It wasn’t long before Lilly discovered that after-school clubs were a great way to continue having fun during the day. On her first day at Pinehurst Elementary she met the PE coach, Ms. Harms, who asked her if she liked … Continue reading
It’s been a mad dash to the finish line—Lufthansa flight #8831 — for me. Memories of our weekend trip to Italy are nothing more than broken seashells at the bottom of my new suede purse. On Sunday evening, Tim and … Continue reading
We just celebrated the high school graduation of daughter number 2. It was a grand affair here in Germany. Several days of parties, lots of well wishes and hugs all around. As we prepared for the festivities, I thought about … Continue reading
The three kids had their last day of school today and it was quite a celebration. Lindsey and I attended the final Awards Ceremony for the 3rd-6th graders of Hohenfels Elementary. For 2 LONG hours, we listened to the names of every solder who ever volunteered at the school during the past year; it was quite exhausting. You can tell an event has lost it’s sparkle when the majority of audience members are scrolling through texts and posts on their phones. Near the end of the ceremony, Will, along with 12 other 6th graders, was recognized for outstanding academic achievement and he received a letter and certificate signed by President Barack Obama. The principal read the letter out loud and then called the 6th grade students forward to collect their awards. We are so proud of Will and Lindsey suggested we frame his certificate with her presidential coin–a nice piece of memorabilia.
The 6th grade class celebrated their promotion to the 7th grade with a special dance and lunchtime meal the day before “graduation.” Parents decorated The Zone, a large dance hall on post, with glittery stars and paper lanterns to set the festive mood. The students enjoyed a catered meal from our favorite Italian restaurant, Il Cigno in Parsberg, and then boogied for the next hour before school was dismissed. Will asked me and Tim to please eat and run before the dancing began. He was afraid we’d cramp his style. I followed his wishes, after getting a pic of him sharing his moves.
The girls with their dates
But first! Off to the castle for pictures. The Parsburg Castle afforded us a spectacular backdrop for candid shots and the kids looked great in the afternoon sun. The prom was held on a boat on the Danube and the kids were able to take a bus from the high school to the launch site. From 8pm to midnight, they danced and ate their way down the river. When it was over, Patrick’s mom Sonja picked up the 4 for an old-fashioned bonfire at their home. She then delivered LoLa to our home at 2:30am so they could drift off to sleep with smiles on their faces and happy memories in their dreams.
Patrick and Lauren in shock and astonishment
The school year started off in spurts with 2 kids beginning class on Monday and 1 kid getting a bonus day before diving into a new routine. Before leaving the States, we bought backpacks and lunchboxes for the younger kids to slide right into cool school style here in Europe. First correction made: 6th grade boys don’t really take lunch boxes to school anymore. They use brown paper sacks. Second correction: Although I attempted to make sure they had “proper” school supplies, we were shocked that DODS (department of defense schools) in Europe doesn’t make families provide classroom supplies. So, the numerous 3 ring binders, looseleaf paper and Crayola water colors are tucked into a bedroom upstairs waiting for art projects on rainy days at home.
The kids leave the house at 7:10am and head for the bus stop, a short 1 block walk from the front door. The bus that picked them up on the first day was a ratty affair…seats were torn and windows had been etched by disgruntled kids from years gone by. But, they load the same they have for eons: little kids get on first and sit in front (by the driver=SAFETY from big kids) and then middle schoolers get on and try to score a seat as close to the back without infecting the high schools and finally…the scary high school kids get on…ear buds conveniently tucked into their ears to block out the noise of bothersome little kids who want to high five each one as they walk down the aisle.
I greeted the kids with rice krispie treats following the second day of school. I thought i’d pretty much outdone myself and told them, “Hey! I made you a surprise!” And Will looks at me and says with a roll of his eyes, “I’ll bet it’s rice krispie treats.” I guess I’m as predictable as starting school in Fall.
A Moveable Feast 