Today was one of the greatest family day's we've had in a long time. We started to day out heading to Homburg to visit the flea market. I was VERY underprepared for what we were going to find. It was like one, huge, massive yard sale, table/car after table after table. We quickly learned that we had to be picky and not get something unless we REALLY wanted it. For one, we'd have to carry it and for two, there was so much to see. We walked away buying very little thankfully. We had a plastic Ikea table in yellow, but a whole bunch of random kids' chairs to go with it. Today, I found 3 yellow and orange Ikea chairs that match and fit perfectly with it, for €10! They were kind of a pain to carry back, but well worth it. I also bought a over -the-door shoe bag, in cute blue and nautical patterns. I'll either use it for the kids' room or for the homeschool room for school/craft supplies. Then we also bought some Pommes (German french fries, yum!) for the kids because they were starving. This whole part of the morning was making me happy.
Then we got back to the car, and ate our picnic lunch while driving to Hela. Hela is a huge hardware store, like Lowes or Home Depot. We'd never been, because there was another hardware store closer, but that one is closing down. Since we were just minutes from this one, we checked it out. FYI local friends- they have 3 isles of crafting stuff too! This part of the day was making husband happy.
Finally, I had heard about this great pirate ship park also in Homburg. I got the directions, but unfortunately, they weren't great because we were coming from a different direction. The directions said it was right next to the brewery and follow the castle ruins signs. So we did, and ended up at the castle. No pirate ship park, but a small playground. Since we'd promised the kids the park, we decided to hang out there for a bit. After a while, they wanted to climb the stairs. Next thing we knew, we were totally exploring the castle ruins and having a GREAT time.
At some point during the day, while driving, Hannah asked Jon to turn on the music. Right after he did, Hannah said "Mom, do you feel the baby moving now?" We've told the kids that the baby goes crazy every time music comes on (At Church, in the car, on tv, etc). We were cracking up. I told her no, not yet. But sure enough, about 1-2 minutes later, I did. We left, came home and changed real quick, stopping by the church for a minute. I took the girls to the bathroom where Hannah informed me that princesses don't poop or pee because she's never seen one poop or pee lol!
Then we met friends for dinner at a great restaurant Jon and I had been to once before. It has a rather large outside eating area, so we enjoyed the great evening outside. They have a small little playarea- sandbox, swing, play house, so after dinner, we let the kids go play while we talked as adults. It was DELICIOUS. We topped it off with dessert, ice cream for the kids and knodle for me! YUM! There was a wedding reception going on at the restaurant, and the kids had fun looking at how pretty the bride looked. We've also discovered today that when there's a wedding, everyone puts a white ribbon somewhere on their car, the antenna, rear windshield wiper, etc. I'd seen cars with them before, but tonight made the connection. As we walked in, I felt like everyone was staring at us. At first, it felt like it was because we weren't suppose to be there because of the wedding reception. But we asked and it was fine. As we left, they were all STARING again. I just didn't get it. We finally decided it was because we had 3 kids and a growing belly. That's just not common to Germans. Then we giggled that they were staring at us.
On our way home, even though it was already 8pm and we have to get up at 6:30, I managed to convince Jon to stop at the Blumen field and pick some flowers. Jon hadn't done it before, and the kids were beyond excited. They each got to pick one. I picked an orange, and Jon picked one more purple. As we were leaving, Hannah exclaimed "We need to get one for the baby!!!" So Jon declared the purple one was for the baby, as we were out of change. That made her happy. They really wanted Sunflowers as well, but we convinced them we'd come back and get flowers for the new house after we move.
All in all, it was an absolutely beautiful day spent with our family. We need more like it. I'm ready to go pass out. Tomorrow I have to go decorate for VBS, then it starts Monday. Please pray for VBS, and for me, as I"m already starting to have the 'wiped-out' feeling every afternoon. Then the following week we get our keys, wahoo! And somewhere in there, I do need to finish packing, eek!
Abby fell asleep on the way back to the house, before dinner. She took a good 30 min nap on the couch, laying like this. And she was a star today. Big white classes, denim skirt, and striped socks pulled all the way up with her sandals. She totally rocked the outfit!
Our new flowers.
