Pizza

We are taking a break from sightseeing today. Sophie is even taking a break from her swimming lessons today, as she is very tired from the weekend.

Instead, Sophie and Nanny are baking pizzas. Quite tasty.

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. 

Gingerbread House

Today was a busy day. It started out for Sophie in IKEA's Småland childwatch area and for Oma and me with this sight: IKEA (on a Saturday) at the entrance right before opening. Crazy!

 We spent a large part of the day buying and picking up furniture and driving it to the new house as we had a truck available today. It was a lot of lifting. The mattress was a tight fit at the end. I'm not moving again for a while! Thanks to Berit, Dennis and Oma for all their help.

 We made it back to Geldern in time for Sophie's make-your-own gingerbread house event. 

 Helping with the icing.

 The fun part - trying to fit as much candy as possible on the house.

The finished work of art. With no help from Mama. Note the witch, Hansel and Gretel in the front.

Before we completely collapsed in bed and on the couch respectively, we had a delicious lasagna dinner at Berit's new flat. Oma had a true 'Robertson moment' there, spilling MY wine across the table all over Dennis' jeans.

Princess Tea Party

With Oma being gone on vacation, us girls planned a Princess tea party for tonight and invited a few more (big) girls over. Special treat for Sophie: she got to stay up late to watch the big Disney Quiz show on TV.

 So we started baking muffins from a never-before-used muffin recipe book I found at my mum's. I have to say it was the first time I truly enjoyed baking with Sophie (and she helped a lot - easy-peasy recipes). Not too tired, not a million other chores on my mind, not rushed - I love not having to work. I can't say it enough. And I really appreciate the fact I get to have this time now. 

 OK, enough being cheesy. Here is the result of our baking frenzy: Applesauce & oatmeal, peanut butter & chocolate chip, and Bavarian beer & cheese muffins.

 And if that wasn't enough, we needed piggies in a blanket. Or as Sophie translated to me: "Schweine in der Decke" made with love by Sophie.

 Halfway through that it was time for a little lie down on the couch before we needed to get ready for the party.

 Sophie dressed as Sleeping Beauty, combing Berit's, alias Pocahontas, hair.

 Having a glass of children's bubblies on the teddy bear throne.

TV dinner is served.

Sophie enthralled in the quiz show. Her first (of many I fear).