The food and beverages were simply delightful. The decorations included a surf board, large umbrellas, beach chairs, white lights, hibiscus flowers and other Tahitian/beach art. The music was similar to what you'd hear at an American "stomp" or school dance. Our fresh "rm" a.k.a Andrew's sister, Katie was the first to really let loose on the dance floor.
I quickly joined in. I can't remember the last time I went to a dance. Isn't that sad? I must have been in college? It surprised me how easy it was for me to find that version of "Ali" because it seems thatI left all my inhibitions at the front door. I felt no shame as I broke into various line dances. However, after watching video that was shot of me last night, I admit that I do feel slightly... embarrassed. I am an awkward dancer. As for Eliza... 
She danced her very first "YMCA." It was funny to watch her bounce up an down with the beat of the music. I couldn't help but think, "Is that really my beautiful baby girl?" as I would watch her dance in the arms of her daddy, uncle, aunts and grandparents... I was waiting for her to show signs of exhaustion. Her nanna offered to take her home when she was ready for bed but due to her extreme interest and great behavior, she stayed up with us until we left at 11:00 pm.
When Eliza gets married in forty - or fifty - years, I will put this photo in her wedding album.
Here is another great "daddy/daughter" shot of Liz and Doug. And we couldn't help it... we just had to recreate one of those high school dance "group shots."
And finally, here is a picture of my husband and me looking very bored. 
I'll tell you what, that worked up an appetite in all of us. We headed downtown for a little shopping before we introduced the family to the Biergarten for some abend essen (dinner). Gelatos soon followed - naturally. 
Plans are being discussed regarding tomorrow's activities. As for me, I am looking forward to going to bed.
Andrew and I woke them up this afternoon to take them to our favorite ice cream shop downtown. They instantly fell in love with their 
Liz felt right at home when she saw the New Yorker! How appropriate, right? (Liz is from New York) 
As for Mike, something about the store Mister Lady reminded him of ... well, himself? 
Ladies and 
For a live demonstration, please enjoy the following video clip!
Andrew lived in the the apartment, third from the bottom (the apartment without the flowers). It was special to watch my serious, quiet husband show a very sentimental side as we walked these streets that are so familiar to him. He opened up and shared things with me that really made me feel closer to him and furthered the admiration I have for the way he served his mission. I apologize that this is turning into a Hallmark card, but really, it was cool, so back off Mark (my brother)! ;) 
We made our way to the Danken home. This wonderful family fed Andrew regularly while he was on his mission. I met them this past February when they were in Salt Lake visiting their family. They opened up an invitation then for us to stay with them if we were "ever" in Bonn. At the time, I was sad thinking that we'd never make it to Germany, but oh how life is full of surprises. We took them up on their kind offer and spent two nights in their home. 
"CALL THE FASHION POLICE" - yes I am aware that the shoes I am wearing do not "go" with the outfit I am wearing. Relax, I had black sandals waiting for me in the car. Not that looking cute while on a roadtrip matters, but if it did - I didn't publicly commit any major fashion offenses. Geez. 
I met two American girls that have been in Germany working as nannies. I enjoyed talking with them and making connections of four of the same people we know back home... Small stinking world. And Melissa Stringham and Melissa Webb Campbell - if you're reading this, you're two of those connections!
and last but not least, I saw the legendary bakery 
where Andrew encouraged his "greenie" (new missionary he was training) to go and ask for a delicious German pastery... an "einlauf" - which really means "enema"... His greenie went to this bakery and without knowing it, politely asked for an enema... Can you believe my innocent husband would do such a thing?
We enjoyed another walk along the Rhine river and then headed back to the Dankens. After six weeks, returning to Landshut, did in fact feel like we were coming "home." 
As for Andrew and me – we were antsy!
Our pictures don’t come close to capturing the enormous size of the Dom or the chaotic, exciting nature of the city streets… so I thought that I would send you a postcard because it does a better job of that, so close your eyes and imagine that you found this in your mailbox. 
Well, here we are… trying to attempt to photograph the 
I got a kick out of these statues – they move! People make money by dressing head to toe in silver costumes with aluminum foil type make-up. They look like Thanksgiving leftovers to me, but nevertheless, we paid fifty cents so I could have my photo taken with this beautiful piece of art.
Andrew and Eliza take in the view of the Rhine near the bridge that leads to the train station.
I am being pressured to put the computer away and to come to bed, so please feel free to add your own commentary to the remaining pictures. My story of how something was stolen out of my back pack will have to wait until tomorrow's entry about Bonn.
In order to maintain my personal integrity, I have to give credit to the three different women (Sandra, Anika and Johanna) who 
I don't know why an intervention wasn't called to prevent this from happening, but I am coping and know that my mother will be here in less than a month and with her brilliant gift, we'll be able to repair it.
This was one of the picturesque views from our table of beautiful 
Yesterday I asked Andrew, "What would we have done this summer without these bikes?!" His reply, "We would have wasted a lot of time walking." - more importantly, we wouldn't have eaten nearly enough ice cream.
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