Matthews Family Herald

Here in Germany, there are places called Tierparks or, Animal Parks which are like mini-zoos and they are free to enter and to see all the animals. They way that it seems they are able to fund the place is through the restaurant and concessions stand within them. Additionally, a pony ride can be purchased for the children, which appears to be immensely popular.

Our family met with a few other homeschooling/home fellow-shipping families at this Tierpark and we all enjoyed having our kids ride ponies. It rained really hard just as the last of our children were able to finish their rides and so we were thankful to God that He held off the rain long enough for us to finish.

Both images are of Hannah enjoying her ride.

Here's sweet Eddy Deree on her ride. Children her age had to have their parents walk alongside them so I was happy to have that chance to see her enjoying the pony ride.

Here's Nathan riding in his newly acquired Ephesians 6 Armor of God costume, minus the helmut.

Here's a good shot of all the kids together outside the Tierpark entrance.

(AS ALWAYS, CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO SEE THEM ENLARGED.)

Through a youth program here in our area Micah was able to become a certified Level 1 Scuba diver. Here's a picture of Micah suiting up with his assigned diving partner.

Here's a shot of Micah in "full battle rattle."

This Tom Cruise is ready to dive! We are extremely proud of him. Since the course, he's had a chance to go diving again "on his own dime." It costs about 25 Euro to rent the equipment for the day so it's not too bad.

With Eden's birthday gifts finally in we were able to celebrate her birthday with her own Strawberry Shortcake party. While I was in town, Heather and Hannah worked hard decorating the house with red and white paper ribbons hanging all around. I was able to pick up some ballerina movies, ice cream, strawberry juice packs, and lots of pizzas.

The images below show Hannah posing with Eden and her cake. Eden opens her gift bag and pulls out her gifts, Strawberry Shortcake theme dolls. She'd already opened her Shortcake DVD episodes