out on the town

We've had some really nice weather here lately (for a change) and so we've tried to take full advantage of it and get out as much as possible. :)

On Sat. the 14th we walked through the forest to the Vivarium. It's a little zoo in Darmstadt, and is about a 3 km walk from our house. Charlotte loved it there! Rob, Toby, and I had a nice time too... and boy were we all worn out when we got home!

The walk took a while because we had to FULLY experience it by walking on logs, crunching through leaves, and pointing out pebbles in the dirt.

My cuddly Toby bear.

Charlotte, the curious monkey.

Charlotte and Daddy by the "Nasenbär exhibit." There is one in the photo, just to the left of Charlotte's head, but it is really hard to see here. I was surprised, there were many animals there that I had never seen before. Also, the habitats/exhibits were quite nice and large--- not nearly as depressing as some zoos I've been to.

This is our self-created double stroller. Toby is in the carseat in the stroller and Charlotte sits on top of the cup holders. It works pretty well actually.

Last Sat. we took a drive to Aschaffenberg and walked around the Altstadt, the open air market, and the castle there. It was a beautiful day! I love visiting different little German towns--- and eating yummy food too. My favorite German phrase right now is either, "Haben sie ein schoko-croissant?" (Do you have a chocolate croissant?) or "Eine kleine Doner mit Flatbroten bitte." (One small Doner on flatbread please.) hee hee

Random photo of Charlotte "smiling" like Rob did in his childhood photos.
(Those quote marks are just for you honey.)

"Knock, knock... are there any princesses here?"

In the courtyard of Schloss Johannisburg (probably misspelled) circa 1600. That door Charlotte was knocking on is on the righthand wall in this picture.

Castle in the background, market in the foreground. I thought it was quite busy for March- but it was a beautiful day out. :)

6 months old!!

Toby is now 6 months old! He had his check-up with Dr. Pfalz... who has become my favorite Kinderarzt. She said he is doing great, and her only concern is that he is sitting up too early. Well, um... sorry about that... I guess. He is now 19 lbs (50-75%) and 27 1/2 inches (75-90%). We think he is huge-- but apparently not?? He is 12 month size clothes already.

Here are some Toby facts-

He is now sleeping through the night- sometimes, other times he is up every two hours!
He has started eating baby food a bit... and has had one bite of Chocos cereal thanks to Charlotte.
He likes to be tickled, and to do ANYTHING with Charlotte- even if it involves her sitting on him or poking him.
He is a major cuddle bug.
He is amazingly good at reaching for things, grabbing them, and putting them in his mouth-- he has deceptive speed.
He smiles easily and loves to try to talk to us in his deep baritone voice.
We are so happy to have him in our family. :)

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

On Friday we went to the Army Library in Wiesbaden for a celebration of Dr. Seuss with our friends the Bentons. The library had a very nice program with crafts, games, story time, and refreshments that were all Seuss-ian... green Jello eggs anyone?

The activities were a bit too advanced for our little ones- but Charlotte and Sam always try to make their own fun. (Even if that means paying the price of sitting in time out in a corner of the Library in Charlotte's case.)

Sam checking on Toby.

Toby and Jack were pretty easy going, but got left out of some of the fun, I'm afraid. It's hard to be the little brother sometimes.

Partners in crime.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss- from Thing 1 and Thing 2!