tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16268586986902639442024-03-13T21:36:08.033-05:00a family circusa family of 5 on navigating the States after living abroad angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-11876930584562751432014-10-12T16:32:00.001-05:002014-10-12T16:35:50.815-05:00its the little things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lately I have been riding along on my bike, searching out areas near my home to find respite, meditation and a place to take my 2 year old. We've been exploring this new land of ours with much enthusiasm, and the beauty along the paths has been pretty, as the season begins to change. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4dzKhZSKQ0/VDrvXmP2MxI/AAAAAAAAANw/RpGIwQfUZ74/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4dzKhZSKQ0/VDrvXmP2MxI/AAAAAAAAANw/RpGIwQfUZ74/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
There are times where I feel uninspired and life feels stagnant and depressing. I have a wanderers heart, and I think my soul thrives not being contained. I need to be outside, in the city, in the country, but there must be beauty.<br />
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Besides being a busy mama of 3 very active children, I love to cook! I bought a dutch oven in France right before we left. We lived only 20km from the French border, so we often did our shopping in France. I am a definitive Francophile to the fullest extent! I spent as much time as possible exploring french life and staying in Paris every chance I could. The dutch oven looks Le Creuset, but minus the big price tag. 50 Euros!!.....and probably better! haha<br />
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So, today Im taking a cue from <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/" target="_blank">David Lebovitz</a> and having some Rose with some crushed ice. So Perfect. One last little ode to the warm weather. By the way, any good places to buy affordable French wine around here?angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-7782754061814680892014-10-05T16:27:00.007-05:002014-10-05T16:27:54.562-05:00fall'ishFall is descending upon Kansas City, if you look closely, you can see it all around. The moment is nature taking one final sprint before she decides to chill out for a bit and take a long winter's nap.<br />
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My favorite time of year is Autumn, fall or whatever you like to call it. <br />
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I often check the temps in Germany now, I dont know why, but I guess I really miss it. Right about now fall is in full force. Rain, Rain and more rain, and mild temps. I can only imagine, the morning fog, the greenery, the still in the mornings. So romantic. With the heavy Catholic influence, this is a time to mourn the dead, the people we've lost and loved, to honour them with love and light, as the darkness of winter looms.<br />
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I miss it there, but I am looking for the signs of fall here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mill creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lonely</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">golden leaves kissed by the evening sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">summers final kiss</td></tr>
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-53918635463681342692014-10-01T11:14:00.001-05:002014-10-01T11:14:06.318-05:00making a house a home when you live in cookiecuttervilleWhen we moved back to the States, we searched high and low for a new house. I prefer old fixer uppers, always seeing the potential to make the house your own. My husband on the other hand prefers, easy, no maintenance, cookie cutter house styles. <div>
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There is definitely no lack of his type, and when faced with some neat older homes that needed a lot of care-and costly repairs, the new house market became the more desirable choice, along with great schools and safe neighborhoods--so cookie cutter it is!<div>
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Given that, there is no reason why you cant make a new home fun and curate a style all your own. So far we are only in the beginning stages of "decorating", because I am firmly trying to believe and instill a 'less is more' regime to my design aesthetic. ITS REALLY HARD (if your a pack rat). I think we are doing a good job at getting there. We've been unloading a lot of things that we know we aren't going to ever use or have no real purpose. There is a long road ahead in the process, but we are getting there. It is also a bit hard when you have kids because they have a lot of stuff! I do notice, compared to other kids in the neighborhood, our kids have much less toys in the yard or motorized mini corvettes to drive around. Just what we need I guess. We will see how it works out though ; ))</div>
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When defining my "style", I would like to think I have an eclectic, old world meets funk style. I love modern, industrial to mid century, to hippie, to funk! --see why I love to collect things?! But, I think if you have pieces in your home that you love, that you want to hold onto and simplify the clutter, like get pieces with the potential for storage, etc, it can keep that simplicity vibe going (just hide the clutter where no one can see it).</div>
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Anyway, I'm no designer, but I love style and design. Here a few pics of what I have going on here, and trust me, things will change, furniture will be moved, rearranged before I settle on one spot. Its the fun of moving into a new home and seeing what works-aesthetically and functionally!</div>
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Et Voila:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just ordered a nelson bench to go against this wall and Picasso will float above</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adding more plants to the mix and planning on making my own plant stands out of wood dowels, i'll let you know how that one goes ; )) (notice teeny tiny cute toddler, awww!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">found this cute little midcentury dresser on craigslist! woot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We need some fun art hanging in the walls of this room: kinda boring, but simple and nice</td></tr>
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So that rounds up just a few areas in the house. I want to entirely paint the walls, they are an ugly light brown color and it is just so dark in the house, its a bit depressing. My husband looooooves the boring brown color, so it will take some more convincing, but I usually end up getting my way, babysteps!<br /><div>
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More to come! : ))</div>
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-66894502374169571492014-10-01T10:42:00.000-05:002014-10-01T10:42:09.222-05:00finally Rain!The rain falls hard, the rythmic pitter patter often get interupted by giant forces of thunder, but it soothes my soul. By candlelight i embrace the cleansing, the waters washing over the earth, nourishing and then only to recede.<br />
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<br />angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-89782241998421096202014-09-09T13:31:00.003-05:002014-09-09T13:31:34.583-05:00What is life like in the States, specifically Kansas City?We are back in the States! Yeah!! Its been quite the adjustment returning to our home land and taking in all the new sights, customs, etc, etc.<br />
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In the last few months, we have started new schools, bought a house, traveled a bit, explored our new neighborhood, shopped at Target (alot), spent alot of days outside, spent some severely hot days inside (boo), rode bikes, found a pediatrician for the baby, got braces on one kids teeth, went on some roller coasters. Yeah, I would have to say its been one overwhelming ride so far. But its going great, and Im glad there have been no major hiccups along the way.<br />
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Our vehicles made it safe and sound across the ocean, as well as our furniture!!<br />
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What can I say about this specific area we live in? Well, Im still figuring it all out. The biggest thing I notice is how super friendly people are here. Strangers in our neighborhood wave and say "hi", which is new and a lot of people ask a lot of personal questions, such as "what do you do?"--close to short of asking "how much do you make a year". Not really, but it may be coming, haha.<br />
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This is quite an adjustment after living in Europe. You are only really friendly to people you know well. It took a few years for the people in our village to even wave hello to us! It is impolite to ask personal questions unless you are VERY good friends. I really, really, really miss "home" (Germany), but I am also excited at the possibilities we have in this new place. <br />
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Oh the differences...and there are many, but I will take in all the good and the bad and find a way to accept and move forward!<br />
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We hardly know our neighbors, but everyone is friendly and we haven't made any friends to hang out with yet, but we have been so busy with our house, unpacking, etc, that we haven't had a chance to socialize, or maybe we're just really weird and have to meet like-minded weirdos, who knows!?!?<br />
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Regardless, i'm excited at the chance to build our lives here and learn about what makes this place awesome!<br />
<br />angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-3411702063282291842014-04-18T13:40:00.000-05:002014-04-18T13:40:12.055-05:00Spring is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Europe this year, we enjoyed a very mild winter. Lately, spring has made her entrance, all the trees have bloomed, the grass is green, and well, the pollen is thick in the air. With the warmer temps, we are enjoying being outside. Enjoying the land, sopping up the last bit we can, before we leave. I try not to remind myself we are leaving too much. It's too sad. But for now, I will bask in the beauty of my home. I will be thankful for these moments. Building memories.angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-65714652710496184872014-04-15T03:04:00.002-05:002014-04-15T03:04:51.462-05:00LifeLife lately has been weird, awesome, and overwhelming. We have traveled so much, last week we were in Amsterdam and on the North Sea in the Netherlands! Got to see the tulip fields in bloom and enjoy yummy pancakes and waffles. <br />
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The latest and greatest is that our adventure in Germany is coming to a close. We are moving back to the States. <br />
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Im in a bittersweet, melancholy state of mind about this. <br />
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There are too many lovely things to be said about living in both places. But I find myself anxious over a lot of the "cons" of living back in the States. Safety for the children, crime, etc. A lot of it to be blamed on sensationlised media, Im sure. I am trying very hard not to focus on those things.<br />
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I want to blog about the new adventure we are about to embark on. I think for me, most of all, it will be therapeutic. Writing and venting and just reflecting are helpful to a person such as myself. <br />
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Part of this move and why we wholeheartedly (sorta) decided to take the plunge is because this move will put us very close to family. We have lived in Europe for nearly 6 years and there have been a lot of awful things take place with family in that time. Now that my mother in law is a widow and my 2 grandmother in laws as well, it is important to have a strong family unit near these lovely women. My husband is a good man and he is now THE man of his family. Im glad to be near them and it will mean a lot not only to them, but to us and our children.<br />
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I hope that moving improves the quality of life for not only them, but US as well!!<br />
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This experience of living here in Germany has been the most monumental, wonderful, growing, awesome experience I have ever had! I have no regrets!!!<br />
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so cheers to us and I will keep this going as best as I can!!! : )))xoxooxangie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-53928366905216844792013-10-14T08:17:00.003-05:002013-10-14T08:19:02.527-05:00Moonrise KingdomI took these pics a while back. Sometimes on a full moon, it comes up over the meadow farmland that surrounds our house. The forest peeks from behind and I wonder what kind of things are happening in the forest...little fairies dancing in the moonlight, gnome bonfires, hmm....who knows...<br />
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-90123551052067739882013-10-14T02:41:00.001-05:002013-10-14T02:41:31.792-05:00Paris with kidsWe travel a lot. One of the great perks of living in Europe is that we are in affordable proximity to many countries. Adventures await!<br />
Well, sorta. Add children to the mix and it can throw a bit of a monkey wrench into the ideal vacation. You have to plan ahead, and take tiny people into account. Want on the whim travel adventures? Still possible! A little anticipation will make your experience in a new place much better and "nearly" stress-free--ha-ha!<br />
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We went to Paris last New Years and then again with my parents in April. I know this post is long, but I would like to share our experience.<br />
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First off, travel with a baby is not easy. Now that I am a mama 3x's I feel confident in my ability to stave off most complications. Anticipation is the biggest weapon so to speak! Because Im a weirdo, I imagine all these scenarios that could potentially happen--baby screams bloody murder inside the Neuschwanstein castle (really happened), kids whine loudly that they are hungry, baby has a blowout inside the Louvre, bathroom is just a nasty hole in the ground, kids spill crème brulee all over their shirt, etc, etc. So many possible scenarios, non?!<br />
My daughter eating Crème Brulee at a lovely café in Paris:<br />
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For Paris, as I have taken my other children there numerous times, I felt that I pretty much knew what to expect and also what I would need to take. We are big metro users, and I knew with a baby, we would need to bring a very light weight stroller and something that would fold up on a whim with the busy Paris rush hours. The first trip in January, the baby was still in her maxi cosi car seat, and I had that on a phil and teds frame. Although a great set up and she could sleep, it was bulky for the metro. A Maclaren is the way to go, also I noticed most Parisian mamas pushing their kids in a Maclaren. So for the second trip, I bought a 15 dollar umbrella stroller locally, one that I could just throw away when we were done with it. It took a major beating after miles of cobbles and sidewalks, it just couldn't hold up. By the end of the trip, it was out of order. I imagine the <a href="http://www.shopmaclarenbaby.com/" target="_blank">Maclaren</a> is tough and for the price will handle the street experience, so I am buying a Maclaren for our London trip coming up. I like this one:<br />
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Eating in Paris with kids is super easy. You will not be going to any fancy schmancy restaurants with your kids, just get that straight--unless you get a babysitter. We eat early, so we ate a lot of bakery items, cheeses, charcuterie, which you can just buy at monoprix or any little market and have a picnic in one of a gazillion wonderful parks in Paris. There are many cafes to eat at, sandwiches, salads, you can nearly find anything for a finicky eater. Staying in an apartment that has a kitchen is also wonderful to eat in and make your own meals. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank"> Airbnb.com</a> is the site we use to book apartments.<br />
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I always have hand sanitizer, extra nappies, and a change of clothes for the baby in a stylish handbag, I can manage to roll everything into something chic, and you can too! Finding a toilet is important, there are public toilets in certain places on the street, but we always made sure that if we ate somewhere or in a public place like the louvre, to use the toilets always! Hand sanitizer is essential! I always use ours to wipe down the seats, my 7 yr old daughter demands to sit on the seat, ewww..I also pack disposable cleaning wipes to wipe the kids faces and hands. You can find beautiful baby and child toiletries at Monoprix or a pharmacy. I like Mustela and Klorane.<br />
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Paris is a walking city. We take the metro a lot, then we walk and explore! I feel it is so important to let the children burn off energy and decompress. Take them to a park and let them go! Then they will be happy campers when you cart them to the next museum.<br />
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I also think its important to understand that there will be those moments where it will not go the way you want. They are children! They will not always be perfect angels, so allow a lot of patience! It will go a long way (for you and them)!<br />
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A few other little tidbits. We bought a carnet at the metro. Its 10 metro tickets, as opposed to the big booklet of them. We found this was cost saving for us. When traveling with stroller, instead of going through the turnstile, you can go through the side gate. If an attendant is near, they will buzz you in, or you put your metro ticket in the turnstile and pull the gate to open. There are a lot of stairs in the metro. You will have to literally pick your stroller up and carry your child up or down the stairs. It is common practice and many times, kind people will help you carry if you need help.<br />
On the metro baby!<br />
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Most museums are free for under 18's. <br />
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Take the boat tours on the Seine. Kids love it! And its a great history lesson! I recommend taking it at night, Paris is a different level of beautiful at night.<br />
Picture taken at night, with the Eiffel all lit up in its glory:<br />
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Parisians are neither rude or smug, I think that is such an awful stereotype. I have never had a bad experience. Enjoy the city and be kind to others, don't be the "ugly American".<br />
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Wear comfortable shoes, you will do ALOT of walking, be patient and take breaks, and most of all Have fun!! p.s. watch out for dog poo : )<br />
French baby food is the best! <br />
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Keep your schedule open and flexible as not to overwhelm the little travelers. I think breaks and naps are key. Good park time is great and wonderful for people watching, enjoying a break with your loved one whilst you watch your little ones play in Paris is a treat in itself.<br />
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Dress comfortably for the time of year you visit. We always dress in layers. Sunglasses for sun and a happy disposition make any adventure even better!<br />
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Even Mama's need a break : )). My Frye boots kept my feet comfy after miles of walking the Parisian streets.<br />
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-9736094912072570372013-10-13T12:04:00.000-05:002013-10-13T12:04:29.171-05:00Beer + cake = YUM!Now that fall has definitely descended into the German countryside, it only feels right to start baking up a storm! First on the list was a lovely Guinness Cake, cream cheese frosting. Was delish!<br />
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-2089449150905955122013-08-07T07:00:00.001-05:002013-08-07T07:11:39.838-05:00Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a few little peeks at our wonderful trip to Italy:</div>
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Our front yard</div>
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Cinque Terre village of Vernazza<br />
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Lucca<br />
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Our diet of gelato went over well with our baby (and me)<br />
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beautiful, serene Cinque Terre</div>
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Pisa<br />
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my kiddos chasing and being chased by the surf<br />
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Florence<br />
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Roof tops over Volterra<br />
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Papa getting his hair pulled in Florence (how many people can say they did that??!)<br />
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Impressive Florence</div>
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pretty coastline</div>
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<br />angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-36001003596798882892013-08-05T11:53:00.003-05:002013-08-05T11:59:07.464-05:00A week in Tuscany with the familyI am a terrible blogger. Life got the best of me, and so the blog suffered. It will take me some time to get caught up, but I wanted to share where I've been the past months. My parents came to visit in April for a month. We took them to Italy, drove from Germany all the way down to Tuscany. It was a wonderful time. Then we spent 5 days in Paris. Just me, baby and my parents. Since then, we've been busy, spending almost a month in the states and now as things settle down, we have three weeks before the school year begins once again. Phew! Just typing that was exhausting...just kidding. But it was so much fun.<br />
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We rented an old farmhouse way up on a high hill over looking Viareggio and the Mediterranean sea. La Spezia could be seen from a distance as well as Corsica on a clear day. Our house was surrounded by olive trees, orange trees, lemon trees and all types of herbs. There was a smell, scents that you would encounter as you stepped outside the house in the mornings and it would linger all day. It was so beautiful and a memory I will never forget. Everyday was an adventure. Enjoyed spending time in beautiful Lucca, Florence, Volterra, Cinque Terre, Viareggio, La Spezia, many, many little villages along our many drives through the countryside. Many great meals where made in our kitchen, a lot of great wine sipped amongst the Tuscan sunsets. We of course had some great meals in many quaint and family run trattorias and cafes. It was charming and of course, renewed ours souls. Our children, the youngest under 1 and the other two school age were so well behaved and enjoyed the culture and still talk about it. Even better having the grandparents with us.<br />
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Tuscan sunset entering our home. <br />
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More on Italy tomorrow.</div>
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angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-4640864644312168562013-04-03T03:35:00.003-05:002013-04-03T03:48:23.345-05:00Sunrise ambianceWe have the best sunrises in Germany. We live in the country, rolling hills of beautiful green pasture. Outside our front door lies this field. Usually adorned with cute dairy cows and sheep, unspoilt views capture my heart and hold dear memories close. As spring approaches, the wildflowers will bloom, the birds will sing, it will be a welcome to the new season of fresh beginnings.<br />
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Tomorrow we leave on our big road trip to Tuscany. A wonderful addition is that my parents flew in from the States to travel with us. One big happy family! <br />
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It will be cool to show our two older children Italy, and should also be fun traveling with our 8 month old--(im always crossing my fingers on that one)...babies are good little travelers, we took the baby to Paris for New Years at 6 months old and she was a champ! She is going to beautiful Paris again at the end of the month, with just me so should be a challenge, but stay tuned for that trip!<br />
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I hope you have a beautiful day!angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-24698981570956343992013-03-28T05:58:00.000-05:002013-04-03T03:50:30.428-05:00Once upon a time, there was a happy little family that lived in the mountains of Colorado. One day the Mister got a great opportunity to work and live in Germany. The Mrs. said "LETS GO" and off they flew into the unknown with their two little bubbies. Fast forward to 5 years later, one more baby added to the mix and we are still living the dream over in the motherland. <br />
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When we arent traveling, we are raising our 11, 6 and 8 month old in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Deutschland. We LOVE Germany, Europe and the lifestyle that is much different than the states. If we could stay forever, we would, but one day we will have to go home. For now, we embark on a journey of a lifetime and a means to show our children, that its not all black and white. There is more than just a box, think outside it!!!<br />
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In our spare time we love to travel, ride bikes, hike, eat good food, take pictures and live like rockstars...that doesnt happen nearly as much as i'd like, but a girl can dream! I love style, design, fashion, crafting, of course, writing and just being aware and open to creativity in all forms!! I hope to share some of my ideas and inspiration in this blog. <br />
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Anyway...<br />
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One thing that totally bugs is this years winter weather. I can make it look pretty, but after MONTHS and MONTHS of this bitter cold and snow, it gets really old fast. I am glad that I have my sweeties to keep me warm, and good wine, that always helps!! --thank goodness for the French border being a halfhour from my doorstep. More to come my friends! Belgium this weekend for the tour of flanders (bike race) and Tuscany for a week next week!! OOOOHHHH Im excited : ))<br />
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<br />angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626858698690263944.post-2638329403334642632013-03-26T14:21:00.001-05:002013-04-03T03:44:12.544-05:00Germany is home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Deutschland, you've stolen my heart. "Home" in the states may be so far away, but there is a lovely way about you Germany. angie khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941387707945982628noreply@blogger.com0