School rules

Easy enough!

The Giving Tree

I love this stump!

The Test

Today was a tough parenting day. It was pretty tough on Cole too, but let's get back to me, shall we?

It's been exactly two weeks since we touched down in Germany. We aren't settled, camping in our own house for an unforseen future, and I shoved my first born out into the world.

He attended a soccer camp last week with his new buddy Aiden. Aiden is really good. Really good.... And he showed Cole the ropes. He translated for Cole and introduced him to the coaches and friends. Aiden is doing other soccer things this week, so Cole started camp all over again - SOLO.

We got him dressed and tried to settle his nerves. We told him it will be hard but one day, worth it. He will learn to pick up a few German words and slowly meet new people.

As Keith was signing him in this morning, the director came up to say hello. He speaks English and is fully aware Cole doesn't know a Lick of German. I told Klaus that Cole was nervous because he didn't know the language. That's when he thought Cole the hard truth about soccer. He said "Cole, you know scheize is shit and if you want them to play the ball to you, you say speigel" And that is apparently all you need to know!
Welcome to Germany.

Cole was so nervous. It was tough to smile and be confident leaving him. He sat by himself at lunch. (break my heart now please) I know it's only temporary, and I hope Cole can understand. He's going to be an amazing young man. Character building is a hard lesson. Scheize!

Say what!?!

I found a Thai massage place just down the road today. I had a 30 minute back massage and it was awesome! I will be returning!! This place might not be so bad after all!

Soccer time

It's Monday morning and we just dropped my tiny newborn off at soccer camp (in a foreign country and he doesn't know the language).... Gulp!

There's the fine line between preparing him for adversity and just wanting him to have fun. I don't think I'm doing a good job at it. Have fun, but pay attention. Just do what you love, but don't go first and watch the other kids. Meet new friends, but please dear Lord don't let him be picked on. Be aggressive but you have the skills.

The camp is from 10am to 4pm. They will feed him lunch. I hope I packed enough water, rain jacket, extra shin guards, and my heart........ I already miss him, but can't wait to hear about his day!

Litha.......something, something park

One day I will learn German. I thought I was going to be able to get by without it. Turns out I was very wrong!

We went to a park today with the Cumbies. It was an excellent walk and so beautiful to see in the gorgeous weather.

We have noticed a few of Brad's tics are in full force. He's doing well but I can tell he's stressed out. Cole has found a great friend in Aiden. They are both great kids that share an intense love of soccer and videos games. Is there any more to life?

Odd things

When we lived in Korea, we found so many things "different and odd" we started taking pictures of them. Turns out you quickly grow accustom to little crazies..... So while I still think they're funny, I will try to post them!

This was a billboard on our walk to the mall. Ok.