Brenz Park and a Maibaum Celebration

It's hard to believe that we have officially been here for one month!  Although many aspects of every day life are getting easier (finding our way around, kids are settled into school, learning my way around the grocery stores, etc); other things still seem to be challenging.  Like ordering pizza. Fail.



After about 2 weeks of not-so-nice weather we finally caught a break this weekend.  We decided to check out a beautiful local place called the Brenz Park.  We were here a few years ago, but Valerie was too little for most of the playground and they have since added on.  The kids absolutely loved it.  Check out some of our pics: 

 There is a HUGE slide that is made to look like part of a dragon. The wooden section off to the left is were you climb up and the slide comes down the back side.  The head of the dragon is a water feature.  

A rope bridge built over the Brenz river.  Valerie was somewhat slow and timid, but she did it several times.  Ian went flying across the first time.

Of course Ian had to swing!

Awesome new climbing area.  The kids were a little small for some of this, but it was really neat.

We also joined some friends in Bavaria for a traditional Maibaum celebration in their village.  The celebration takes place on May 1st or the day before.  The village decorates a large tree trunk, it was even beautifully carved.  Then it is wheeled or carried through the streets where they raise it with long poles.  The whole process took awhile because it is so tall.  They also used some tractors to help hoist it up.  Then there is music and dancing.  Followed by fellowship, food, and drinks at a restaurant nearby. 

The fireman wheeling, and guiding the Maibaum tree down the street.

 Ian watching as they got the tractor in place and starting hoisting it up.

 Here it goes!  The firemen used long poles to guide it up. 

Finally in place! 

The band playing after the tree was up.

 Ian enjoying a traditional Leberkase.  It was "Yummy in his tummy!"

We've also started attending a church here in the town where we live.  The church is very welcoming for English speakers.  Although most of the service is in German they offer English translation through head phones.  They sing contemporary music played by a praise band.  The usually do one or two songs in English each week.  We know most of the music they play, but it's totally weird to try to sing it in another language!  I'm sure it will improve my German in the long-run! I had a sort of "audition" about 2 weeks ago to start playing on the worship team occasionally .  I'm going to be helping out for the first time next Sunday.  I'm a little nervous for practice considering the language barrier, but some of them speak English well and are able to translate if I don't understand.  It really is a blessing that we've found a place that is accommodating.  The kids are in the same children's church class and they seem to enjoy it.  They sing songs, do crafts, and have a story/lesson. 

Things to look forward to this week:  getting our car AND hopefully doing some traveling next weekend.  It is a long weekend here for ascension day.  



Auf Wiedersehen!