Welcome Franziska!!

This post is 6 weeks over due... Back in Berlin (which I have yet to post about) we met our new nanny, Franziska, and her entire family.  After a not so good experience with our last nanny we were a bit anxious.  We had talked with Franziska through Skype several times but until you meet someone face to face you just never know.  We had no need to worry.  From the moment we met her we could tell she was going to be a super addition to our family. 

We met up in Berlin at Legoland.  Her and Josie hit it off immediately and we had a great time getting to know her parents and her brother.  I know if Josie ever decided to do something like this I would so appreciate the opportunity to get to know her prospective host parents and family.   Here are a few photos from Legoland.

She has been with us for about 6 weeks and fits in so nicely.  Not to mention does a fabulous job with the kids.  Both Benjamin and Josie are singing German songs and speaking/understanding German. Her and Josie spend hours doing art projects and Benjamin enjoys riding piggy back, singing songs and blowing bubbles.  Welcome to our family, Franziska!!

Sesame Street Live

On Sunday Marty got us free tickets to see Sesame Street Live.  Marty couldn't go with us but thankfully, Aunt Liz was able to meet us. On the way there the kids zonked out for pretty much the entire drive from West Seattle to Everett.  

But rest assured, once we got there they were as lively as ever.   Before the show began there were a bunch of things to do in the lobby.  Mostly just a bunch of cut-out Sesame Street figure which all had buttons on them to make them talk.  Benjamin insisted on pushing every single one.  Multiple times. 

Talking Count,  Talking Abby and Talking Oscar

During the show they sat mesmerized by the action on the stage.

And afterward Aunt Liz treated us to "Old McDonalds"  Benjamin's first taste of McDonalds... first if you don't count the two big macs I ate while pregnant.  

Hanging with the Boys

Josie can play princesses and fairies all day long with the girls but she can also hang with the boys like nobody else.  Last weekend she celebrated her friend Will's birthday with a trip to the fire station and afterward the whole crew went to Menchies for frozen yogurt.  Here they are admiring one of Will's new toys.

Counting Teeth

 Last week Benjamin went to the dentist for the first time. He normally doesn't like to get his teeth brushed but with Josie setting such a great example, he was loving it and even wanted back in the chair when his turn was over.  Above, the dentist wanted to count Benjamin's teeth. Josie was asked to helped and even opened her mouth to show him how to do it. They were very cute.

 Benjamin's new pose lately when he is lounging on the couch or watching t.v. or really anytime he is sitting is to put his two arms up and behind his head.  Even at the dentist he strikes the pose.

Josie sporting her pink frilly skirt and pink protective eye wear

Sooooo much to blog about and so little time.  Still to come, Benjamin's birthday, Trip to the Tulips and of course, our Europe trip.  The thought of trying to even come close to doing the trip justice on the blog is overwhelming.  I might just start posting random photos instead of trying to do an in depth summary. 

Two Wheels!

The weekend before Benjamin's birthday, Josie told us that she was ready for her training wheels to be taken off.  I told her and everyone who asked, that she was no where near ready to ride by herself.  She was very adamant.  Marty diligently took them off and within a couple times down the street she was riding on her own!  LOVE her determination and spirit to claim herself ready and to make it so.  Stopping by herself is coming slowly.  Way to go, Josie!! Both of these videos were taken within hours of her training wheels coming off.
This video http://vimeo.com/40844750 shows her sassy attitude and confidence.  "Got it, Mom!"