgh0pIAU36P9sXBhD8XLSd74BIYHsIn4q-pZRPYFdunfJm1DVSJN98NOC1LlOFa6cLeZSCo7ToRFKRTeWhuXzwyUfw_cTiLpNwnkAujRCJn1rY3K61OQYUZER5rIFvsgU5M1ZpzIIEBlOkvc-5XUTnBflN-w0TGjPhir-9fWjYNuLKnzbFM1Joddn4pYgE62bs1DM7k6ykTxV6uKMcY9R1HbZlpDJqE0daJg9Sl0YXpIEF7qE3EgG2FcW1dIa1k1xcoKHDK96E4bvOg=w1113-h626-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pIAXT_3_5zzs7NogLbZ_BiUCuY1vJxVmDDiZnSIV7sfYdHCLqU3PicW940nEA_HhMsIXccaacARRV9R5UUl47pwTCQdfsT6zTH9e57ZtAkoua68Ka5m1JHmYn2ohQpYjX1IXpBSFd-pcOcHC1RC5FcEv3LcmSuOJ7pCS6us1c6Iy6vqjGEaPPGzJEQJuoBaKtv7JrkdAfqrHM3l6drygDkiWrbfvy7lWBHbGgJ7UWfaysp-a4WbX4Q_zRxWSoAUd5syosA0G0UbXr98clixN5CcgK-KGcbpo8j16AAbeDAy69pxJZthwsQJrnEQiIZ9YsCiTJCx7rjXOOO_3Ub86Y68NCcPYfSZjgh0pIAU36P9sXBhD8XLSd74BIYHsIn4q-pZRPYFdunfJm1DVSJN98NOC1LlOFa6cLeZSCo7ToRFKRTeWhuXzwyUfw_cTiLpNwnkAujRCJn1rY3K61OQYUZER5rIFvsgU5M1ZpzIIEBlOkvc-5XUTnBflN-w0TGjPhir-9fWjYNuLKnzbFM1Joddn4pYgE62bs1DM7k6ykTxV6uKMcY9R1HbZlpDJqE0daJg9Sl0YXpIEF7qE3EgG2FcW1dIa1k1xcoKHDK96E4bvOg=w1113-h626-no" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Pack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rwzTWRJrXrqq9G3UO1Wx4YgdphhO2CD19pyftf80bWZT15YbyNf6jbCmlODlCIsCzBpfxxgENWi3eswgdUhk7KjQQ0y23yvtTkpZezrGJ0pWgS2vX8JE83sM4KrJnxZfIOVP2xnbomdDG_TjZF_r5LwFF64iwlO-rUBEjl_2PF2Z2Wb80Ko0heG4U1MFUGSxzbNWae492As3KOh_rPyAFOHdbux0L_wvmS9VVO_U6-EtQgsGUx3f5SwJSGFOdAbeTbeXDyIUPEdFSqKHu_bAdBnplqo690sCgFbcbXV2eH1kl5RxZQfcGaRJdyvxQKHjuWY9ifho62aivzTQWKhkTuKxLDEOShY3_Ek9UxmsLXPgC3nkBrA_5I-xBI6NW5X-O9UigOhJ9ynLKVYU7k-9wXFZfqJLgplPZakssq0-IEXE7e50xn4ygQ8Zix-SyOyu4M63oJg4HvF3AZg6_sVjnVciHbrTayGxQF77QzY5jI2jHNXbdCSppxV_4yHxQN4MLysHAwqtFaS9VoINqIA0FQ67jzvGqL5Lj-4Eb-VYNMHcjy_EtD5WDa2bfnO2w4J1sFGoaE7D1-rlYqshbr0Le-PwaRS5TE1E90CDSYlJfCO6uA=w1113-h626-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rwzTWRJrXrqq9G3UO1Wx4YgdphhO2CD19pyftf80bWZT15YbyNf6jbCmlODlCIsCzBpfxxgENWi3eswgdUhk7KjQQ0y23yvtTkpZezrGJ0pWgS2vX8JE83sM4KrJnxZfIOVP2xnbomdDG_TjZF_r5LwFF64iwlO-rUBEjl_2PF2Z2Wb80Ko0heG4U1MFUGSxzbNWae492As3KOh_rPyAFOHdbux0L_wvmS9VVO_U6-EtQgsGUx3f5SwJSGFOdAbeTbeXDyIUPEdFSqKHu_bAdBnplqo690sCgFbcbXV2eH1kl5RxZQfcGaRJdyvxQKHjuWY9ifho62aivzTQWKhkTuKxLDEOShY3_Ek9UxmsLXPgC3nkBrA_5I-xBI6NW5X-O9UigOhJ9ynLKVYU7k-9wXFZfqJLgplPZakssq0-IEXE7e50xn4ygQ8Zix-SyOyu4M63oJg4HvF3AZg6_sVjnVciHbrTayGxQF77QzY5jI2jHNXbdCSppxV_4yHxQN4MLysHAwqtFaS9VoINqIA0FQ67jzvGqL5Lj-4Eb-VYNMHcjy_EtD5WDa2bfnO2w4J1sFGoaE7D1-rlYqshbr0Le-PwaRS5TE1E90CDSYlJfCO6uA=w1113-h626-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derby Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zaf7J52l-_HDSNRaiD5v3iW3nOKhbepvSoBlzbhqZcDLb2stkGptMizePGuRqPhW-I2-yDXyWflKQtf3-wnC6S8xLoSujZ696CLCjco2ZJUpncDCTWpiqQbEXaCMtQLCqA7jnutxBx7_lv3yKGkmbOjGGMCONrwgGCPnvuJCOnfYb3dUXvQMjlVGtO4BD2DnWX1vsYQlDYULaIxp-5u8I7fQN5ovHhnjIDPW6cJIYJEE2m8Vdlo5iSf5AuFYiqokTc4JReC0TaTvfReucwu6bLDvvvdJTBBEOeN7JBeRgBU9v0mjPRd3ZjPJ8P5hQXXrYvpu1ibSVG6sReUoW0pfqGnPF-TGXxkazDNg2TJFRckTCEuvaBedyplgNkfR8ptSlPSYN9zUrIrA5dbuihD2CF_lzWC0ybrpkWNrOjcXBlLdn_qItrV3jgBGr0SxUoF02CU6GZZ-A0oF_erXZpjTMXhB3NXHf1ZXnptpgvJB6AkzEUnwSS8RkidZLZgNS7fqMpu-AloIg3cX8b0zjclZHThrI64Qey22XImrKADgVZaa1jSI8PNFJqww4tsFzmOKjFN3EpU9P3rqQ9V8klGQK1CrQNB9hmyYuJ-KafwvvJoGZg=w1113-h835-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zaf7J52l-_HDSNRaiD5v3iW3nOKhbepvSoBlzbhqZcDLb2stkGptMizePGuRqPhW-I2-yDXyWflKQtf3-wnC6S8xLoSujZ696CLCjco2ZJUpncDCTWpiqQbEXaCMtQLCqA7jnutxBx7_lv3yKGkmbOjGGMCONrwgGCPnvuJCOnfYb3dUXvQMjlVGtO4BD2DnWX1vsYQlDYULaIxp-5u8I7fQN5ovHhnjIDPW6cJIYJEE2m8Vdlo5iSf5AuFYiqokTc4JReC0TaTvfReucwu6bLDvvvdJTBBEOeN7JBeRgBU9v0mjPRd3ZjPJ8P5hQXXrYvpu1ibSVG6sReUoW0pfqGnPF-TGXxkazDNg2TJFRckTCEuvaBedyplgNkfR8ptSlPSYN9zUrIrA5dbuihD2CF_lzWC0ybrpkWNrOjcXBlLdn_qItrV3jgBGr0SxUoF02CU6GZZ-A0oF_erXZpjTMXhB3NXHf1ZXnptpgvJB6AkzEUnwSS8RkidZLZgNS7fqMpu-AloIg3cX8b0zjclZHThrI64Qey22XImrKADgVZaa1jSI8PNFJqww4tsFzmOKjFN3EpU9P3rqQ9V8klGQK1CrQNB9hmyYuJ-KafwvvJoGZg=w1113-h835-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banquet Room with our photo stop in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w1jq0Fwq58Zy9PGhxOsxDwwM1Ano4C658jdFiw8nQatb3BRRkdBXVv9mN5nn7E4aFHsVKy1fexh5xzG9IgnU--SZ4-VsmmpcpZH1pjs-kiEuCfH2cqOoicDJxR7BGemAhQDp3HJl9Hp7NOoemkEViWaNPn_JoxDjiTXgL0SCGVJ-GM0P1ht7WFoL6yslOqNZ9pzU00mTJL6NQDjyPjEOJSImHkiiipkKdsoe-kTQkasVt9fk-zCjY2hiuyfNrMxcfJq64ySEda2aYoBpYoARvYcQDVS_EUVVXPXiSbn7vApFp_Xqp3LFjwhR08b48koFSxpdFdTGsvg5RaKglMdtL0S1ukSq0xap1xoUYjvn02zoYAP2wnSoS_255VLpJcNyn9nZBYrkJAMGLkbHqHphoeAQJT8gtbfJ-rqVXu9SvPLQBcq99sJtXhQ00H8CKy3yTxNXlJnmx0N7YnfU2NaZiXGsz3-KZrD-GV8i5LYPyTg10qmrS8YHO7OhuRZpB6jIfJy8p6mOcBuBhEMJGcciPdThbU8xO83qCx1zC7S_IoBI0K8Uv3EoEF5dKLrHjQp-i1aaICsrnHBm2dc6Ay8y9rc0-tNmsNmuF8-6OHq1-0NOAA=w1113-h835-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w1jq0Fwq58Zy9PGhxOsxDwwM1Ano4C658jdFiw8nQatb3BRRkdBXVv9mN5nn7E4aFHsVKy1fexh5xzG9IgnU--SZ4-VsmmpcpZH1pjs-kiEuCfH2cqOoicDJxR7BGemAhQDp3HJl9Hp7NOoemkEViWaNPn_JoxDjiTXgL0SCGVJ-GM0P1ht7WFoL6yslOqNZ9pzU00mTJL6NQDjyPjEOJSImHkiiipkKdsoe-kTQkasVt9fk-zCjY2hiuyfNrMxcfJq64ySEda2aYoBpYoARvYcQDVS_EUVVXPXiSbn7vApFp_Xqp3LFjwhR08b48koFSxpdFdTGsvg5RaKglMdtL0S1ukSq0xap1xoUYjvn02zoYAP2wnSoS_255VLpJcNyn9nZBYrkJAMGLkbHqHphoeAQJT8gtbfJ-rqVXu9SvPLQBcq99sJtXhQ00H8CKy3yTxNXlJnmx0N7YnfU2NaZiXGsz3-KZrD-GV8i5LYPyTg10qmrS8YHO7OhuRZpB6jIfJy8p6mOcBuBhEMJGcciPdThbU8xO83qCx1zC7S_IoBI0K8Uv3EoEF5dKLrHjQp-i1aaICsrnHBm2dc6Ay8y9rc0-tNmsNmuF8-6OHq1-0NOAA=w1113-h835-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Gold Banquet setup.</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-24314680198147569702017-03-08T09:04:00.000-06:002017-03-08T09:04:37.990-06:002 months Home and Lessons LearnedAt some point we will stop talking about our trip but in a lot of ways it has been a game changer in our lives. The other day, the kids were talking how long we've been home from Europe. It's now been just over two months. That trip feels like a dream. I am so glad we went because of all the wonderful things we learned and experienced. There were lots of times we were ready to bag it and come home but I'm glad we stuck it out. Not, so many of those rough moments have faded and we're left with rich and rewarding memories. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't mention something from our trip. Hannah and Jonathan have had enriched experiences at school already because of their greater context of the world. <br />
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While we loved the trip, we learned a few things about how we would change it for next time. For our family, it was hard and lonely to be away from home for so long without really living in one place. If we do this again we've decided to either take a month and be tourists and experience all we can in a month, hit it hard and fast or take the plunge and move. Sell the house or at least really pack it up and move for at least one year though I think 3 would be a better for cultural immersion. There are perks to all ways of doing it. It really depends on what work at the given moment. <br />
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Since coming home, life has gotten so busy. There are home improvement projects to work on, church callings to fulfill, school activities and so many other endeavors to pursue. We're trying hard to preserve the family time we had in Europe but find that we quickly fall into the old traps. The trip has certainly given us a lot to think about and a new rubric to evaluate our time by.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-69032379637537985742017-01-15T17:18:00.001-06:002017-01-15T17:18:05.265-06:00And we're back . . . <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Day of School</td></tr>
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We arrived home safe and sound. Life has been busy while we unpacked suitcases, unpacked boxes, went grocery shopping, and picked up where we left off. We've celebrated Christmas a few times since returning. Hannah, Jonathan and Charlotte are back in school, Spencer and Ben have a pretty good eat, play, eat, rest, eat, play, sleep routine going on. Heather has a new calling as Cubmaster, Hyrum finally made it to the office Tuesday afternoon after dealing with car trouble and dentist appointments and this weekend brought a much anticipated visit from Grandma and Grandpa. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyrum and I spent 3 1/2 hours sorting books we've had boxed up for years. <br />We're getting rid of two boxes full of books.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas #2--Presents for each other we didn't <br />want to ship to Germany and then back again. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon reading time.</td></tr>
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We've also had a lot of time to think about and process our experiences. I feel sure that it was a good thing, maybe even the right thing, for our family to do these past few months. We have learned so much about the world we live in, about people and most importantly about ourselves and what matters most. We've learned practical lessons about our family and travel. We also have a better idea of what it means to move a large American family to Europe. We've learned a bit about how small our perspective is and just how much we don't/can't understand about the world at large because we haven't experienced it. This trip was truly humbling in so many ways. I hope to elaborate on that later. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cub Scout buddies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we don't read we play games.</td></tr>
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We're grateful for our trip and we're so glad to be home. </div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-67213531908746407362017-01-04T12:59:00.000-06:002017-01-04T13:18:26.187-06:00The End141 days ago, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/08/getting-here.html">we boarded an airplane</a> with a mountain of luggage, five children, and a bunch of anxiety about what was to come as we set our sights to Europe for several months of family adventure. It was a step way outside our comfort zone, and while we had a general plan, there were many unknowns. We wondered how we'd do it all, and several times seriously considered packing it in and going home.<br />
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Tomorrow, we will again board an airplane, this time headed back to the States after having lived a lot, cried a little, and really just experienced the world around us. Our 142 days of adventure will come to an end with little fanfare, and hopefully peaceful children during our long flight back across the pond. When we land, summer will have given way to fall, which will have faded to winter. Our bright and worn traveling clothes will be buried under the hats, scarves and gloves which mark the season in Pittsburgh.<br />
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In a weeks' time, we'll be busy with school, work, Church and everything in between. We'll be able to get babysitters and send the children outside to play. I won't have to wear the same tie to Church every week, everyone will get a new set of toothbrushes, and we won't have to visit several markets to do our weekly shopping. It will be an adjustment.<br />
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I expect friends to ask us how our trip was, and I've thought a lot about how to respond. How does one sum up five months of experiencing the world in a sentence or two? How do we share the joys and the sorrows, the fun and the hardships, the concerns and the triumphs of our travels in a casual conversation? I struggle to capture the breadth of my feelings in any medium, because it feels as if doing so always leaves something unsaid.<br />
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The reasons for that are as varied as the emotions that flow as a I think about <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/10/conemarra-national-park-and-farm.html">Connemara</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/09/living-in-london.html">London</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/11/paris-eiffel-tower-les-invalides-rodin.html">Paris</a>, <a href="http://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2017/01/ljubljana-slovenia.html">Slovenia</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/10/giants-causeway-and-carrack-rede.html">Antrim</a>, Munich, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/09/glendalough.html">Wicklow</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/11/zugspitze-top-of-germany.html">Zugspitze</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/12/nuremberg-or-nurnberg.html">Nürnberg</a> and all the other places we've been and things we've done. The places have been awesome indeed, but they aren't the sum of our adventure. We haven't just been to those places, we've experienced them, and in doing so, they have changed who we are as individuals and as a family. They are now an inseparable part of us, never to be taken. I look forward to a cold winter night many decades hence remembering with Heather—<a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/09/bump-in-road.html">Spencer's broken arm</a>, <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/09/waylaid-plans-and-recovery.html">Charlotte's cut</a>, and everything in between. We will always have these experiences: they have changed who we are, and will continue to do so long after we return home.<br />
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If I've learned something over the last few months, it's that we can do hard things, individually and as a family. <a href="https://threeredheadsandcounting.blogspot.de/2016/09/hello-ireland.html">People are kind</a> and generous, and we should return that kindness in turn. <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/03-ee/things-will-work-out?lang=eng">Things will work out</a>, even if not in the ways we expect. We may not be able to do everything in the world, but we shouldn't be afraid of doing something. And as a family, we should not shy from the unfamiliar, the difficult or the uncomfortable.<br />
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Maybe the adventure isn't over after all.Hyrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07018516701381598130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-26138140364695718312017-01-04T01:30:00.000-06:002017-01-04T14:49:55.408-06:00Croatia and our drive back to MunichCroatia was one of the countries we had talked about visiting while we were in Europe and Tuesday we finally did it. Sunday and Monday, we had sick kids we were hoping would recover and improve and thankfully they did so we spent a couple of hours driving to Opatija, Croatia, a few meandering down the Promenade, an hour at the playground and then a couple more driving back. It was fun to check that off our list, the drive was gorgeous though I missed some of it. The gorgeous views were obstructed by road barriers so I didn't get those pictures but I love the mountains. I also loved looking at the Adriatic Sea. The view of mountains and sea all together, it doesn't get much better. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maiden with Seagull, silhouette.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maiden with Seagull--I couldn't decide which one i liked best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opatija is a resort town with magnificent hotels along the Promenade.</td></tr>
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This morning we said goodbye to our hostess and new friend. She was so great and patient with us. She was a good friend to Charlotte and Spencer. We are so thankful that she was willing to open her home to us for the past week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a Slovenian grandma, now!</td></tr>
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We were glad to make it safely back to Munich. We spent nearly 6 hours driving from Ljubljana to Munich with a stop in Bled. We went to the castle in Bled and admired the views there. We continued on our way and eventually hit snow. We spent about 3 hours driving through snow (when I say we, I mean Hyrum. He does the driving, I do the sleeping). It was pretty but we were glad to be done with it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Bled lake looking from the castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the first courtyard at Bled Castle from the rampart.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our Alpine drive.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NewqaFxVpBU/WG1cZ8_oftI/AAAAAAAALjU/tWQL3CQAcIYWva3Tb3H9uZ5GGTuZEYikgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170102_160617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NewqaFxVpBU/WG1cZ8_oftI/AAAAAAAALjU/tWQL3CQAcIYWva3Tb3H9uZ5GGTuZEYikgCLcB/s320/IMG_20170102_160617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Monday we took a drive. This is sunset at Stari Grad outside Ljubljana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sunset and castle ruins from Monday.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-8006252635945662332017-01-01T05:37:00.000-06:002017-01-01T05:37:30.679-06:00Ljubljana, SloveniaThe past few days we've spent our time in Ljubljana. I'll say upfront, it's cold. I am not an outdoor winter person. I like cooler weather but if it's cold, give me a blanket, a fireplace, hot chocolate and a book and I'll see you when it warms up again. It's usually about 23F when we get out in the morning, warming into the mid-30s. We brought gloves, hats, scarves, coats and boots but after hours outside, it's a bit cold. This has been one of our greatest struggles. Traveling in the winter is a lot more complex than warm weather travel, at least with the kids. It's a bit harder to pop into a store and "browse" to get warm with 5 kids in tow. Thankfully the sun has been shining and it really helps warm us up. <br />
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Friday, our first stop was the Tourist information center to find good things to do indoors with the kids. We walked through Christmas Market stalls and normal market stalls. We popped into a church and admired the "Dragon Bridge", and found ourselves at the <a href="http://www.he.si/index.php?lang=en">House of Experiments</a>. It has a lot of hands on scientific experiments for kids and adults to learn from and enjoy. One of the best things was they had boards posted on the walls next to each experiment with information about what you should do and then went on to explain it. Generally these were in Slovenian so, after getting our tickets and hanging our coats we got two booklets with English translations to help us through. It was really well done. We spent several hours there and had a great time. <br />
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Our next stop was up the funicular to the Ljubljana Castle. As far as castles go, this was kind of the least castle like place we've been to. It was probably more of a fortress when used as a castle but now it is a wedding location, recently it was a penitentiary, From inside, it was hard to feel like we were in a castle for a lot of the building. They have a puppetry museum that was a lot of fun. They had a lot of hands on displays. At the front door, there were giant heads in giant glass bottles. They were a bit creepy but the kids jumped right in and started moving the mouths with the controls at the sides. Weird, but engaging. The first floor was a bit about the history of puppetry in Slovenia and then the second level was all hand on puppetry. We used marionettes and hand puppets. We also tried our hand at shadow puppetry. It was a lot of fun. <br />
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We saw some other rooms in the castle and climbed a couple of towers, one to the ramparts and then another much higher. We had great view of the city and the mountains in the distance. <br />
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After the castle we walked down the hill and wandered the town for a bit. Hyrum wanted to kill time until the Organ Grinders came out. We didn't miss them. We watched for a few minutes before heading back to the car. We did some grocery shopping and then back to the apartment for dinner and a good rest. <br />
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Saturday we slept in a bit which was really nice. (Unfortunately, it was probably a sign of the fever Ben is suffering from as I write this Sunday morning.) We got ready for our day and headed into the city. Our first stop was the Museum of Illusions. It was really great. I wish we could have stayed longer but once you're done there isn't much else to stay for. It was a great place to go. Everyone loved it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaleidoscope</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyrum and I on opposite side of mirrored slats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What? An Ames Room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's for dinner?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do they do that?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime!</td></tr>
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We enjoyed lunch in the sun at the park next to the Museum and then we decided to head to the Natural History Museum. Well, it was closed, so we walked back into the city center. We detoured into a really fancy department store for some warmth and after walking around for a minute decided we couldn't even decently fake that. We went to the Tourist information office to see what else we could do indoors to get warm since we wanted to participate in the Grandpa Frost celebration that afternoon. They pointed us to the City Museum. We walked along and finally found it, only to discover that it too was closed. We weren't impressed with the information we'd been given for the day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just really liked the festive and practical lights in the parking garage <br />that told you where there was an empty spot based on whether they were green or red.</td></tr>
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In efforts to quell the murmurs of mutiny, we brought some hot chocolate. It was delicious. It was thick, creamy, and smooth, oh and hot. I wish we had taken a picture of the mustaches the kids had. After a dramatic bathroom break--cold potable toilets--we walked back to the city center to see what else there was to see. We ducked unto a store like Rite Aid and spent 15 minutes wandering around the store. We went back up to the park where we'd eaten lunch and the crowds were gathering. After about 15 minutes, the program started. Of course, it was all in Slovenian, but we caught bits and pieces. We sang and danced as best we could with the families gathered. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Frost arrived.</td></tr>
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After about 45 minutes there, I couldn't feel my feet anymore and kids were complaining of the cold so I took the little boys back to the car to wait for the rest of the family. Charlotte really wanted to see Grandpa Frost. It didn't take them long and in the meantime, we bought a few extra groceries at a store near the parking garage. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.</td></tr>
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We got back to the apartment, took bathes and made dinner. Everyone warmed up and no one lost any toes so we're grateful for that. At dinner time, Ben climbed into my lap and just wanted to cuddle. He seemed so sleepy. We hurried and put him to bed, and then got the other kids down. We spent the rest of the evening talking, and writing and listening to the booms of fireworks. The fireworks started at 7 and I have no idea when they ended. We didn't make it until midnight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Castle.</td></tr>
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We had a good couple of days in Ljubljana and who knows, we may have more. It's been fun to have the Christmas season extended a bit. There were still Christmas Markets and Christmas Music playing everywhere. We've also seen a few nativities over the past couple of days. It really such a fun time of year. I'm glad we've been in Europe and in cities. There has been such a different feeling and celebration.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-21529284330106572382017-01-01T04:37:00.000-06:002017-01-01T04:37:08.199-06:002016 ReviewThis year has been a big one to say the least.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The year started with a violin concert!</td></tr>
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We started January doing lots of project planning: bedroom redecorating, deck building, backyard landscaping, camping, and Europe. Then, it all seemed so easy/doable. Looking back, we're a bit mad!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and Spencer's space.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy's room</td></tr>
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Hyrum taught at CMU for the Winter semester. He demolished the old deck in March. The landscapers started tearing up the back yard in April. I painted and decorated the other two kid's rooms. Hyrum took a 10 day trip to Israel for work with a bit of sightseeing. In May, Hyrum and I, spent 10 days in Hawaii hiking, swimming, and just enjoying being together. June brought the end of school, more deck work, more backyard digging and a camping trip. We took a week and went to the Adirondacks just outside of Lake Placid. We went hiking, did some swimming, checked out the Olympic sight and out drove a rain storm. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard in April.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maui, Hiking Haleakala. 11 miles of amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maui, picture from Dragon's Teeth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard in May.</td></tr>
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July kept us closer to home as the deck deadline loomed ever closer. The end of the month, we drove to Utah for weddings for our sisters, one on Friday and then other on Saturday. We were there and back again with just a week to go before taking off to Europe. Hyrum spent 3-5 hours every night working furiously trying to finish the deck. Before we left, it was usable but we still have to finish the railings on the stairs. The backyard was working on growing grass since the landscapers finished just days before we left. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to a lot of t-ball and soccer games.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan has his 8th birthday party!</td></tr>
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We came home from Utah on August 9th and hurried to clean our house, pack our suitcases and purchase a few last minute supplies. We flew out of Pittsburgh on August 16 and landed in London on August 17th. Since then we've experienced London, Shropshire and Wales, Ireland, Munich, bits of Austria, Nuremberg, Paris, Italy, and Slovenia. We've seen a grand total of 8 countries as a family. Heather and Jonathan have also been working hard on Cub Scout along the way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I learned how to make nougat and divinity, and turn them into potatoes for April Fool's Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 of 18 quiet book pages.</td></tr>
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Words like, danke (thank you), wasser (water), entschuldigung (sorry, excuse me) have crept into our daily language. We've experienced city life in a way we never thought possible. The kids have learned to "mind the gap". We've had a broken arm and a glued forehead in foreign countries. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to board our plane in Pittsburgh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoo in Munich.</td></tr>
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Jonathan was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben has changed from a toddler to a little kid. Charlotte is ready for school, Hannah is in her last year of elementary school, and Spencer tested out of his speech therapy program. Heather is balancing the ever more-complicated Wright Household. She takes time out for sewing and creative endeavors which often mean dresses for girls, or a quilt for someones bed. Hyrum is working hard to support our adventures while occasionally enjoying a bike ride and engaging in home improvement projects. He is also the trip planning extraordinaire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pic at Giant's Causeway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' on our big red couch in Munich.</td></tr>
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In addition to all of this, Hyrum has been actively involved in the Scouting program, and serving on the high council at church. Heather served as Primary president for a few months in 2016 and then as a Relief Society teacher. While in Munich, she played the piano in Relief Society. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of our rainy hike at Gendalough.</td></tr>
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In the midst of these big adventures there were also little things, like potty training, bread making, piano practicing, working, and all the little things that go into making a bunch of 7 people a family. We've lived a lot this past year and hope we can maintain the momentum. We've learned a lot about ourselves, our family and the world. Our family motto has long been "Adventure is Out There". I hope we can continue the trend in one way or another, seeking adventures near and far to help us learn and grow together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie decorating at Google!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postojnska Cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's lights in Ljubljana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the Tube.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving with Ian and Charity.</td></tr>
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We wish you all a Happy New Year!</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-30812234772166387982016-12-29T14:08:00.000-06:002016-12-29T14:11:29.213-06:00Predjama Castle and Postojnska CaveOur first stop today was the police station. We had to register as visitors to Slovenia. This happens all the time when traveling internationally but generally your hotel takes care of it, but since we are staying with a friend, we all went to the station today to register. It was really easy and we were in and out in about 30 minutes. We handed over ids and passports, the officer recorded it in his book and off we went.<br />
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We were going to spend the day in Ljubljana but we decided to change our plans and out of city since the registration process hadn't taken too long. Ben woke me up at 5:30 so I ended up sleeping through the drive, but we ended up at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predjama_Castle">Predjama Castle</a>. It is a castle built into a cave. It had several levels and was built right into the side of the mountain and into the cave behind it. We felt first hand how miserable it would have been to live there. It was cold while we were there and most of the kids were not impressed. It was really a neat building though. A nice Robin Hood-style story always makes things more interesting too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave and Castle as one!</td></tr>
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After the castle we went to <a href="http://www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/home/">Postojnska Cave</a>. I like caves but wasn't expecting much above and beyond what we've seen in the states. There is a train ride involved so I have been talking this up to the kids to get them excited. Well, this was quite the experience. To start us off, we ate our squished pb & j sandwiches in the cafeteria. It was nice to be warm. Then we walked up to the cave entrance and found a little bit of Christmas still hanging about. There were market stalls selling handcrafted wares, various musical groups sharing their talents and best of all, a large fire in the middle of it all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fire is in front of the kids. So toasty warm!</td></tr>
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We had wait a bit before our tickets were called and the kids admired some sheep penned just outside the cave entrance. We boarded our train and started our journey into the bowels of the cave. 5 kilometers are open for touring. 3.5 kilometers are viewed by train and the remaining 1.5 are walked. The train isn't the kid train at the amusement park. It's basically benches secured to a moving flatbed and moving at about 12 mph through the cave. The cave was well lit so we were able to see a lot. Hyrum was able to get some awesome cave pictures. <br />
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This week there is also a Live Nativity going on for a couple hours everyday. We decided to do that tour and I am so glad we did. They did an excellent job, demonstrating scenes like Zacharias being told of John's birth, the Angel visiting Joseph and telling him to marry Mary. There was music and light throu<span style="text-align: center;">ghout the cave. The last scene was of the birth of Christ. It was beautiful. There was a women dressed as an angel who sang Silent Night in Slovenian as well as English. It was a special event and I am glad we were able to make it work. All of our kids really enjoyed it as well, even the ones who aren't into caves. </span><br />
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We decided to head to Italy for some dinner. I asked the kids what kind of dinner we should have and it was unanimous "Pizza". So off we went. Thankfully Italy was only about 45 minutes away. That brings our country count up to 10. We also started playing the license plate game with European countries. We're up to 23. It's been a couple of good days. The kids were almost begging for bed tonight. Tomorrow we are going to check out Ljubljana.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-63930158048449619562016-12-28T14:15:00.000-06:002016-12-28T14:15:27.127-06:00Munich--Slovenia Road TripWe left Munich today and headed to Slovenia. We rented a car to maximize our mobility on this leg of our journey. As we rolled down to the train station this morning to pick up the car and shoved everything in to our car, we were really glad that on this road trip we are only unpacking once.<br />
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We drove through Austria and into Slovenia which took us through the Alps. After a little bit of drama getting our rental set up back at least an hour, we opted for the scenic but faster route through the tunnels in the Alps. We still had plenty of beauty to take in but it was an hour shorter drive. The mountains were gorgeous. Some of them looked freshly snowed on. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hohenwerfen Castle or Schloss Adler from "Where Eagles Dare"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trunk on the first car didn't close securely so the kids and I waited <br />in the parking garage while Hyurm went back to sign the forms<br /> for the new car. We were a bit cold but it was the perfect time to eat lunch.</td></tr>
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I'm looking forward to seeing Ljubljana tomorrow in the light as it dusk and dark when we crossed the border and arrived at our destination. We're staying with the 80 year old mother of one of Hyrum's professional colleagues. We are up for the adventure and so is she. Tomorrow, we'll go register at the local police station. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a picture of our bedroom as I got everything packed. <br /> I'm glad it was much larger than our other rooms so I could spread things out a bit.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-56835904982345680752016-12-25T14:38:00.000-06:002016-12-27T13:36:56.873-06:00Merry ChristmasOur time this holiday season has been filled but not hectic, rich but not expensive, simple but not lacking. We have spent time together but not at the expense of sleep or other needful things. It has been the most Christmas-y I've felt in a long time. <br />
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The song "Silver Bells" has new meaning with the "busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style". We've had fun enjoying window displays and lights lining the shops and vegetable stands. The Christmas markets brought a spirit of giving as we thought about things to share with loved ones back home. <br />
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On the spiritual side of things, we've tried hard to talk a lot about the Savior, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas-time. We've tried in our ways to follow the <a href="https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_25-11-2016_dMIS_fmorg_xLIDyL1-A_">Light the World Advent Calendar</a>. As we've worked on this with our family, our children have responded with a greater interest in family history and a better eye for those in need. <br />
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Last night we shared a nice meal with new friends who were also alone and far from home. We learned about their cultural traditions and shared a little nativity skit. We felt the Spirit of the Lord as we sang the songs of the nativity. I felt the love of the Savior as I embraced our new friend and she expressed her gratitude for the invitation. After the kids were in bed, Hyrum and I reflected on the blessings we've seen these past months and the way the Lord's hand has been in our lives. For the first time in years, there was no tv or music last night to detract from the Christmas Spirit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah as the Angel, Charlotte, Rachel and Spencer as shepherds.</td></tr>
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This morning, after a brief disturbance at 2:30 am, the kids dumped out their boxes and exclaimed over the treasures they found. The church bells nearby rang at 8:00, as we were getting ready for church. I thought about the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". The verse<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "<span style="background-color: white;">Then rang the bells more loud and deep; </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">God is not dead, nor does he sleep; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The wrong shall fail, the right prevail</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> ; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">With peace on earth, good will to men" ran through my head. I truly believe this. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas boxes, instead of stockings, this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree with the best of presents underneath, heartfelt notes of love and gratitude.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We went to church and enjoyed the Christmas story found in Luke and Matthew and Christmas Hymns. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> I love Christmas Sundays. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope the love of God shines in your hearts today and forever. May we be </span><span style="background-color: white;">the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Lord's hands and be </span><span style="background-color: white;">His</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> bringers of peace and hope to this world. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Merry Christmas, everyone!</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-84976030520460492702016-12-25T13:43:00.002-06:002016-12-27T13:43:41.434-06:00Playing Catch UpThe past couple of weeks have flown by in preparation for Christmas, trying to get in the last few things we wanted to do here in Munich and hanging out with friends. <br />
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On the 15th, the kids and I met friends at another Christmas market during the day. We weren't even there for a couple of hours since it got really cold. We did enjoy some wurst--the kids liked the bratwurst, I really liked the Rote Wurst (red sausage)--Pommes frites (french fries), roasted nuts and kinderpunsch. The wares were pretty similar to what we had seen at other places but they had an section with animatronic characters. There was a moose, Hansel and Gretel, and several Santa Clauses. They sang or told stories. There was also a large sleigh. All of the kids wanted to sit on the reindeer, of course. We had a good time with friends that day.<br />
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The next night, Hyrum and I found a babysitter and went on a date, the first time since leaving the states. It was nice to spend an evening together. It was only a couple of hours but it was nice to have someone else put the kids to bed and we could enjoy a dinner without worry about who was going to spill their water. We wandered about a bit and just enjoyed an evening in the city.<br />
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Christmas has been on everyone's minds. We didn't bring any decorations from home so we've made a lot. One thing I wanted to get while we were here was a nativity set. I've been looking for the past 11 years and haven't found one I loved. The Marienplatz Christmas market has a section that is just nativity supplies. We went there and I found a beautiful nativity. It's plain, simple but I love it. I'll build a stable when we get home but this will do for now.<br />
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We put that up and then the other thing we lacked were stockings. At home, we have boots that go under the tree. We weren't sure what to do this year so Hyrum gave Hannah the responsibility of devising something for Santa to put gifts in. We ended up decorating cereal boxes. The kids had a blast doing that. <br />
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We also had some friends over to make Christmas cookies. I didn't get any pictures of that since I was up to my elbows in dough and sugar most of the time, but my friend shared hers. It was a bit chaotic with seven kids running around "helping" us make cookies but after the friends left, I realized how grateful I was for them. It's been lonely these past months and it was nice to share some of our life with some new friends.<br />
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I finished the blanket I was crocheting. I love finishing projects, especially when they are so useful!<br />
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This is our mug collection from the Christmas markets we attended. A fun souvenir from our time here, this holiday season. <br />
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Wednesday this past week we went ice skating at the Olympic park. It was so fun. I love ice skating. We were there for nearly two hours. Hannah, Jonathan and Charlotte spent almost the entire time on the ice while Hyrum and i switched on and off with the little boys who were happy to watch and wander around the seats in the rink. There was a group of high school students there with us but it wasn't too bad. It was great day together as a family doing something fun. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the ice rink. It was really foggy and cold. In places, the cobblestones were icy as we <br />
walked to the rink. It would be a great place to explore in warmer weather though..</td></tr>
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That afternoon Hyrum and I finished Christmas shopping. I tried on some dirndls and we had one last mug of kinderpunsch. <br />
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This past week, I/we have tried to do something Christmas related every night with the kids. Monday and Tuesday, we watched the First Presidency Christmas. I am grateful for <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2016/12/gifts-of-peace?lang=eng">President Eyring's remarks</a> and reminders about peace. Wednesday, we sent postcards to some widowed and single women in our ward at home. We had the kids each write one postcard. Mostly they drew pictures and the older kids wrote a sentence. Thursday, we watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and then Friday, we worked on a Christmas present for Hyrum's sister.<br />
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And then it was . . . CHRISTMAS!!<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-9715025361964328852016-12-15T14:27:00.000-06:002016-12-21T14:41:43.113-06:00Nuremberg or NürnbergWhen we first arrived in Munich I read and heard things about Nürnberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread). In looking at different things I understood that it was north of Munich and near Nuremberg. Well recently I finally realized not only was it near Nuremberg, it was Nuremberg. Sometimes I forget that even place names are different in a different language. I know Munich is München but it hadn't dawned on me that Nürnberg was the same as Nuremberg. Anyway, after almost losing Charlotte at the crazy packed Friday-night Marienplatz Christmas, we decided that we should visit the Nürnberg market during the week to limit the crowds. Nürnberg hosts the most famous Christmas Market in Germany. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle has a city wall that extends around the Old Town. <br />Closer to the castle there were some interesting older looking buildings. One even said 1648 on it. <br />At the very least it was a really charming section of the city. </td></tr>
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I wanted to visit the courthouse used during the Nuremberg Trials following WWII but we had to save that for next time. Instead we visited the castle that looks out over the city. It was a rainy and dreary day but we enjoyed walking through the castle. It was really well done. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was in the private chapel used by the Emperor or ruler depending on the time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This two headed eagle was a motif we saw a lot of. <br />It is a symbol Empire and was used by the Holy Roman Empire.</td></tr>
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After that we headed to see the Deep Well. It is a well that is over 50 meters deep. On the hour and half hour they have a demonstration. We attended and it was really interesting. The guide told us a bit of the history and then he lowered four candles into the well just above the water depth. There was a camera attached to them so we could see the shaft walls and the candles as they descended. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of the candles at the bottom of the well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxV6T5NnEXU/WFrluWgnmEI/AAAAAAAAK3g/ruzxYL_2_kMpUvT9manktujMTqijdkbdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161214_132225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxV6T5NnEXU/WFrluWgnmEI/AAAAAAAAK3g/ruzxYL_2_kMpUvT9manktujMTqijdkbdgCLcB/s320/IMG_20161214_132225.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs up Sinwell Tower.</td></tr>
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After seeing the depths of the bedrock of the castle in the well we climbed up Sinwell tower. The name means "extremely round" in High German. It was a good climb. This tower was one of two structures not damaged at all during WWII. It was an interesting representation of a Germanic castle. It was a stopping place for the court of the Holy Roman Emperor to preside over legal matters in the area. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior of Saint Sebaldus Church.</td></tr>
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After the castle, we visited Saint Sebaldus Church. It was another great church to walk around in. We enjoyed looking at the stained glass windows and reflecting on the Savior. Ben is getting really good at picking our representations of Jesus where ever we are.<br />
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Then it was time for the Christmas Market. We browsed a bit and bought a few souvenirs. We laughed at the Prune People for which the Nürnberg market is famous. Hyrum enjoyed a Nürnberg sausage sandwich and we shared our traditional Kinderpunsch and roasted almonds. We slowly wandered back tot eh train station as it started to get dark. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of Christmas and just enjoyed being together. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte was taking in all of the different Prune People.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these wood carved scenes. These are a German decoration.<br />They are historically lit by candles but now they were all wired for electric lights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids enjoyed this Playmobil display. We couldn't tear Ben away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are hundreds of stalls each with something a little different.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at several store windows on our walk to catch the train.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our awesome dinner at Burger King, We couldn't find seats on the train so we hung <br />out in an open section and provided entertainment for everyone stuck beck there with us!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-40732286887728160952016-12-11T13:55:00.000-06:002016-12-21T13:55:45.393-06:00Schwabing and Chinese Turm Christmas Markets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday we decided to head over to the Schwabing Christmas Market. It has a reputation as an artsy market and it did not disappoint on that front. We walked into the market on steps and a ramp flanked by a sculpture garden featuring sculptures of animals and other things for sale. Some of them were really cool.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sculptures and the market lights!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyrum gets up close and personal with this peacock sculpture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a lot of these garden ornaments stuck in the planters around the market.</td></tr>
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Every market has knit and woolen wear. These stalls are so colorful and fun to look at.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolen cap stall</td></tr>
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We saw a lot of jewelry, pottery, carvings and other interesting handmade crafts. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like these people.</td></tr>
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Saturday, we decided to head over to the Chinese Turm at the Englischer Garten to check out that Christmas Market. It was a beautiful day, much warmer than the previous weekend. We saw several Santa Clauses and they were handing out chocolates to the kids. Again, we enjoyed checking out the stalls, drinking kinderpunsch and enjoyed some pretzels. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids loved looking at the little ornaments.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the Christmas Market, the kids floated sticks and leaves in the stream until our bus came. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Ben was so tired. After I unbuckled the Ergo he slept like this <br />for several minutes until the other kids woke him up.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-91647975524495755352016-12-08T13:19:00.000-06:002016-12-21T13:22:33.584-06:00Deutsches Museum, AgainSo this Museum really is big. We went three times and didn't make it through the whole thing. This time we didn't really see a whole lot between a sad little boy and too many bathroom trips. We saw the glass, ceramics and toy section. It was fun though. They has a show for all sorts of glass objects, blown and created in the museum. They were really cool.<br />
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The ceramic section was interesting because when I think of ceramics I think of tiles or dishes. These items have industrial applications such as pipes and insulators for electrical applications. It was really interesting. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Pottery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern ceramics</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick display</td></tr>
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The kids enjoyed the toy display. They didn't get to play with anything but it was fun to see the different mediums for building toys. There were really old school Legos they especially loved. There were metal and wooden toys exhibited. Many of them had motors and moved when the kids pushed a button. <br />
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We ended our day in the play area. The kids had it to themselves so they were able to accomplish every kids dream and build a house out of the giant Lego blocks. They had a blast. <br />
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We're sad we don't have time to go back. It was a great place to learn and play!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on our walk home. The low sun makes for some dramatic lighting.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-44769504645941995182016-12-04T08:41:00.000-06:002016-12-04T08:41:54.885-06:00Nymphenberg Palace and Christmas MarketsOur Saturday started off a bit lazy. Ben got me up before the sun and we talked and laughed together while we waited for everyone else to join us. We slowly got dressed and ate breakfast, then it was hurry and make caramel candy, get the sugar cookies baked, eat lunch and out the door. <div>
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We decided to check out <a href="http://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/">Nyphemberg Palace</a>. It's a huge summer palace, built by the Wittelsbach family, the ruling family in Bavaria for nearly 800 years. we could only enter a few rooms but they were filled with giant murals, lots of gilded carvings, rich looking damask wall coverings, and some beautiful wood worked desks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall and ceiling in the Great Hall.</td></tr>
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The grounds were huge and the kids weren't happy when we chose to walk through them to get to our tram stop. It should have been so nice and peaceful walking though the woods, surrounded by trees and leaf covered ground. Unfortunately, the sun was behind clouds as we walked and the cold was getting to the kids. </div>
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Thankfully, our tram was ready and waiting for us when we arrived at the stop. We thawed just into time to get to the Christmas market. Our first stop was a Medieval Market near the Residenz (the winter palace for the Wittelbachs). The music was an interesting Medieval Rock and the food smelled divine. There were shops selling all sorts of Medieval ornaments, fur wraps, trinket, arrow quivers, Medieval cloaks etc. We bought mini pizzas and those helped warm us up though it didn't last long. My the time we finished eating the temperature had dropped drastically and we were all about done. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious dinner--speck and cheese pizzas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval Rock Band</td></tr>
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The Marienplatz Markets were on the way home and we wanted to pick up a treat so we stopped there. The lights were on and it felt like Christmas. There were tons of people so we didn't get too close to the shops. There were ornaments everywhere. Some of the were so beautiful. We bought some Nurnberg gingerbread cookies--they are a soft, nutty gingerbread as opposed to the usual hard gingerbread cookies here. We also got a couple of mugs of kinderpunsch. It was a great treat to warm our hands with. The store fronts lining the market were filled with Christmas displays so we looked at those while we ate our cookies and drank our punch. </div>
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I look forward to going back during the day when, hopefully there aren't as many people around and we can browse a bit more. By the time we left, it was cold--27 F--so we were glad to find refuge on the U-bahn and thaw a bit until we had to walk the half mile home. Everyone was ready for their warm bathes last night. </div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-33792746613775485902016-12-03T13:28:00.002-06:002016-12-03T13:28:18.058-06:00Friday Night OutThe Christmas season is in full swing here in Munich. Christmas markets abound and Hyrum is ready to visit them all and see how much kinderpunsch we can drink (It's spiced fruit punch, the kid version of hot wine sold everywhere).<br />
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We had plans for dinner and a stop at a Christmas market specializing in nativity scenes. Hyrum texted me about a cookie decorating event at work so we switched gears and decided to do both. The kids and I met him at his office and we enjoyed chocolates, gingerbread cookies and dinner, in that order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Qltq8XIlU/WEMbk66QERI/AAAAAAAAKfA/bB132Suc6Gk2nSI7bLUv1OYQzzGhWUiqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161202_182110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Qltq8XIlU/WEMbk66QERI/AAAAAAAAKfA/bB132Suc6Gk2nSI7bLUv1OYQzzGhWUiqgCLcB/s320/IMG_20161202_182110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There nativities are from Peru. <br />It was fun to see different cultural representations of the Nativity.</td></tr>
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After we had our fill of chicken nuggets and french fries--they were really good nuggets--we headed out. The "market" ended up being more of an exhibit in a small barn-like building. I was a little disappointed, but it ended up being a really great way to bring in the holidays. I'm glad we started with the Savior because that's where we'll end too. It was a really nice night out with our family. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting to see the Christmas story in 19th century Bavarian-style.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-78297974827081968232016-12-01T14:08:00.003-06:002016-12-02T14:56:52.524-06:00Bits and pieces<div style="text-align: center;">
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Just a few random pics I wanted to include. These are a bit more of our day to day adventures. </div>
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<div class="RY3tic" data-latest-bg="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UXKiwDlEWENp6uhtB14hHYWFu4vmJMeogB4eCnKYAfNHkELxfDIBr9c6zAKQDXValfxDhT08XXe2TA7lwWMqjG9OdV9BYw-BZyhVAau4iZpyZ_ghnkCtInPmT1qFhqElURSMpeh_i4OL9kDtyUPEmzGOMPE1XEeHIDCXyTEuecMO2uqMSeYW2GaWGajPWJZGW3g17jeTF4l6u33sM4EBNhMN3e0ohUD_59PfK9aNzf8Mzv87i6kvkRPjnzqvRPD-S4yymspazbPpAeTukuE6bgYmUINsBqq4tmS-HQJ8jaW0i_F0befkzg9Nx_OHgAh91gour7nU6njbmchZgQHuL8KrM39_9WPTvsemohptEDIJobq4QxbA9w4xPC-mzbClLIqdFecsFfoqnuZL51zxHryI2fSn3RrH8l0Sg7RQ7j8AsedW-VUm8yBANsZfVDNGpH5UIFw_vlE5iUmA6m_NS84zA6zB2wKlCGx3I0z_84y9cdGKHCZHTi2DC8Q--vquVVmb6YTWR6tASweouOvcqKJiLDqn_dykoNW9tXScndNPb-0WRfrSlEJBMZ6hB9m87EK76sTSKMtccjs69-iJ6rjRrnU7WNV5jlm2UmbjLg=w293-h220-no" style="background-image: url("https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UXKiwDlEWENp6uhtB14hHYWFu4vmJMeogB4eCnKYAfNHkELxfDIBr9c6zAKQDXValfxDhT08XXe2TA7lwWMqjG9OdV9BYw-BZyhVAau4iZpyZ_ghnkCtInPmT1qFhqElURSMpeh_i4OL9kDtyUPEmzGOMPE1XEeHIDCXyTEuecMO2uqMSeYW2GaWGajPWJZGW3g17jeTF4l6u33sM4EBNhMN3e0ohUD_59PfK9aNzf8Mzv87i6kvkRPjnzqvRPD-S4yymspazbPpAeTukuE6bgYmUINsBqq4tmS-HQJ8jaW0i_F0befkzg9Nx_OHgAh91gour7nU6njbmchZgQHuL8KrM39_9WPTvsemohptEDIJobq4QxbA9w4xPC-mzbClLIqdFecsFfoqnuZL51zxHryI2fSn3RrH8l0Sg7RQ7j8AsedW-VUm8yBANsZfVDNGpH5UIFw_vlE5iUmA6m_NS84zA6zB2wKlCGx3I0z_84y9cdGKHCZHTi2DC8Q--vquVVmb6YTWR6tASweouOvcqKJiLDqn_dykoNW9tXScndNPb-0WRfrSlEJBMZ6hB9m87EK76sTSKMtccjs69-iJ6rjRrnU7WNV5jlm2UmbjLg=w293-h220-no"), url("https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UXKiwDlEWENp6uhtB14hHYWFu4vmJMeogB4eCnKYAfNHkELxfDIBr9c6zAKQDXValfxDhT08XXe2TA7lwWMqjG9OdV9BYw-BZyhVAau4iZpyZ_ghnkCtInPmT1qFhqElURSMpeh_i4OL9kDtyUPEmzGOMPE1XEeHIDCXyTEuecMO2uqMSeYW2GaWGajPWJZGW3g17jeTF4l6u33sM4EBNhMN3e0ohUD_59PfK9aNzf8Mzv87i6kvkRPjnzqvRPD-S4yymspazbPpAeTukuE6bgYmUINsBqq4tmS-HQJ8jaW0i_F0befkzg9Nx_OHgAh91gour7nU6njbmchZgQHuL8KrM39_9WPTvsemohptEDIJobq4QxbA9w4xPC-mzbClLIqdFecsFfoqnuZL51zxHryI2fSn3RrH8l0Sg7RQ7j8AsedW-VUm8yBANsZfVDNGpH5UIFw_vlE5iUmA6m_NS84zA6zB2wKlCGx3I0z_84y9cdGKHCZHTi2DC8Q--vquVVmb6YTWR6tASweouOvcqKJiLDqn_dykoNW9tXScndNPb-0WRfrSlEJBMZ6hB9m87EK76sTSKMtccjs69-iJ6rjRrnU7WNV5jlm2UmbjLg=w72-h54-k-rw-no"); opacity: 1;">
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 21, 2016, 9:50:14 AM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMuODgqCdROLmSwFJ_imljjlq68gpjUPYbDjGg" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are enjoying great sunrises and sunsets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playgrounds in Germany are super fun. <br />
Not exactly safe but great for the imagination.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQlGw0ziDkc/WEHeIzjq4MI/AAAAAAAAKb4/lNjxTbS7WiMJDUwy1VTl5aDOiWGkj9PaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161123_130310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQlGw0ziDkc/WEHeIzjq4MI/AAAAAAAAKb4/lNjxTbS7WiMJDUwy1VTl5aDOiWGkj9PaQCLcB/s320/IMG_20161123_130310.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We really do like the zoo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben is busted because he's suppose to be sleeping and keeps getting up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37pDtPNJ-rI/WEHeJp40z3I/AAAAAAAAKcA/uyocNmEn1a8XEi6uav7m_JnIK0v8WgsaACLcB/s1600/IMG_20161127_191053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37pDtPNJ-rI/WEHeJp40z3I/AAAAAAAAKcA/uyocNmEn1a8XEi6uav7m_JnIK0v8WgsaACLcB/s320/IMG_20161127_191053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wright family tradition dictates that there is a puzzle out <br />
between Thanksgiving and Christmas. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We bought a tiny Christmas Tree. <br />
The kids made the decorations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EWLEWTlNLU/WEHeJ3eESYI/AAAAAAAAKcI/cqttMYsZcTE0FAgZOFOLHlJ-ArVFqpZdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161201_094447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EWLEWTlNLU/WEHeJ3eESYI/AAAAAAAAKcI/cqttMYsZcTE0FAgZOFOLHlJ-ArVFqpZdgCLcB/s320/IMG_20161201_094447.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made two batches of penuche yesterday. <br />
We had to make two because the first was ruined.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q18tdGColQ/WEHeKelxxoI/AAAAAAAAKcM/bYMC4YOzOBUlVuwd119DIvLS_4zuxJ4RACLcB/s1600/IMG_20161201_204540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q18tdGColQ/WEHeKelxxoI/AAAAAAAAKcM/bYMC4YOzOBUlVuwd119DIvLS_4zuxJ4RACLcB/s320/IMG_20161201_204540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I work on when I'm not blogging or <br />
trying to avoid things I should be doing, like laundry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After church on Sunday, I came in to find them coloring nicely together.</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-72103500958276625572016-12-01T13:37:00.000-06:002016-12-02T00:41:16.134-06:00He's 2!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7n76dbw3EUiqkfsQDd3foZDiFleA7t-NCegOkbHavRNXWTkoZkqA0Dcg0dd8vQRA-khkkkh5tUBwPgs9S3jOvv2k8zxHqGAgqMyw51f3WoR7dcJETpGVfN3l11svRwQqnMzuTsEn0GbSaTNWXrRuWcV_H19e438JYPfroHYygFHJsH08mBfyH8eu3lTa6Y-tDvJTXuZ4JtPrU0Fgfrm5GXXOHPug6w7yUh_J4W9BCUx8IxyadpBHU--a9B3-vUj3lq7DhpY62a9Z1X3o1dnbfiQDBHP7xtvuBeC2OkS8p9FaGozjz89HAD32oLQaZ7u42b6pFXFyeXbTaZtzam7dMeNElZ8LXQzo7xDJ6ERzmB9XNg2gihswcXSHWcZXG88sMKJGWWvRwwH-354KZIE5BS7r1_Lelz7wh7AVHZDH47NmfGHqDRIzNN9QHyjLuWCcEFC5UUZD8_RWqZpSx1dZyld7M5NcvpQq1ESF2M9ZgJNLVA_3lPBkj1biYpvdw-P6jnSJohNHdj9xyNYzrhiJurRYxasjAWkGBSaNO19uJvCiEjRwZRPPYAQOmbBaAZnMbVjY03sBKQsN4GRU0CLajEMurX7ZK4Twlhc8WECwpA=w686-h515-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 29, 2016, 5:06:29 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7n76dbw3EUiqkfsQDd3foZDiFleA7t-NCegOkbHavRNXWTkoZkqA0Dcg0dd8vQRA-khkkkh5tUBwPgs9S3jOvv2k8zxHqGAgqMyw51f3WoR7dcJETpGVfN3l11svRwQqnMzuTsEn0GbSaTNWXrRuWcV_H19e438JYPfroHYygFHJsH08mBfyH8eu3lTa6Y-tDvJTXuZ4JtPrU0Fgfrm5GXXOHPug6w7yUh_J4W9BCUx8IxyadpBHU--a9B3-vUj3lq7DhpY62a9Z1X3o1dnbfiQDBHP7xtvuBeC2OkS8p9FaGozjz89HAD32oLQaZ7u42b6pFXFyeXbTaZtzam7dMeNElZ8LXQzo7xDJ6ERzmB9XNg2gihswcXSHWcZXG88sMKJGWWvRwwH-354KZIE5BS7r1_Lelz7wh7AVHZDH47NmfGHqDRIzNN9QHyjLuWCcEFC5UUZD8_RWqZpSx1dZyld7M5NcvpQq1ESF2M9ZgJNLVA_3lPBkj1biYpvdw-P6jnSJohNHdj9xyNYzrhiJurRYxasjAWkGBSaNO19uJvCiEjRwZRPPYAQOmbBaAZnMbVjY03sBKQsN4GRU0CLajEMurX7ZK4Twlhc8WECwpA=w686-h515-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></a></div>
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We celebrated Ben's 2nd birthday this week. We love this little guys. Everyone wants to play with him, hold him, kiss him and just be with him. He such a light in our home. He is pretty obedient and talks so much. I love conversations with a two year old.<br />
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We celebrated with a couple presents in the morning, an old school London double-decker bus (it's also a pencil sharpener as Jonathan pointed out) and some road tape. The road tape was a big hit. The older kids were deciding how to ration it's use so they can take some home. Ben carried his bus everywhere with him. He loves it. <br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Nov 29, 2016, 1:11:41 PM" class="SzDcob" height="320" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NA69R3CDPGEXqu8dpzjzwS3h-AoXU_oip_gsfeuOo_vp64qMfLd0m3U4rYZv2l-sCk6B_6QsxO5yVNr_DxLIjuWRXDnwl17csQJwucZtIRNQiHVei8B4HNINaoz5VPwcHXXWzKAK4Dg0d2K-_U-5c6AMhSU-t2oys6wTc-Hz0x7ZoefcxekOn7S5dF7drc9nmyc9FOZknsl8VLnGRG1NEjFfC3A3SwE7kVVtmydxvSZgg3uZctwcYAjh-qqqtBB-dDGFuD9KMvnNNLW31M_f_AaOx9MC2PPo9CL5yd98ZFB_YUhgETr0Su10A2Rt_CsC9wlxhPvyW_egXtaBkMCmTtch2qZ3VHOIf2PeP-dskUhbNJLdj9nbG2epl_T6LJ6FQxGIwy4oNyGXH4hQeXrIwoiuvURN7NqjFVsam3q9kxwvmQeSlbeSubizNM_ZNFwPQ-mPEml0rZt2PWjntyb7bUy7UWxpm_VkfQLcVPYMmdkSwdiYaYn_AgnGDWDu0a9yDdLxh5aU8egtwLoBC0vJ06lUQy3A_fwgwFnqJ10F5Jxbnlr_kHNum2r86B5beb0MZWN5stKDpJ3qd0giz45Fd6yXuwd6f3kuppwpcDByNg=w474-h632-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="240" /></div>
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We spent the day at home working on Christmas decorations and I made Ben's birthday cake. I found some cocoa so I made our favorite chocolate cake recipe. I had seen pictures on Pinterest for a piñata cake so I winged it for Ben. I cut out the inside of the cake and filled it with M&Ms. Ben was pretty excited when I cut the first piece and M&Ms fell out. Those were the only things he ate. <br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 29, 2016, 6:07:48 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mgdK-OifA0HKPW1kNMLiPumhPWE4AfE8Ed-XJ6GI4IMMuWB9occv1mow0n7Y0rUW5wQlib2RUjyQppR3DcpQ5D9-VvfbxujBJiE7l-fOsoX35h_VV19h2ZR7MRed97dqMKplA2wPMZmVkM2HEo1p7n1lOOC_SHAzw7iJon4V1MweRERLSHhxD8VG_ZBfOe-TTyEmWi9vnf8KWal4LETe-DstapNiQJWj8e2EHLNAAB_xiXS-6lGgA_KjgbEoCf8NABTnPxR-WtUpJ9dEaj4rKkAzzGavwt_h424yEkSrC5-Z2Ap46-JUCIucrAU9D8tApu352idZO9sFJlbmYhtmatdNM8NtFrbu1qq5un26yQO_A2hyJS0sONNW6wbYquYxzqgccY0IvP8Kv6RtfZ8-jVE62u8WImyzk_9GmdKT3sOyrrwQh0kyO4AxPr1lTWckANLx6Psc8DD1K2PSZqk6s3PbpzunIf1ICLksQROB5ts13joI4uek1OL6jLOE2RNCgaIQOzcO4ht9mYn8lTMm04zOfL7eUPFwaMIYdNxAMVFGX7qnH1Iq5XvZrYTkBIxPHWp_MihUkL_HtwQuejgF5FjtQd6O-okE2_pbeVIqxbYU=w686-h515-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></div>
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This little guys has been such a blessing in our lives. I'm really glad he is part of our crew. Happy birthday, Ben!<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-44758908322182590702016-11-27T13:22:00.000-06:002016-12-01T13:23:11.503-06:00A Tidbit of HomeWe always enjoy seeing things that remind us of places and people we love. Sometimes it's the Eiffel tower decoration in a shop window, a familiar cookie package, a recipe that I can find all of the ingredients for, or a bumper sticker. We saw this one on our way home from church on Sunday and Hyrum had to have a good picture<div>
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.<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 27, 2016, 1:03:16 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IlnbdJJb4anhpXQlPhcFQqAx2O230rsvtm9LLirtkkPZ50jo5KHzdxWLXV7EqtMfCyROEFhdjJrvXkL6tt81NWXuNRAi1RMbjQDoEoaOxn1_l1cbU1_TLdv4SKKoOZDXBJzpH1U-rN286mUjgnducmL0HVHgVvQaP5WwI5OQkW3lnV4CQwqCjNVjUdlIgYF58bPzlWh-rd628USteibxlEzNWfqX_GkUrInI3SdvfrmAjvey7F8_SfsDbocctyv0AqwlGUDuZMleDzvG3qQ5IhGU1tcLWFOyTeSDkvbX-gC1tg2cfB9FMje61bW1IyoKNSr_hE-WJARmRo56CdqAbwzYe7IsUZWpl_jWBGd3cSsz3zM5x8V0rUVLtPDAETgVexWIjZJ5aJkYYEcRyEX8kjnFnjUuFr_IgYJ2ziUaVzTBnUBSMntnv6RWzhCJPfVnsejy1dsZ0IkwLgTh-oOGKoXjTJz2GHDeNFbEkaIHNoJXiC4YWvgxpRTCm8MoMdZpEyBRq4KNyWuDOtNQ4UHrJUL2UXmM2R8llDGP7sN0aWVjbuIhecgoHseB9zXXdhbfUr1iw9YjEDXWIuJzfQUiYW7wOBC_EIuwJxWBSeITXOsD=w686-h515-no" width="320" /></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-91227686269315592562016-11-27T13:17:00.000-06:002016-12-02T13:22:47.269-06:00Neuschwanstein Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iRtMNV2yu_On53JIYUZwIPn7UoTz2e-qVq1DwFwVwsIH_V1vxgT2CXqWDADItET1oyYsH1DaeNyTLJkWVPAdg6noeojsUN3KLw3kvS396DftU6HLA4WBDm5z48WtfBymt7eKOPwXzJC3ZYENivGlp0UUg5ZjX6fmIkLfMOVxjmYC9YJdvMtrV6aDHCDHSPE33I1l2h9qHEhkrYrkvsEsmwzUfB9S7eXaP0AAa0ZypV-HCddKkm2FqxeGLHE3azpzzDlGpmaIfeBUHKkl2So2qKOPxELYdir2YXCliQZ3t462T1gFzCe5kll-QVwzJCzLjoCDivvdGqb1pJJdhHGAtiocgNSods6BuGC2k2n1kTuNpRL-TDOzKikrJ6Tz6xRhO77TvWDGNpp36e5OFZWyr1oQ-V19nfttPABc2KbjIc98tQD6g3eOF6xNRP5WV5KIpFNeh6jKvUgEMbnZZzXoWGEnR-eO0vwkQDt8HO_1t5llamIuyzuWieEGsD1y_aEsRWs9gxb4AjBS56JgYzvDe5QQg-3YZ58O1eEsf_rYkrDK3MA7B2LY0VNU6g8WzniuZHYHUoVl3aDwcPz8t67hdP2M91kkcZNVbveSvzEMtg=w474-h632-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Nov 26, 2016, 1:48:21 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="320" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iRtMNV2yu_On53JIYUZwIPn7UoTz2e-qVq1DwFwVwsIH_V1vxgT2CXqWDADItET1oyYsH1DaeNyTLJkWVPAdg6noeojsUN3KLw3kvS396DftU6HLA4WBDm5z48WtfBymt7eKOPwXzJC3ZYENivGlp0UUg5ZjX6fmIkLfMOVxjmYC9YJdvMtrV6aDHCDHSPE33I1l2h9qHEhkrYrkvsEsmwzUfB9S7eXaP0AAa0ZypV-HCddKkm2FqxeGLHE3azpzzDlGpmaIfeBUHKkl2So2qKOPxELYdir2YXCliQZ3t462T1gFzCe5kll-QVwzJCzLjoCDivvdGqb1pJJdhHGAtiocgNSods6BuGC2k2n1kTuNpRL-TDOzKikrJ6Tz6xRhO77TvWDGNpp36e5OFZWyr1oQ-V19nfttPABc2KbjIc98tQD6g3eOF6xNRP5WV5KIpFNeh6jKvUgEMbnZZzXoWGEnR-eO0vwkQDt8HO_1t5llamIuyzuWieEGsD1y_aEsRWs9gxb4AjBS56JgYzvDe5QQg-3YZ58O1eEsf_rYkrDK3MA7B2LY0VNU6g8WzniuZHYHUoVl3aDwcPz8t67hdP2M91kkcZNVbveSvzEMtg=w474-h632-no" width="240" /></a></div>
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Saturday after our Thanksgiving feast we were all out the door by 8:20 to catch a tram, train and bus to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, also known as Sleeping Beauty's Castle. The castle was really amazing inside. We weren't allowed to take pictures, so do a google search to see inside. The interior is richly painted with large murals in every room. The architecture is amazing as well. <br />
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The tour is only about 35 minutes which was enough for the kids. We ended up hurrying to meet Ian and Charity on the bridge so we didn't see the courtyard or really anything other than what is on the tour. I didn't even realize we had missed it until Sunday after we got home from church. I hope someday we back go back in the summer or late Spring. It was a good place to see. The crowds weren't too bad and we were able to get tickets just right for our timing. We walked up and down and even carrying Ben, it wasn't terrible, just take it slow and enjoy the walk up the hill. It was strange because there were a lot of Americans there. It was strange to hear English again as a primary language spoken by people other than my children.<br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 26, 2016, 2:01:05 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/SMO2QrhSR5RlkGT8D_HsHuoVCtbyq-q9L4HrWcK-X0fk0EgpqjSsaJKQIfdMRWqTKieMgC09uY3l4Q3sGMWrExvxKPP8fc7DcMPrQWYvzlGWBZYu4qC0uQVY2CiTBZBv3huVcMyoGljoVZ9tUm62z5jGcd0ubMwKGMpKB78Y6TjGbxslYgP1b9TY1miopmN-AEMKNhWkHIvgc8P8ptNofPqqutxaTQrRakD6b62E3xCVDBRqqL-EPuuv1ClrnlBHa9ml7lEAdso4oaNei2q_zKqYKgYeLr36OKWIO6uBn1t_0Yl2WMSPT5-9pX3IxJf_tGiNqpOaI_sTrcDvK_hfet_mMGT-gsxTqThV20Z0MSoA8rp-vYSnUKH747ki3BaVk9Vt5EwSLxTgu5UNeewQopOJnBFN1HqyXSZBA7sC7QpgvwJvBMh0s5Q_7BNGDlrXUXsVITRB2wB5g9Bu3vfAQI_pa34iulfXuZ4wZRlJTuszqu4cMxLXYlauE0LK1_Thu_yLTAhSt5mInW6v4IpfnKJvKa5pnTxzZ78eMhEkF_K_x8iG4TYiMFhuMcRC6CrKj3Cct3Ox_BRRAf0M67EQbXxB-ZEPvtMI2RkXsZq3Wayr=w669-h502-no" width="320" /> </div>
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 26, 2016, 2:03:43 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7-q4Zd7LtS1Y5h-ewuwKlzrcOECtM0fbUVp2TgrnWlUl8E7zmGV93p1J7CK_CMPeFeMRSrmG1P6epQYw5UGABAarbbM9N0GlOV0RV0iZ9RQSITZDXu9phpxvzoDgiffnRBTSrNCpNvm3ufcdOxVZ7R9nHW-AkxnmQ9O_4_w4T_3k4Ie6KcBYxsZ-kA8mtf-DVs6Z1t2bCHruXoZYErVS_pdNp5IyjnkH61aTccj8xqEdrO_tg8sYv8W2i5xLpHk0A5MLu5kSPRamk0ImnLeg-zdAUEgiCZHC43hUdfn86G7MNh144ncK6jj5YMOf9ppv7BVsx5-bwcPEacIA8EDhwUBepLUTU0eTdr16Re0iM-9ziaFxVhWMoHtK9tvoYvhMgTIF9VChHMtaaoj1fuCtpxoBsYVhTVN-a5xawDVXTBAz-0NbKPS0dcslUCdJwgjfCjqbR6rEVXTyRzMEixN0awpjxbvMRMjTTL19z-l4pht4M08apHs2DdC0q4lCwv98HAIhyJDqD8L4KMwzvq_TMnTkiJYMqT6PgFNV1Fb16VUTQaJU2PWJHfrJrsaSmJxxhsTGKfIKZ4MYwbogUBAw767dQEXokl6Qv1I0pFwxvFpT=w669-h502-no" width="320" /></div>
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 26, 2016, 2:01:20 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/odh9lpUwkOdwHBceo9YHJXKNRlXlMaYl4cYJBc4Qn_bDZ_aZmNmbnE5iY0MnB4o-nxcTg61O_NnlaPzQLEtsyN8mLMmWa8beC2JdNmcU4w_wPZKFmb1Mu0jpI5jlZxX4ConQdV3jeugNRzNc7N4OSGAY5vg3wZ1Bmq20SN80YXBxCzk8hzQM1km8aKQ0cc258rVRmzU766bzIQs4e12AaPN78ZhhjKy3Qg33_p5t9-tyEnwDmtflfjYsohbPHqHvfOYtmfBGkwVIUiBPsCYd1zmTYd596gHHctcqQ1ZJhXXBIx_LCqUcHCGJ69L7b-99BVjdzhy2d2BGedpIUvSomUK9WfmkkApeZIy8vCviX2wv2p6x-lP2_S9ml3oNWBbJVKMoo6TwYYMU6g_HZeOdC1kutoem3RnNgkCkCSK2qy6XMVwKkc2P7km0S3QPdivLwFpv2DELQGDZ_yBJLMS8Ys695cK10uILQwX0BFlXd-j5YfkTHMwQk9N6Djy1BMDhsYvV8wd3VjEc2stfYXY_zn57Xu4Z-p0RHTW-u9utYoLqa2ulYFRzKmRrmX4hhALxv5dYk7PNan944t3Br38LpkR9_r1Jqsadns5MTvoZOgzO=w669-h502-no" width="320" /></div>
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Everyone but Hannah and I enjoyed the views from the bridge. There were a couple of boards that were a little too rickety for my comfort especially considering I'm not a fan of heights in the first place. We found a secluded path through the woods for our walk back to the village. It was quiet and smelled of Fall. I loved it. <br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Nov 26, 2016, 11:54:45 AM" class="SzDcob" height="320" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VhxsaeMWneSlwmAyCthx_uGBsxziEfRHnGNvIfhDQRL71jRhY8Q7rN-RF5yMvBQbNvGr0ODDPtaqDlfa4mLEhxAlPTkHmQx_jzorU00f51huNj4iP6aLaWfRktHvJ7AI09kpa0L7ZvWhg-JktjsAmTcaayBP1PPRwnm2_yFLJ65gt4NzWL4S2-YNKkA3CFcfJ0O2lwQx-lLiDP8BYGYfpexGd9z9_3CuapAcMLbjZLas38PxBBvw8TdCH_NcauMbcM7pzSu-UKZLTuXBY-Cvms4VzgitIuPch583iSK25WGKqVjP6PYiFT4xrMl-thVGmf6LxJhu0z2ozHePG65DJ4cart6iQG8P1s82T0AKyqiQAjD4t4sdeqByrgrXvpCZxHeq1kjx40hDy_vnybl0r_tukdRsJUMfz1y866yjkI9g__zIIKkQHgmn5yBMvS1YcYNCacoylXbk4bdyDs8FW1Yia79w3Ggk9IwU3UfeSnQphCgW-4taBbT594YCo-avIS1VNqkPwb1JgRVRLK1j_Vor3xGvAna9E7cnOC6yCljRyhW3y2lWnUsZmeUc99AcbGidZOfmP7G-ItLdul_oWHAzv3SPUCaVn1uv2R1ji3Zd=w474-h632-no" width="240" /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6eX9AaiyPV7XJVYjSPeHbmH7y4ZeZsnVB1j2uWw5MH2PvxYbyfY6XGtqrFn9wRAj0EhcykxUa0qTfV6vlyLf7g7Uzk5V29SDzIWR4xeykDPgHNnro3vaV-pBnTgwLZ9awfmKXjBYXA0fRDIFtGYrSUIdfd1A2L_lNQL6b0YGxfmDsxZMdd5WfXdPoJFBNnuZykBZ9JoSmrKlCuClsU_gz9DVT6zWSCkEzsupRYEqmGKhtHvAUbFRUSsbWZXvoou5WEr148NwsXWa3MTETh6cDcyfGHd54u_1Ix9Inalv5Qhb0qAAQybw_BZis_F9XUrjG1vIVjS1A_mFw8BJ8EBVvZZIbIWtfM7dNBDFEIOG_gU7oyb0ZcaS-p9mrh3Cg4Jre6TFte6eKDJJowA2xYNMEzCXUDywm4OmfJ5_z0XOVNZUeVWbC5j2aKYl8qaZlfnJc8dMR08EmPFr6YLiAO5AAid0U8L-kkQ42eECgXzsiJ-NvFRAKGZM-8Bqx5y0v1AaqMwZvTLAyiJ2knm_T2Fl42v8CDuHh-CmkukzWgOz96FgCMWenp118_X86rEGB-GKeO3ANnMbxsDr7tjEzueDHHH3OTQrI7SUqZfkWdxRg0vR=w669-h502-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Charity and Ian's selfie-stick we had all of us in the picture!!</td></tr>
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We rode back on the top of the double-decker train. After getting home we took the U-bahn home by way of the Christmas Market nearest our apartment. It was fun to feel the Christmas Spirit as the brass band played and we were surrounded by happy people and the sights and smells of Christmas--spiced nuts, nutella and sausage. <br />
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We got home and started the bath process while Charity and I heated up our Thanksgiving leftovers. It was a good day.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-22994181628215314852016-11-26T15:03:00.000-06:002016-11-30T15:07:13.745-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!!Hyrum's brother and his family celebrated Thanksgiving with us this year. The London Wrights were a little late arriving since Ian got slammed at work a couple weeks before they were scheduled to arrive. We observed Thanksgiving on Friday since they didn't arrive in Munich until late-ish on Thursday night.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/g8FNi_db3In60otSKYIUInmB-oL5NRuqVBFa8vKhPp9E8llbBUogL8IzxRGUaBVoTQxY3jMME8jfihcyp_lIme-ndsCPyegETQn_22pNE9sHyuUCVl7OmwixYn-X_4ayFqootPd42WNvr0HawYnLX4ywW8cNIzoG4euuyJNsP7ZIkjoGQ7joYDSmhNYKjUNIGInDanCHIHUtLqjeAe9GO47YCBYcP2mXXEA1eP-WUXOQ8TDA0ek0HMgx0zmKyN61akQHvqnBhh897PCDsO0zY3DHixQPFAULIMSlJ_RapPfN1nCtLcIZBPrYIAvNnFDwpwJnhK61cezitYzQwHRVveHO5uCKNw32m6XmuiTL-opwWBL3rY7ozbrxlN3Kj0qjGuJZf_XRhNtQkNw3pzq4dyiCgsFxPNLe_KQrIneYIbxu0nba-4RhtEZzUrLlE8CXzjI8yK8oHpXeaWMhTY92wxp1Px83K3mzWGwSmyl5G7fmIXDBZgHEAtVdk_aHtrtNmgm1UPA20ILSsfidygqbw0pQukOHccvPbuX1oyVNmuGRovUKzMcEvb-cOnp7twQdawXAnnBL5HyuceTAIjclWOWEHNagiqh8cEN7F5Gb6wl8=w422-h632-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Nov 29, 2016, 4:49:22 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="320" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/g8FNi_db3In60otSKYIUInmB-oL5NRuqVBFa8vKhPp9E8llbBUogL8IzxRGUaBVoTQxY3jMME8jfihcyp_lIme-ndsCPyegETQn_22pNE9sHyuUCVl7OmwixYn-X_4ayFqootPd42WNvr0HawYnLX4ywW8cNIzoG4euuyJNsP7ZIkjoGQ7joYDSmhNYKjUNIGInDanCHIHUtLqjeAe9GO47YCBYcP2mXXEA1eP-WUXOQ8TDA0ek0HMgx0zmKyN61akQHvqnBhh897PCDsO0zY3DHixQPFAULIMSlJ_RapPfN1nCtLcIZBPrYIAvNnFDwpwJnhK61cezitYzQwHRVveHO5uCKNw32m6XmuiTL-opwWBL3rY7ozbrxlN3Kj0qjGuJZf_XRhNtQkNw3pzq4dyiCgsFxPNLe_KQrIneYIbxu0nba-4RhtEZzUrLlE8CXzjI8yK8oHpXeaWMhTY92wxp1Px83K3mzWGwSmyl5G7fmIXDBZgHEAtVdk_aHtrtNmgm1UPA20ILSsfidygqbw0pQukOHccvPbuX1oyVNmuGRovUKzMcEvb-cOnp7twQdawXAnnBL5HyuceTAIjclWOWEHNagiqh8cEN7F5Gb6wl8=w422-h632-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="213" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/t8M-mro6kz-VFErr5PK8rfKqx56Cm915VNjiG6sDLMMishQ4yafC0EE9qXBV3FHCGmfBzS4nPVA6kTwiGEmZLQfrdeuGCtWpsxQaOQL5rAGPLEKfLuFWDIoOLpWFTqyJuw3xrQ-TYNNAHRzAcjZ_MRLdSXzlytGGs3DMXjL7yU8F27UeFN66w7OZ9Phzm8KmrmsxQ1QI1qoVrA1t04Iaplmx-go_7H4alb9hlkEG7K6rhkB1-ZKxdRNt7z5_rXjUJ62uXYLhITXuF_Nkq36d_sJNKaxq3j1xof8alSqSsBxhSkPhIFRJD3RrMmKV2ofr6tQ11wK3kAMwp8k5z5mtANAa87FbnhzGc3HgEghjxVv5jsQFcslKK46pWu-BRirIUuM4vidrf8_sAxF3orZdIgnmmAeaxHPrvBd9rc4zxtfIND1rAh36aBlzEdCApuFeGEsO9oEP-G0o6FNL8ukdJmwDjOWFaAh8iqfbU_bGERmNkkJJ4FApj2uFmCIiWKqTk2rW_YXxHlBiYCj06u_EhH2A7aPP_9_tJ4IRaRRvtacQb80U7yJVvacfPt7fVV6lG9aIOSByOtFOW2uwD94kzLLMRP6TQplxeAAIJYNNaguk=w422-h632-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="SzDcob" height="320" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/t8M-mro6kz-VFErr5PK8rfKqx56Cm915VNjiG6sDLMMishQ4yafC0EE9qXBV3FHCGmfBzS4nPVA6kTwiGEmZLQfrdeuGCtWpsxQaOQL5rAGPLEKfLuFWDIoOLpWFTqyJuw3xrQ-TYNNAHRzAcjZ_MRLdSXzlytGGs3DMXjL7yU8F27UeFN66w7OZ9Phzm8KmrmsxQ1QI1qoVrA1t04Iaplmx-go_7H4alb9hlkEG7K6rhkB1-ZKxdRNt7z5_rXjUJ62uXYLhITXuF_Nkq36d_sJNKaxq3j1xof8alSqSsBxhSkPhIFRJD3RrMmKV2ofr6tQ11wK3kAMwp8k5z5mtANAa87FbnhzGc3HgEghjxVv5jsQFcslKK46pWu-BRirIUuM4vidrf8_sAxF3orZdIgnmmAeaxHPrvBd9rc4zxtfIND1rAh36aBlzEdCApuFeGEsO9oEP-G0o6FNL8ukdJmwDjOWFaAh8iqfbU_bGERmNkkJJ4FApj2uFmCIiWKqTk2rW_YXxHlBiYCj06u_EhH2A7aPP_9_tJ4IRaRRvtacQb80U7yJVvacfPt7fVV6lG9aIOSByOtFOW2uwD94kzLLMRP6TQplxeAAIJYNNaguk=w422-h632-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="213" /></a></div>
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Friday morning Charity and I mixed, chopped, sliced, crushed and cooked with help from the kids. We enjoyed a bit of monkey bread for breakfast and then prepped the pies--apple, pumpkin and vanilla cream After they were mixed and baking, we chopped and prepped the food for dinner. Charity and the kids cut up potatoes-regular and sweet, as well as the stuffing ingredients. </div>
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I worked on the turkey. This turkey was quite an adventure. We had to order it at a market and we picked it up on Thursday. I usually brine my turkey but since we didn't have a bucket or a place to keep it overnight, I did some research and opted to dry-brine the bird. Before picking up the turkey, I took inventory of our supplies and decided to double check the bag I had bought. After opening if I discovered a 3 meter long bag that was open on both ends and not very wide. It was clearly not for roasting turkey in. We had a good laugh over that. Then once I was ready to rub the turkey in salt and seasoning i pulled out the foil pans I had ordered from amazon to find the turkey looked like a toddler lounging in a toy bin, half in and half out. I laughed but kind of panicked because I wasn't sure how we were going to cook this bird.<br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 30, 2016, 9:48:50 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/549ux6pchhKnfzf5txoB1v3xMHJdpWjtXfCBuDDPIqiPhCDZdAO5KOUmWaJrKwEXJRc5oTQENch1UES6jN3KnC4IB6viXVqteqW3j2bK4xl3dpMkGK0DIE6NYPTNh4ixmx1AHW8fFc7plLImrrYKT9YJSmI8PatDhnCRkAkDU7hxxfcaQY6nU5On5Jylp0DW9OZeLhYpWUTKsc8DxDJfOyfkwYF7SFYuOgZmDbN3gVGsOJuSgjmVuWhlG27ftKPWyLyd6VnLebG9j4iNnUt8mV65_UoDsohi9wNJhC-nxgdVezPufwprf1cD8c3JPrPMQycgeKMVCiUB6MOpDE65DWLBabCpUU4_6l3H5AhocccLhr4sBgA5nHP3fzzR_yMUaELHX7zicJE8fks-OcyOqcmovFRFVvi6PMSRQH_4SbXcBLOkcNwxpiL1iMtYKIAJ5v_hSTcbp5U9rTEqKGUvw-LmrCcMZZZl9hbMciAD83Hg4s272KKPTtJm6_3mM_0RcXDraUbO4DJmHrBTd6csWoynTb2JyTmifN9Od3V2RHD9d5-f39thho2wVSqTsYk1qbWOMNUTCA5FBJS9rzppvn4YkqQ4eT-Wzik5kRMBQQ=w584-h438-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></div>
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I went ahead and rubbed in the seasonings and Hyrum asked around at work to see if anyone had a large roasting pan we could borrow the next day. There were no takers, so after dinner on Thursday I ran down to the shopping center to see if I could find a decently priced roasting pan that would fit our 15 lb bird. I found a great one that was large enough for the turkey and small enough for the oven. There may have been a happy dance involved : )<br />
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So, Friday morning I rubbed it with some butter and more fresh herbs and added some carrots, celery, garlic and onions to the chest cavity, then into the oven it went for 3 1/2 hours. It was interesting getting a fresh turkey. There was no plastic package of giblets, they were just sitting the in chest cavity and the heart was even still attached. Pretty great for an anatomy lesson, not so good for whetting appetites.<br />
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After our morning prep session, Ian, Charity, Moses, Hyrum and our boys went out to see the glockenspiel at the Marienplatz and check out the Christmas market while the girls and I watched the turkey, finished up the desserts and got a few more things ready for our feast. And feast we did. We had a true Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. We had ingredients from Germany, England, and the US to get us through. We enjoyed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, carrots, rolls, gravy, salad and of course, turkey. We enjoyed the food but laughed as we barely ate enough to make a dent in it. <br />
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After dinner, we enjoyed a presentation the kids had put together. It was in part for Cub Scout and Faith in God requirements but they had fun and enjoyed putting it together. We sang songs, played games, watched an original skit, and listened to an original poem too. <br />
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 25, 2016, 5:47:26 PM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rPm8dXv9Y23yxz1UlHLqhAFF06XtXW-y3B4jN95CWiZCZM67Lu_YjybZ2orjWP62IInyIti1n8h07iJ5dLCp7RKWarquYbjZ4O0LBi240cu7NLP6I3faEm0si4RzFHPkX30KW3AA5xx3-IZTbli0msZ2_XKTKcL24FSbX1fRjo3IOr37IEVZ2xMMoWEonNw197x80MGlrKq3PJRsRPEn6Pb5FnyoY-cNcKvyZrmjHLjEIdiXskb7i6Ezt2AkZKoMrvUsOFoS0xCGR_FER5aJty0I1cfvRR3bGhD5q2FwrDXnaCFn7CmSWHxIGjT4SluyWdnFaudnn-9qxWWEANg6A22e3hU1dbg2mNAaFMCj6cwVTEfYp7PWNbsPm0o_iJXUr0MtDVkF1YWKORpeDYQAtceRKdIhI1uzK9vZF7suqijIfrYGsmC5CFsY5ZxT-obguReAqRRvI8yfECEV_XN21DnSFggI7kAkmIaqv1rJtGHjMPe8cU_La1ZrIlSyFHWaCQZRaMB5Dqwleu4vNk7NBnbXL01zz5u_yhoJSyAT40cQAojzYLqHoC9__QRP3DZGbEmUC0gTVS0z9YDwfGLAvoHlDKgKLhB7eiRvHGXSVw=w584-h438-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></div>
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It was great to be together as a family and be able to celebrate a day of thanks. We have so much to be grateful for and it was nice to spend time over the past few weeks to talk and reflect on it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Special thanks to Charity for capturing and sharing most of these images. My hands were usually a bit too gooey for picture taking. : )</i></span></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-5364274930519289342016-11-20T13:28:00.002-06:002016-12-02T15:01:57.871-06:00Verkehrszentrum - Deutsches MuseumSaturday, with Hyrum, we visited another extension of the Deutsches Museum. This one focused on land transportation. We saw modern and early cars, motorcycles, trains, buses, trams, bicycles, horse and buggies, race cars, model trains and so much more. The kids were in heaven, so was Hyrum! As we were leaving, they started up the steam engine so we could see how the wheels move on the rails. The train whistle tooted and Ben loved that. It was a great activity for a rainy Saturday!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wright Brothers' (and Sister) airplane!</td></tr>
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</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-72948068462280801882016-11-20T13:16:00.001-06:002016-11-20T13:16:48.993-06:00Deutsches Museum--Visit #2Coming "home" and then realizing that is doesn't quite cut it is hard. Monday this past week was terrible and I knew something had to be done. There were some things I needed to take care of and once they were accomplished, Thursday was already here. I decided it was time to return to the Deutsches Museum and see how many floor we could visit this time. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 17, 2016, 10:27:55 AM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ssGG9gHck9DAzgn3CiwLHjDKka3eOodizZmrGTxW3MAoLjnS_v7dXhMdW5A75OXRQEcHdcYkOTtSzUkVi01HeIdGaDWrrQBd11UPp8wbHL2CbgESsxhYrdRf97Lv4Bx3us3au3vCIxUB__l_4rPg-WiKOOLs4qleaTmSXfjud5JQX8V3oiF3ueYg2dCrtxa2njCuxkOALKQLwJmYE_vVFJMcfoL5Qqgj5KOszXIe0Cd0UfjE1cFyMcJd6mmDX-rsN1k0la_s-5Hc2IP--RlbILTB2CnoHu4ofDTfI_C2uRzD6klbCI5AhOeYk0JP8sZOM1YukRmIflMf8FXA4C2Sq5NicK-e77MU7NictxJm46AVe68-6Lf25tbYUBE2uLHPM-77mKyfwiXwO6hNDHW6pEwm4C_QrAEzlxOg9P1_ZND9YnfVFyRIjOLrGG6Uf1wSUbYv92znsqZIpVEc2Hi87wwXIZFb_oLZ1hrFOL7HC8g5b_Wxpf35uni0If3R46DMe8OQ20J9yUZu7kgYkdGxLZ9WQ1UEq_hO1haqwkFeLmeFK23THXKtU_pbyztT_Ype06Rr0f2VhqBzmZks4gQLdUGQ0uNaC08zjJ91UznR7Q=w644-h483-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless Steel flip panels.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 17, 2016, 10:45:04 AM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wR_a5w6cWhX-L5qnKTji6qF3YZj2RG2gaiNZoxtXGgYJ1I_bTKwS6VdTDZsUXMBqoxtQ3N4DM76DQDcYJZEYWO36YGKTg_JwICaqjSDTYTl3mtzymG8O_guEh3bTiC82gHNzuFzSSVHOFwXGOJI2kQ4U4heIfv7iZ42VfhzbwYgvjxTrdv4RckZK_jmKQAnT6Z2cfvVsCMW5HYkwmqxirEfHui5lH60LX5olYqVi4oYpZ5_JqdgjYbYHEOk5jxShg9lv8z1OOLjX5l4CntAIGnfjnb1DRfqBkPCsjfWn-1Ngd71UT_b3YbWxQAHcx179HROq1PoTlFcYjg6VPpc_wERL-8LXM_6libuQCLdFr3aPsQfeC1_MGLpuwkCouUjBxEbO4ErD5HBs_yHJrMObkEFsSXSvinjioIsI4Ei-BVFhfY2WKna-nixBh0cz1D_B57VThjpPSArUM-b-KM0FOYuN4VAVcaRxdkYy0u39UuC2O14MeJ3QtpXjZk57bZutwTA665YJJpy9ueLFVM3Fhnqw9Gi6mOOxoSDh8m3-PphWg-z-BiRcomqURb1U8WQwEof1AQzZiiYCTC3BxriHvWThnbXzF9xAn8uAQO7Z9A=w644-h483-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind and water mills.</td></tr>
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We started on floor 0 and checked out the Foundry, Metal Works, Machinery and Electricity. The kids were really interested in the metal. I thought it would be a quick stop but we spent probably 30-40 minutes there as Hannah and Jonathan read every plaque. There was a display on stainless steel including flip panels of different samples and where they were used. It was quite interesting. The Electricity section was probably the most excitement we had all day. As we were wandering around we heard some crazy loud electric sounds and looking around we could see electricity arcing in the air in another room. I think electricity is pretty cool so of course I suggested we go in for a closer look. Well, I neglected to think about my current company and we passed into the dark room where the demonstration was going on, an even louder, crazy electric noise happened. Ben burst into tears on the spot as did the other boys. The girls and I were scared as well but instead of crying we laughed. I may never know exactly what the demonstration was about but there should have been a serious warning and ear plugs. Wow, it was loud. </div>
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After we recovered from that shock ; ) We headed upstairs (Floor 1) to see the aviation stuff. We'd already seen the big planes at the Flugwerft site in Schleissheim but they had a toned down version here. There was model of one of the planes we walked through at the Flugwerft. It was connected to piloting controls so the kids sat down and using the steering wheel and the foot pedals were able to see how the controls affect the trajectory of the plane. We watched a short video about the first successful man powered flight in the 70's and the subsequent flight of the same team across the English Channel. The kids loved the fact that they had seen the English channel. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying practice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of flying things.</td></tr>
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Our longest stop by far was the physics room. There were tons of hands on displays and experiments. I'm not the scientist like Hyrum is so I couldn't explain everything but we spent hours turning every dial, swinging every pendulum and twisting every gear. There was another section that just happened to be open on Thursday so the older kids "painted with light" while the little boys played with a fancy marble run. The marbles were metal and there were lights and different electrical connections set up so the marble would complete the circuits and turn on the lights or start the propeller as it went through the run. Ben, especially loved it. </div>
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 17, 2016, 3:05:07 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOBS3rUAApEYdGa0bu7pQHVLaQisIpJmBNRSHI" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"><div class="RY3tic" data-latest-bg="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iVY04DTb-9kgzPB5vgvhyIuPeFmmCt480K3h1xeZVBRLCnLVNwOWk8Rrf1ALsmKiI3WTN1iZOiWsC76HPJy30FvtlHpJNH47cThDp1293Dei2qiPjLSn7MUXvjbdIcZgPD9tG9CaHgM3nOMgvQLh-4vNszJUzBTvxSOs9kbvUH-XByuTD93YvsAdBOpDSZCCaa0wmIHirPRI3Z--s1E-qoIhw3RflqIr8PLwClWiCEQem9RllGxWYi3g2osx4AjXtY7Hoqxd5NJNXdy9PZg2L0xHdQc460aeheP3GWCEXq7kOELbDVRy_F2vgdYpHCvmhKR9l5ONLRbMvcNd01iKYme3Eu5lVK61No4VOu_67fBWOd8oc4759WASkNPpW2mJ9KI11p36GG3j-zmW9Py8bMKCai_PoV0YD-4crCcF04Qw19MBVmifTMwwMJYgKSR7ezVWiRhFtaAlZHJajY4AxxzYxpngl4KoTKS2eVxsnoHjb8cVNiFrem_kfX-H--pbEwpMZuqJCosm205Fp8piyLHcfs-a2PxIU4DULPqX_hNijtbwLGDO9NkfUiB9zaobNp0eHhsVISl96gmjKKK20iLGriNx7djRodqjPYf26Q=w305-h204-no" style="background-image: url("https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iVY04DTb-9kgzPB5vgvhyIuPeFmmCt480K3h1xeZVBRLCnLVNwOWk8Rrf1ALsmKiI3WTN1iZOiWsC76HPJy30FvtlHpJNH47cThDp1293Dei2qiPjLSn7MUXvjbdIcZgPD9tG9CaHgM3nOMgvQLh-4vNszJUzBTvxSOs9kbvUH-XByuTD93YvsAdBOpDSZCCaa0wmIHirPRI3Z--s1E-qoIhw3RflqIr8PLwClWiCEQem9RllGxWYi3g2osx4AjXtY7Hoqxd5NJNXdy9PZg2L0xHdQc460aeheP3GWCEXq7kOELbDVRy_F2vgdYpHCvmhKR9l5ONLRbMvcNd01iKYme3Eu5lVK61No4VOu_67fBWOd8oc4759WASkNPpW2mJ9KI11p36GG3j-zmW9Py8bMKCai_PoV0YD-4crCcF04Qw19MBVmifTMwwMJYgKSR7ezVWiRhFtaAlZHJajY4AxxzYxpngl4KoTKS2eVxsnoHjb8cVNiFrem_kfX-H--pbEwpMZuqJCosm205Fp8piyLHcfs-a2PxIU4DULPqX_hNijtbwLGDO9NkfUiB9zaobNp0eHhsVISl96gmjKKK20iLGriNx7djRodqjPYf26Q=w305-h204-no"); opacity: 1;">
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<img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 17, 2016, 3:05:07 PM" class="SzDcob" height="213" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iVY04DTb-9kgzPB5vgvhyIuPeFmmCt480K3h1xeZVBRLCnLVNwOWk8Rrf1ALsmKiI3WTN1iZOiWsC76HPJy30FvtlHpJNH47cThDp1293Dei2qiPjLSn7MUXvjbdIcZgPD9tG9CaHgM3nOMgvQLh-4vNszJUzBTvxSOs9kbvUH-XByuTD93YvsAdBOpDSZCCaa0wmIHirPRI3Z--s1E-qoIhw3RflqIr8PLwClWiCEQem9RllGxWYi3g2osx4AjXtY7Hoqxd5NJNXdy9PZg2L0xHdQc460aeheP3GWCEXq7kOELbDVRy_F2vgdYpHCvmhKR9l5ONLRbMvcNd01iKYme3Eu5lVK61No4VOu_67fBWOd8oc4759WASkNPpW2mJ9KI11p36GG3j-zmW9Py8bMKCai_PoV0YD-4crCcF04Qw19MBVmifTMwwMJYgKSR7ezVWiRhFtaAlZHJajY4AxxzYxpngl4KoTKS2eVxsnoHjb8cVNiFrem_kfX-H--pbEwpMZuqJCosm205Fp8piyLHcfs-a2PxIU4DULPqX_hNijtbwLGDO9NkfUiB9zaobNp0eHhsVISl96gmjKKK20iLGriNx7djRodqjPYf26Q=w645-h430-no" style="transform: translate3d(-0.5px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></div>
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We spent another 5 hours there this time and we still have Space to explore!!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72262143538220845.post-5736163413151139992016-11-13T13:58:00.000-06:002016-11-19T14:02:40.981-06:00Paris--Church and Munich BoundSunday rolled around and we were ready to go "home". Our trip was wonderful but we were full and ready for something more familiar. We got up early and had a great phone call with Hyrum's sister as she hadn't gone to bed yet for the night. She announced her engagement so that was a great way to start the day! We cleaned up, finished packing our stuff back up and headed off to church. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 13, 2016, 8:00:35 AM" class="SzDcob" height="239" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BTW8EYqfycAZEJBuPJ34g2_v3axbWxLMnY4SfHPLJAqOYhrI_W7I8RkafMvvIBvFbntJmHKjx3zsvxjT60nESfhUuUbF48BEnxFHoE4X7G9EoPtdEV_MOD9H2MrovQ36IGmlaaPUl87VENu4EuO2eqg_tP675JVw9b1TdN0svFnyMzhtsjsWhbBZtAbALL2ufjwph-6sZK74D7j5W7TxU5TB3sk6NPdS7mJeLNfKWTszY5EgOj-3FAPHiqXdCr3B1AYEZkv_Swj3ZuQJOL946M_U5PDwnRjoq959D3coomC7nngar_KLh6v_lbAK_j5LoDDbWJAjSebQH7QFy-sOxcsGqSg-GiR1LqbQEp-hI5kp6xWVqQx4bLB3jNDfeRaeqd4uxDL7Ef759ILuhYxYAIFfe2_kLdhuSe_NfVxb1omiGvqW59mnB9p8TdhzqwgzpxlGGI1XclVEiJBuIsFl0YuOrgkP5AjWWdhP3Bi6wo8juoj4oIfvgWDMUKYAjBJxez0y9Zw4_neRPnhpt_kVEnDJJoG_TLpoEzjZhjlweWkTHHe9mn7ZLKNEWncydX7weo2QbHMppYRvNpsWfGXt6nP3wZT2KWieOvy6skKjy75F=w733-h549-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our stuff. <br />
It looks like so much for only 5 days but then I remember, there are seven of us.</td></tr>
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We went to church at a ward in Paris. The language, French. It was nice though because they have a pretty steady influx of English speakers so there was a separate room with a closed circuit tv set up so we could watch and they piped in the translation of the meeting. Unfortunately, halfway through, the speakers stopped working so they handed out what headsets they had. I ended up without a headset so I spent my sacrament meeting reading conference talks which was actually really great. Sister McConkie's talk on prayer was stellar and something I needed reminding of. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 13, 2016, 11:07:23 AM" class="SzDcob" height="240" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bVp5PDLzJw2Bb7NeDeSqZQC4uWOrCyj1iO6As3aBjQDsBdGXOBgaLMqpD_vtRlWtLuGJhqSdxkjQaaY7hwFcXnvDtKTtOEYPrRqeqdgFeypeQXaeUcgosufJflWG-LkHgd0m4RSQn_fczwGKxsZp4YgbBsdIoHI9KpcN2amqjKUbDDpF1dttYScbAPNfd43LV2r0IMAgt8NAQyQQmOeMal8xrFBxLkWtt8VzOgJhTwRZ6TQamHPMxqE6PC8Pa_78SN_T9R6txW6M2IaqRiYwVt6zFpznPCHBZuIAAx6qb4It2lHgW3kr2lIPPHxTcdZFJcW0xwPAQHY59jDTYd5VPC9wVuawPjwi_Cu8CiOVt7JRheAccR65zOrcNI8My7s1ifd6BMDC2YMR-5qx_efyMtOzuKCB6NfOj155sS7c9ezbQfQC47RxrK5WYg1VBgj3ZUZLgWee5Wn5np_k-SSXLbH8qu2fViNo5F-tTR4ZomzaswYyjWOuSWfTab08lPE_1EWp2_UiJotLGCbf2QMqJ6I_xf-VfpwRn1gnv9_a5XM42th22GmGJjkWVukf-fIrPyI5UMrfZTJAIPqhKvxNc_G6YIPQrJwDOonxvIEGarZE=w733-h550-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, Hyrum found a familiar face. <br />
There were actually two people he knew at church!</td></tr>
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We attended our meeting and then hurried to the train station to catch our train back to Munich. We had to change trains in Stuttgart with only 8 minutes to do so. We were a little nervous until we caught that last train. Thankfully, though our train was late, the one we were catching was even later so we had plenty of time to board it. Our kids are pretty good travelers but we'd all kind hit our limit Sunday evening by the time we had to change trains. I was not looking forward to another 2 hours of "sit down", "don't touch her", "quiet down" and so on. You can imagine our surprise and delight when we arrived at our reserved seats to find them in a private enclosed compartment. Oh it relieved so much stress. We ate dinner and then played a couple of hands of Uno and before we knew it, it was time to disembark. We were so grateful for that little blessing. It made all the difference in our trip that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Nov 13, 2016, 5:23:12 PM" class="SzDcob" height="239" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VyVxBwYqai7zffLNaCrUiUqLpjjR2b5OU6vKE_LgjPy-XxPihZaTs0OZ2YgJrmzc_LiD61HZr1amBMVSL_qxb8rS9y-JH2SRcxH3TtdahpdPQgqtfgS42pPwdZF_YaK_tnjGezgRMHX5hZ6d8YIY8Dd3JGrluhIz7ax2ZDJfzWFzYaUXw7uUP3WK50enW_ErDE093Smt9Q-YARx6E7ZdoX_1TYYVaekv56hDm0Cm-Wc9DikJdh5UGJ2v2d2Ld-DZWE-hwUkgfOW6FvW-iHI3GkEkiKqpejQrN3h8W79CP6z7MWHQpNmgRsH7zK9M1jWC5jATDKUTqPqKWvXG5obdjYYsAkQy-QcUVeG4NDG-TJKYWGhLd7V6bx9tZuTOhzMSFZeFlwycJfX27KhX5Xrgyz1zua4zSETqLJjPn8zk_ZXK4HYZtdJar94jFyc64ktJSm0hUQ9m5HUL3rN5RiZgEuHiRcu4NpLLWqrDwEf6JqKu1jLhXXSzuZ8uh5xNdaqQ3cCYlV9oqUjfr2LxaDnDs_YDvFMvy4Jjss4pzuDtb9jpae0X7P2nq9-2IAWNGRezn2NHvXpOsMV1oKX5raGHdmdUV7eK74xjjbN6Jyc_DgJd=w733-h549-no" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like chaos and it was, but it was our own chaos!</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813543478924767847noreply@blogger.com0