Pictures!

Again I'm finding myself playing catch-up with the blog. We've been here a little over two weeks already and I don't want to get any further behind. Here are some pictures of the first week here.

Rhea and Lucia both enjoy playing "people" in the old doll house Oma got down from the attic. It's in great shape and when Lucia saw it, she said: "Oh!! I've always wanted a dollhouse!" They spend quite a bit of time like this individually, together, and also with one of us adults when they can con us into playing "people" with them. Lucia always comes up with the intricate story lines, like: "First, this person is the prince, and you'll be the princess, and this guy is the mean guy and I'm going to kick him in the river because he scares the children. It's ok, because he's mean, so he's a sinker." (?!) etc etc :)

Lucia and Rhea enjoying the sandbox. We've had some beautiful days here, interspersed with the more characteristic gray and solid rain. But late summer is not completely over yet! :)

As promised, a picture of Lucia on her first day of Kindergarten. She's standing in front of the building, pretty eager to go inside. Since then, she's been going every week day from 9-12 and loves it. Her activities include a second breakfast, building with legos/duplos/blocks, coloring/painting/crafting, playing with babies/play kitchen/old typewriters/telephones and cell phones/computers, story time, gymnastics, etc etc. No wonder she's pretty wiped out when she comes home. :)

Rhea taking care of her baby in one of the carriages that Oma was able to find in the attic. (Oh, the endless treasures in Oma and Opa's house!! :) )

Lucia taking a break to read on the steps.

Rhea enjoying Mama's shoes. :)

Watching Sandmaennchen, a nightly routine. It's a 10 minute show for young children from 6:50 p.m. until 7:00. We try to use it as motivation for them to finish up their supper and get in their jammies (some nights) before 6:50 -- and it really works! Lucia can already sing the theme song, and Rhea excitedly exclaims: "Mama, Sandmaennchen coming!!"

Supper time

Rhea serenading us with her mad piano skills. :) Can you see her concentration?

Girlies having fun under Oma's sunflower umbrella

All in all, a fun first week!