Jump!

We have new pets!

William collected several snails from the garden a couple of days ago. He declared them his "Haustiere" (pets), became quite attached to them, and they wound up in my colander on the balcony. So I could drain pasta again, I bought him a terrarium. There is a surprising amount of information on the web when you Google "pet snail" - and we are doing our best to be good pet owners. (MOM: we've got the surgeries lined up for next week!) Wm and Mg have been occupied for hours looking at their new pets. He's taking them with him to Kindergarten on Monday. When one "stops moving", we put him back outside and find another one! So practical! So much easier and slower moving than a hamster! They are all named "Snakey", which also saves (some) confusion.

We come from librarians and woodworkers.

William and Margaret relax in their handmade wooden chairs (Grandpa McCrea) on each side of a handmade bookshelf (Grandpa Hartman) which has been filled by lots of librarians and teachers!

How many times do we need to review this, people?!

William, Margaret, and I have reviewed our "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" book at least once daily for the last several months- or has it been years, now? We do the fingerplay. We chant it from memory. It is amazing how often it seems relevant to current activities or just happens to come up in conversation. I thought we had mastered the concept.

But just yesterday, after prompting, I began again: "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed. One fell off and bumped his or her head! The responsible adult called the doctor and the doctor said..." I waited expectantly for the answer....... Each child gave an answer. But it is clear we need to review the rhyme again for meaning and content.

William: " No more mama's calling on the phone!"
Margaret: "More! More! Monkeys! Jumping on the bed!"

Daily Breakfast

Just Pick One! Funny Political Video

http://www.videowired.com/watch/?id=917715782

Margaret in pig-tails for the first time!

Happy Mother's Day!

For my mother and all of the important mothers in my life - I finally updated the blog! Enjoy your day! Love, Dr HF

Visit Mainau with us!

Yes, this is the world's largest garden gnome!

Kohl's Fashion Show

Observe William's Monster Truck T-shirt and Marga's beautiful polka-dot dress!

Why is the neighbor's yard always more interesting?

We are always having to go fetch Wm and Mg from the neighbor's yard. They aren't supposed to play there. But the path is so beautiful I enjoy having to walk along it to collect the children - as long as it only happens a few times a day! Who could blame them for wanting to walk along this path?

May 1st in Germany

The first of May is a holiday here. Everybody gets the day off and goes on a bike ride!

I can't think of a better holiday!

And neither can William!

It's a Circus!

Who would have thought that a four year old and a two year old could sit still and pay attention for two straight hours?

Apparently, William and Margaret looked like this the entire time. Fascinated.

Of course they would like the circus!

They are the ones who taught us the true meaning of the word, after all!

Camel hangs out in Konstanz.

A white horse under the big red tent.

Grandpa excels as Ueber-Hausfrau!

Just look at this orderly lunch! Grandpa, how did you do it? Thanks again for all your help! WOW!

Fire! Fire!

Sean and Grandpa took William and Margaret to the local firestation for a tour while I was away. Thanks to Gesa for arranging everything!

Here is the firehouse. It is right by our "secret playground".

Can you see William?

Marga takes a look around.

Judo Update

William can now do a forward roll! We are all very proud!

Home Again, Home Again

The most wonderful thing in the world is seeing Wm and Mg again! We read almost every book I brought home in one sitting. Amelia Bedelia, twice. I tried to object to posting this picture of me with my tongue hanging out - but Sean says the blog is more accurate now, as people can see how I "really look".

After 30 plus hours of flying around the world, William and Sean picked me up at the airport. William presented me with a boquet of yellow roses to go with a homemade paper mache vase! He lept into my arms!

I returned home to a perfectly clean household, a light dinner already on the table. Margaret and Grandpa were waiting! Grandpa is the ueber-Hausfrau!! ( I think I'll take more vacations!) He fixed dinner, he fixed the easel, he even fixed the cat! (That sounded funnier than was intended. He didn't really "fix" the cat.) I mean he started feeding the cat less at a time so the cat does not vomit daily anymore! Long live Grandpa "Ueber-Doktor" Hausfrau! Thank you Sean!
It's good to be back! More pictures in the next few days. TIRED.