American Holidays Part 1 - New York City

First stop on our American tour - New York City. Ralf enjoyed better acquainting me with his old stomping grounds and friends. A snow storm "grounded" us for one afternoon but made for a special holiday scene - a snow covered city. We won't be getting that in California! We did all the things city visitors should do - shopping, good eating, museums, cafes and live music - and I began to understand why Ralf loves this city so much.

I've Been a Bad Blogger

So to catch up as quickly as possible on the last few months - a photo montage:

Our House is Warm

Saturday - friends, family, neighbors and colleagues joined us on the 4th floor to officially warm the new house. The weather cooperated and warmed up too allowing us spread out and show off our terrace and city view. Our friend Jason warmed our hearts with an official blessing over us and the new place - that we would be good hosts and that those who come would be blessed as well. To that we say Amen and hope that Saturday was a good start in that direction!

Summer Vacation

Our not so Lazy Summer Days

Celebrating the USA

When the Parents come to Town

The Best Apartment Ever

After two weeks, that's what we're calling her. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are already feeling very much at home in our new apartment. With the help of Ralf's parents, we managed to get the kitchen moved and reinstalled in working order and our old apartment completely renovated in two days. We really couldn't have managed things without them! Tuesday night Ralf recruited some guys to help with the heavy lifting - they were all relieved when everything, including the couches, fit in the elevator, saving them the hike up 5 stories. Since then we've been busy unpacking and decorating. Sunday we took advantage of the great weather we've been having and hosted our first grill party. Monday we hosted all our neighbors over for cake and coffee. I am in entertaining heaven!

Grayson Paul joins the Harms Clan

As of April 19th, we are the proud Auntie and Uncle of a 7lb 11oz nephew! Of course we are super jealous of all of you who get to be there to welcome him in person - please take a long deep whiff of that intoxicating baby smell for us. Congratulations Dan and Tia!

Celebrating One Year!

Thanks to the early timing of Easter this year, our anniversary fell over a long 4-day weekend. We took advantage of this and redeemed the gift certificate for a weekend at Lake Lucerne that we had received as a wedding gift. From our hotel room balcony we enjoyed the ever changing weather and scenery of the lake and mountains - everything from sun to snow! Sunday we celebrated the Easter at a beautiful nearby church - constructed entirely out of thin "see thru" layers of marble - no windows needed - a stunning place to reflect on Christ's resurrection! We arrived home to more snow - reminiscent of our wedding weekend a year ago. With snow falling outside we thanked God for seeing us through this first year and committed the next to his provision and protection as well.