Remember Me?

Oh hi there! Remember me? Geez, it's been over a month already since I've last checked in or shared any updates. So much has happened that I'd love to share, but I honestly don't even know where to start. For now, I think I'll just share some highlights, because if I really tried to think of everything I want to share right now, my brain just might explode. And in the internet-famous words of Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

Well, my youngest sister graduated high school last month. She is officially headed to Longwood University to join the newest class of Lancers. I feel a slight swell of pride-almost like a mommy would- for that girl. She's fourteen years younger than I am, so I got plenty of quality babysitting time in with her when I was younger. She'll be leaving for college soon, which is just strange to think about, since I still envision her as my baby sister.

Congratulations, graduate! 

I may not have made it to the graduation, but I did get to visit with her and my parents when they came to Germany in June. We got the pleasure of their company for a whole month, so we are all still adjusting to them leaving us this past week. Things are a little more quiet around the house, with less people, but that's not always a good thing. We had a fantastic time showing them around our new home city, and we even got to visit Paris with them. You may recall that we had already visited Paris last July, but this time was less rushed and much more relaxing. I'll be sharing more from that excursion later- now that I'm back.

Mom and Dad-man I've missed them! 

Paris with the family

Promptly after jet lag wore off, and we returned from our trip to Paris, my mother decided upon a mission. She made it her personal goal to have my boy potty trained before she left the country. I can say with a great amount of gratitude MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! There were times I thought she might give in--he has quite a stubborn streak. But she hung in and kept us all motivated to help him. The other day was the first day I took him out as a 'big boy', and he did GREAT! We've gone from screaming for diapers to begging for big boy undies in just a month. My grocery bill thanks you, m'lady!!

Mom and PJ

Something else incredibly cool that happened during my hiatus? Germany won the World Cup, and we got to be a part of the excitement. Our city, just like most around Germany, held public viewings on the lawns of buildings in the city centers. They did broadcast more matches than just the final, but that's the only one we actually went and watched amongst the crowds. It was really one of the coolest, most memorable things I've ever experienced. How many times will we get to say we got to watch the World Cup in the country that WON the World Cup? (My guess is none after this!) For a good idea of what we experienced, check out the video below. (If you speak German, bonus!) The streets after the win were BANANAS! Fireworks were being set off in the middle of the roads, in between the buildings downtown. People were throwing large firecrackers (if you want to call them something so innocent) at the feet of strangers and walking away. NUTS. Just nuts. But sooo much fun!

Ready to cheer on our adopted home team!

The crowd celebrates on the lawn of the Kurhaus

Needless to say, we had an amazing visit with family and cannot wait to see them again! With all the 'signs' from the universe I've been getting this week, I think it needs to be sooner rather than later! I cannot express to you how much I miss family, friends, and Chickfila sweet tea!

Thank you for stopping by and catching up--I'll be posting more about the missing month soon! I'd love to hear what you've been up to, too!!