Only the Brave (or the Crazy)

would go swimming in the lake on May 2nd.

But then, we all had wetsuits. ☺ So I guess we weren't all that crazy, or brave, after all. It's amazing how different swimming in open water is, compared to swimming in a pool. Sighting (keeping on course by trying to focus on the buoys) takes a lot of practice, and swimming in cold water, using not-yet-warmed-up muscles, with arm movement somewhat restricted by tight wetsuits is something you have to get used to.

But it was a lot of fun! Everybody was happy Neil, Finn, Lily and Grandpa came along. Not only because Neil took great picture, but because now we had someone to watch all the cell phones and car keys while everybody was in the water. Thanks, darling, for NOT thinking I am crazy. ♥

I am on the right, with the orange cap, trying not to think about the stuff floating on the water. (Really, though, it can't have been ALL duck poop?!)

And here, for your enjoyment, me trying to squeeze into my wetsuit. The kids were fascinated. I forgot my freezer bags so it took a long time. (A plastic bag over your hands and feet helps slide them through the suit.) Wetsuits tear easily, and I also forgot to clip my finger nails, so I had to be extra careful.

Whatcha lookin' at?!

Almost there...

With a little help from a friend (to get the back zippered up) - done!

And then it's almost as hard, if not harder to get the thing off again! Rainer (the guy beside me) got stuck in his sleeves and I had to help him get out, ha!

Finn and Lily had fun, too. While Kurt chatted it up with some fisherman they took pity on the ducks and "built them a nest". I'm just happy they didn't get all wet this time.

Ours to love, but not to keep

.

We knew we would have to let you go eventually. We didn't know it would be so soon and so sudden. Sadly, the decision was not ours to make, and while we are not happy with it we have to accept it. As the saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

We miss you and we will keep praying for you!

Our little Ina,

May the Lord walk beside you to comfort you.

May the Lord walk above you to watch over you.

May the Lord walk behind you to keep you safe.

Easter Weekend

.

... and what a weekend it was. The weather was simply: perfect. The company was simply: heartwarming. The food was simply: great. Not my own words, far be it from me to toot my own horn! ☺(Side note: we had fresh asparagus, lettuce, water cress, eggs and more delivered by our family doctor. Did I mention that Kurt knows about every other person walking this earth? I am not joking.) The kids' excitement was simply: contagious. And best of all: CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS TRULY RISEN!

Preparations! Helping the Easter bunny out a bit.
(And yes, Omi Lotti, Finn is a major tongue-sticker-outer, just like you!)

After a late night with a campfire and all, the kids were raring and ready to storm the yard shortly past 7am. We made them wait a wee bit longer though. The Easter bunny had been busy baking and still needed to hide the eggs. And managed to at least change out of sleepwear, but had no time for such luxuries as a shower or, gasp, makeup.

What a handsome couple, no?

All dressed up for church!

The children could light a candle and then got a chocolate lollipop during the service. Here is Lily making her way back to us.

And here is Grandpa making his "Hey!-Senior-citizens-deserve-chocolate-too"-face. ☺

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!

P.S.

Ina spent Saturday and Sunday with her family, that's why she isn't in any of the pictures. The Easter bunny left a present for her here, and she is safely asleep upstairs right now. Where I should have been headed quite some time ago! Nights tend to be on the short side here. Bye!

Happy Easter from Finn, Lily, and Ina!

Long time no post, and look who is here!

That's right, Grandma and Grandpa! We were all so happy to see them, little Ina included. She wanted to sit on Grandpa's lap right away, just like Lily.

And good ole' Cheerios are back too! ☺

Ina just loves Grandpa, and no wonder. He patiently pushes her in the swing, in her stroller or on her tricycle for hours.

And Grandma we put to work right away, too. Hanging up the wash ...

... or supervising snack time.

Finn and Lily love the presents their "adopted cousin" Andrew, age 3, sent over. Here they are playing with Lily's Dora microphone. It plays music and rhythms and it REALLY AMPLIFIES YOUR VOICE, and once the batteries are dead I sure as heck won't replace them. Unless of course Lily insists. ☺

Other things we are doing around here: helping the "littlest sister" swing

being a terror on two wheels

making muddy messes that drive mama bananas and ruin the pants

planting a crocus bulb that Finn found and carried around for a day guarding it like treasure (grow, crocus, grow, otherwise a little boy will be heartbroken)

eating at our new table

enjoying story time with Grandpa

being generally cute and soaking up the sunshine

"camping" in the yard

working hard to get the rest of the furniture built

(just look at the finished hutch in the background, ignore the goofiness)

listening to scary campfire stories

and much more!

We had a really nice Easter weekend, stay tuned for another post with pictures!