Three Hungry Swimmers

Sophie and I met with some friends from our English-speaking playgroup to go swimming at Duesselstrand today. This place offers numerous pools, slides and all kinds of other fun distractions for small and big kids. 

After a good hour and a half of play, everyone was hungry for lunch.

We all went to a nearby Italian family restaurant. 

Here is a picture of Hugo, Sophie and Bo coloring while waiting for their pasta and pizza.

Saint Martin

In case you ever wondered who Saint Martin was. According to legend, he was a knight a long time ago who shared all of his food with poor people. When he had no more food left to share, he came across another cold poor person in rags. He then divided his cape with his sword and gave one half to the poor person to keep him warm. 

This act of sharing is celebrated every year in Germany in November. It is also the German festival of lanterns to light up this dreary season a little. There are numerous lantern parades, some with bands, all over the towns. Sometimes the kids will go sing from house to house to collect candy. 

The celebrations started for Sophie at her preschool with a little sing-along and role play. How very special for her: Sophie was chosen to play the poor man this year. She was so proud of having a big part in the play. I had to shorten the video a bit.

Trick or Treat

Today, the day after Halloween, is a holiday in Germany (surprise!) - All Saints Day. For us that is another day with everything closed. We were happy to see that some English-speaking parents had organized a little trick or treat get together at a park. Too bad it started raining just as we exited the subway. 

 We moved the candy hunt under the trees which provided some shelter. Sophie was dressed up as Belle today.

 But after some time, we were all ready for some hot chocolate or coffee to warm up.

 Somebody knew of a wonderful, kid-friendly, cafe nearby that specializes in home-made chocolates, cakes and ice cream. 

Bo and Sophie are enjoying their kids ice creams.

The big attraction was a brand new baby. 

Despite the rain, it was a fun afternoon with fun people.

Sunday Afternoon

Another Sunday with everything closed. The weather was nice for a few hours in the afternoon, so I grabbed my 111 Things to See in Duesseldorf book and suggested a quick trip on the train to the Stinderbachtal. It was described as being very picturesque.

 To make it more exciting for Sophie, we let her take her bike. There were some very hilly parts, which we did not know, so Andrew had his exercise for the day, too. 

 I agree it was beautiful. On our way to find the cafe.

 Found it and with surprisingly friendly service.

Weighed down with apple strudel, I could no longer manage to keep up with the two of them.

Halloween Celebrations

The American Women's Club of Duesseldorf had organized a few Halloween events. The weekend started out with a party for the adults. Andrew and I went as Peter and Lois from the Family Guy.

The next afternoon, it was the party for the kids. Sophie wore her brand new Snow White outfit.

The party took place at the International School. We arrived just in time for my volunteering time slot at the eyeball soup station. This is from when Sophie came to visit me and tried to find an eyeball in this pot.

There were so many activities for Sophie and the other kids. Here is a picture of Sophie making a spooky bracelet.

Upstairs there was a Hall of Fame with the wicked witch, Michael Jackson and among others another Snow White.

Sophie had been looking forward to this hot dog all afternoon. 

Arabian Nights

Oma brought this costume back for Sophie from Tunisia. Sophie put it on and started dancing. I think she has some talent. 

Traveling In Style

Berit, Sophie and I took the train to Geldern today to pay Oma a surprise visit. While I returned some books at the library, Berit and Sophie went to Starbucks. This is where Sophie instructed Berit: "Berit, I order and you pay, ok?" How could it be any other way? Here is Sophie enjoying her kinder cappuccino (whoever started this?!).