pring is here - sun is shining, trees are blooming! We had a lovely long weekend for the Easter holiday, staying in mostly to relax, but headed out on Monday to enjoy the increasingly nice weather and Russ' last day off before returning to work. We decided to explore the path along the river and discovered there was a small stretch of beach that meant Bailey could indulge in her love of swimming.

Bailey fetching the biggest stick ever (she's ambitious)

Success!

Bailey realized there were boats in that water & swim time was over

Springtime along the Rhine

Enjoying the flowers - and the view of the river below

After spending time along the river, we decided to drive a bit and enjoy our countryside. The weather proved absolutely perfect for photographing the sights.

Beautiful church

Driving through a small town

The Riesling Road

Vinyards as far as the eye can see

If any of this is looking like somewhere you want to visit, I have just finished setting up our guest room - so we're ready to start booking a stay for our friends and family! We're definitely looking forward to hosting some of you in this new country of ours; we think you'll like it as much as we do. First come, first serve ...

BEFORE

Wall artwork courtesy of the previous tenants

AFTER

If our cozy, finished guest room doesn't compel you to visit, perhaps our living room paint job will. What a difference some paint makes!

BEFORE

AFTER

Things are slowly but surely becoming more of a home, and we're feeling more settled because of it (now if only our German felt as second nature ..). And as much as we're enjoying our new home here, we can't wait to come back and visit everyone in California next month. We hope to see all our friends and family - and indulge in all our favorite CA food we have been missing! Less than a month to go ...

*Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische