Musical Chairs

Sophie has been making more friends as two more girls have joined our neighborhood. They are Sissi (6) and Jessica (3) who moved here from Shanghai with their parents - talk about culture shock. 

It was Sissi's birthday today and she invited the kids from the neighborhood to celebrate with her.

 There was cake and candy and a few games such as a potato run and musical chairs.

(I apologize for the terrible picture quality)

Sissi's dad explaining the rules...

...and off they go. 

When has musical chairs ever not ended in tears?

Acquiring Essentials on Andrew's Birthday

We had our big helpers coming to visit for a few days: Oma, Aunt Helga, and Uncle Ralph. Armed with a drill, wrench and other handy tools, they were ready for our to-do list (not the honey-do list as I know better not to let Andrew near these fiddly tasks).

 First priority: setting up our Strandkorb (courtesy of Oma) while it was still mostly dry out. With this Strandkorb (literally beach basket) we have become very German. It really does block out the wind and some rain. And there is even a little table for our gin and tonics and apple juice of course - very clever design. Did I mention the foot rests?

 Quick break for the helper, Uncle Ralph. We beat the estimated set-up time of 2 hours by 15 minutes.

 My mum already promised that she would be spending quite some time in the Strandkorb this summer.

 Next, we headed to one of the numerous DIY-stores (the Germans have more than the Italians, British and some other country I can't remember put together) and to our surprise were met with excellent customer service by a first generation Italian-German. She sold us the "Bakersfield" grill. We downsized a little from our U.S. "monster" of a BBQ, but it can still cook good old American hamburgers. Andrew is happy.

 We had our neighbors (Andrés and Lina) over for our birthday dinner.

 ... as well as Berit and her friend Li.

I have to say, I was quite proud of my birthday chocolate cake creation. In never thought that baking could be so much fun. 

Cousin Kiron's Birthday

It was Kiron's third birthday, so we headed over to Gütersloh for a quick overnight trip to help celebrate. Sophie and Kiron play very well together and they are always happy to see each other. 

 Sophie helped unwrap presents.

 Birthday cake at the kids' table. Note the miniature snow shovel and broom. All Kiron needs now is a lawn mover. He wants a pink one.

 I don't know what it is with Sophie's male friends to always want to try on her dresses. Kiron almost did not want to let go of this one. Very handsome.

Chilling in front of the TV at the end of a long day. 

Now I'm Four!

When I woke up Sophie this morning and told her that it finally was her birthday today, she said: "Now I'm four. Just like Lina. Lina is my best friend." - Lina is the neighbor girl two doors down, with whom Sophie had played once so far. Life seems so much simpler for kids.

We had a big day ahead of us!

 This is what a four-year old looks like.

 One present before preschool.

Then it's off to celebrate there. The birthday girl was greeted appropriately. While she treated her classmates to muffins, Sophie got to wear a crown with the number 4. 

 Back at home, wearing her new outfit from Granddad and Debra, a few presents were waiting for her. Oma and Berit had come the evening before to join the party and help prepare. I would have been lost without them! Sophie received a Princess Lillifee bike helmet, a Snow White barbie and a sled from Oma. Mind you, Sophie had probably never seen a live sled before, but she immediately exclaimed: "I did not wish for that!" It took some explaining that it might still snow and how much fun a sled could be then.

 While Sophie was busy undressing her Snow White barbie, the rest of us were in the kitchen drinking champagne (and doing some baking and cooking). I have to say it was quite tasty (not just the bubblies). I also made brownies for the first time - believe it or not - from scratch. 

 I'm impressed how many neighbor kids about the same age as Sophie came after less than two months of us living here. I think there will be no lack of playmates for her. 

 Sophie's birthday brownies cake. 

 The kiddos played very well together. Still no need for having to entertain them with games.

 It was quite a multi-national crowd again.

 California Princess

 Last but not least: one round of dress up with her new best friend Lina.

The aftermath.

Cheers and good night!

...and for her fifth birthday she wants a raised bed with a slide. Arrgh!

Pre-Birthday Breakfast With Daddy

After about three weeks off, Andrew had to head back to work today. Somebody has to...

Since he will not be here for Sophie's birthday, we had a little pre-birthday breakfast with muffins and candles. 

 Andrew also gave Sophie his present: an easel just like a number of her friends in California have. Now we have the space. 

 The two artists set to work immediately.

Here is Andrew's creation. He loves drawing portraits of the Royal Family. Anything for Sophie, right?