Münsinger Ochsenrennen

We went to the Ox races today.  Really.

Every four years the small town of Münsing, a little ways down the lake from us hosts ox races. Our friends the Sturgills went last time and told us we couldn't miss it this time. So we dragged the girls out of the house and we were off to the races.

Steve, Kip, Kristin & Missy

It is set up in a big giant field with a "race course" about 200m long. There are several races, most ending with the ox being prodded or cajoled across the finish line. Every once in a while there was a great run.

There were lots of people enjoying a bright, sunshine filled day and having fun. As with any event in Bavaria there was plenty of bier and of course a tent setup for food and drink afterwards. Any excuse for a party!

First Day of School 2016

And they're back! As of this morning everyone is back in school!  Dominic started a week ago but AJ, Stefanie and Rachel all started today.

Rachel & Stefanie

Dominic is in his third year at the United States Military Academy.

AJ is a sophomore at Bowling Green State University.

Stefanie is a SENIOR in high school - big year for her!

Rachel is a sophomore in high school.

Dominic's Affirmation

Dominic

At the start of their third year cadets at West Point affirm their oath to serve their country. In short they commit to the US Army for the next 10 years: 2 more years of school, 5 years active duty and 3 years in the reserves.

Dominic's company - G-1 (He's in the center, front row)

This is a big commitment and not one many 20 year olds across our country are willing to make. We are very proud of him and continue to support him in his quest to serve our country.

Cadets in their third year are called "Cows". We thought cow
cake pops was a good way to show our support!

Biking to Andechs

Rachel & Stefanie

We had to document this day with a few photos. We convinced Stefanie and Rachel to ride their bikes to Andechs with us.  Stef's boyfriend Joe also came along. The bike ride is about 8 miles each way and a little hilly.

Rachel

Stef & Joe

Andechs is one of our favorite places, it's actually Steve's favorite place here in Germany. It's a monastery that has been brewing its own beer for over 700 years. It has a beautiful church, great views, yummy food and a fun Bavarian atmosphere. We go often.

Steve & Missy

So when we suggested a Sunday hike, the girls said let's just go to Andechs. And Steve said great, but we'll bike. The girls weren't completely thrilled but they agreed. They did a great job and going home was a little tough but they made it!

Where was AJ all summer?

AJ

AJ has been missing from many of our summer activities this year. But he had a good reason, he had a great summer job, especially for someone who wants to be a middle school teacher. AJ was a camp counselor at Camp Barton, a boy scout camp in Ithaca, NY.

AJ lived at camp and worked as a life guard and swimming and canoeing merit badge counselor. It was a great solution to the summer job dilemma since it provided him with a place to live and he didn't need a car. Plus, a summer on Cayuga Lake does not suck.

Lifeguards - AJ is first on the left

He made some great friends, had a fun summer on the lake and we still got to see him during the weeks we were in Ithaca. He had one night and one day off per week. The weeks we weren't there, his cousin or uncle claimed him from camp so he could spend time relaxing at Grandma's house. That of course was awesome for him!!

Auntie Meli got Married!!

Doug & Mel

It was a big summer for my sister! She got married and celebrated it three times for extra fun!

First Mel and Doug got married privately, celebrating their decision just the two of them.

Mel & Doug

Then mid July, my parents had a party for them in Ohio. This was to reach all of our extended family, and because they were also super excited lots of them came. It was a fun, fun party, and a great time to see our aunts and uncles and several of our cousins as well as many of our parents friends who have been a part of our lives, all of our lives.  You know, the kind of people you still address as Aunt and Uncle even though there is absolutely no blood relation. This was a terrific celebration!

Mel & Doug

Rachel & Stefanie

Extended family celebrating Mel & Doug

Three gorgeous sisters - Aunt Elsie, my mom Kathleen & Aunt Theresa

At the end of July, Melanie and Doug had a weekend celebration for their friends and immediate family at their home in Massachusetts. It was another fabulous celebration and my sister did an amazing job organizing a beautiful outdoor reception. She even managed perfect weather! It was another superb weekend and the perfect way to end our time in the US!

My parents and Mel & Doug

Rachel, Mel, Stefanie

Dominic, Rachel, Mel & Stefanie

Todd, Mel & Missy (youngest to oldest, tallest to shortest

Parents of the bride killing it on the dance floor!

Pottery with Jackie Sedlock

Dominic, Stefanie, Rachel, Todd, Missy & Granny

A bonus to attending Mel's wedding party and art show in Massachusetts was being able to spend some time with Jackie Sedlock in her pottery studio in Vermont. The only disappointment was my cousin Tim was at work and their son Leo was away visiting his uncle!

Stefanie & Rachel with Jackie and Shadowfax (Leo's bird)

Jackie is an amazing potter, we LOVE her stuff and you will too, check her out Here!

She spent the day teaching us about clay and we all made our own little push pots.

Todd

Dominic

Stefanie

Granny

Rachel

Next she had each of the girls try to throw a pot. They both did great under her careful and awesome instruction. Jackie has a gift, she is patient and calm and can clearly teach and convey what needs to be done. It's incredible. The girls were thrilled. Then after all this she fed us an amazing lunch!

Stefanie

Stefanie & Jacki

Rachel & Jackie

Rachel

We also got to check out her new studio and artist residence that was still in progress. This will be an amazing place to take classes, workshops or retreats. The location is beautiful on top of a little mountain in Vermont! Read more about it here.

Lastly she shared with us her Silo pool that she and her brother constructed. Totally cool. Also? Totally cold. Jackie swims in it every day but we weren't quite brave enough to give it a try!