Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wunderland

Right east of Hannover lies Wonderland, also known as Bratwurstcountry or Jena. And what better place is there to celebrate a white Christmas? With family, of course. Icy roads and weather warnings couldn't keep us from throwing our snowsuits and woolen socks into the trunk. Four days of snowy bliss with Uncle Christian and Auntie Susann. Snowy bliss for all but Ben, who thought that the snow was a nuisance. He remained absolutely true to himself and didn't even fake a smile for a family shoot.



And wouldn't smile for Mommy either.



It might not come as a surprise that Lia on the other hand enjoyed every single snowflake. From head to frozen toe she was all smiles and energy. She loved speeding down the hill on a sled with Chrischie. But why sit up straight.... 



... when you're so much faster on your belly (or two bellies).



Uncle and niece were known as the Deadly Blizzard:



Flying down the hill on a magic plate was also kinda cool!
There's just nothing like extreme sledding.



Thiemo did his best to convince Ben that sledding can be fun!



But everything went downhill from here:



A vehicle without wheels simply wouldn't do.
(As wouldn't these oversized gloves.)



It's this girl here who always blends in perfectly. The chameleon.



"Do I see a black piste?"



Ben saved himself by falling asleep, probably dreaming of the beach.



Cozy blankets and warm feet put that smile back onto Ben's face.
"Way to go, sis!"

Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Party Time!

Hell yeah. Time to party! Six hungry cupcake eaters and one fruit devouring princess were burning down the house today! The roof was certainly on fire. Party on, girls! (And boy.)


Little party people, waving and chewing.


And after a little treasure hunt in the melting snow, the kids adorn little treasure chests.


La piñata. UPS delivery from Mexico?
The little ones thrashing the donkey/horse/lama.



 
Poke!


Sweets? What sweets? Gobble.


And the gift bags. American style. And personalized. Blink!

One happy little four-year-old went to bed convinced that in five days time she'll have another birthday.
Extreme partying can become habit-forming.    

Monday, December 06, 2010

                           4
                                                  
Happy birthday!

A perfectly pink birthday takes a bit of planning and one extra long night shift. So that the princess can wake up in the dark hours of the morning to a dream come true.



WHAT IT TAKES:
One special UPS delivery: An American birthday banner. Personalized. No less. 


A few tiny details. Just the right touch.


The right amount of enthusiastic guests cheerfully waving at the camera, celebrating with you during the dark hours of the afternoon.


One big surprise. Preferably not pink. Contrasts are important.


The right amount of  HAPPINESS!


Someone trusting who'll help you maintain your balance.


Great entertainment, such as pony riding or the like.


A little brother whose consolation gifts can later be snatched.


And the knowledge when to call it a day. Or a very happy birthday.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Winter -
Say what?



No, Ben is certainly NOT enjoying the sudden onset of winter. And who can blame him? Minus 8 degrees celsius are well beyond pleasure. All you can do is resign and try to move as little as possible.  Three years ago a little lady was sitting in the exact same stroller wearing the exact same facial expression:
Lia's first visit to Germany

Things have changed for Lia. Now that little Miss Carolina has been living in Germany for two years, the bitter cold no longer has an adverse effect on life. On the contrary.















It is a busy season, and so Lia keeps going at a fast pace.
Performances are routine activities in the life of a preschool kid.
Role play isn't a problem, so whether it's a ballet mouse, a snow angel, or Santa's favorite elf, Lia easily plays the part.  


Here she is singing for the elderly. Big party at the senior center! Pump up the volume, so the first row can hear! Hoot!
Shake them plastic hips, folks!


So much going on in December. And isn't it great to get back home?  Shut the door and keep the world outside. Peace and quiet. Sigh. For, let's say, five minutes.


The good thing about the freakin' cold is that it's so nice to be at home. Nice and cozy! Lighting a candle or two, or even EIGHT, makes it even cozier. Lucky us, it's Chanukkah!  

More special events coming up. Stay tuned.
חג שמח!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Fall - Random

November! Already?


Mugshots
of two little
gangsters 
Every time we leave the house we do so as onions. 

There were (a few) exceptions of warm sunshiny days that allowed us to enjoy the fall in just one layer of clothing and collect (a few) chestnuts.


Just enough to decorate the house, do some handicrafts and take a nice chestnutty bath, too.


But the cold is creeping up on us ... brrr


October, November (seriously?), and soon December.


December? Uum? That's your lucky month, Lia!
Hats off to December!
That's when our chestnutty Peanut is turning 4.


We're now at the point where sunbathing is a big issue.


Everyone's patiently waiting in line to catch some sun.


Cause the dark season has started.
With its bright sides and sparkly moments.


And once brother is ready to move out of the spotlight,


we are ready to present and parade our self-made lantern. Too much flash! Oh, never mind. 
We do like it bright.