Team March celebrations...

Wow... March is already gone! How is that possible?

My mom arrived in Vienna the first week of March to help us celebrate "Team March's" birthdays.
"Team March" is Brad, Abby and my mom- who all have birthdays just one day apart from each another.

She graciously offered to watch our kiddos, so Brad and I could have a few days away to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and both of us turning the big 4 0 this year! 

We decided on a quick trip to Venice!

Venice was absolutely fantastic!  We loved the architecture, the food, the people, the gondola ride, the ability to have no agenda and just enjoy the city and one another.  Our hotel room had a view of a canal, and was located between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto bridge.  They also provide a free water taxi ride for you to visit the glass factories in Murano. Two of our favorite restaurants were Algiubagio and Cantina do Mori.  And of course don't forget the gelato...yum!

Then it was back to Vienna for more celebrating!  On Brad's actual birthday, we went to one of our favorite restaurants in Bratislava called, El Gaucho, for a special birthday dinner for everyone...

then on Abby's birthday, we went to an indoor water park with a few of her friends.  So fun and chill!

And then on Sunday, a good friend of ours made a HUGE Sachertorte to share at NCW!

We had so much fun celebrating! :)

Levi is 9!

Happy Birthday Levi!

Levi, 8 has been a lot of fun! A few of your favorite things included::
apples,
all things Star Wars,
playing outside,
hanging out with your friends,
making silly faces,
cheering for America at the Olympics,
being with Memoo,
swimming,
Playmobil,
any and all adventures,
your bedroom makeover,
your 3rd grade teacher, Miss Sipos,
holding babies,
learning how to play the piano and waterski,
loving others
and just being with your crazy family!
We love you sooo much and we can't wait to see how much fun this next year is going to be :)

Wow how time flies!
Here you are at 8,  7,  6, and 5

Tis the Season...

Tis the Season for all sorts of good things...

For decorating the tree
For Advent Calendars

For sending and receiving Christmas cards...we keep all the photo cards from years past too!

For Kiachl (sort of like a funnel cake- served with powdered sugar, marmalade or sauerkraut)

For Baking

For Clementines

For PHOTO CHALLENGES

And for making Caramels

But most importantly, celebrating the real reason for the Season!

What special things do you do to get ready for Christmas and/or enjoy doing during the Holidays?

Here are a few more ideas that I found on Pinterest...
Perfect gift for your neighbors
THESE are so cute
THIS looks like a fun book
and a Yummy Dessert for a Christmas Party

This week...

:: Luke and I had a mini date...dinner at McDonalds and his Track and Field Appreciation Dessert

:: All 3 kiddos had an appointment with an Orthodontist here in Wien...Abby will get her braces on June 12th!

:: I went with Abby's class on a field trip to the zoo

:: I started a new photo challenge

::We made Oreo Cupcakes

::And we ate them as we celebrated our friend Sarah Clark's birthday :)