the dreamy farmhouse...

we were swept into the magic of village life with our dear friends.

this is where we ate breakfast and dinners, when there was no rain.  

schnitzel. actual schnitzel from the Sound of Music song favorite things- it.was.amazing.

the green, the garden, the fresh raspberries and cherry tree. it all felt so unreal to the city living caldwells.

  hammocks and swing sets, the girls ran up and down the three story farm  house running inside and outside with complete freedom. it. was. dreamy.

It felt like water to my soul, the weather was incredible, we even wore jackets and fleeces.

Gabi has little beautiful touches throughout her farmhouse that make it feel like you are in Anne of Green gables..

the girls and i piled onto this hammock most evenings and played like we were on a boat ride.

this was the forest in their back yard...

most nights ended with laughter and chatting...story telling and teasing...

mornings began with fresh fruit ...some picked from Gabi's garden..

here is the garden we love to explore and constantly had butterflies, cater pillars, cats and bunnies...

It was so peaceful, so wonderful that it was intuitive. Layla and i were swinging early one morning and she said " mama, this is magical. isn't Germany just magical?"

 sophia chose to express her love in a more demonstrative form- she ran through the path and the streets if the near by village town singing " I got everything that i need, right in front of me"

But the sisters were in heaven. it was a child's dream to just wander, explore, swing, dance, and go on adventure walks all from our front door...

not sure what little tooter is doing in this photo...

we LOVED this crew.

And...of course, a HUGE highlight was getting to watch the world cup in GERMANY. 

we watched the shocking Germany/ Brazil game where Germany scored 7-1 

and then the championship. it was nuts. and so fun to celebrate with our fabulous german hosts!

   The trip was so full of rest, walks, heart connects, soaking in nature, laughter, amazing food, german pretzels, incredible views, forest walks, quality time with my husband, daughters and parents,  breathtaking cathedrals, cappuccinos, shopping, German toy stores ( be still my heart), first trip every to IKEA!!!, seeing Gabi and Julia's coffeshop they have started...and meeting all their friends and family.

  feeling abundantly blessed.