T'day

So last year was the first time I ever roasted a Turkey. It was an absolute beast- 30 lbs. It was undercooked, very late, and I wasn't able to make the gravy!! Plus all the people (from all over the world) that were invited brought dishes which weren't exactly complementary. All in all though, it was lots of fun. This year we decided to keep it American and do a smaller, more traditional celebration.

I brined the turkey which was also a first and it turned out great! Here are some photos that our friend Robert took of the kids.

gershwin never got danced to like this before

This video was made a few days before Johannes' birth. Eleanor was dancing up a storm. Now she has a little friend at Kindergarten who calls her his kleine Tanzenmause!!!!!! (little dancing mouse) CUTE!!! She went to her second birthday party today and it just breaks my heart. Its such a hard feeling to describe. I feel such joy is seeing her participating in life independently but at the same time I am reminded of her fragility...not just hers but the one that we all share. That is to say, I see her humanity- well that is when she isn't pretending to be a Dinosaur.

I am still trying (not very hard) to learn German and figure out how to be a parent (harder at this) and a good partner (i will let Mike speak to that). I am realizing more now the implications of the choice we made to be here. Life has somehow just gotten way more "real". As my midwife pointed out not long ago...I am finally growing up. Dang, it took coming to Germany and having a second kid for it to finally happen!!!!!!!!!!! Stunning.

for k3

this was taken during the dolphin show at the Baltimore aquarium. GOD LOVE HER!!!