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.

Grandpa McCrea Has Arrived!

Grandpa is here from America! Within 30 minutes, he had the drill out!

He showed William how to put the finishing touches on the beautiful wooden chair he made for Marga's 2nd birthday.

William tested the chair for comfort.

When Marga got home from school she had a new chair with her name on it!

Marga plays with Grandpa on the couch. Looks like the family is going to have a fun visit! Thanks for making the trip, Grandpa.

As Soon as William Leaves...

...Marga gets to play without interruption!

Judogi!

William got a judogi!

He is very scary. He hasn't learned yet that Judo is about "giving in to your opponent".

This is his forward roll. They'll learn the other half next week. Go William!

VOTE OBAMA!!

Today we send off our absentee ballots! GO OBAMA!! Since most of our readers are in Indiana or Pennsylvania, I encourage you to vote - and to agree with us!

http://www.barackobama.com/

Blowing out the birthday candles

William helps Marga blow out her candles. Hear a toy table saw in the background (thanks a lot, uncle Matt!).

Happy 2nd Birthday, Marga!

When Marga woke up this morning, there were presents at her place at the table and people kept singing to her! Above, she is opening a present that William picked out (for himself).

Here is the dolphin that William "borrowed" for the entire day.

From Mama and Dada, Marga got a basketfull of German wooden fruits, vegetables, and assorted other groceries. Later in the day at her party ( woops, very few pictures from the party!), she got more groceries and a shopping cart! She and Wm have been "cooking" and driving the produce around the house ever since!

The traditional carrot cake was served. Happy birthday Marga, happy birthday Claire!