On March 6, I loaded the kids in the car and drove to the airport to pick up my SISTERS!!! How lucky am I to have them visit us twice in one year. I was so excited driving to the airport.
When they walked across the parking lot and got to me, we all hugged and cried for a good 90 seconds. Right next to a random guy who was waiting for his ride by our car. Ha! I love them & it means so much to me that they would fly across the world and spend their time with us for their Spring Break.
Logan and Emery were both asleep on the drive and I didn't know how Logan would act when we got home. As soon as his seat belt came off, he had a burst of energy that lasted the rest of the week. He was SO happy to have these two here and show them all of his toys & life in Berlin.
THEN... A few hours later, the Checketts arrived!! Stephen and Alexa's medical school Spring Break happened to be the same week so we had lots of people to love in our home.
Alexa is my best, best, friend. As close to a sister as you can get without actually being related. Oh, I love her. She is so faithful and strong and a LIGHT. I can't thank Heavenly Father enough for letting us be freshman roommates and USU Ambassadors together.
It was so surreal having her, Stephen, and cute Max with us!!
I couldn't stop saying, "I'm so happy."
How was she here in my apartment meeting my baby?! It didn't feel like real life.
This also didn't feel real. :') Waking up each morning with my sisters to play and cook and talk. The best. <3
Sunday was probably my favorite day. I love when my Berlin and Utah world's collide and the people who mean so much to me get to meet.
Justin had a home game too and this was another highlight of the trip. More worldss colliding and introducing family to friends and vice versa. & so fun to show my sisters and the Checketts what the basketball world has looked like for us over the last years.
USU has a pretty good student section, but they're no match for Alba Berlin. 40+ minutes of constant drums, yelling, smacking paper fans, and German cheers. It's wild and so fun. I loved watching their faces during the game and experiencing that night with them.
This picture from a news article made me laugh. We zoomed in to find Logan. I was wearing Emery in the baby carrier and he didn't want Courtlyn or Natalie to hold him. Instead Logan walked down the row and right into Norman's arms. So grateful for them!
Alba came out on top and Justin had a great game, as always. He never gives less than 100%.
The next morning we drove to Oranianburg to visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. It was a somber place that just felt different. I've read so many stories about what happened in Europe during WWII, I couldn't bring myself to read any of the info blocks at the memorial.
I also couldn't help but feeling sad that Logan, Emery, and Max were with us too. Pure and full of light babies in a place with such a heavy history.
Our last day with the Checketts included a morning run to Rewe for croissants... YUM!! One of the things I will miss most when we move is walking to the grocery store for fresh croissants under €1
And all of the fun juice and smoothie combinations.
Max was the happiest, smiliest little traveler!!
I love this girl more than I'll ever be able to say!! Thankful that no distance or amount of time apart will affect our relationship. Looking forward to our golden cruise in 2031!
I love these happy babies. Berlin is such a safe, family-friendly city. I don't think I've gone outside our apartment once without seeing at least one parent pushing a stroller down the sidewalk.
One of the best sights ever. <3 I loved having them here with me. Especially since Justin had a long roadtrip in Greece. So nice to not be alone.
And then it was just the five of us for two more days. <3 I don't think we stopped smiling. It was so happy and fun to be together.
Best aunts ever. Logan and Emery were in heaven with these two. Unlimited fruit orchard games for Logan and people to smile at for Emery.
I love Berlin. <3
Stephen and Alexa are such a force for good. They're changing lives in Texas and I can't wait for my turn to go out and meet the people who have become family to them there.
We lucked out with the BEST weather. Prior to them coming, we had only seen the sun a handful of times since last fall. This week, we had blue skies every day!!
Last day together. :') Emery wore her new cherry outfit that reminds us of Grandma Rowley.
& we hit our favorite breakfast place where we split everything family style. The best sweet and savory place you can go in Berlin. YUM.
I love Berlin. <3
& I love them in Berlin!!
The park was so fun. :') I don't get a lot of chances to go up and play with Logan because I'm watching Emery. I don't know how I fit at the top of that slide but it was so worth it and fun to go down with Logan.
I love this picture. Featuring Logan, the best big brother trying to make sure Emery gets her milk.
For our last night together, we had a good sister hug, talk, and cry. Some Just Dance with Logan. Survivor, once Justin was home from Greece, and McDonald's donut bites of course!!
3:00 AM came early and we headed to the airport. This was the last time I hugged Natalie before she goes to the Philippines as a missionary. She will be incredible. Natalie is extremely thoughtful. I noticed that this week as she asked me certain questions, made sure the kids and myself were comfortable, and did things quietly that needed to be done.
She is going to be an incredible missionary and I know she will just love everyone she meets with her whole heart. I'm so excited for the adventure ahead of her.
I love these two soooooo much. Can't wait for our next sisters trip. <3
