Winter arrived early this year!

While most of us are dreading the long winter ahead, 

Rana was very excited to see the first snowflakes 

falling when she woke up on Saturday morning. 

She already had a snowball fight with Baba 

and she loves the warm winter coat 

that Nana and Grandpa gave her!

Happy Eid!

Autumn Colors

We took a walk through our neighborhood to 

check out the changing colors of the leaves this afternoon.

The park across the street has a little creek

that runs into a little pond, complete with a 

fountain and two decorative bridges

 Rana had fun gathering some leaves and
we both enjoyed the sunny autumn afternoon.

Swinging and Pumping!

Great commentary as Rana reflects on learning how to pump!

Middle School Reunion - In Germany!

Since two of Annie's friends from Middle School 

are living in Germany these days, and another came to visit, 

we decided to have a little reunion!  

Sita has been living in California for the last five years or so.

Emily is living near Nürnberg with her husband Mike
and beautiful daughter Ava, who graciously opened
their home to us and hosted us for the weekend.

And Amber moved to Konstanz two years ago
after spending some time in Marburg.

Rana had a wonderful time playing with little Ava! 

Many of us had not seen each other for years and years, 

so it was great to catch up. I hope we can meet up again soon!

Rana is 4 Years & 4 Months Old!

Here are four lovely pictures to mark the occasion!

First day at her new Kindergarten, 

which she quite likes so far!

Braving the rain in her rain gear

Yet another fountain to admire around town

A playground in the corner of the town gardens 

about halfway up to the castle ruins

Our New Apartment

We love our spacious, renovated apartment!

It will be a while before we actually have enough 

furniture to fill the place, but we are getting there...

Rana loves that we now have two floors 

instead of the two little rooms in our last apartment,

and that she has her own room!

The fact that it is the only bedroom upstairs that is finished 

doesn't phase her, and she even sleeps up there by herself

(although Grandpa was up there for a few nights)!

And another exciting feature is the garage - with a swing! 

Our new place already feels like home!