Independence Day in Germany

July 4th was a great day because we got to have Sevak home with us in the middle of the week while life went on as usual in Germany. We decided to take a little day trip to Rüdesheim, which is a cute town on the Rhine river. They have a Seilbahn (cable car) which goes up over the vineyards and to a peak spot where the Niederwalddenkmal is located. This is a monument of Germania (female personification of the German nation) and it commemorates the unification of Germany after the Franco-Prussian war. It's funny that on our American independence day we visited a symbol of Germany's independence/creation. It was reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty!

Mommy and the younger girls rode together. They were a little nervous at first, but it was a lovely,  peaceful ride.

 Daddy and the other kids were in this car.

 At the top, Rose and Simon got a Bratwurst in Brötchen. Again, reminiscent of a good ol' grilled hot dog on the 4th of July!

I didn't realize realize that Rüdesheim is still in Hessen (our state). On the other side of the river the state is Rheinland Pfalz. This lion commemorates the 70th anniversary of the state, which was two years ago.

 There were so many bees and butterflies in the lavender! What a feast for them.

 There's Germania!

 Zinnia didn't find her name in the cards, but she definitely didn't want to be left out of a photo opp!

After getting off the cable car, we visited Käthe Wolfahrt, a well-known Christmas shop. It was fun experiencing Christmas in July!

Then we strolled around and got some ice cream...

In the evening there was a celebration on the Siedlung where we live. This was great, because last year there was nothing organized and the 4th of July didn't really feel like the 4th of July. This year there were bounce houses, games for the kids, and food trucks. There was also a pretty legit fireworks display at the end! Simon was actually the only one who stuck around for that because the rest of us had already gone home. Sevak and I saw them from our window, though. And I kept wondering what the German neighbors were thinking...

This was also a great time of healing for our community because a brand-new family had recently lost their daughter in a tragic accident. There was a little memorial for her before the fireworks, which I know was very moving. We have really been supporting the family during this time and hope that we have helped ease a portion of their grief. I know it did my soul good to unite with neighbors and celebrate our freedoms and blessings. God bless America! God bless us all!