Irrland in the Heat

One day of 80+ degree weather - off to Irrland (the amusement park near my mum's in Geldern) to try the warm weather attractions. Packed with a huge picnic enough to feed the people around us and then some. 

 Although the water play areas were very crowded, we found a nice spot in the shade.

 Sophie taking pictures of us.

 That is Sophie's finger. My mum was annoyed that she had not brought her bathing suit. 

 We took Sophie on the water slide nearby a few times, but the water they used to wet it with was brutally cold. Berit yelled out "bladder infection" as soon as she sat down in it for the first time. Of course Sophie insisted on sitting in our lap - stinker. So instead we organized some spray guns and checked out the huge water gunfight terrain with fill-up stations, a labyrinth, bridge etc. as obstacles. Berit and I, being the oldest warriors in the terrain, soon had a considerable number of enemies to spray. Sophie exclaimed at one point that she no longer wanted to get wet, but continued to happily spray us - little stinker.

 ...meanwhile a goat was born in the adjoining stables.

 Finally a couple of pictures of Irrland's latest project: a play airport. But we will save this for a shadier day (soon that is).

Now headed back to Geldern for a BBQ.

A Sunny Sunday or Big Sister for an Afternoon

Dare I say it? Could it be that summer is sneaking this way? I am no longer pulling up my shoulders when I go outside either because I am cold or to keep the rain from going down my neck. How I have missed this weather! And I think I am the person who is the most excited about this in Germany because I have already heard so many complaints about the humidity. What humidity? If you want humid and muggy, go to the Eastern half of the U.S. This here is just right.

Finally a sunny (and warm) Sunday!

 Already in the morning, Sophie was busy playing with neighbor boy Andrés in the paddling pool. A big hit! Look at that blue sky over there! And note how we have taken down the wire on the fences (not sure if I had mentioned this before) so that they actually have three gardens to run around in.

 When Andrés had swimming lessons in the afternoon, Sophie got to play big sister for a few hours with little Adrian. She was being very good with him. She did not leave his side.

 She even helped getting him dressed so that we could take a walk over to the playground.

 This is where we ran into Sophie's other new friend, Talisa, who lives right above the ice cream parlor. After they rode their bikes for a while, a long while, we were all ready for some ice cream. A very nice couple let the girls cut ahead of them in line and then treated them to their ice creams. How nice!

And that was the last time we saw Sophie's bicycle in working order. The next day the inner tube had blown. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a seriously roadworthy bicycle. We will have to ask Dad because he is making the money (I quote Sophie).

Picnic in South Park

We are back to Germany Sundays. That usually means a lazy morning in bed followed by Zumba, i.e. childwatch at the gym for Sophie. She enjoys the play structure inside the childwatch very much. The gym borders a large park, called Südpark with a big lake and a small petting zoo (see earlier blog). As the weather continues to be gorgeous, we packed a little picnic and rode the bike to the park after the gym.

 Sophie really enjoys taking pictures. She took both of these shots.

In Line For the Swings!

The only drawback with the gorgeous weather to which returned in Germany this week: 

Sophie actually has to line up for the swings.

Sunshine - Why Not Go to the Beach?

Loving our little vacation and this weather. After a swim under the blue California sky at the pool (Sophie enjoyed the child watch), we headed back to the beach once more. This time we met Andrew's sister Megan, Adam, and cousin Thomas at Capitola beach.

 Looking for mermaids.

 Mama, can I take my jeans off?

 Thomas, Sophie, and Adam exploring.

 Nanny joined us for lunch at the Britannia Arms.

 Hey, where's my Guinness?

In the afternoon, we headed up to Mountain View to spend a few days at Elly, Jules, and Ciaran's house. Sophie and Ciaran were very happy to see each other again and continued right where they had left off in September. 

Elly is still the best story reader around. 

75 Degrees and Sunshine - When in California...

Nothing like a lazy Sunday morning watching Mickey Mouse Club in Nanny's bed.

 It is promising to be another beautiful sunny day on the West Coast.

 Enjoying one of Pops' cookies and just taking it all in before we were off to the next adventure.

 We had a wine shipment that needed to be picked up from our wine club. Pops offered to be the designated driver (after only a little bit of persuasion), so we headed off along River Road down the Salinas Valley.

 Hahn Winery has plenty of space for Sophie and other kids to run around.

 Sophie playing bat upside down.

 "My vineyard."

 ... while we had some serious business to do.

 Choosing between the 2009 and 2010 Pinot Noir.

 To be followed by a picnic in the shade.

Sophie was striking poses - who was drinking the wine?

A Cat's Life

Who said there was no sunshine in Germany?

 Do these cats look content or what?