happy father’s day

Father’s Day is winding down in Nuremberg. We just got off the phone with my dad and the skype connection was terrible – I was frantically yelling, “Love you, Dad!” but not sure if he actually heard me or not. So here’s a quick public “love you” and “miss you” to my pops, Barry. Big Poppy – you’re the best, hands down. Thanks for all of the shelves you’ve hung, computers you’ve fixed and jokes you’ve told (inappropriate at times, but always funny!). I love you beyond. So thankful for you.

Father’s Day weekend in Germany was lovely. It’s amazing that after 3 short weeks, Nuremberg is already starting to feel like home. But in some ways, it’s been a better version of the home we were experiencing back in Portland. We had definitely gotten into a rut of routine – dinner at Cheesecake Factory, Club Sport every Saturday morning, me off to girls’ nights and Wen permanently attached to his laptop. The beauty of jumping into this new adventure is that we are totally dependent on each other for support, entertainment, encouragement. I remember feeling this same way when we moved to NYC – our first year of marriage had been relatively smooth sailing – mostly because we saw so little of each other! I was busy at work, Wen was wrapping up school, and we were often going in totally different directions. So the move to New York was an amazing (and difficult) time to really bring us together. And now we’re back in that same position – without our network of friends, family and familiarity to support us, we’re really leaning on each other (including the girls) and it has been such a beautiful blessing for our family.

The first fun news of this week is that we’ve found an INCREDIBLE apartment! It’s not official yet – we meet the landlady on Thursday, and we’re praying praying praying that she likes us and will allow us to rent the apartment. The apartment is literally my dream home – old, gorgeous building, and gut-renovated so it feels new. Looks old, feels new. Perfect. But the downside is that the landlady was hoping to rent to a family without kids – so please pray the girls will be charming (duh!) on Thursday. If we get it, I’ll share many more details. I’m so hoping this all works out, because I AM SO OVER THE TINY APARTMENT. Over. It.

When I was interviewing for the job out here, I heard over and over what a great place Nuremberg is to raise children. And I have to say, we have NOT been disappointed. So many fun things to explore w the girls. On Saturday, we visited the Toy Museum – Germany is known for making beautiful, well-made toys, and this museum was a homage to the history of toys in this area. So. Much. Fun. We couldn’t take pics of the inside, but behind the museum was a charming little courtyard – so sweet.

Father’s Day dinner in the Alstadt. We tried an Italian place that keeps being recommended to us, and it was delicious and perfect for families. We laughed and ate A LOT – I’m definitely a chip off the Korean / Jewish grandmother block, as I LOVE seeing my family enjoying a good meal. Full tummies, full heart. Such happiness.

And DESSERT. There’s a gelato place in the Atstadt that we pass all the time that has these elaborate desserts – so today seemed the perfect time to try it. Ummm, de-lish. As a result there’s a looooong run with my name on it tomorrow, but in the meantime I enjoyed every bite.

umm, yes please!

de-lish!

Running through the Alstadt back to the car, the wind was blowing like crazy, but I made sweet Wen stop for a quick picture w the girls in front of this gorgeous church. I was so hoping for the “perfect father’s day picture,” but as you can see that wasn’t in the cards. But I still love this – it’s perfectly US. Piper’s big, messy hair (as always), Stella clinging to Wen (as always), Wen such a good sport (as always). I’m thankful for Wendell Maxey, Jr for so many things, but mostly that our girls will have this incredible man as their role model for what a husband and father should be. Grateful.

Wishing you all a beautiful Father’s Day from Germany. xo.