Summer vacation - camping in Germany (part one)

In August we went camping in Germany. Part of our time there was with company of family. We had fun and finally - after at least 4 years of rainy summers - we had sunny weather and 24-30 degrees (76-86 Farenheit) with an occasional 34 degrees (93 Farenheit). Amy and Tessa played nicely most of the time. The babies were exploring their territory. Heaven!

Kim and Jessie

Kim the escape artist.

On an adventure walk with uncle Maurice.

Uncle Maurice got a bit tired :)

Amy's photo shoot.

Best friends.

Local wild life park. 

The pony stepped on Amy's foot. She didn't dare come near another animal for the rest of the week!

Bird show.

Jessie.

Grandpa and Kim.

Amy watching a puppet show.

On the swing with uncle Marc.

Tessa on the swing.

Tessa and uncle Maurice.

Raccoons.

  

Deer.

Mountain goat (look carefully).

The men went on a trip to the memorial and cemetery where Patton is buried.

Garden work (part three, four and five)

The front yard is finished! It's been ready for a while now but I haven't posted anything yet because of summer holiday. Sjef has worked really hard - of course with Amy's help. And I must say it has become a really nice drive way for such a small front yard.

Amy on the adult toilet!

Amy has done several #2's on the adult toilet without any practice! We are so proud!
She just suddenly announced she had to go. So I suggested she'd go on the adult toilet. And she did it so well! She thinks it's funny when there's a splashing sound and also flushing is hilarious to her. It's funny to watch her enjoy going to the bathroom. It's also handy because at this moment she doesn't need any encouragement like candy :)

Sad day

Sometimes it seems that all sad things happen at the same time.
This morning I went to a memorial service for the husband of a friend. He collapsed at work and passed away on Friday, totally unexpected. He was 36 years old and leaves behind his wife and 6 month old son.

This afternoon I got a call that my cousin's best friend collapsed 50 meters before the finish line of a running competition. They did cpr and rushed him to the hospital. He was put on ventilators but the brain scan didn't look good. Last night he passed away. He was 23 years old.

This evening we were at a BBQ where we were told that a family member had had complications during a surgery and nearly passed away last night. She made it but is still critical and at intensive care.

I am so sad after all this, I tear up as soon as I think about it. I can't help but wonder why. Of course we will never get an answer to that question. But it makes me realize that life is frail and we need to live it to the fullest with our loved ones. I pray that God will hold these families close, it's all I can do. But it just doesn't seem like it's enough.