Hard to believe my two babies are now 1 and 5! A few weekends ago we celebrated Monchi's 1st birthday, and Jochen and I high-fived on what a good year this has been. Not to say we're not exhausted every day, but somehow the ease with which she joined and completed our family is something we did not expect, and still do not take for granted. We spent this day with Jochen's parents and enjoyed the intimate little party.
The big partying was next day for Pig's Big Do. First the origami invites.
With a bit of online research we discovered the Cologne museums offer a number of birthday party programs, and we were able to arrange a pirate theme party at the
Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which housed a largely pre-19th century collection.
We had asked all the kids to dress up as pirates - and everyone obliged.
They ran, they shouted, they painted, they played pirate roulette for gold (chocolate) bullions. They also went to the bathroom like a zillion times in the 3 hours. This was the first party we've had where the parents just dropped off the kids, but I have to say kudos to the little pirates - they all managed to mind their captain and stay dry.
Photography is not allowed in the museum, but this is the Arnold Boecklin painting the kiddies "studied". Not only did the docent discuss the picture with the kids, she had a treasure chest full of noise makers so the kids could imagine the waves, the thunder, the rain and the cry of the kidnapped princess. The complete visual/aural experience was eerie and awesome!!
And of course cake and presents
We got a big spontaneous hug from the Pig when we got home that day - aargh, that was reward aplenty, matey!
And first visit to the Christmas market this year. Monchi had her first ever carousel ride - so looking forward to her experiencing Christmas more fully this year. 
The ice-skating rink is a gigantic water puddle, but still an attraction.
The countdown begins to Chicago!!
Hard to believe my two babies are now 1 and 5! A few weekends ago we celebrated Monchi's 1st birthday, and Jochen and I high-fived on what a good year this has been. Not to say we're not exhausted every day, but somehow the ease with which she joined and completed our family is something we did not expect, and still do not take for granted. We spent this day with Jochen's parents and enjoyed the intimate little party.
The big partying was next day for Pig's Big Do. First the origami invites.
We had asked all the kids to dress up as pirates - and everyone obliged.
They ran, they shouted, they painted, they played pirate roulette for gold (chocolate) bullions. They also went to the bathroom like a zillion times in the 3 hours. This was the first party we've had where the parents just dropped off the kids, but I have to say kudos to the little pirates - they all managed to mind their captain and stay dry.
And of course cake and presents
We got a big spontaneous hug from the Pig when we got home that day - aargh, that was reward aplenty, matey!
