Oma is here

My mom and I arrived safely but exhausted on Sunday afternoon. I was so happy to be back home after 2+ weeks of traveling abroad. 

The last time Oma (my mom) visited us was exactly 3 years ago. Thus, the kids were so looking forward to having her here and spending time with her and showing her around. And of course, getting spoiled.

Their favorite past time was playing card games with her...and winning. It got quite competitive and when Oma wasn't playing cards with the grandchildren, then she played cards at night with me. My grandmother would have loved to be a part of those games. 

Amelia had asked us to bring buckeyes and acorns from Germany so that she can make some animals out of them. It is a fall tradition in our family and Amelia learned about it on her last trip to Europe. Unfortunately, here in TN, we have no buckeyes; hence, we collected some in Germany and brought them over. 

That first week Oma was here, Amelia also brought Rocky Racoon home from school. It is her class pet and she was in charge showing him a good time and then writing about it. Thus, Rocky went swimming with her, to ballet, played in the yard, read books and even met Oma. 

Oma went also swimming with us, 

and visited Amelia for lunch at her school and to help out in her classroom. The teacher had asked us to tell the children about Germany and they asked a lot of interesting questions. 

Oma actually liked eating the school lunch :)

My mom was a preschool teacher for many, many years and you can tell, she enjoyed being in a classroom setting. The language barrier didn't bother her either. 

We also had fun shopping (my mom is such a good sport and put this outfit on for a picture) and she even got a haircut too. 

Exploring downtown Nashville with Amelia and Elliot: 

But best of all, she took the time to read books and play with the grandkids and spoil us by cooking our favorite meals. 

On a couple of occasions, my mom and I had the chance to leave the children with my husband so that we can spend some quality time together. Of course, we went shopping, sightseeing, had a lovely meal and then I introduced her to the concept of Honky Tonking. First stop: Opryland Hotel. 

Like mother, like daughter:

And then on a Thursday night, we went to Broadway:  

The first bar, Wild Horse Saloon, hosted a had country music contest. The artists were really good: 

More impressions from Broadway - great music on every corner:

Time flew by and then it was time for Oma to say goodbye. We miss her already and hope that she soon comes back for another visit. One last picture with Oma and her little monsters: