As you know, I haven't posted in almost 4 weeks now. There is a great excuse: we have been on vacation for 3 weeks - in Hawaii. We got back on Friday after 2 days of travelling.
I'm trying to get the post of the vacation finished, but it will take a few more days. So, in the meantime, a few YouTube clips of some great music from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, an iconic legend in Hawaiian music.
Some of you might know his version of Over the Rainbow / Wonderful World
...but after the 3 weeks in Hawaii, I have a greater appreciation of his traditional Hawaiian music
...technically speaking, were we in Hawaii or on Hawaii. I hate prepositions.
Give me a few more days, and I'll have a monster blog post with 80+ pictures and more text than you probably want to read ;-)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
5 Amazing Years
As the saying goes, how time flies. Today, Eva and I celebrate our 5th (Civil Service) Wedding Anniversary. The church anniversary is tomorrow.
Thank you all for a wonderful event that we will always cherish. We are looking forward to making another 5 years of memories with you.
Can't believe it has been five years already. It seems like just yesterday when many of our friends from the US came to Germany, road tripped with us for a pre wedding road trip through parts of southern Germany. Standesamt was cold, very cold, but so sunny that you needed shades.
The church wedding was, well, unique: a US Episcopal priest marrying a German Catholic in a Protestant Church. No way this thing can last too long. Crazy. It was warmer, the church was cute and full of friends and family. It rained, but we considered that good luck.
And the reception. All of our friends and family from all over the world with us...for our wedding. We were so very thankful for those that travelled to be there for us. And thankful for those that couldn't make the trip, but whose thoughts were with us.
There were games: Eva and I had a cooking contest, there were dancers (and we felt like a king and queen at court), and even a Bayern München scarf (to my mother in law's great pleasure, I support our local team, 1. FC Nürnberg).
There was the party: the best time of our lives and a night we'll never forget. The US guests were reminded that the beer would flow all night (and that this was a marathon, not a sprint), the German guests were worried that the Americans wouldn't know how to party at a German wedding (Ize, Justin, Joel, and Tom doing YMCA on the catwalk quelched that notion), there were speeches, and there was a complete understanding, despite multiple languages, and there were the traditions (Klotzentanz and 7 Bridges).
And when you boil it all down, there are three very powerful memories that I always relate and connect to my wedding day. Three very powerful memories that bring a very warm sense of happiness to my heart, an intense love for my wife, and a very strong bond for our marriage:
... my grandmother: a woman of incredible strength, knowledge, and uncompromising love for all of God's children and creations
...Eva's Tante Inge: who passed away shortly after our wedding. She was in incredible pain that night and never showed it.
...all of our friends and family, formed in a circle of candles, listening to Bridge over Troubled Water, as the final song of our wedding reception.
...all of our friends and family, formed in a circle of candles, listening to Bridge over Troubled Water, as the final song of our wedding reception.Thank you all for a wonderful event that we will always cherish. We are looking forward to making another 5 years of memories with you.Monday, October 13, 2008
American ?
As Quinn gets older, there are situations or actions that you can absolutely pin on 'Eva's Genes' or 'Rob's Genes': basically, one notices the unique parts that made it to one's child. Some are significant (Quinn got his gender from me), some are funny (he prefers to run around without socks, like me, and Eva tends to always wear socks), and some meaningless, but you just want to test it.
I had my chance for one of these meaningless 'traits' about a week ago: I was in the grocery store with Quinn, and as I walked past the peanut butter, I thought: I've got to try this.
Later that day, I had my first chance to see if Quinn was really an American: does he like peanut butter. I love the stuff and can eat it right out of the jar with a spoon. Eva hates the stuff.
So, I very carefully spread some peanut butter on a piece of bread, and like Mikey (for the German audience, Mikey is a reference to an old cereal commercial), he tried it. And he liked it. He passed the test: he not only ate the peanut butter, he wanted more, and I made his first PB&J! (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich).
Quinn hit a few more 'firsts' these last two weeks: when asked 'Who is Quinn', he points to himself. He also can say 'Wasser' (Water) but it sounds more like 'Scheiße' (Shit). He did NOT pick that up from me and DEFINITELY not from Eva. Just a coincidence since he really can't make the 'w' sound...
I had my chance for one of these meaningless 'traits' about a week ago: I was in the grocery store with Quinn, and as I walked past the peanut butter, I thought: I've got to try this.
Later that day, I had my first chance to see if Quinn was really an American: does he like peanut butter. I love the stuff and can eat it right out of the jar with a spoon. Eva hates the stuff.
So, I very carefully spread some peanut butter on a piece of bread, and like Mikey (for the German audience, Mikey is a reference to an old cereal commercial), he tried it. And he liked it. He passed the test: he not only ate the peanut butter, he wanted more, and I made his first PB&J! (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich).
Quinn hit a few more 'firsts' these last two weeks: when asked 'Who is Quinn', he points to himself. He also can say 'Wasser' (Water) but it sounds more like 'Scheiße' (Shit). He did NOT pick that up from me and DEFINITELY not from Eva. Just a coincidence since he really can't make the 'w' sound...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fantastic Fall 2009
Since Quinn likes to look along when Eva or I cook, I thought that it was time for him to take part in the best part of cooking: trying stuff along the way. Below, he's licking the potato masher after I finished making my 'not so famous' mashed potatoes.
While the weather last weekend wasn't perfect, it was still dry, and we took off on a hike in the area. Quinn loved the scenery so much that he took a nap.
After our hike, there was a pumpkin festival nearby. Being October, we had to check it out.
As 'luck' would have it, Eva and I had exactly 5 EUR cash in our pockets...just enought to buy a few Bratwurst for us to snack on. There were no ATM's (Geldautomat) in the small village. No cash = no pumpkins :-(
The weather was pretty crappy this whole weekend, but around 1pm today, the clouds broke free and we dropped everything to head out on a hike to enjoy the great fall weather.
With all of the leaves changing, Eva had some great chances to use her good camera to capture the scenery.
At first, Quinn never really like ball caps...now he only wears them backwards. Don't know where or from whom he picked that one up.
I could have sat at this overlook for hours enjoying the scenery, weather, and my family.
Our attempt at a family pic. Not a particularly flattering pic of me.
There were tons of little rocks along the path...with Quinn tried to pick up and throw.
The last pic of me with my shades. Shortly after this pic, Quinn took off my hat and shades. Somehow, I didn't see or hear the shades hitting the ground. Now they are lost forever. Another reason to never buy expensives shades.
While the weather last weekend wasn't perfect, it was still dry, and we took off on a hike in the area. Quinn loved the scenery so much that he took a nap.
After our hike, there was a pumpkin festival nearby. Being October, we had to check it out.
As 'luck' would have it, Eva and I had exactly 5 EUR cash in our pockets...just enought to buy a few Bratwurst for us to snack on. There were no ATM's (Geldautomat) in the small village. No cash = no pumpkins :-(
The weather was pretty crappy this whole weekend, but around 1pm today, the clouds broke free and we dropped everything to head out on a hike to enjoy the great fall weather.
With all of the leaves changing, Eva had some great chances to use her good camera to capture the scenery.
At first, Quinn never really like ball caps...now he only wears them backwards. Don't know where or from whom he picked that one up.
I could have sat at this overlook for hours enjoying the scenery, weather, and my family.
Our attempt at a family pic. Not a particularly flattering pic of me.
There were tons of little rocks along the path...with Quinn tried to pick up and throw.
The last pic of me with my shades. Shortly after this pic, Quinn took off my hat and shades. Somehow, I didn't see or hear the shades hitting the ground. Now they are lost forever. Another reason to never buy expensives shades.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Sense of Humor?
We are in this phase where we 'read' with Quinn, and one of his favorites is an animal book: lots of colorful pictures and the sort. Like any normal parent, we explain the pictures: 'a dog goes bowwow' and 'a cat goes meow'.
Like the smart kid he is and since he can say 'bowwow' and 'meow' better than 'dog/Hund' or 'cat/Katze', he calls dogs 'bowwows' and cats 'meows'.
So, we're reading his picture book. He sees a dog, points to it and says 'bowwow'. Shortly thereafter, he sees a cat, points to it and says 'meow'.
Then, he sees a gorilla in his picture book, points to it, and says 'Papa'.
?
The joys of parenting.
Like the smart kid he is and since he can say 'bowwow' and 'meow' better than 'dog/Hund' or 'cat/Katze', he calls dogs 'bowwows' and cats 'meows'.
So, we're reading his picture book. He sees a dog, points to it and says 'bowwow'. Shortly thereafter, he sees a cat, points to it and says 'meow'.
Then, he sees a gorilla in his picture book, points to it, and says 'Papa'.
?
The joys of parenting.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Super Cool !
So it finally happened. As I was coming home from work approaching the house, I could hear Quinn yelling " papa, Papa, PAPA!!!"
He saw me through the window, and he was excited that I was home (early). When you think or dream of how things would be as a father, you always have this picture in your mind: that your children are visably excited to see you come home. It brings a huge smile that it has happened yesterday for the first time. I hope that I can continue to be the father that Quinn enjoys being with.
So...after coming home, I quickly changed into my running clothes, and I (we) went running for an hour together. Quinn fell asleep in his jogger, as usual, and I got my peaceful jog in the forest.
He saw me through the window, and he was excited that I was home (early). When you think or dream of how things would be as a father, you always have this picture in your mind: that your children are visably excited to see you come home. It brings a huge smile that it has happened yesterday for the first time. I hope that I can continue to be the father that Quinn enjoys being with.
So...after coming home, I quickly changed into my running clothes, and I (we) went running for an hour together. Quinn fell asleep in his jogger, as usual, and I got my peaceful jog in the forest.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
OMG! What is my child doing?
When I got back home from a trip to the US, one of the first things that Eva said to me was practically a warning: If you put in a load of laundry, check the wash machine, since Quinn likes to put stuff in it.
Shortly thereafter, Eva put in a load of laundry and noticed about a half hour through the cycle that there was a lot of foam in the machine. Thinking something might be wrong, we stopped the cycle and opened the machine (our washer is a front loader, so this is more difficult than you would expect)...to find my last two bars of Ivory soap in the machine. Thanks Quinn!
I think this will mark the beginning of the 'oh my God, what did my child do'.
Last weekend, there was an open house at the local Fire Department (Feuerwehr Fest). They set up a bunch of cool demos, presentations of sort, and cool stuff for the kids to do. The weather wasn't all that great, but we went with Tanja, Rene, and their son Henrik. They had a bunch of trikes and Big Wheels (of sorts) for the kids to ride on. While Quinn's legs were too short (a common Gould ailment) to peddle, he had fun since I had to push him around (great for the back).
They had a kids version of a firehose that we could use to practice putting out fires. I think this was more fun for the adults, but Quinn tried to get into it.
On a conveyor, they had some mini 'fire trucks' for the kids to ride in. Quinn really liked these, and we rode two or three times...
We also got to slide on the poles. This was particularly difficult for both Rene and I...since we had to keep lifting the boys up so that they could slide down. That was my workout for the day.
Since the weather was significantly better this weekend, we were a bit more active: especially in Germany in the Fall, you need to get out on the weekends if the weather is this nice.
So, we headed into the Fränkische Schweiz for a Sunday morning hike with our neighbors.
We let Quinn run around in one of the fields, which he absolutely loved: running in the tall grass and picking the dandelions. The great thing about such a field is that he can run, fall, stumble, and pick grass with little chance of doing damage to himself.
Not too sure what Quinn is doing here: kinda looks like a cross between his 'I'm taking a dump now' and his 'Kung Fu Master' look. Thanks to Mom and Dad for the super cute jacket (that finally fits!!!). I think he looks like a little lumberjack here.
Quinn and Kaya.
Unfortunately, we got to the Biergarten a bit late. With such a nice day, everyone was out hiking, and the place was packed. We were told that it would take over an hour to get lunch, and there would be a risk that they would be out of food by then. So, we settled for cake and coffee (ok...I had a beer). Unfortunately, it was a shame, since their food is really good, and we were all looking forward to it.
I played with Quinn in the backyard after we got back, went on a nice bike ride in the Fränkische Schweiz, and now I'm pooped.
Quinn is picking up new words each day. He has 'cheese' and 'shoes' down pretty well, possibly perhaps to their closeness to the Germany word for 'bye' that he has known for a while 'Tschuß'. We're also trying to get him to know the 'magic word' (please). He'll say that he wants more of something (mehr), I'll ask for the magic word, and he replies: 'bitte'. Super cute in his 18 month old voice. Eva asks for the magic word like a normal human, but for me, the 'magic word' was something that stuck...so I'm passing it along to Quinn.
While he can say more German words than English, he understands both Eva and I equally well. Regardless of the language, there have been a few occasions where it was obvious he understood what we said, and you could see him contemplating whether he wanted to do what he asked...
Shortly thereafter, Eva put in a load of laundry and noticed about a half hour through the cycle that there was a lot of foam in the machine. Thinking something might be wrong, we stopped the cycle and opened the machine (our washer is a front loader, so this is more difficult than you would expect)...to find my last two bars of Ivory soap in the machine. Thanks Quinn!
I think this will mark the beginning of the 'oh my God, what did my child do'.
Last weekend, there was an open house at the local Fire Department (Feuerwehr Fest). They set up a bunch of cool demos, presentations of sort, and cool stuff for the kids to do. The weather wasn't all that great, but we went with Tanja, Rene, and their son Henrik. They had a bunch of trikes and Big Wheels (of sorts) for the kids to ride on. While Quinn's legs were too short (a common Gould ailment) to peddle, he had fun since I had to push him around (great for the back).They had a kids version of a firehose that we could use to practice putting out fires. I think this was more fun for the adults, but Quinn tried to get into it.
On a conveyor, they had some mini 'fire trucks' for the kids to ride in. Quinn really liked these, and we rode two or three times...
We also got to slide on the poles. This was particularly difficult for both Rene and I...since we had to keep lifting the boys up so that they could slide down. That was my workout for the day.
Since the weather was significantly better this weekend, we were a bit more active: especially in Germany in the Fall, you need to get out on the weekends if the weather is this nice.
So, we headed into the Fränkische Schweiz for a Sunday morning hike with our neighbors.
We let Quinn run around in one of the fields, which he absolutely loved: running in the tall grass and picking the dandelions. The great thing about such a field is that he can run, fall, stumble, and pick grass with little chance of doing damage to himself.
Not too sure what Quinn is doing here: kinda looks like a cross between his 'I'm taking a dump now' and his 'Kung Fu Master' look. Thanks to Mom and Dad for the super cute jacket (that finally fits!!!). I think he looks like a little lumberjack here.
Quinn and Kaya.
Unfortunately, we got to the Biergarten a bit late. With such a nice day, everyone was out hiking, and the place was packed. We were told that it would take over an hour to get lunch, and there would be a risk that they would be out of food by then. So, we settled for cake and coffee (ok...I had a beer). Unfortunately, it was a shame, since their food is really good, and we were all looking forward to it.I played with Quinn in the backyard after we got back, went on a nice bike ride in the Fränkische Schweiz, and now I'm pooped.
Quinn is picking up new words each day. He has 'cheese' and 'shoes' down pretty well, possibly perhaps to their closeness to the Germany word for 'bye' that he has known for a while 'Tschuß'. We're also trying to get him to know the 'magic word' (please). He'll say that he wants more of something (mehr), I'll ask for the magic word, and he replies: 'bitte'. Super cute in his 18 month old voice. Eva asks for the magic word like a normal human, but for me, the 'magic word' was something that stuck...so I'm passing it along to Quinn.
While he can say more German words than English, he understands both Eva and I equally well. Regardless of the language, there have been a few occasions where it was obvious he understood what we said, and you could see him contemplating whether he wanted to do what he asked...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
True Friends are Friends Forever
As the cliche goes: neither time nor distance can break the bonds of friendship. Being in Germany for over 5 years now, I've definitely put this theory to test. Thankfully, this maxim does hold true for true friendships.
Last weekend, I was in the mountains of Colorado for BW's wedding, and on Sunday after the wedding, I met up with some of the other Pi Kapps from college that still live in Denver. While I don't get to see these very close friends of mine very often, every time we get together, it's like we saw each other just yesterday...we are just a bit fatter and have more grey hair.
As I awoke in Keystone the day before BW's wedding, there was snow on the ground. I can only imagine the look of fear and disappointment on Melissa's face: as they planned a wedding in the mountains of Colorado in September, I'm sure she wasn't dreaming about snow.
We were planning on a group hike on Friday, but had to cut it a bit short due to the snow. Many of the friends and family arrived on Thursday, so it gave us more time to get to know each other before the wedding.
Simply breathtaking. Everytime I'm in the mountains, I realize how much I love the mountains. Another cliche is that people are either mountain people or beach people. I'm a mountain person. Definitely.
...but at almost 12,000 feet, I'm breathing a bit harder.
The day of the wedding, in true BW fashion, we went for a ride. It was about a 90 minute ride, but the scenery was great, and it was nice to get out and get some exercise before the wedding.
The groomsmen preparing BW for married life.
It was an outdoor wedding. In true Colorado fashion, the snow from Friday cleared out for blue Colorado skies. It was probably in the high 70's (~25C); one couldn't ask for better weather for a wedding.
A close up of the altar.
The bride from the window...
...the signatures...now the marriage is official.
...now the picture taking begins...
Sam and I. We haven't seen each other much these last years, but it is still a blast to be around him, and I think and hope that we'll get to visit more these next years.
...the wedding party looking casual...
...and the groomsmen (trying) to look cool...
I think this is a great pic of Sam.
...and this time with me...
What a wonderful backdrop for a wedding.
For Eva, I had to take a pic of the wedding cake(s). The place is known for their cakes...I remember only having a slice or two (maybe three), and they were absolutely wonderful!
We brought a bit of our German wedding traditions with us, and we gave BW and Melissa 'hearts': each guest got to paint their own heart in a square for BW and Melissa to hang in their new home to remember their wedding day. Thanks tons to Scup and his girlfriend Steph (pictured below) who did most all of the work gather canvasses and paints.
All in all, it was a super wedding, with great friends and great weather with the backdrop of the mountains. The location was superb, and all of the staff at the Ski Tip Lodge provided not only great service, but great food and comfort. If you get a chance, I'd highly recommend going there.
On Sunday, since I had a late flight, I headed to Denver to meet up with some of the other guys: Justin, Hunter, CY, Krier, and Darin....with of course the spouses and children. It was great to take the few hours to catch up with everyone and was unfortunate that I had to go and catch my flight.
What blog post is complete without a few pics of Quinn. Below...wearing my boots. Like father like son. The other editor of this blog reminded that a few of these pictures are reposts, and that I might have plagiarized some of the content: it was so good, that it deserves to be posted again!
Finally, the huge stuffed bear at Oma and Opa's place. Don't know how Quinn could lift and carry it, but when he wants something, he finds the strength.
Doesn't it look like the bear is leaning down to look at Quinn?
Oma and Opa.
...and playing in the yard.
Last weekend, I was in the mountains of Colorado for BW's wedding, and on Sunday after the wedding, I met up with some of the other Pi Kapps from college that still live in Denver. While I don't get to see these very close friends of mine very often, every time we get together, it's like we saw each other just yesterday...we are just a bit fatter and have more grey hair.
As I awoke in Keystone the day before BW's wedding, there was snow on the ground. I can only imagine the look of fear and disappointment on Melissa's face: as they planned a wedding in the mountains of Colorado in September, I'm sure she wasn't dreaming about snow. We were planning on a group hike on Friday, but had to cut it a bit short due to the snow. Many of the friends and family arrived on Thursday, so it gave us more time to get to know each other before the wedding.Simply breathtaking. Everytime I'm in the mountains, I realize how much I love the mountains. Another cliche is that people are either mountain people or beach people. I'm a mountain person. Definitely.
...but at almost 12,000 feet, I'm breathing a bit harder.
The day of the wedding, in true BW fashion, we went for a ride. It was about a 90 minute ride, but the scenery was great, and it was nice to get out and get some exercise before the wedding.
The groomsmen preparing BW for married life.
It was an outdoor wedding. In true Colorado fashion, the snow from Friday cleared out for blue Colorado skies. It was probably in the high 70's (~25C); one couldn't ask for better weather for a wedding.
A close up of the altar.
The bride from the window...
...the signatures...now the marriage is official.
...now the picture taking begins...
Sam and I. We haven't seen each other much these last years, but it is still a blast to be around him, and I think and hope that we'll get to visit more these next years.
...the wedding party looking casual...
...and the groomsmen (trying) to look cool...
I think this is a great pic of Sam.
...and this time with me...
What a wonderful backdrop for a wedding.
For Eva, I had to take a pic of the wedding cake(s). The place is known for their cakes...I remember only having a slice or two (maybe three), and they were absolutely wonderful!We brought a bit of our German wedding traditions with us, and we gave BW and Melissa 'hearts': each guest got to paint their own heart in a square for BW and Melissa to hang in their new home to remember their wedding day. Thanks tons to Scup and his girlfriend Steph (pictured below) who did most all of the work gather canvasses and paints.
All in all, it was a super wedding, with great friends and great weather with the backdrop of the mountains. The location was superb, and all of the staff at the Ski Tip Lodge provided not only great service, but great food and comfort. If you get a chance, I'd highly recommend going there.On Sunday, since I had a late flight, I headed to Denver to meet up with some of the other guys: Justin, Hunter, CY, Krier, and Darin....with of course the spouses and children. It was great to take the few hours to catch up with everyone and was unfortunate that I had to go and catch my flight.@ Hunter: you've got great content: Blog.
Above: a pic of the taps in the MacLean's kitchen. This was the compromise to Justin building a pantry: he got a kegerator and taps into the kitchen. Very cool.
What blog post is complete without a few pics of Quinn. Below...wearing my boots. Like father like son. The other editor of this blog reminded that a few of these pictures are reposts, and that I might have plagiarized some of the content: it was so good, that it deserves to be posted again!
Finally, the huge stuffed bear at Oma and Opa's place. Don't know how Quinn could lift and carry it, but when he wants something, he finds the strength.
Doesn't it look like the bear is leaning down to look at Quinn?
Oma and Opa.
...and playing in the yard.
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