Taryn's last day of German Kindergarten (and Leena's school pic too!)

I can not believe that we have been living in Germany for almost a year!  This fact really hit home last Friday when Taryn had her last day of German Kindergarten.  She is VERY excited to start "American" kindergarten next year, but we were all sad to see her final day at St. Nikolaus come to an end.  Her teachers could not have been better.  They were so welcoming and patient with us especially during our first months.  The transition into a new country and school could not have gone over without them.  Not to mention all the guidance they gave us over the year when we needed it the most... anything from where to get a haircut to what was going on over the weekend to "how do I say this in German".  I can't say enough good things about them.  In addition, Taryn and I both made what we hope to be life-long friends over the year with other kids in the class and their families.  It is very bitter-sweet to see this life enhancing chapter in Taryn's life come to an end.  

Taryn with her teacher, Frau Miriam, and her Schultüte.  The Schultüte is a BIG German tradition. The kids decorate a big cone and their parents fill it with small gifts, treats, etc and the kids take it with them to their first day of school in the fall.  It's supposed to make their first day of school a little bit "sweeter".  As we all know, American kids don't do this back at home, but Taryn's teacher wanted her to make one because after all, we are in Germany!  Taryn was thrilled and will be excited to take it with her on her first day of school in the American kindergarten on base.

Taryn with Frau Kachler.  Such a sweet and awesome lady!  Taryn loves her!

Taryn with Marcel.  He helps out in the classroom sometimes and Taryn thinks he is a lot of fun!

Taryn with some of her school buddies.  Mario on the far left is from Italy and has every girl in the class swooning over him (including the 3 pictured here)!!!  What is it about Italian men??  Second from the left is Aderyn, then Maddie and Taryn.

Taryn's school pic.

Another school pic.

Taryn's class picture.

And I forgot to post about Leena's last day of school... oops!  Needless to say, she had a great year at the American school with a fantastic teacher.  Fortunately, the second grade is located on the floor just about the first grade, so she will be able to easily drop in and say "hello" next year.

Leena school pic.

Leena's classroom pic - Mrs. Isakson's First Grade class.