Hohenfels Mountain Bike Race

Yesterday was the garrison mountain bike race on post in Hohenfels.  Pat signed up for it and found out they were going to do a kid's race as well.  As it turned out our kids were the only ones there to participate in the kid's race.  Gus didn't want to do it (he was pouting because he just got a haircut and he thought his bangs were too short) so Cormac and Cadel made up the field of competitors. They were super excited to get race numbers and had a great time at their "race".  

We took all of their bikes so they could all get some riding time in while we waited.

Then the kids all had fun playing at the park while the grown-ups raced.

They also had fun picking out snacks from the concession stand.

School Boys

Cormac started kindergarten yesterday.  He was nervous but he was so excited to ride the bus with Gus.  I think that was the highlight of his day.

Notice the Gus arm on the window.

And little Cadel started preschool yesterday.  He is going to a two half-day program on post.  He had a great first day.  When I picked him up he went on and on about how he liked his school and his school was cool.  The highlights of his day were the playground, the tricycles on the playground and snack time.

Regensburger Dult

Sunday we drove to Regensburg for their fall fest (all of this festing over the weekend made for a very laborious Labor Day weekend).  This one was smaller than the one in Nuernberg but still had plenty of rides, games, snacks, and beer.

Can knock down.  The guy that worked this one was very nice to the boys and kept letting them have extra balls for free.

Gus' first time at the shooting game.  He did really well and even hit the first shot.

Cormac and Pat did the swings.  Cormac looked pretty terrified the whole time but when he got down and went on and on about how awesome it was.

Pat and Cadel went on the Ferris wheel.

This was the most awesome part.  There was a pole in the middle of the fest tent that you could climb.  There was a guy that had a harness and would spot everyone.  When kids went up he basically pulled them up to the top.  Right before we were getting ready to go, Cormac decides try it.  He just walked over and asked the guy if he spoke English (he did, of course) and got all hooked up.

When you get to the top you are supposed to ring the bell.  Cormac's arms were just a few inches too short but he kept on trying.  We were so proud of him.

Not to be outdone but his little brother, Gus went over for a turn.  He was quite a bit more scared than Cormac.  His arms were just long enough to ring the bell, so he was really pleased with that.  He did a great job as well.

Nuernberger Herbstfest

Saturday we took the train to Nuernberg for the Herbstfest (fall fest).  It was a good adventure!

Waiting for the train.

The reason his face looks so rough is he took a bad spill on his bike the day before on the way to pick up Gus at the bus stop.  He's a tough guy, though.

Relaxing on the train

Taking the street car to the fest platz.

The balloon pop game is a favorite of Cormac and Cadel.

Cormac was the only one brave enough to try this one out. He got inside of the bubble while they blew it up and then he rolled around the water.  It looked really fun and I secretly wished I was little enough to do it.

Notice Maggie is driving the bus while Cormac rides.

A stop in the tent for a snack.

A stop for ice cream before heading home.

I looked outside and this happened

More sheep.  This time they were going to do some work on some of the recently harvested fields across the street from our house.  We sat out on the front steps and watched.

 This was the funniest part.  The shepherd spent most of the time on his cell phone.