To be honest, I was apprehensive about 2 people I didn't know, and I wasn't sure I would be able to talk to (I don't know one word in German!), coming to stay for so long. They got here in the afternoon on Aug 8th and I knew within 20 minutes that I would really like them. Mario and Conny were the kindest, most considerate guests...and they loved our girls. You want to know how to get to my heart? Love my girls. And our girls LOVED them. Matney woke up each morning saying "Conny, Conny"! So sweet.
The first week they were in town we hung out, took them for Mexican food and to Super Target, malls and shopping centers. They went to the Aquarium and other downtown spots. After the girls were in bed we would sit downstairs and talk. Their English was really good and we laughed a lot. One of the best things for me was to see Jared so relaxed and having such a good time. I know that the pressure of work is hard to "just shrug off" when he walks in the door at night, especially when he comes in to a frazzled wife (who, me?!?!) and (often) two screaming girls. The two guys told story after story about things they'd done together over the years and they were hilarious together. We don't see that side of relaxed and joking Jared too often.
Mario and Conny left for a trip to Savannah and Daytona during the second week they were here. I asked them where the nearest beaches were to where they live in Austria and they said 3 hours away on the Mediterranean Sea in Italy. Um, and you're excited about Daytona?!?! Apparently the idea of Florida beaches for them would be the idea of Mediterranean beaches to us. I bet they get the bad end of that deal!
Then they came back for a couple days and we all hung out, mostly shopping, until they left on the 22nd. All of us in this house were sad to see them go. I don't normally imagine an extended stay with people I have never met to be a great time but we all honestly had the best time and were sad to see them leave.
And if you ever wanted to loose weight, go hang out in Europe, at least where they live. Oh my. They were so amazed at how much American life focuses on food...both how much food we eat and how little we exercise. Seriously, if Jared and I ever go spend two weeks with them it will be like going to Fat Camp. For me, it was really interesting to realize. When we go on vacation most of our time and money is spent looking for and eating at the best places. They really weren't interested in our food but wanted to see (and walk) everywhere they could. For example, we took them to Chick Fil A and got them a chicken sandwich and they split a fry. That was noon. And for dinner? "Oh, we ate too big a lunch. We will have maybe a salad if anything." My thought, "How about I run to the store to buy that salad...and stop by McDonalds on the way. I haven't eaten since my chicken sandwich at noon and I'm starving!". I mean, they did miss out on some good American eats like the Waffle House but I guess they really didn't miss anything except some clogged arteries. That doesn't really have anything to do with their visit, I just found it interesting. Anyway, on to pictures!
Mario and Conny
Learning to hold a baby
Goof balls
Jared pretending to be the Big Boss Man
With our girls just before they left
Group Shot
Since the Texas crew was here, for almost month, we had more nights with people spending the night than we had with just the four of us. It is nice be able to get back on more of a schedule but we are a little lonely!
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