Pentecost Monday

In good German tradition all the "high" church holidays (Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost) have not only the main holiday, but also the next day off. For Easter and Pentecost there is an Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday. Bradley enjoyed a sweet visit from Danielle and Danika while he was studying out on our deck. We took the opportunity for our favorite walk between the fields to the east of our village late that afternoon. "There are lots of fun tricks I can do!" Father and son having soccer fun! Puddles and Rocks seem to go hand-in-hand! Or were puddles made to jump over? At the bridge overlooking our tiny little brook: The Schrote Getting their feet wet in the cold water Pretty as a picture Sharing her flowers with Daddy My Sweetheart His flowers from Danielle Another way to have "puddle fun"! A particularly "pretty" train passing by This is the day Donovan learned how to ride his bike! Good job, Dono!!! Some new home owner dumped all the dirt that was removed to pour the foundation right at the edge of our development. The kids happily climbed to the top. Enjoying a warm rock on the edge of a pretty new garden along the way. Riding backwards works, too, especially when you don't have to pedal!

Pentecost Sunday

Late Sunday afternoon we took a walk down to the playground near our house. Richard joined us, and he and the kids visited the hide out behind the playground. The clover covered the area and looked beautiful. We only have five kids at home right now. The boys and Donia were at Camp Impact helping for the week-end. Derek stayed on for the week. The other two returned with the Matthia family on Monday. In the evening we had a real thunderstorm which Doreen enjoyed taking pictures of. The view out our front door in the middle of the rainstorm Beautiful skies after the storm

Bradley and Dr. Michael visited Leipzig

The night before Bradley and Dr. Michael drove to Leipzig, Dr. Michael treated us to a delicious supper and good fellowship. In Leipzig Goth festival days happened to be taking place while they were there. The Goths celebrate death, and morbid and scary things. In addition to the planned concert in the evening, the men got to enjoy a concert in the Thomaskirche by the Thomaner Boys' Choir.

Music Festival 2009

48 singers and 9 children attended the music festival this year. The time was spent in rehearsing, attending workshops, and enjoying time under the Word of God. Bradley took the following pictures, the latter of which were taken at the end of the week, and during the recording sessions for a camp CD, as well as a CD that will eventually be sold. Kevin leading a devotional time. Daddy, faithfully tending his camp store which is always well-loved and much-used! This year a complete canatata had been prepared for sale. Catching some sunshine and fresh air Moving the piano for the recording sessions Two days of recording Concentrated effort A little bit of humor goes a long way: Dr. Michael Sebastian and Natascha, whom we miss sorely here in Magdeburg, were able to attend the Music Festival again. This was taken on the last day during the good-byes.

My Hard-working, Thoughtful, Observant Daddy

Daddy got here late Tuesday morning, and since we had Ladies Meeting that afternoon, I left soon after dinner. Bradley had a discipleship meeting with Olaf (Michael joined him) and the boys were gone playing soccer. When I came home Daddy had been busy outside the whole time,and his final project was resetting the fence post, so the gate would close. Danielle was there with him, and Devon, who came back with me, helped him finish up.

Pictures from my Daddy

Daddy came over for the music camp and let me download his pictures from the last month. I picked out a few for the blog: Here a nice shot of the girls and Bradley. Bradley got both of our mothers beautiful roses for Mother's Day. Erik flew over with Daddy the day before camp started. Daddy--keeping in touch with home. The special lounge they get to wait in (it was a 10 hour wait!), because they came stand-by with Kirk's airline, Continental.

Best friends

Danika got to visit Helene on May 16th. That was Helene's 8th birthday. The girls always have a great time together, and at Helene's they get to explore the farm! (As always, Danika enjoyed getting some good shots while she was there!) Kay (whose birthday was earlier that week) and the new family dog, Kaya. Jesse, 5, on top of a haystack The resident ducks--Mama duck is sitting on 8 eggs, which hatched three days later.

Danielle's Birthday Date with Daddy

This long awaited day was a special time for Bradley and Danielle. Danielle turned three while Bradley was in the States, and often referred to the coming date with her daddy by saying, "When Daddy comes home...." McD's is the definite favorite for a little 3 year-old, both for the food and the playground.