CELEBRATING HEROES WITH FAMILY and a GERMAN UPDATE!

We spent an enjoyable day with people we love in Kentucky!  We have been blessed to "find" family here!!!  And we really enjoyed spending the day with these wonderful people who have enriched our lives!  Scott BBQed (despite his injuries!)  Yum!  And games, visiting, retiring a flag, and being together was exactly what I needed....

So many wonderful pictures!  So I created this layout of EVERYONE

so you could see our crazy Kentucky family!

Playing games is essential in this family!

Young and Old discussing life and helping one another... another staple!

Building fires for s'mores and fun.

I actually enjoyed throwing a football with my daughter for awhile!

Who knew?!

We retired a flag!

It was super cool!

And solemn!

And educational!

Boys being boys....

Juice and Nuts ganged up on Taffy!

Raisin STOLE Chris' hat!

Kotten Kandy and Taffy climbed our HUGE tree out back...

I'm just glad they didn't fall....

I love that Scott still - occasionally - helps his daughters with their hair....

This is a common sight when these two get together!

And I LOVE hearing them create music together!

They are talented!

Kiara spent Memorial Day with her two cousins, and celebrating Shaved Ice's 16th birthday!  She didn't get any pictures at the family BBQ... but here's what I got:

Kiara and Shanae took Shaved Ice shopping for her birthday!

Sisters!

And games with Mil and Grandpa Mac!

Grandpa actually won!

And...  Happy Birthday, to my sweet German daughter!  We really do miss her!  And can't believe she is 18!  She sent us an update!  Enjoy:

Hello everyone,

just to start off, I'm incredibly sorry that you haven't heard from me for so long. I just turned 18 and I promised myself, that for the new year, I'll keep more in touch. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I've spend this special day with my parents in Rome. Italy is really beautiful and truly the heart of Europe. When you visit, this is a must see right after Germany. Summer finally came upon my city and in a few weeks the school year ends. I'm already busy planning a vacation to Spain with Inés and another friend of mine. Before I can enjoy myself, there are a lot of exams to take, especially the ones of my first college semester. Business Administration is way harder then I first thought but I have to get trough with this. Next year my college career starts for real and I'm planning on moving out to Munich, a beautiful city in the German alps. My other alternative is to apply for a government sponsored job in the German embassy but let's see where I end up since I still have to graduate. Also I'm finally doing my drivers licence this summer. Fingers crossed for me please. I really hope to pass.

This was a lot about me, how have you guys been? Of course I follow the blog. Taffy and Kotten Kandy are sooooooooo cute. How is Fig Newton? Are you planning on getting another Exchange Student. Oh, and I admire Kiara for her Job as Americas next top dentist. This is really exiting. Is the Mission close yet? Europe is waiting ;)

I love and miss you all. I so wish to go back to KY 

Luise 

Lollipop in Rome!