Guess who hatched four years ago?

That's right! OUR LILY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS!

She was so excited!

And loved her presents. Especially Rosalie, the unicorn, and her new Princess Lillifee bike!

Trying on her new hair accessories

And after presents and breakfast, where did we go? If you know our kids you know the answer. Birthday = Playmobil FunPark! (And how do you recognize seasoned Playmobil FunPark goers? Right. Rainpants even when the sun is shining. ☺)

We were happy Grandma could come along, but sad that we had to leave Grandpa at home. He is recovering from a pretty extensive dental procedure. All things considered, he is doing well. Get all better soon, Grandpa!!!

Looking for and finding treasure in water ...

... and in sand.

A special highlight, the "Mini Disco"!

Happy Birthday wishes for the Birthday Girl

"How old are you today, Lily?"

Proud daddy and brother. ♥

Every day with you is a gift. Not a single minute with you is taken for granted, and we thank God every day for having chosen us to be your parents.

We love you so very much!

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.