In May 2012, the 3 younger boys and Mom had the amazing opportunity to go to Germany for 2 weeks. It took us a while to get there. We left Phoenix and had a first stop in Minneapolis for 7 1/2 hours. Yes, you read that right. Fortunately, we were able to use the lightrail system to head to the Mall of the Americas, where we met up with a friend of mom's from elementary school and her 2 boys. It turned out perfectly. The boys spent some energy riding rides, we ate dinner, and we made it back to the airport in time for our overnight flight to Amsterdam... and all 3 boys slept almost the whole way! From Amsterdam, it was only a short flight to Hamburg, where Oma Uschi and Opa Hannes awaited us.
This boy was a sweet travel buddy. Waiting to board his first international flight.
We happened to be there during a week of vacation in Germany, so thanks to my amazing aunt and uncle, we were able to spend a week on the northern island of Fohr. We all shared a beautiful vacation home and spent day after day in the sand and water.
Tyler, Chase and Owen at the beach on our first day there.
Showing off some lovely sea shell finds.
Thanks to Oma Uschi, his very sweet great grandmother, Owen got to experience chocolate ice cream for the first time, the second time, the third... you get the idea. :-) He had no shortage of ice cream cone leftovers on his island get away.
Chase loved German french fries, "pommes"! They really are better there. Maybe its because the ingredients used are so much more natural and less processed, but that's a topic for another day.
Tyler was really missing Tim and Jayden one of our first days there, so he sweetly gathered a bouquet of flowers for them and had me take this picture of him to send to them.
That is a darn cute boy if I do say so myself! :-)
The local architecture was stunning, with thatched roofs and some cobble-stoned streets. I couldn't help myself with the camera one day on a walk to the local grocery store.
Talk about quality of construction. This house was built in 1842.
The next two pictures are ones that I will treasure always. My boys with their German great grandparents. I am so thankful for these two amazing people in my life, and touched beyond words to know that I've been able to share them with my boys too.
Reading books with Opa Hannes.
Tyler and Chase with Oma Uschi. My Oma just passed away last weekend. It was sudden and took us all completely by surprise. She was such an important part of my life, and I am so glad that I have these wonderful pictures of her with my boys from the last trip I had with her.
Great uncle and aunt Henning and Tine. Our trips to Germany are really only possible because of these two. They welcome us into their home each time and made this beach vacation possible for all of us. We love Henning and Tine.
Tyler with Opa Hannes.
Mommy and three of her boys.
My boys and I with Oma Uschi and Opa Hannes. I treasure this picture, and love that my grandma and I are holding hands. I can't really put into words what my relationship with my Oma meant to me, but I feel like pictures like this portray it well.
And did I mention that the boys ate lots of ice cream?
My cousins were able to join us for a couple of days on the island too. We were all able to celebrate Aunt Tine's Birthday together.
Tyler and Chase shared a twin bed together while we were there. I just had to take a picture because I know in the blink of an eye they will both be too big to even make this possible.
One afternoon, we rented bikes and took a really fun bike tour of the island. Chase was ready for the adventure, and Owen thought the little bike trailer was as cozy as any bed.
Tyler loved his bike set-up...
Who wouldn't want Opa Hannes as their bike partner?
There were some scenic stops along the way.
By the end of the ride, both little guys were snoozing in the afternoon sun.
Owen boy is always happy with a chocolate ice cream beard.
Once we got back to Hamburg, we still had several days to spend with family. Chase and Tyler road some rides at a local carnival, and apparently, had a pretty good time. :-)
Hi Mom!
Finally, it was time to head back to the airport and say our goodbyes. Oma Uschi and Opa Hannes took us and stayed there until we were through security and completely out of sight. In the last minute, before we headed into the security line, I remembered to break out my camera and take one last picture of the boys with my grandparents. I am so glad that I did that. This is the last time I saw my Oma, and I am so happy to have this last picture of her with my boys. I know one day, there will be a great celebration in heaven when we all get to see one another again.
Just a few beach videos of some water-lovin boys. :-)
Don't mind the fact that Tyler's is sideways. Not sure about that one. :-)
