Weekend away

Last weekend, Jeff and I were able to take a trip by ourselves for the first time since we've been in Europe! It was quite a treat. My friend, Hillary, gave us a Christmas gift last year and told us she would watch the kids for the weekend any time we wanted to go away. I can't think of a better gift to give to parents of small children, we were very grateful! We went to our favorite city, Bruges. I know I was just there with Jennifer, but I couldn't wait to experience it alone with Jeff. We filled the weekend eating, drinking, and taking in the charm. I also was able to attend a yoga workshop by one of my favorite American instructors who happened to be doing a European tour. One of the other highlights of the weekend included the "Taste of Belgium". Once a year in the fall, Bruges hosts a food tasting from the best chefs in the country in the middle of their Market Square. We tried about 10 different dishes, they were delicious! We felt like we were judges on Top Chef. Of course we also took the time to stop at a few different pubs to taste Belgium beer, and the tea rooms for yummy sweet treats. The entire weekend was delicious. Another highlight was our 3 hour 4 course dinner. Longest dinner of my life, but something we could never do with kids! I should mention that the kids had a blast with Hillary.

My favorite spot in the city. The tree is hiding one of the coolest pubs ever. The drinks are fantastic and views even better. 

Better view:

Jeff food tasting:

One of the many dishes we tried:

Jeff's favorite part, all the beer!

Apple Picking

Happy fall!! Fall means a quick drop in the temperature in Germany. We're already wearing coats and staying more in doors, but it also means festivals and more festivals. We love the way the Germans celebrate everything! Over the weekend we went to a fun little apple festival that allowed us to apple pick as well. The kids enjoyed a bouncy house and other activities, I was also picked to be a judge in a apple cooking contest (all the dishes were delicious!), and we left with a good crate of apples to bring home. 

Addy's Tea Party

Addy had her 5th birthday party yesterday, a tea party theme. This kid loves tea, no joke. She asks for it almost every afternoon, and sometimes with breakfast. A perfect party for the tea lovin little girl! I found an adorable tea set when we were in France, so the party was themed off the pretty lavender and green color scheme. We had 8 kids for a tea brunch with scones, mini quiche, tea cakes, French macarons, and of course some cake! We also had a tea cup pinata which was quite a hit! Thank you friends for celebrating this special day with us, Addy loved it!

Party goodies:

Rose cake, which was quite simple and quick. I found the tutorial here

Party favors:

Eating and drinking with the girls:

Pinata time!

This was my 2nd attempt at French Macarons, the first one was a fail (although they were tasty). 2nd time much better, but I still have some work to do. These suckers are not easy!! Hardest thing I've ever baked!!

Opening presents:

Happy Birthday Addy!

We officially have a 5 year old in the house! Addy had a great birthday. Daddy was out of town, but we still made the day very special. She received a much anticipated dollhouse, and got to open several presents from mimi and papa. Thank you for the beautiful clothes! I also let her pick what she wanted to eat for each meal. She chose: scones and tea for breakfast, grilled cheese & ham for lunch, and spaghetti for dinner. I also made a fruity pebble rice krispie treat cake (I have baked lots of goodies for her upcoming party and wanted something EASY!) She also celebrated at her German school with a little party. We topped off the day by having her friend, Delaney, come over for dinner and enjoy it with us! 

I interviewed Addy on her birthday:

Favorite color: pink
Favorite animal: elephant
Favorite movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and Gnomeo & Juliet
Favorite Book: The Boxcar Children (we just finished it)
Favorite Dinner: Tacos!
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Cake
Favorite vegetable: Carrots
Favorite fruit: Strawberries
Favorite place to go: Disneyland
Favorite vacation: Paris
Favorite song: Justin Bieber, Baby
Best friend: Hannah Phillips (we miss you Hannah! Apparently, out of sight out of mind doesn't apply here!)
Favorite toy: kitchen
What do you love most about your brother? His hugs
What do you want to learn about now that you're 5? Dinosaurs and where they go when they die
What does Daddy do all day at work? Look at pictures I drew for him and eat lunch
Where do you want to go to college? California
What do you want to be when you grow up? A Doctor, so I can help people