We are complete again!

....and it's sooooo good! pictures speak louder than words but I just wanted to thank everyone that has helped making the last half year go by so fast. THANK YOU for visiting, calling, thinking of us but most of all for praying for us! God has really taken good care of me and the kids. To him be the glory!
Love to you all,
a very happy Lana.

Balloon festival

Here are some more pictures of the balloon festival I took the kids to(check the previous blog). It was a lot of fun and beautiful to watch....

Carousells and Balloons and Butterflies!

Time continues to go fast and here are some pictures of some fun things we have been doing the past weeks. We went to Wittlich's Saubrenner kirmes a fest that is going on in town every year and even Lilli's fever did not keep her from enjoying the ride in the ferris wheel with a great overlook over Wittlich.

she is not bruised, just had a slush(-;

Liam's Kindergarten is right by the big church in the center of town and he was happy to see it from up there...

for some reason I could not turn this one...

we went with good friends!

that's his friend ZOE and the next time he will see her will be on a little island in the pacific. more later...

we went to a really cool Balloonfestival by Trier in August

 

 

 

there was a bouncycastle and Lilli loved it.

 

Liam's friend Helena and Liam waving at Beate in the yellow balloon after she won a ride (-;

 

I said I will keep an eye on your daughter in the meantime (-;

 

 

we also went to a butterfly garden last month and enjoyed God's beautiful creation and detail with these pretty little animals.

 one lands on Lilli's head and she could not care less and Liam was able to hold one in his hand....look at the kids hands in the last picture (-; 

of course we spent a lot of time outside and enjoyed the sunshine...

never a dull moment....

 

full house....

but even when it is rainy I take the frogs outside!

 

 

so we have 8 more days until the big reunion and can't wait!!!

trip to the Netherlands

Early August I had another opportunity to go on a vacation with my family. So after Cyprus the same crew went again. Great grandfather, great grandmother, grandma, mother, prince Liam and princess Lilli. Don't quiet understand why we chose to stay in a room again (2 bed room apartment ) but we did. It is always crazy while we are together but looking back you always just remember the good things. funny isn't it? I wonder why we aren't a little bit nicer with each other at the first place? Perhaps it is the generation conflict? Or it might be that we are all stubborn and impulsive?
whatever it is, after almost a month I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that we had a fantastic stay in Holland! the drive was or should I say would  have been only 3 hours from my house ( instead we did a short detour through Luxembourg * , thanks mom) and fairly easy. we had fantastic weather and made the most of the beach that was literally 1 min from our hotel. It was great to watch Liam play in the sand for hours. He is in the age now where he makes up his own games and pretends stuff and talks while he is playing and it is so interesting to see him change so much. But also Lilli was really content to play with her watering pot and bucket. It was my grandparents first time in the Netherlands and they really enjoyed it too. We went to a half island that is called Zeeland and the landscape as well as quaint little  villages all around (esp. Middelburg and Verre) exceeded our expectations. Eating out tends to be a little pricey but definitely worth it. we had some delicious meals while were there. especially fish! was surprised how much fries the dutch eat though. every meal you order comes with them.  So If you ever make it to the Netherlands I would definitely recommend Zeeland!
we are all doing good and are anxiously waiting for the special day. the kids have a candy jar that gets more empty daily and when all the candy is gone their hearts will overflow with joy! mine will too!
*yes, Luxembourg is another country in Europe!

such a blessing to see these pictures after what he went through!

and the children definitely loved the male attention! 

 my big boy watching the "water police"

 and digging holes!

                                                        happy Lilli=happy mother!

                  getting more water! did not even get a chance to put her swimsuit on (-;

"brumm! brumm!

                                 daily ice cream is inevitable if you travel with to grandmas!

                                                        she just love him and vice versa

                                           walking with oma.... loved the little breaks I had.

"where are my children?"

"this does not taste good" mean brother!

 I just love how this picture captures the way Lilli adores her older brother....

....and the other way around!

                                                                          cheese!!!!!!

thanks family! After all I don't want another!!

you are the best! (..and the most difficult)