Europa Park

For Sam's 7th birthday, we went to Europa Park.  It is Europe's biggest amusement park in Germany and the second most popular in Europe following Disneyland Paris.  It was awesome because the birthday boy  and Tessa got in free and we got to use a VAT form.  Plus, German school was still in session, it was on a weekday and so we really got to walk on all of the rides.  It was fabulous!  It is themed with every country in Europe with rides that go along with the country.  It is about 2 1/2 hours from our home.  It was cute how they duplicated Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean, Soaring over Europe, and Haunted House rides but there so many unique rides. It was the PERFECT day! 

Italy

 

London

Annweiler Trifels Castle

Annweiler Trifels Castle quickly became our favorite castle.  King Richard the Lion-hearted was imprisoned her for about 3 weeks when he was captured after he was captured by Duke Leopold V of Austria near Vienna in December 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade.

    

Great Brother

Sam started bringing home prizes for Luke everyday. 

Sometimes it would be a picture, note, book from the library or treat.  Luke has gotten so used to it that he asks Sam, "What did you bring me today?"

From Sam, To: Luke

You are the best brother ever. I love you. Best Luke

P.S. Can you give me a hug.  Luke love

Luke's clever art of him and a hot dog

by Sam

Last day of 1st Grade

Sam got to go to the last 5 weeks of 1st grade in Germany.  His class was on its third teacher as the 1st PCSed, the 2nd had a baby, and the 3rd took over the class right before Sam got there.  It was a great opportunity for him to make friends.  On the last day, they did a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Sam was Jack.  Then they sang two songs for the parents, a song from Brother Bear "I'm on my Way" and a song with sign language "With just one small voice."  Sam was given the award for Bright Ideas.  We are so proud of him.

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