Faschingsfest...

Our neighbors, whom we love very much, invited us over for a little Faschingsfest celebration!  We cracked up as soon as we saw their costumes!  They were all decked out in Harley attire...with piercings and everything! (look closely at Hans' nose, lip, eyebrow and ear)

Here I was wondering if Hans was going to plant a big crazy kiss on me... :)
They are so fun!

Cookies, caramel and conversation

This afternoon we had a play date with our neighbors. We shared ginger snaps, apples, caramel sauce and really good conversation.

The kiddos played and played...so long in fact that our play date turned into a dinner date :)

Just perfect, since Brad started classes again this evening.

A weekend to remember...

The fun from this weekend really wore us out...as evidenced by Milka pooch-or "Milka poochey" as Liesl lovingly calls her!

Here is the run down of what we were up to...
Levi officially turned 5 and we had BLAST at his party on Friday night

Then on Saturday we were off to the Ball with our neighbors, Gritt and Alfred. Remember our experience last year? Well, even though we took dancing lessons, our ability to keep up with Austrians on the dance floor still proved to be a challenge. It still was an amazing evening and so much fun! And now Monday is here, and Luke has a big interview at a bi-lingual school (for next year) this morning...I'm sure all he'll have to do is flash his winning smile and he'll get in right? Well, more on this experience a little later...Have a good week my friends!

Trading Goods and Services...

There are many reasons why we love living in our apartment building, most of which are our neighbors. 

 I love that if I need an egg, I can just open my door and ask my neighbor across the hall and not have to walk to the store...or if I need to run an errand, I can see if one of the families can watch a kid or two. 

 I also love the spontaneous plates that get dropped off, filled with goodies...that I can return with American specialties.  We trade our goods and services and are building a special community.  

 Lily came by last week and Frederick came by this morning.  The kids love when they can "help" watch their friends and even return the goodie plates by themselves.  

Without even knowing it, our neighbors are spurring our kids on to good deeds and developing in them hearts to want to serve others.