My amazing friends, Dawn and Shannon, and I were determined to have a fun day out with all of our kids together this summer and Legoland was the perfect spot! We live just one hour away and all of our kids are obsessed with Lego.

Easter always sneaks up on me. With the date changing every year, I usually feel less prepared than I would like to be. This year, I was aware of more gentle reminders in the German holidays leading up to Easter and the holy days that were celebrated by our neighbors and those of others faiths that surround us.

These hazy days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6) have a name here in Germany — “Zwischen den Jahren” literally means “between the years” and I love how perfectly it describes how we all feel this unique time of year!

In the midst of all the outings and adventures all the regular parts of life are happening here. Brian had his very first violin recital and did so very well. He played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Jingle Bells beautifully and felt proud. I couldn’t ask for anything better. And I have to say it was really cool to attend a recital in a restored barn from the 1200s.