So we got the tree back to the house. Remember the workout we get? Ok, so the workout our son got! Yes, third floor… essentially 4 sets of stairs to get to their door. Just like always some trimming had to be done to make the tree fit. It truly is a beautiful tree! We haven’t decorated it yet. We will do that a bit closer to Christmas.
Schützenschnur!!! (Not a sneeze but a cause for celebration, keep reading 
)
Tuesday afternoon we were blessed and honored to watch Roman, along with a small number of others receive an award from the German Army. It is one of the few pre-approved foreign awards enlisted soldiers are allowed to wear on their uniform. It is the Schützenschnur, the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Profeciency.
The German award is for excellence in marksmanship, awarded in three grades~Gold, Silver, and Bronze. We are proud to share that Roman receceived the Gold! This award dates back to the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648) and the presenting of the cord for wear began in the early 18th Century.
After addressing the audience, (which was primarily family), Sgt. Major Franc of the German Army presented the certificates and cord with the corresponding badge that is worn on their uniform, in a short outdoor ceremony.
Tuesday is Trivia night at a little Irish Pub in Böblingen. We headed out to meet their friends, German and American, to answer random questions. We have never participated at a trivia night in a bar or pub, so this was a new experience. One tip…do not just say the answer out loud…no matter how excited you get! 
What a fun time!! They were’t as crowded as they usually are, but there were still several teams competing. After 6 rounds of questions two teams tied for third. So they had a dart throwing competition. Whomever got the dart closedt to the bullseye wins. Oh, and they had to do it blindfolded!! We don’t remember what they won or what first place won because we were too busy celebrating our 2nd place win!! We won a bottle of liquor that we got to share with everyone!! Lol, they delivered us tray with baby shot glasses and a bottle. How cool it was sharing with all the other players in the pub! Yet another awesome time spent with our son and daughter-in-law and their awesomely cool and welcoming friends!!
