August 2013

Apparently eating a meal is quite dangerous.  Case in point:

Helmet worthy meal

Helmet worthy meal

And to go along with Helmet worthy meals, check this out:  they were told by men that women can’t create such technical products.  You go GIRLS!!!!  Invisible bike helmet 

Aunt C and I had a Girl’s Night Out with my friends.

Mama and Aunt C

Girlies

Patio pool party

There was the Kids Fest at the Alte Oper.

Driving the car

And riding in the elephant

And then to the “Bobby” car

Now down the slide

Heading up the Main Tower with J and E

Aunt C snuggle time

Palmengarten – N in background

Fountain

Getting his feet wet

King of the…pump

Stroller RUN – YouTube

Painting for C’s birthday

CD went with C to Rome, Italy for a week.  We said our goodbyes to Aunt C and N.  But told them we would be seeing them again real soon, as we are heading back to the USA in December for good.

When CD came back, I was happy to see him.  He had a good trip with C and they had some male bonding time abroad.

Then it was back to the regular routine.

Applying deodorant

Traveling…by stroller

Hanging out with Alvin

And Bob the Builder

Driving fast Cars

Listening to our Fav Frankfurt band

Admiring ourselves in a lift mirror

Picking flowers for Mama

Looking SO DARN CUTE!

And re-fueling

Climbing stairs with O

Spinning the barrel with O

Licking the “plate” clean

Horse

“Klop Klop” That’s what the horse says! – YouTube

We had a baby shower for J.

Cupcakes by Mama

Favors

Boys bouncing

And the very next day I ran in another race.  I was nervous as I was doing this one alone and the info seemed a little shady.  I signed up for the 10km.  On the way there it was raining and rained the whole time.  I met some English speakers who took my picture and I took theirs beforehand.

Before

Then from the English info sheet online, it said that my race was to start at 9:50.  I went to the start and watched all the people file in too.  I thought to myself, “wow, they look like runners”.  This event consisted of a marathon, a half marathon and a 10km.  I kept trying to ask everyone around me what race this was and no one seemed to want to answer.  HMMM.  Then the gun went off.  And I went.  Shortly after we started I noticed that the other runners were booking it, running really fast.  I said I could not worry about them and must go at my own pace.  I kept trying to ask people what race this was and no one would answer.  I finally heard English being spoken and turned to ask them, but went into shock as it was the people who took my picture beforehand.  When they took my picture, they told me they were running the half marathon.  Blood drained from me.  I FINALLY found someone who spoke a “little” English and said “this is the 10km, right??”  Her face went to dread.  She slowly shook it and said it was the half marathon- about 13 miles/ about 21 km.  I shrugged and said “oh well”.  She turned behind us and said “there are still people back there”.  I meekly smiled at her and let her go on her way.  I was committed as there was no turning back or around.  This course was all through the woods so it was not possible.  It was also pouring rain the whole time!  I will say it was not a great experience as I was not able to train for a 10km, let alone a 21 km.  But I knew I would be ok.  I enjoyed the “quiet time” I had and I just kept swimming.  🙂

I was even reminded of CD while running:

Klop Klops crossed my path

The sad part though?  I did that all for nothing as my chip had me registered for the 10km so it never activated when I started for the half marathon.  HA!  I just chalked the day up to another running experience.  One that everyone could get a good laugh out of when swapping running stories.  🙂

My motivation, you ask???  First was not to be left in the woods, as I knew there was no one to look for me as I was on a completely different course than the race I should have been running in…and for that matter they didn’t even know I was running as my chip never activated.    My other motivation was the following pictures:

FREE Beer!

Reese’s that I had in my bag. This was a treasure as you can’t get them here in Frankfurt. I bought it on one of my outings with Aunt C and N when they were here!

I then had to get back to chasing CD the very next day.  🙂  I enjoyed this much more than the cold, raining and LONGER race that I ran.  (I went back thinking that I got the times messed up for the start of the race, but nope….the English page was wrong, but the German page was right.  Go figure!)

Klop Klop on the way to the park

Digging trenches

Soccer

Water play

Train time

Riding with O

Super Baby!

Super Baby! cape

Pretzel time at Rewe

This ends August 2013.

July 2013

Here I am again…with ANOTHER post!  …And just more pictures…so many to pick from for all of July!

Birthday decoration fun

On the way back from his 2 year picture

Daily staple: Ice cream 🙂

Shopping trip

Portrait picture by CD

Joe Cool or CD Cool?

I took part in a Women’s Run in Frankfurt.  It was SO much fun.

Women’s Run

Yes, I know…I’m eating watermelon…YUCK!

On a walk to take a train to get special lotion for CD.

I take a subway to take a train (about 45 minutes to 1 hour one way) to get lotion that works for CD’s skin.  There are no harmful ingredients in it and it is all natural.  I will DEFINATELY miss this in the US…but not the service…right Aunt C???  I took Aunt C with me once while she was visiting with N so she could experience it.  We went to a little bodunk town, where the pharmacist got angry because I didn’t speak German, when I know that he speaks English because of his degree and he had spoken English to me before.  Then we weren’t served drinks on a hot day.  I was glad not to had my cash over to the bodunk townies!  🙂

At the pharmacy where we get the lotion

Outside the pharmacy

Bubbly treat at end of trip

I had wanted to make a trek to Ikea since we had gone to Hamburg, Germany (Hamburg, Germany | Best, Wurst & In-between) since CD had loved the kid’s theater Ikea chair they had at the minuture wunderland there.  I convinced some friends to join in on the journey.

Ikea Playtime

Exhaustion sets in

We managed to make it there and get a bunch of stuff.  We helped J carry things back to their place and that was a struggle but SO much fun.  At a few points we thought we broke her stroller by carrying all the stuff.  🙂

Fruit of my labor…the chair 🙂

We headed to the outdoor pool a lot too as it was warm and a nice relief from the heat with CD.

Pool party

Bubble Wrap Pop – YouTube

Pancakes for Breakfast!

CD is such a good help in the kitchen.  I love baking and cooking with him.  It is good for him to learn how and where his food comes from and the process it goes through.

Palmengarten Pose

So excited

Playground play

Slowly losing CD’s clothes as we learned from the last experience 🙂

Slowly losing CD’s clothes as we learned from the last experience 🙂

Happy train ride

Shopping cart stroll

Happy Bday Uncle TS

Popsicle Party Partner

CD & O train time

We had met a little girl who lives in our complex who was about CD’s age.  They had a great time playing and it was meant to be as she had the girl’s version of CD’s boys shoes.  On Friday’s during the summer the landscaper would have the sprinkler out for the lawn and flowers.  We took advantage of it MANY times as CD’s LOVES the water.

 

Wizard magic skills

Sprinkler play

Sprinkler play

Sprinkler play

18-22 July We went to Switzerland and France with L and her family.  It was great to see where they had lived and experience other countries with CD!

Rest stop play

I will not say what this pic reminds me of: tank top on a boy in a souped-up truck 🙂

Gorgeous playground that I found out they almost got rid of and built a building. I nearly fainted at the thought of it!

Trash can bear…all the kids were more intrigued with it than the parents wanted them to- as they stayed near the trash. 🙂

Captain of the ship

Slide time

Merry-go-round

Water spigot

Naptime

25 Month Picture

Lake Geneva fountain at night

Building

Building

Building

Building

Lake Geneva fountain above the building

Knocked out nap

Street

Klop klop

Klop klop

Playing

Taking Big O’s scooter

Merry-go-round

Merry-go-round

Merry-go-round

Bike Merry-go-round

Bike Merry-go-round

Bike Merry-go-round

Sandpit

Lake Geneve was pretty cool.  You could actually swim in an area of it.  SWIM you say?  Who heard that????  CD was all ears even though we did not have our bathing suits.  There are absolutely no pictures of this because I was in the water with CD too!  They had a slide that went into the water and CD got SO excited he just could not contain himself.  I am definitely the kind of Mama who will let her hair down and get her hands dirty for some fun.  We all know CD is my excuse to have fun, and I take FULL advantage of it.  😉  We literally had to pull him out of the water to go and get some dinner.

Mama, I want to be in the water.

Mama, I want to be in the water.

Happy!!! Some water!

There is the slide CD went down into the lake.

Ice cream at Lake Geneve.  The fountain is to the left of the picture.

Ice pop time

Lake Geneve fountain- with the moon!

Ferris wheel at one of the big festivities in Geneve

The lights each have the phrase “welcome” on them in different languages

Since L found out just HOW much CD loves water, we decided to go to the fountains at the UN and let the kids run through them.

Fountain fun

UN

Fountain fun

Fountain fun- waiting for water to shoot out

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Exhibit outside UN

Fountain fun- LOVE CD’s face

Fountain fun

Fountain fun- my little Sumo wrestler

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

UN

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Fountain fun

Relief from the heat

Relief from the heat

Château de Divonne

I also got to experience Laduree Macaroons.  They were SO tasty and are now probably one of my fav treats.  A later trip (to Paris) I got to experience the Pierre Hermé Macaroons- also fabulous!  Yum!

24 July:  We headed back from our trip with L only to greet and host N and Aunt C!!!  I was so happy to see them!

N and Aunt C!!!!

Cooking with N

Building with Aunt C

Riding the Frankfurt Tour Bus

We headed to the North Sea (Ostend, Belgium) as this was something I had always wanted to do, but never had company to do it with…until now.  We had a great time and I will forever remember it as where CD was introduced to “Klop Klop” for the horses.  🙂  Thanks N!!!  🙂

Not the “real” Klop Klop

Klop Klop – YouTube

Watching the water with N

Checking the water from a different angle

Bicycles…out of the water!

One of my all time favs

N and CD

Watching the water

Aunt C and CD

Dansende Golven (Dancing Waves)

Mama and CD footprint

Bikes again

We joined the “polar bear club” and hopped in the water too.  Aunt C, CD and I took the plunge.  CD LOVED it SO much!

Are they real?!?!

Every time we passed these babies, CD stopped to stare at them.  He was very intrigued by them and remembered where they were on the street.

 

 

Obviously this is not all of the pictures, but just a little taste to remember and share.  On to August…and right about now I’m in a feud with my computer and WordPress as they both don’t seem to want to help me.  Taking forever to load pictures.  UGH!

Long Time Coming

We have not chatted in a while.  Things this summer have been a bit nuts.  I feel like the summer came and went and now we are already preparing for our journey back to the USA for good.  Yes, that’s right.  We are heading back to the USA and packing up in Germany.  Due to that, I feel I need to finish my online journal journey of CD growing up in Germany.

Now as some time has passed from these events until now, I will most likely just post pictures with a little description.  Plus, I have just been too exhausted and drained lately to do it…and there is a lot to do!  I would rather spend my time hugging CD and playing with him.   🙂

We left off at the end of June, right after his 2 year birthday party.  Wow.  That was a lot of fun!  Now we move on to other things.  🙂

26 June:

I had tried to get a play group started with kids who were a little older than CD as he was feeling like he was the “big kid on the block” and taking advantage of the younger friends he had.  I kept telling him that he will have no friends if he keeps treating them like that.  Of course he did not listen.  We did manage to meet an older boy and have some meetups at the park, but it was tough with the summertime holiday (vacation) schedules.  On one occasion, the boys were all about the trucks at the park.  One worker was kind enough to let the boys sit and play in the truck.

Park Truck

Driving the Big Truck

27 June:

We had some play time at O’s.  The boys love looking out the window and seeing the cars go by on the street below.  Thanks O for teaching CD to say “car”!

Look…a car!

28 June

We celebrated Aunt C’s birthday by unwrapping some fun toys ourselves!

Cookie Monster and Elmo!

Eating a good meal

And topping the day off with some ice cream at Vapianos

29 June

A day of who knows what…looks like more eating and a trip to the train station.

Mama’s Little Helper

Pineapple

Egg

Snacks

Ice Pop

Ice Pop

Train Station

Flower Fun

30 June

Looks like a day of a little University and Palmengarten fun.

Bike Time

University Bike

University

Running

Running

Music Time

Palmengarten

Palmengarten

Palmengarten

Palmengarten Water Play with Mama’s Umbrella

Palmengarten

Palmengarten

Palmengarten

And then came the “accident”.  CD fell into the water pit and came up soaking wet.  He then refused to wear any clothes so the compromise was this:

Walk of Shame 🙂

Walk of Shame 🙂

And he refused to sit in the stroller with the blanket on his legs.  So our only thing to do was a walk of shame home.  🙂  People thought it was hilarious and CD did not care…so I did not care.  🙂  The joys and non-restrictions of being a kid.  No adult would be fine walking home mid-day in their underwear.  🙂

So that brings us through June…now just July, August, September, October and part of November to go!

Off to bed to rest up for another post tomorrow…hopefully!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamburg, Germany

C had bought tickets to the Lion King in Hamburg as a gift for CD’s birthday.  Unfortunately, C had to travel so CD and I went alone.

It was a relaxing trip and we stayed in a wonderful location. CD got to run around in the pedestrian areas that were just a stones throw away from the hotel.

We took the train on Friday, 21 June.

Waiting for the train

Waiting on the platform

Some entertainment on the train

CD did such a good job on the train.  He had a good time and it was a wonderful trip.  We were comfortable and had nice company to travel with on the train.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I knew that CD would need to get up and move since he had been contained on a train…with no nap for a little over 4 hours.  So we just quick threw the bags in the room and headed out to explore and run a bit.

Must…run…off…energy

Watching himself run in the glass

This was right outside the hotel.  There was a long path where CD could run freely and I felt comfortable.  We…I mean CD, did this for quite some time and then we moved on to explore some of the area around us.

CD running into the Welcome Center courtyard

CD at fountain

Self-portrait in the wind. It was windy all over the city.

Watching the ducks.

Fountain in the water.

It is WATER, but Conor wanted to drink out of the water-glass at the hotel restaurant so I let him.

22 June was the real reason we came to Hamburg: The Lion King show.  I was worried about nap time and the start of the show, but all worked out well.  In the morning we went to Miniatur Wunderland (Miniatur Wunderland – Wikipedia).  Conor enjoyed it and it was great for him.  They even had a baby change area…where they provided diapers and baby wipes, a kids theater with mini Ikea chairs, a play area with big bean bags, ladders, toys and paper and crayons to draw.  It was wonderful!

Outside Miniatur Wunderland

The bellman at the hotel gave us an umbrella, but CD thought it was his walking stick.  🙂

# of USA guests to the location

CD looking at a display in the educational section of the place

Miniatur Wunderland Trains – YouTube  Some of the video of the trains at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany.

Miniatur Wunderland Plane Take Off – YouTube  One of the planes taking off at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany.

Playground

Beer garden

CD is REALLY into cranes right now. He points out EVERY ONE he sees, so I took a picture of the ones here.

In the kids theater. In the mini Ikea chair.

Play area

Play area

Play area

Play area

Play area

Play area

CD playing with a lion. Little did he know that later that day we would be going to see the Lion King.

Riding in the toy train

The restaurant actually had these seats to sit in…like you were on a real train. CUTE!

CD snack

We then headed back to the hotel to get lunch, nap and prepare for the Lion King.

CD LOVED the water and SO wanted to get in it.

Instead, I took him to the hotel “pool” which was really a spa and had “kid hours” to not disturb the other spa guests.  We had a blast at the spa, but the pool water was too chilly, so CD had more fun in the shower.  🙂  Such a water baby!

On the ferry to the show

On the ferry to the show

The venue

The venue

CD’s head looking at the closed stage curtain

Waiting for the show to start

Waiting for the show to start

Waiting for the show to start

Watching the show

NO ONE took pictures and when I tried…the lighting didn’t make the pictures come out so we just sat and enjoyed the show.

Intermission snack time…and run time

Intermission snack time…and run time

The “cast”

The “cast”

CD watching the cast accepting the wild applause from the audience

CD enjoyed the show but only got antsy at the very end.  The show from start to finish was 3 hours.  He enjoyed ALL of the applause throughout the show from the audience and joined in on it.  He pointed out the giraffes and enjoyed when the “animals” came down the stairs and right past us.  He laughed at points when you really shouldn’t have laughed, but that is part of the joy of being a child…you don’t have the social ques to know that.  You are just innocent as a child…which is sweet.

After the show

Ferry ride after the show

Ferry ride after the show

Ship seen from the ferry

Ice cream after the show

Ice cream after the show

CD checking out a street performer

Street performer

CD playing the instruments that the street performer had for the children to play

CD playing the instruments that the street performer had for the children to play

CD Playing with a Street Performer in Hamburg, Germany – YouTube  CD playing the instruments that the street performer had for the children to play.  He loved it and it was a great idea for a street performer.  He knew his crowd and we for sure paid him since it was such a GREAT idea!

Tired baby

Sunday morning (23 June) came when we were going to be packing and getting ready to leave by early afternoon.  I woke up early and so did CD, but I just rolled over and so did CD.  At 8am I moved around and started to pack.  Then 9am I opened the curtains and turned on the radio.  Finally, at 9:30 CD popped his head up in the crib.  This had never happened, but was great….besides the fact that I was STARVING as I was unable to get dinner Saturday night….long story.  We quickly shuffled off to breakfast, where I lost most of my meal to CD, but he had a hearty breakfast after a great sleep.  🙂

Hard boiled egg

Baked beans…English style

We then relaxed and headed to the train station for our trip back to Frankfurt.  When we got to the train station…UGH!!!  DOUBLE BIG UGH!!!  The escalators up to the train station were not working so I had to pick off passer-by people to help lift the stroller and bag to the upper level.  Then when we got there…DOUBLE UGH AGAIN as there were only stairs and escalators down to the train tracks.  After a fumble and recovery…of luggage, not CD, we made it down and actually ended up chatting with the lady who we almost knocked out with our luggage.  She was sweet and had grown boys of her own.   THANK GOD for the sweet traveler!  P.S.  I ALWAYS pretend I don’t understand if someone is yelling or scolding me.  HA!  Then I given them a sneer and walk away.  She was sweet though.  🙂

When we got on the train, it was already full, someone took our reserved seats and refused to move, so I brushed it off and it actually worked to our advantage as we got one of the special “Quiet” cabins ALL to ourselves.  We traveled for a long time in there where CD was able to move around, read, eat snack and chat at all the things he saw traveling by through the window.

Quiet cabin car on train…with hotel stuffed sheep they gave us!

Quiet cabin car on train…with hotel stuffed sheep they gave us!

The next group to join us in the car was a mom and a 6-year-old boy.  CD and the boy had a BLAST with each other.  They kept saying “boo” to each other.  CD shared his Ipad and snacks and had a great time with the entertaining boy.  The mom and I were able to talk too, which was nice.  They didn’t stay on the train too long, but it made a chunk of the travel pass by with fun.

That now ends our trip to Hamburg, Germany.  What I took away from it:  CD LOVES: the water (which I kind of knew), cranes and entertaining travel partners.  😉

CD’s BD

Happy Birthday CD!  You are now officially 2 years old!  I can’t believe it.

We had his birthday party on 15 June as everyone was going away for holiday.

Invitation

Obviously, I did the Bert and Ernie theme!  🙂

Some decorations. I made the Bert and Ernie faces.

CD’s bedroom door

CD BD Decorations – YouTube.  This is when CD is let out of his room to see the decorations for this birthday.  Each time he stands still, he is looking at the big Bert and Ernie faces I had on the wall.

Bert & Ernie Cake. I made it.

Cake

The cake turned out well.  I was pleased with it and happy that it actually looks like Bert and Ernie.  It took some time…a few hours, but I loved doing it.

Notice my Ernie themed colored dress. I made C wear a yellow one for Bert. 🙂

Wow.

CD Birthday Candle Blow Out – YouTube  We had practiced blowing out the candle because I did not want CD to have stage fright when everyone sang and was staring at him.   This was the result of practice.  I guess practice makes perfect.  🙂

CD Actual Birthday Cake Candle Blow Out – YouTube  This was on his actual birthday.  I saved a piece of cake for him to have on the real special day.  🙂

Birthday boy plate, bowl and cup.

Drink containers- sticking with the orange and yellow theme.

The spread- some apps, potato salad, mac n cheese, baked beans, hamburgers, hot dogs…and other stuff I can’t remember.

CD’s Guitar

Birthday shirt I had made.

The boys just couldn’t wait to open presents. 🙂

Slide fun

Look, I can climb WHILE holding my ice cream!

Almost the full crew

Another crew picture…with almost everyone.

Favor bags that I made.

It was a great time.  Everyone had fun and the kids enjoyed another “play date” with a bit more excitement.

Side note:  I can’t find shoes to fit CD’s feet here… or that he will wear.  It is really hard to “fit” them without putting them on his feet.  He would only wear a pair of shoes that we had to buy in London after we lost a shoe there in January.  He wouldn’t really wear any other shoes.  I FINALLY found a pair here that worked for him.  They are the ones in the photos here.  Finally he now has shoes that fit his feet!  YIPPEE!

New shoes

Happy birthday dear boy.  We love you more than you know…or you do know.  🙂   ❤

Trier, Germany & Luxembourg

May 21 and 22 CD and I traveled.  We went to Trier, Germany and Luxembourg.  It was a quick little trip, but a lot of fun.  We lucked out for one as it only rained while we were driving.  Never once while site-seeing!  🙂

For one, I rented a MANUAL car to drive.  I wanted to do it with no one around and that allowed me to work at my own pace.  Plus it is A LOT cheaper to rent than an automatic.  I studied up on it, just because that is what I do and really my only fear was reversing…for some reason.    I decided I would only have to worry about that AFTER I had driven for a while.  I WAS WRONG!  When I went and found out where the car was located, it was not in the usual parking lot.  It was in an underground garage where they had special parking for moms.  Ugh.  For ONCE I wished moms did not get special treatment.  Then I thought, maybe no one will be around.  WRONG AGAIN.  They had men working on repainting the lines on the ground so I was a little flustered, but I managed to back it out ok.  Not the best, but ok for a beginner.  Then onto the road we went!

Here is the other thing.  Manual driving is ok on the highway.  It is getting out of the cities that is the tough part…and of course that is where we had to start.  HA!  I managed keep my cool and continued on.  🙂

Waiting to go to Trier and Luxembourg

We made it to our destination unharmed and it was quite a nice drive.  Then trouble hit.  The hotel was on a hill…going down.  I parked the car to see if we could check in with thoughts that I could just ease out of the spot and go down the hill to turn around.  Basically do a big circle.  Well, that was not going to happen.  The road led to a dead end at the river.  I had to reverse up a hill, around a curve all while managing the manual…or roll into the river.  I chose the first choice.  The thing that broke the tension and made me not panic too much was that when we got to the bottom and I found out that we could NOT loop around, CD said “Uh-oh” from the backseat.  I smiled and that gave me the confidence I needed to back all the way into a parking spot…where I left the car until we checked out of the hotel.  🙂

We settled in and then went exploring in Trier.

Hotel- River view room!

If anyone wants recommendations for hotels in Tier, I give the one I stayed with 5 stars!  They were great!  Good staff, good food, great location…and the AWESOME blackout blinds that I need and want.  🙂

Karl Marx House

Karl Marx House

Grasshopper Water Fountain

Trier had a very nice pedestrian zone so as soon as we got there, CD got out of the stroller to run and play as he had been in the car for a little while.

Toy Store

Can you spot the “famous” Bert and Ernie???? CD did IMMEDIATELY…and they were hidden on the other side!

CD’s gift. Thought it was a lollipop. Upset and then found out it was a pencil and eraser! AWESOME!

He didn’t want any souvenier that was related to the town.  Just the pencil.

Market Square

Market Square

Market Square

Market Place

Searching for Snacks- with St. Peter’s Cathedral in the background

Must…Find…Snacks

Found the snacks!

CD did find the snacks and ended up making a friend here as they shared the snacks in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

St. Peter’s Cathedral

I thought it was beautiful.  It was my favorite thing in Trier…besides CD…and one other thing you will find out about later in the post.  🙂

Outside St. Peter’s Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

St. Peter’s Cathedral Bells- Trier Germany – YouTube

La Porta Nigra

La Porta Nigra

CD Outside La Porta Nigra with Mini- Karl Marx Statues

“I see”

There was a little exhibit where you could purchase the mini-Karl Marx statues…for around 400 Euros a pop!  They also had these dogs, which CD loved…until we spotted my 2nd favorite thing in Trier (1st was CD, then this, then the cathedral).  Look below at the next pic for my 2nd fav thing……

Statue PUGS!!!!!!

I would have bought all of them except I know there is NO substitute for the real thing…LOVE YOU BROTHER BEAR!

We then did a train ride that took us to all the major areas.  Pictures didn’t really work on it, but I can say we saw them.  Just no “captured” memories.

Train Ride

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Imperial Roman Baths

CD with my IC (Ice Cream)

And that was the end of the sight-seeing tour.  We then headed back to the hotel to settle in for the night.

Waiting while Mom gets ready for dinner.  Just chilling with Charlie Brown.

Looking out the window with Bert and Ernie

Now Bert and Ernie were supposed to be his “new” things on the trip, but while I was packing, he obviously spotted them with his sonar-Bert-and-Ernie-ability.  So he technically got them before the trip…but still loved them just as much!  🙂

I had made the executive decision to eat at the hotel instead of out at a local restaurant.  It worked out wonderfully as the staff was awesome, the food was fantastic and the company, both CD and the men around us, were hilarious!  I ordered the same thing for CD as I was having- fish, however he ended up wanting my meal instead, so we shared.  We even got a special dessert that was good!  Yum!  Then off to bed for another day of sight-seeing!

Drinking from the cup

Desert Sparkler

Desert

Desert happiness

The next morning, we woke up and went to breakfast at the hotel.  It was yummy too, but pretty standard German hotel breakfasts.

Breakfast

Man, this boy can eat!  I think he had 2 rolls, 3 plates of eggs, some fruit chunks, dry cereal, my juice, and who knows what else!

Then off to Luxembourg!

Welcome to Luxembourg

Flag at Pont Adolphe

Wind-blown

Now, we didn’t get any rain, but it was really windy in Luxembourg.

Monument of National Unity

Traveling Band

National Library of Luxembourg

National Library of Luxembourg

Grand Ducal Palace

Grand Ducal Palace Gate

Grand Ducal Palace Guard

Grand Ducal Palace Guard

Sleeping…So windy I put on the rain cover!

Building attached to The Grand Ducal Palace…Just can’t remember what it is.

Narrow Passageways

Narrow Passageways

Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumunster

Casemates du Bock

NOT happy with the wind.

So I let him do the following:

Explore! Checking out Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumunster.

And run.

Run…away.

And back to me. 🙂

Scenic Overview with Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumunster to the right

Chilling by the banister

We then headed back to the car and had a nice drive back to Frankfurt.  Where, even though I had fun driving a manual, I was happy to return it to it’s rightful owner.  🙂

That was the last BIG thing we did.  Next BIG thing?????   BIRTHDAY BASH for a 2 YEAR OLD!!!!!  Wow, how time flies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circus And Park

Lately CD has been inhaling food.  The other day I literally spent 2 hours in the kitchen just preparing food for him to eat.  I guess he is growing.  🙂

Can’t…eat…enough

C bought CD a new shopping cart as the other one just isn’t really holding up too well.

Helping put the shopping cart together

Shopping cart bliss

PU stinky feet bird

Feeding the traveling buddy

The pizza our fav restaurant made for the kids

Yesterday we went to the circus.  It was an experience but still ok.

Circus crew- minus one kid hiding and Mama who took the pic

We had some time to waste prior to the doors opening for the show so since it was nice outside, we headed to a park.  It was so much fun that I think we will return there for a picnic one day.

Sunshine park

Massive field

Flying girl…are they all there to catch her????

CD sees the camels

Horses…they were pretty

CD sees the horses

Sweaty times

Up close with the animals

Cotton candy time

Eating…again

Dancing with E

Popcorn. He not only took L’s popcorn, he ate J’s when she left!

Enjoying the show with C

Today we didn’t do much.  Just had a major tantrum and went to the park.  The weather was nice and then towards the end of the day, it turned pretty quickly to being windy, cooler and rainy.

Watching the wheels spin

Feeding Ernie

Then Charlie Brown joined us

And all were happy!

CD Lunch – YouTube     CD is eating lunch and places a bean in Ernie’s hair.  Towards the end of the video, he feeds Ernie.  CD also shakes his head as he dances to the Ernie tunes.

Shore boys

Water wheel

Where are your feet?

Oh, there they are!

P.S. Not our shovel 🙂

A new friend

Ice cream!

Ice Cream Time – YouTube  CD enjoying his first REAL ice cream cone…all to himself!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures…End of Catching Up

This will bring you up to date on CD.

“Bus Stop” Ab Workout – YouTube   CD loves to sit here when I’m in the bedroom doing stuff.  C’s folded clothes are the perfect height for him to sit on while he holds the “bus” poles.  Not sure if you can see the smudges on the pole where he always holds it.  🙂  He is working his abs as he is getting ready for bathing suit weather.  🙂

LOVES the goats!

Can you spot CD in the line looking at the camels?

Having a “moment” to himself to take care of “business”

Are you serious???

Winning the race

Each of them is driving on their countries “correct” side

Merry-go-around

Result of playing in the parks

Yet again 🙂

Thirsty boy

Perfect polo

Snoozing

Chicken stick

“I see” the flowers with his “happy meal” box

Face paint sunscreen

Ice cream time

With Little E

With the big boys

The result of playing with the big boys

Morning snack

Watching the rain

Driving a firetruck

Stealing a pram from the play area. Literally had to chase him down because he would not return with it! 🙂

Learning to “blow” the dandelion seeds

Running…can’t…stop

Airplane run

“Let me in please”

Intriguing leaf

Cool hat

Cool shades

Let’s dig

Kickball

Working together

Helping hands

First bike ride

Racing doggies

O’s birthday party. Who is by the food table???? Yes, that would be CD.

For Uncle TS- Police Car

Boy clubhouse meeting

Unwrapping a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

You get the wrapper Mama

Truck time

Contact Lens Wearing CD – YouTube  CD putting his contact lenses in his eyes in the morning.  Just kidding!  He is pretending to put them in just like Mama.  🙂

Play kitchen

CD wants to keep wearing his winter boots and hat…and mittens too!

Sunny day shopping

Play date with friends

Mama’s new shoes fit…kind of. 🙂

Chopstick lunch

Grüne sauce festival

Hanging with E

Park with E

Spring-y thing

Someone else playing too!

New shades

Outfit of choice in the morning: polar bear long sleeve shirt, no pants and winter boots. Thank goodness we didn’t have to go anywhere until later in the day. 🙂

Bike ride to play date

Play date

Watering the flowers

GP would be proud. CD was ALL over the Black & Decker tool bench. He loved the “working” drill.

Let me just say I’m pretty wiped out today.  We had an okay morning, but then things kind of went downhill from there.  CD is FULL-BLOWN toddler right now.  LOVES to say “Nein” (No) and has his own opinion.  I can deal with these.  What I can’t deal with is being slapped.  Yes, he does it…just like a bunch of other toddlers.  We are working through it and I hope to get to the end of it soon…for my sake.  🙂

Hope you all enjoy the photo shoot of CD.  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures…through April

Here I’m just going to post pictures from some fun times with CD.  Enjoy as I have!  🙂

With O

Shovel Sliding…can’t let go of it!

Another toy…not ours

Chasing O

Look Mama…a flower. Meanwhile Mama is passed out from her run!

So I let him play with the freaky sharp-nailed merry-go-round girl. Creepy.

Little monkey

Expensive car

Hallo!

Red sports car

Test drive

Found the gas tank…and stores his gas money there

This is why our walks last so long: CD points to all the little reflectors on the cars.

And the wheels. Thank goodness car alarms have not gone off because he also tries to get into the cars! He screams “I see!” every time. 🙂

Running free

Checking out his shadow

Smile!

We went for ice cream one day. The fire alarms went off. We needed to vacate the building. Fire trucks, police cars, etc. arrived with blazing sirens. All in a days fun.

Park run…for CD, not Mama

Argh!

One of my Favs!

Watching people play badminton in the park. Look at his hands! SO CUTE!

Close up of the hands! 🙂

Littlest Angel…even with a halo!

Tunnel time

Balance beam

Cover the car…

Where is the car????

Oh, there it is!

Working the Diaper Genie

Oh wait, where is CD???

There he is!

Plain old blackmail!

Bull and Bear

Gummi

CD’s hideout at the park. He loves it. It is a cove underneath the slide.

STRESS for Mama. We let CD and E run free and CD was ALL OVER the place. Needless to say, we chugged our drinks instead of enjoying ourselves.

Bedhead

Posing for a pic

Ta-da

With E squared

SO tired!

Are you ok?

All is good

Relaxing after a sweaty playtime

Bubble boy

Umbrella…Did someone say “Ella”????

Not enough Bert and Ernie! CD literally knows the building which contains B & E and gets excited when he sees it…thinking we are going.

The “crew”

Mama & CD on the left

Half way down the slide!

Actually not sure who had more fun. 🙂

Pilot???

Roaming through the maze

Aftermath of seeing Bert & Ernie

Waiting for the bus…with Dolly

Snacktime. Yum.

Picture pose

Helping Da

I have a picture of CD in front of the cherry blossoms from last year. Figured I would get one this year too.

Yup, shopping distraction. I know where all of them are in Frankfurt. 🙂

CD made some crumbs. Then he disappeared only to return with the dustpan and brush. Good boy!

Take my pic

Hummus wand

Laundry Wiggle – YouTube  CD moving to the waves of the laundry.

Hoodie

“I see” the dino display at the Kinder Museum

Learning about…stuff

What on Earth are THOSE things????

Smirk…what do I do with this?

I put it to my eye!

Little animals

Archeologist

“I see” Ernie!!!!!!!! Spotted him from a km away!

Say “Nana” – YouTube  CD saying Nana!

Entering a New Phase

CD is growing up so much, so quickly.  I blink my eyes and now he is this little toddling man, full of his own opinions…and not shy about sharing them.

We have entered a new phase.  I have finally stopped nursing CD.  I always told myself that I would stop when he was ready.  I’m glad that I was able to give him the choice of when to stop.  I know I instilled enough confidence and reassurance that he was able to make the decision when HE was ready.  I knew this would be the best situation for both of us.  The other day he told me in his own way that he was finished.  :*(

I knew this day would come, and come soon, but it is still a very bittersweet moment for me.  I know I will never have this opportunity to nurse again and it is quite sad to see it end.  I know I can’t keep CD small and young forever so I keep telling myself that we are just moving on to another phase to cherish and explore.  I know that I will relish in all the memories I have of him from baby in my belly to sweet little newborn to old and gray-haired.

I love you CD more than you know!  And can’t wait to see what the future holds for us!

XOXO

Mama

Mr. Independent