Photography by Sophie

I thought I'd share these two photography gems of Sophie's. She has been filling my camera with pictures. Some are very interesting. Some have me guess what she was seeing.

 Imported from America.

Aw, the Robertson chin(s)

Last Day of Preschool in Geldern

Today was Sophie's last day in the Ladybug group at her preschool in Geldern. And although we are looking forward to moving into our own place in Duesseldorf, it was also sad to say goodbye today. Sophie had just started to make a couple of closer friends. We still think that placing her in this preschool for a couple of months has helped her with the huge transition of moving from California to Germany. It's amazing to watch her adapt so well. We could all learn a little bit from these kids. In particular living in the now.

 At the end of the last day, she was given a binder with a little report on how and what she did during her two months and other memorabilia, such as artwork and photographs.

 And a little gift to her big surprise.

 A small purse - perfect for her little pixie books.

 One picture with her favorite teacher Judith. Sophie adored her!

And one big hug for her other teacher Lissy.

We promised to come back to visit soon.

The New House As Seen By Sophie

 While we (my mum, Berit, and I) were busy unpacking, Sophie found my camera and started capturing images of our new house from her perspective. I just love the angle. What do you think, Loralie?

My bed (again). I like it.

 My room with a view

 Kangaroo and the Tinkerbell rug made it to Germany!

 Can anyone guess what this is?

 Fascinating

 Mama at work in the closet.

 View from Mama's and Daddy's bedroom.

Mama does not have many bags. 

Saint Martin - Part 2

As promised, here the second part of the St. Martin festivities. This parade was for the whole town with all the schools. 

Saint Martin is back on a new horse greeting the kids with their lanterns.

 Yes, Andrew, you don't need to say anything.  I know what you are thinking. (Clop!)

 My mum attempting to work my camera.  A little too slow. Just missed Sophie's lantern. Oh well. Cheers!

 Breaktime with Pöfferkes (deep-fried donuts with applebits or raisins) and the season's first Glühwein for Oma, Berit, and Mama.

 Saint Martin's "ascension" on a fire ladder. I guess he became a bishop when he was done being a soldier. I noticed he didn't share his bishop cape with anyone tonight. Besides he looks an awful lot like St. Nikolaus.

 The girls are mesmerized, nevertheless.

Plus: current gas prices in Germany. This is per liter, mind you.

 Three chickens awaiting the - oh so noisy - fireworks. 

Berit's friend Li, Berit, and Sophie

 The platform for the fireworks was the old mill tower, former site of the ancient Geldern castle. The mill tower also served as the last control center for the city when it was fire bombed in 1945.

 First fireworks since Disneyland last August

She still loves them - Sophie, that is.

The Backstory

So, here we are; bags packed, empty house and belongings on a container headed for Germany.  It is our penultimate night in California after 9 years of living here.  We know that Sophie will ask us one day to explain, "why did we move from such a nice place" so we figured our backstory is a good place to start our blog as well.

 Sophie's Room

 We made the decision to move back to Europe (cold, rainy, grey) from California (warm, sunny, endless blue skies) for a number of reasons - the majority of which are to do with Sophie.  In a nutshell - education, family and having a big garden for her to play in.  So we are now saying goodbye to all our good friends we have made, all the good friends Sophie has made, and taking seemingly unending trips to Goodwill in the hope that it will be a decision for the better.  Oh, and that the winters aren't quite as brutal as we keep imagining them.

Waking up in Ciaran's home

One last spicy ice cream with Fiona and Nico