As Summer Chugs Along...

Since our memorial day trip to Paris life has been non-stop! Rob selected a car to add to the family as his daily-driver. He got a 2010 BMW 135i (I'm like 95% sure that's the model). It's super small compared to the Audi but adorable and fast. He is in love and that's what matters! Also, he has *of course* already installed the sound system and it sounds great!

Then, as a first trip in the new car, we went to a little festival in Kaiserslautern on May 30th. It was small but fun. We didn't stay too long because of how small it was. We just walked around a bit, snagged a few beers, Rob got a brat, and I (of course) sniffed out some potato pancakes! Rob had never tried them so it was a must! We also shared one of the infamous gingerbread heart cookies. We spoiled ourselves there because the one we got was super soft and pretty!

The place where we snagged our first beers.

we decided to keep the beer glasses :)
I love that you can pay a deposit at festivals and keep the glasses if you want.

super cute lil trash shark.

there was even a "beach"!

:)

such pretty decorated cookies!

here is a random photo I know BUT- these are one thing I love about Germany
Instead of there being tables and chairs (since there isn't much room for that anyway) they
do this as a alternative - small stand alone tables. Lots of people sit their drinks down and crowd around a small
table to chat. I love it! Even promotes you to meet new people since you often share this table with others :)
Rob and I finished our beers and cookies here.

This is the cookie we bought to share. Super yummy! It says "kiss me"

Next time Rob needs to get food here! So many hot sauces to pick from!

Then, that evening after the festival, we went out with some friends to the bar on post - Tavern on the Rock. First, Jenny, Roy, and Jack all came over for dinner and then we headed out. It was a great lil night out. Had to soak up as much Jenny time as possible since she was moving away a few weeks later!

Next up was a going away party for the First SGT and his wife Sunshine at the Knot on June 19th. There was so much food, alcohol, and fun that night! The pig tasted AMAZING!

Then on the 21st we all went (as one massive unit car-pooling trip) to a medieval fest in a nearby town. So many people in the unit left recently and this was our last group hoorah outing. It was at the Burg Lichtenberg Castle.

cream cheese batter balls. fried goodness.

Their fried delicious name in German. Quarkballchen

and yummy homemade waffles with fruit and whipped cream.
doesn't seem medieval-y too me but that's okay.

While you are eating - don't scratch yourself with your hand, use your robe!
Don't blow your nose on the table cloth!
Don't pick your teeth with the knife!
Don't drink from the bowl!
Don't pick your nose and ears while you are eating!

Then, this past weekend, since so many people in the company left this past Tuesday (June 30th) we had a big party at our place Saturday night the 27th. Lots came and we grilled out, shared mass amounts of home cooked goodies, drank das alcohol, and took lots of photos! It was a great little last "see you soon" to send everyone off! Plus I found an great carrot cake recipe and it turned out awesome! - such a keeper.

As part of the party I made and set up (with Rob and Jenny's help) a photo booth thingy. Lots of props were made and it was a big hit! Here are some of the photos that ended up on my phone from the evening-

But, with all the awesomely adorable photos from the evening comes some sadness. One of the people who left on the 30th was my soul friend and woman half - Jenny :( I'm sad she's gone but SO excited for her! She is off in Ireland exploring and adventuring. Keep your fingers crossed she finds a job and can set up some roots there to stay for a bit. I am so proud of her out in the world following her heart and her dreams. So many people don't really live and I know she is and won't ever regret the experiences she's going to have! Dropping her off at the airport was so super sad and we both cried a lot but, like I said, what she's doing is awesome & we can't wait to go visit her!

Also - a few random pictures throughout the past few weeks here that I wanted to share:

1) such cute puppy lovins..

And of course- JAMS!

And yay for new shoes at Diechmann! I love new shoes and these are great for summer time!

Also, a girlfriend and fellow EOD wife from our old company in GA - Michelle - made this wreath for me and it arrived! I love it! Such bright summer colors!

And of course- I need to post at least one obligatory flower photo!

And - amidst all of this! I started school on the 22nd (2 more classes - 1 logistics and 1 Spanish), I'm still working at my marketing/web internship and at my job at ACS, and Rob is still busy at work. We're looking forward to our get away to Lake Garda, Italy here in a few weeks! Italy in July, wine fests and *hopefully* Berlin in August, more wine fests & beer fests in September along with Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich, and then who knows whats next in October! So much traveling and we're so excited!

Up next (in the immediate future) we have a long weekend this weekend because of the 4th of July. Rob and I have plans to get our international licenses Friday & maybe hit up Trier. Then Saturday maybe grill out with some friends and head up to the 4th of July Festival happening on post to celebrate and see some fireworks! Another post will occur to speak of the weekend! Cheers!