So far this year...

2010 has started well. Joe is coming home again this year, so of course it's going to be a good one. During the first few days we were visited by the "Sternsinger", children that go from door to door (sent by the church), dressed up as the Holy Kings. They write a blessing above each door and sing a song, and in return receive donations for children in need (plus candy for themselves). Michael and Annika were very impressed. Too bad the picture turned out to be blurry...
Then we made a little trip to Schweinfurt. We stayed at my friend Lio's place, formerly known as the best nanny Hawaii has ever seen. The kids loved it there, especially after Michael discovered Lio's poor cat "Nick".During the weekend we went to feed some goats in a petting zoo. Michael was feeding them bred, Annika didn't quite get the concept and offered her empty hand. Fortunately, she didn't get bitten...We also met with some other friends to go sledding. So much fun, especially for Michael who got to ride with our friend who was way faster than Mama...
Back home we had a little incident. As I was cooking on the stove the kids were playing... or so I thought. When I turned around, I discovered THIS:It was tough, but in the end convincing evidence led me to discover who the culprit was. Can you guess? Note the suspiciuosly innocent look...

Michael found a different creative outlet: playdough!! He loves it and actually stays entertained for up to 45 minutes. Now that we are not living in a house with white carpet anymore, he is more than welcome to play with it. Annika however would still rather eat all the playdough, so her access to it has to be limited.
Something that both kids enjoy is talking to Daddy on the computer. Here is Annika answering the question "Where is Daddy's nose?"
The big news these days is that Michael started German Kindergarten (which means pre-school here). He is in a group with 12 other children ranging in age from 2 to 6 years old. I really like his "teacher", and so does he. So far he loves going there, and doesn't even want to go home when I pick him up! It's a Catholic school for only about 30 children, and they start each day with a prayer. Last week they took all the kids to church to receive the St. Blaise blessing (the patron saint of the town we live in). All this week they are celebrating "Fastnacht", the crazy days before lent starts. The kids are encouraged to come to school dressed up in costumes. Here is Michael as an Irish pirate (you've heard of them, haven't you?). The costume lasted all the 5 seconds it took to get this picture, then everything came off except for the saber... When we drop Michael off, Annika usually runs off to check everything out. I think she wouldn't mind staying there too. She is still too young though. And besides, how boring would that be for Mama, all that time for herself??? ;-)
Last but not least a picture of Annika to show that her eyes are still as blue as can be... Michael's on the other hand got a slight green/grey tint. It very much depends on what he is wearing whether it's more or less prominent.

I'm leaving you with the view outside our kitchen window. We've had snow for an usually long time now. Actually, it comes and goes. But the kids enjoy making snowmen. There won't be many chances to do that next year!