Hello everyone! It's been a second since I have written a blog but I'd like to take a moment to share kind of what's been on our hearts and happening here in Berlin, as we continue to learn how to move forward without Karl & Cindy. 

If you recall, Karl and Cindy retired in December 2023 after decades of management, service and leadership with Berlin Natural Bakery. 

My twin brother Nick and I have definitely felt the reality of that steep learning curve! Even though we've worked closely with the two of them for years, some things you just have to learn on the fly. And in that process, I have had a blog brewing in me with our formal introduction to the world! However, I felt strongly that we needed pictures taken in the same vein as Karl & Cindy's retirement photos. And so I waited to write. 

I am happy to report that we did finally have the pictures taken and we both love them! But in that time, we actually lost our precious Grandma. Now, if you have read a little about our family, you know that Grandpa and Grandma first acquired the bakery and then it got passed onto my Mom and now, it's our turn. 

Our Grandpa died unexpectedly in 2011, only a few months after I (Nicole) got married. I am so grateful we all got that special moment with them. 

Now, after Grandpa passed away, Grandma was heartsick and truly thought she'd follow right along after him. However, there were other plans for her and so she lived another 12 years! In the past year, her health did significantly decline but thankfully, her mind remained sharp - as did her hearing and eyesight and sense of humor! We have precious memories from this last year that we are all grateful for. 

(Grandma & Nicole with Grandma's clip on earrings!) 

Ordinarily, I wouldn't share something quite so personal but you have to know my Mom and my Grandma raised my brother and I and so much of who we are, we owe to them both. 

And as we've moved on from services and endless family time and huge support from our community - I had thought life would return to normal for us at the bakery but what I have learned is we all carry the weight of our lives with us wherever we are. 

And so, the twins have thrown themselves into the craziness of Berlin Natural Bakery even though we both sometimes feel like we're 8 years old again. As I continue to muse on this season I am struck with unbelievable gratitude for the love we have been blessed to know - from our family, from our community, from Grandma and Grandpa and from Karl and Cindy. 

It's been a season of saying goodbye and also of celebration. As we continue to "grow up" and implement what we have learned from those who came before us, I wanted to share how grateful we are for all of you! I can't help but feel like everywhere I turn, I am met with love and kindness and you all are a big part of that! 

Thank you again for taking this journey with us! For caring so much and for graciously allowing me to share my heart and where we are at in this season! 

Until next time, 

Nicole & Nick
The 3rd Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery 
the little bakery that could! 🙂