Monday, April 30, 2018

Professor Kissinger

This past Thursday through Sunday we spent in Slovakia.

I (Courtney) taught a law seminar class at the University of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Trnava.  It's a public university, named after the patron saints of the country.  I was teaching second and third year undergraduate students a course called "Legal English".  Through the study of legal texts and practical exercises in reading, writing, listening and speaking, the students gained a command of legal vocabulary commonly encountered by law students and practicing lawyers.  The students I taught were all majoring in English.  In Europe it is possible to seek a certificate in Legal English to prove to employers that you have the necessary advanced English skills to work successfully in international law.

It worked out perfectly that I was able to teach the classes over the span of five days during the semester.  Brian and the kids came to Slovakia as well and spent time with our friends there -- who we met here in Gaming. 

Prof. Kissinger in front of the University :)

St. Cyril & St. Methodius
On Friday evening, we walked around the gorgeous nearby spa town of Piestany with our friends.




We stayed at our friends' home about 10 minutes from the University each time I taught.  We had such a wonderful time with them!  The kids especially loved grilling out, roasting marshmallows, looking at the sheep from their backyard and climbing their trees!  It's crazy to look back at this post and see how much they've grown since we first visited last August.  We look forward to more wonderful times in Slovakia in the future!








Wishing you a happy Austrian Labor Day / May Day tomorrow!  St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us!


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Francis is 3!!!

Our happy, loving Francis turned 3 on Sunday!!!


Luckily he can't read because his cake definitely said FANCIS...I just didn't have enough room for the R...sorry, Buddy!


His best friend is definitely Ellie!


We celebrated his birthday with friends and neighbors - including the TOR Sisters and Friars!





The weeks leading up to his birthday have been a lot of fun... Spring has finally arrived, so we've enjoyed a lot of time outdoors...




Eating Mac & Cheeeeeeeeese from the States!


Going to the Circus (and watching the cows!)


Playing in our backyard...


Easter Egg hunt...




And playing at home with mom (this was a month ago, pre-recently attempted hair-cut again!)


Francis was 3 months and 1 day old when we moved here... crazy to think that all he knows is Austria!  He refers to America has this magical place where his grandparents, toys, cousins, and the beach are :)  But seems to really love life here!

When he grows up he wants to be an altar boy, a student, and an ambulance driver (in no particular order).  He's convinced he can speak German.  What he really does is drop the last syllable to any word and had an "a"... for example... "Can-a I-a play-a wit-a ya?"  "Ja!"  "Bis Morgen!"...  The last 2 phrases are correct... but for the most part he's totally wrong and it's going to be very interesting when he starts Kindergarten in the Fall and already thinks he can communicate with everyone!

I asked him today where he learned to speak German.  He said his teacher taught him.  I said, "You're right - starting in a few months your teachers will teach you German."  He quickly replied, "I already know German, but my teacher will teach me how to make a paper airplane...and a boat!" 

God bless you, Buddy!  We love you soooooooo much!! :)