Let's go Ride a Bike...

OK...so the Schnullerfee came around almost 2 weeks ago...and Quinn has been practicing on his 'new' bike since then. Eva went out the first time with him, and I have been avoiding trying to help him ride a bike, because the thought of me bending over, holding his saddle or handlebars just kills my back.

But, I sucked it up and we went riding today.

Quinn did great. He actually rode quite a bit on his own (while I was running behind him, in a hunched position, with my hand near the saddle). The bike is too big for him to start or stop on his own, but once he got going, he did great (no training wheels).

...but my back is killing me...

Schnullerfee (Pacifier Fairy)

Sometimes, parents create stories that stick with kids through their lives. A few days ago, somewhat out pure necessity, Eva created one: the Schnullerfee (Pacifier Fairy).

Our neighbor wanted to get rid off one of their bikes, and they thought we would be a good home for their beloved bike. The bike was too big for Quinn, but we graciously took it and put it in the garage. I didn't think Quinn would see it, but he started asking about the bike.

Eva and I largely ignored his question, but one day he was particularly insistent. Eva's response: the Schnullerfee brought it for him. But, before he could have the bike, he would have to sleep without a pacifier.

My wife is a genious. And a quick thinking one at that.

Quinn hasn't used a pacifier in ages, but he loves one for when he sleeps (and the occasional temper tantrum (Wutanfall)). It is more of a habit than a necessity. The Schnullerfee is exactly what he needed to get him over the hump.

Quinn tried to get around the 'no pacifier for 2 nights rule before the Schnullerfee would give him the bike'. When it finally dawned on him that we wouldn't budge on this, he put the pacifier in his bed trunk. Last Sunday was his second night ... and he got the bike on Monday.
It's still way too big...but he loves the thing...as old, used, (and loved) as it was by the previous owners.

Bayerwald

Last weekend, we met Eva's parents and Nina in the Bavarian Forest for a long weekend, beginning on Ascention Day, which is the traditional Father's Day in Germany.
We had been looking for the long weekend for a long time, but unfortunately the typically great weather in the Bavarian Forest didn't play nicely.

So, in true German fashion, we just went out in our rain gear and tried to make the best out of the crappy, cold, wet weather.

This will probably be the last picture you see of me carrying Quinn in the hiking backpack...he's getting way too heavy, and he can definitely do short hikes by himself (if we let him explore the forest his way).

For kids, hiking is not about going from point to point...it is about picking up rocks and sticks, touching moss, seeing mushrooms and snails, and hearing the birds sing...and definitely wandering off the path.

My back still hurts, by the way.

Unfortunately, Eva got sick as well and had to stay a few days in bed. All in all, it was a nice getaway...but it would have been nicer with better weather and a healthy wife!

Children are the Products of their Parents

Quinn mows the lawn with me now. He also wears his kiddie hearing protectors and garden gloves as additional safety measures (also to imitate me a bit, since I now always wear full on gear, shoes, gloves, hat, and eye protection ever since my last lawnmower accident - just like my dad taught me). I have to smile ear to ear every time when we mow the lawn...
Below are some additional pics when I was stuck in Orlando due to the volcanic ash keeping travellers stranded throughout the world. I had it good: I stayed a few extra days at my Aunt Irene's (and could make a few customer visits), Eva was home alone with two kids...Her mom had already planned to stay the weekend, but after my trip home got delayed and after Quinn got sick, she headed home for some extra hands and support...

The kids loved it.

Emily with Tante Nina. Note the characteristic Emily 'smile'.

Quinn and Opa feeding the fish.

Quinn and Oma...

Books

When I posted a question on my Facebook account (about the best eBook reader), my Aunt Jessica went into a diatribe about making sure that I just go into a bookstore to teach Quinn to learn to love books and the anbiance of a bookstore.

I assured her that Quinn's favorite toys are his books, and it has been a nightly ritual for me for quite some time to read him two books before he goes to bed.

Below, is proof...
When he doesn't want to go to sleep, we let him take some books into bed as long as he stays in his room. This was the result one night.

Eva and I know each of these books (practically) by heart. Quinn does too...and he absolutely loves his books...and we are all grateful for all those books that were given to him!

P.S. I decided on the Barnes & Noble nook for my eBook reader. I absolutely love it!