Krautfest 2010

You may recall Krautfest 2009... where cabbage (kraut) took over the town of Echterdingen. It was glorious and I couldn't wait to take part in 2010's cabbage celebration. I also really wanted a bowl of kraut goulash. It was unfortunate that it rained all weekend long, but it was fortunate I had ordered a rain cover for Rhett's stroller so the rain didn't stop us.

Since the fest was so close to home we couldn't help but go both days (please keep this fact in mind when you read about the food consumed).

We really had to get our fill of Filderkraut... since it comes from our neighborhood and all.

Like last year, kids dressed pointy cabbages-

Veit Bakery baked kraut shaped brots (breads)-

The Annual kraut shredding competition was a big hit-

They had a 5 Euro bag of pumpkins for sale-

Interesting product displays-

And typical fest goodies.

This year unfortunately included lots of umbrellas (German's are unfazed by poor weather as you can clearly see).

They had new kraut displays.

And a new and improved town square to use.

But the most important part... good food.

Including the ever popular 'krautburger,'

Below are fried apple rings (I forgot their German name) and Wilde Kartoffels mit knoblauch sauce (wild potatoes with garlic sauce).

I also purchased this coconut marshmallow filled beauty. I don't know their name either but if you buy them from the grocery store they're called 'Dickmans' or 'Mini Dickmans,' both which make me laugh.

We also enjoyed this potato pancake type thing with fresh apple sauce, a crepe,

And chocolate covered strawberries on a stick.

Oh and kraut goulash... which doesn't photograph well so you'll have to take my word for it.

We're already looking forward to next year. Little man especially.

::Just because::

They grow up so fast....

Top photo: (L) Rhett in his swing 13 October 2010

(R) Rhett in his swing 25 August 2010

Bottom photo: Rhett, 11 October 2010

boys will be boys

and wear camo (and multiple patterns)...

make eyes at the ladies (or lady aka mom)

they kind of stink (sometimes)

they hang out...

and stick together.

I'm horribly outnumbered but I love my boys.

October 9, 2010

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

-George Eliot

Shortly after this picture was taken Chad told Gnocchi to stop being a 'jackass.' He cracked himself up.

Do you spy someone hiding in this picture?

Our dogs always look before crossing the street...

And on a cool, Autumn day... nothing beats a warm bath.

I may have used this quote last year, but I love it so!

Cannstatter Volksfest 2010

What do you do when you can't drink or go on rides at Germany's 2nd largest beer festival outside of Munich?

You eat.

Hot corn on the cob.

Chili-Cheese-Wurst.

Steak Sandwiches.

Candied macadamia nuts.

(we snuck in some beer... it is a beer fest after all).

And Chad managed to go on one ride by himself.

Lastly, Langos (or big fried disks of dough).

Good times!

One Request

Sunday I asked Chad if he would mind watching Rhett on Monday evening while I went for a bike ride. The weather was supposed to be nice and I haven't rode my bike all year long. I wanted to take some pictures and get out of the house a little bit and Chad kindly obliged.

However, when Monday evening rolled around and Chad asked if I was going on a bike ride my first thought was ' who ever said anything about a bike ride?' I kind of wanted to keep playing dumb or pretend that I was too tired but I knew for my sanity I should go on that ride.... feel the wind in my hair and the sun on my back (oh yes!). It would be good for me. Plus, I pretty much backed myself into a corner by telling Chad I would pick up a loaf of fresh bread from the store for the patty melts I intended on making that evening.

So off I went...

And not only did I pick up a loaf of bread but I picked some flowers from up the street...

and took pictures.

And returned home early enough to make those patty melts I promised.

I love STETTEN in the fall.

(and bike rides)

(and my husband, patty melts, and 'cocos minis' from Lidl)

(and Rhett)

(and my camera)

Sunday

Sunday is the day I skype with my parents. It's always a good time. My mom sometimes struggles with the camera while her throat burns because my dad is cooking his damn peppers. (They really do burn your throat... and your eyes... no exaggeration.) My dad, while cooking his peppers, sometimes looks outside and sees an interesting finch or something equally exciting. Then we talk about the going ons in their neck of the woods and mine. Except this week we realized we had only been apart for 3 days and there wasn't that much to talk about. Then little man went poop. An explosive poop. When Chad returned him to me nice and clean for the camera he pooped again. Nuclear I tell you. Then Meatloaf threw up twice and we decided skyping next week would be better.

Then Gnocchi peed on the floor.

The End.

But please enjoy the following pictures from Rhett's visit to the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart.

He's already picked out the car he wants for his 16th birthday.

They're Coming!

It only took me a month and almost 2 weeks to order Rhett's birth announcements.

But they're done.

Can't wait to share them with you.

Here's a little taste:

okay... I think we're done here.