Fall has arrived in Kandern!

Dear family and friends,

The weather finally changed and we exchanged our shorts and t-shirts for sweaters and long pants this past Friday.  It is still beautiful and great to see all the pumpkins, fall colors and a new season in Germany.  However, this also required a shopping trip to find Lauren some shoes and pants that would be better for fall.  I have some "I will never" statements that seem to get thought in my brain these days.  "I will never" take for granted clothing and shoe stores that are only 5 minutes away and very reasonably priced in the US.  We drove 30 minutes to find what the Germans would consider discount shoe and clothing stores.  Thankfully, it was worth the drive and Lauren is ready for the cool weather.  I had brought some jeans in size 8 for her from the States but she didn't grow enough over the summer to fit in them.  Must be a nice problem to have since I find it hard not to grow with all the yummy cookies and bread that I am eating in this country.  :) 

Last weekend, we enjoyed our weekend with a few different adventures.  On Saturday, we traveled to Switzerland, about an hour north of Zurich to visit the Rhein Falls.  The waterfall was spectacular.  The safety standards in Europe are a little different than the US.  We were able to stand on one platform with the falls surging under us, close enough to touch.  What an amazing view of God's power through His creation! 

On Sunday, we traveled an hour north of where we live to go on an Alpine roller coaster.  After taking a ski-lift to the top, we had the most beautiful views of the Black Forest region.  We now know to tell other new friends to the region to bring a picnic to the top and take time to enjoy the view.  We waited at the top for two hours in line to go down the track (felt like we were in line at the Wind Seeker at Kings Island).  Rick and Lauren rode down together and Kaylin and I were a team.  Lauren was worried I wouldn't be fast enough and they would have to slow down (you control the speed and stopping yourself).   I thought she might be right.  Thankfully, I wasn't so wimpy.  It was fun to see how much the kids enjoyed the ride and their enthusiasm afterwards.  I think they forgot all their "I don't like being away from Cincinnati" feelings for a moment. 

Last week's small group was much better for me.  The girls are special each for different qualities and full of fun.  I wish I had hours together instead of such a short time each week.  I am going to have lunch with one of the girls tomorrow to get to know her better.  If lunch period works well for them, this might be a good part of the day to try to connect more and get to know them.

Kaylin had a Middle School Fall party on Friday night.  Two of her friends and her dressed up as characters from "Despicable Me".  The theme for the party was "Movie Night" and all the kids were encouraged to dress up in a favorite movie character.  One of Kaylin's favorite teachers went as "Mr. Potato Head".  It is a fun group of people! 

Last evening, Rick's sister and brother-in-law (Karen and Vince) invited us to go out to dinner with them at a place that is only open during the fall season.  The food was authentically German and so delicious.  It was a special treat to have time with them and enjoy the fall harvest food.  I forgot to order pumpkin soup that is so popular around here.   

I am sure we will continue to enjoy the fall season in Germany with our without pumpkin soup.  We pray your fall is going great.  I had to cook pumpkin in order to get enough for a recipe the other day.  "I will never take a can of pumpkin for granted again!" 

Please let me know if there are any questions you have about our life here in Kandern.  I would love to answer them. 

We send our hugs and love!  Melissa for the Bushes