Motter German Adventure: A Festival Just for US!?!

That's right folks...our family has made such an impression on this little ancient Roman town that it's officials threw one gigantic party for us this past weekend. Now, some folks will tell you that it's called the Alstadt Festival and it happens every year, but WE know the truth....all about us and our up-coming departure!! So, it was with great excitement that we ventured down to our festival!

After working our car throught the crowded streets we finally found a place to park which was about 1/2 the distance back to our apartment. Where's that VIP parking??? Then, we began working our way through the thousands of people ...yes, we are loved...and we had never seen our little town so stuffed with tents, flea market stands, numerous food stands, drink stations and of course the ZuckerHaus (Sugar House)! We finally managed to elbow our way to the main Marktplatz (where are those securit guards for us??) where we met up with a handful of our closest friends. And here the party began...there was music, food, drinks and area for the kids to play. Luckily, there were also tents where we quickly napped a table...because Mother Nature ALSO had to make another appearance for your celebration and later opened up the heavens with rain, wind and lightning....lovely!

So, we spent the afternoon/evening with a handful of friends celebrating our new friendships and saying Good-bye without really saying good-bye...just "See ya Later" because you NEVER KNOW where life takes you and when/where/how life paths cross! As I watched the kids play, listened to the conversation, and enjoyed drinks and foods with these great people. I REALLY realized just how blessed our family is to have been able to spend time here in Germany and meet these great people. What an amazing adventure!

It was a great way to wrap up our time here....othere then the rediculous thunderstorm that ended the festivities for some a little early. But then, we should have KNOWN that would happen because Urte and her family were in Ladenburg for a Festival...and that means rain!!!! :) But, Steve, Julia and the boys made it home safe on their bikes, Urte, Juergen and kids ran quickly to their car, Petra and her family left just before the cious, and the rest of us hunkered down to let it pass. Eventually it was time to venture home...so we did with happiness in our hearts! THANKS EVERYBODY!!!

I wonder what Ladenburg will do next year when it's time to supposedly have this Festival again...we won't be here???