A Boy and His Bike

One thing I knew I wanted to buy upon arrival was a bike for Logan. & he has LOVED it. I've loved it too. We've gone on so many fun walks since being back with this new bike. 

He loves his Lightning McQueen bike. 

& Emery is the best little sister ever as she's always along for the ride. <3

Best Day Ever, Ever, Ever

We had the best off-day!! There is a cute pumpkin festival I have wanted to go to for YEARS and this week, we made it happen. 

It was an overcast Monday morning in Berlin. We loaded up everyone and everything in the car (including two pairs of clothes for Logan and his new little potty), and drove to Klaistow. 

It was pretty rainy on the way to the festival and I was questioning how the day would go. But we got there, bundled up, and pretty soon the sun came out! 

This place was built for Logan. Big slides, fire trucks, tractors, ice cream, and fun movie characters made out of pumpkins.

We enjoyed the break from the loud, busy city. It was quiet, not crowded, and we simply had the best day together as a family. We can't wait to go back in a few weeks when Mema and Papa are here!

Leaving Home to Come Home

I dread the end of summer when it creeps up. We always have the best summers home with our families. 

One of my favorite things to do in Santaquin is sit on the front porch steps before bed and talk with my mom. We sit in the dark on the top step where no one can see us and look at the all of the cars and lights spread out through the Utah valley. Lots of good talks on those steps. Lots of fun trips planned on those steps! I love my parents. 

Leaving home didn't feel so sad this time around. It's the fourth time we've done this. We've had lots of practice being away, making FaceTime calls, and giving really good goodbye hugs. <3 

But it doesn't mean I miss my family any less. There have been lots of times in the last two weeks I have missed my mom and missed Santaquin. I love my home!!

But it was time to come back to our other home. We know we're supposed to be in Berlin right now & I'm grateful for that assurance. 

So... what do you do the day before you leave America??? You have your first McDonald's Happy Meal with your Gigi. xoxo

It was also a tiny bit easier leaving because Dad was there with me every step and flight of the way back to Germany. He knew how hard it was for me to travel alone in June & immediately offered to help me fly back when I asked. I love my Dad. 

We left Santaquin early in the morning with the sunrise. 

Logan and Emery are two lucky kids to grow up with a grandpa like their Grandpa Rowley. I felt no stress and was totally calm during the travel itinerary because I knew my dad was two seats away from me. He helped feed the kids, get out snacks, change diapers, and twice, Emery fell asleep in his arms. Super-Grandpa.

Once in Berlin & reunited with Justin, we set out to the Nike store to find Andrew a birthday present. Logan was so happy to be back in Berlin. He missed Justin. & he was so excited to be there with Grandpa.

Justin had his first preseason game near the Charlottenburg Palace. We walked the gardens beforehand and that has been one of my favorite memories since we've been back. Good conversation and feeling lots of gratitude that my Dad was there with me for my first days back in Berlin.

After we got settled and the kids gave us a run for our money with jet lag, he packed his carryon and was back on a flight to Utah. <3