It is Never Easy to Say Goodbye

Our friends and neighbors, Michaela & Martin Braun, moved back to Germany this week, after living here in the states for three and a half years. We took advantage of their departure to have lots of BBQs, breakfasts, and parties together. Here is a picture of an impromptu Sunday breakfast we enjoyed on the deck recently.

Carolyn tried her best to get Viktoria and Konstantin to like Wizard of Oz before they moved, but they thought it was too scary.

We thorougly enjoyed hosting a "hot stone" dinner party for them and the Shields (Dave & Elle), while all of the kids enjoyed a "kid party" up at their house. Thank you to the Shield girls for babysitting.

They hosted a BBQ at their house, as a final farewell, the night before the packers came.

They stayed with us their final night in town, since their house was empty and all of their belongings were loaded into a container (to be shipped to Germany within the next 4-6 weeks). Here is the scene at the airport when we dropped them off. They had a serious amount of luggage. It took two cars, packed completely full, to get them there.

It was certainly sad to see them go, and I know they were heartbroken to be leaving, which made it even sadder. We will miss the good meals together, the friendly visits in the neighborhood, and our ski days, but look forward to their visits. They have already booked their flights for a Christmas trip, and will be staying with us for a few days over New Year's Eve. I am sure we will make it back to Germany sooner or later, as well.