Susannah's Spring Break

Last week Susannah's kindergarten was closed for spring break.   Of course, as soon as I spotted this on the calendar several weeks back, I knew we needed activities scheduled everyday or we would both lose our minds.   So we had playdates, check ups at the doctor and dentist, story-time at the American library on base and even a trip to the Ludwigsburg Castle.   Here are some of the highlights.

 

Monday we spent the afternoon at Susannah's best friend's house.   Tang is Chinese and doesn't speak English, but somehow they are the closest of buddies.   The parents speak English pretty well so we are able to communicate enough to make it through a couple of hours

Our dentist appointment was across town near a great park, so we spent a few hours there after getting a good report on our teeth.   We slid,

and climbed,

and traversed.   It was great fun!

Susannah even got Mommy and her big belly up on the double slide for a ride together.

The flowers in this park were amazing.

We watched some ducks on the way home.

We met Daddy for lunch a couple of times, which was a very fun treat.

And we opened our Easter package from Shoo-Shoo, which was a huge hit.

We tried out a new hair-style.   It only lasted 15 minutes or so, much to Mommy's disappointment.

We spent Friday at Ludwigsburg Castle with some friends from church.   It was beautiful weather and such a fun day.

The grounds were amazing.

In the back gardens, they were hosting their annual "straw festival" featuring huge creations made from straw.   Nora and Susannah were fans of the bunnies.  Nora is Susannah's best friend from church.  

They even had a church, complete with pews and a pulpit made completely of straw.

It was one part bizarre, one part interesting and admirable.

The kids loved the maze.   Susannah and Nora came out the entrance a few times before finding their way all the way through to the exit.  ;)

After a picnic lunch, we headed over to the favorite aspect of the day......the children's fairytale land that is in the back gardens.  This was the "magic chair."   Each child gets a turn riding it through a little water show.    

They have to wait until the water stops and the seat lowers to come back.   Susannah loved it.

These girls loved the boat ride through a few different story settings.

So much fun.

And of course, what is a sunny afternoon with friends without an ice cream cone?

Another little water game that involved jumping fast enough to not get sprayed.   Susannah loved this too, even though she and Nora were one of the youngest ones playing.

Hands down, the highlight of the day was Rapunzal's tower.   If you yell "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair" really loudly and with a sufficient German accent, then a long braid lowers from the top of the tower.   Susannah and Nora were mesmerized. 

Have to admit it is pretty cool.

We ended our day at the little mini zoo, watching the pink flamingos.   Definitely our favorite day of spring break.

On Saturday, we headed out of the city towards the mountains for a birthday party.   On the way, we explored this little village and had lunch.   They still had their town square decorated for Easter.   The Swabians are pretty serious about celebrating this holiday.

A wooden bunny was part of the display.

As were all of these intricately colored eggs.

We had a delicious greek lunch right of the main square. 

Susannah asked me to take her picture on the way to church on Sunday.   I really love this age.   She is so sweet, expressive, and hilarious.    (obviously we have our moments when I don't agree with said statement in the least, but mostly, this stage has been a joy.)

 

 

Hope all of you are doing well.    Come back next week for pictures of Susannah's first day of ballet class and tumbling class.   We did ballet yesterday and it was hands down, one of the cutest (and side-splittingly funny) things I think I've ever seen.   Love you and miss you all!