Kuhflecken

Monday was the "bridge holiday" between the weekend and the actual holiday on Tuesday which celebrates German unification.
The kids didn't have school on either day so it was a long 4 day weekend. We all decided that Monday should be a really low key, not do much type of day.  We were all a bit worn out from the swim practices and swim meets and being out and about most of the weekend. 
The kids think it would be fun to make something from the new German cookbook that Liz and Ed, Marty's sister and brother in law, sent to Josie for her birthday.   

We narrow it down to a few recipes but end up on Kuhflecken or "Cow spots" which are chocolate brownies with white chocolate melted in. 
The kids decided they were just too tired to ride the little over half a mile to the grocery store so I happily get

on my bike and bike alone channeling that older woman dressed up with dress shoes who so gracefully rode by me once I fell a couple days earlier and even try to have as good of bike posture.  That bike posture is not easy but I made it with no crashing. It was so fun to have a list of ingredients that are already in German no need to use my google translator on my phone or speak my toddler German to the workers trying to locate something.
When I get home we all take part in making the brownies.  They kids have always enjoyed baking and cooking.  The kitchen here is so small though it was difficult to have us all in there trying to get through the recipe. 

Benjamin was the bowl and spoon licker

Josie translated the entire thing for us and only had to look up a few words (hand mixer, chop and frothy)
Once the brownies are done it was time for Josie to go to swim practice.  This is the 3rd day in a row of swimming and she is a bit worn out. 

Rightfully so.  But she didn't complain much which was nice.  We all go together because we planned to head to Vietnamese food afterward on our way home. Benjamin and I go for a walk in the rain while Josie practices.  Unfortunately, the restaurant that Josie had picked was closed.  Not sure if that is because of the "bridge holiday" or just always closed on Monday.  She opts for her favorite Italian restaurant and thankfully Benjamin and I are both flexible and excited for Italian too.

The candle and the rose make it appear to be a much
fancier restaurant than it was but I love this pic of them.

Such a beauty!

Dinner was delicious and the kids and I really had a good time.  We are all missing Marty like crazy but making the best of it.  In Seattle I don't really eat out much with the kids alone but it is either their age or they have matured a ton since arriving but going out to eat with them alone is actually quite fun. 

We get home and dig into our freshly baked brownies and they were delicious.  And because the previous night of cozy movie was so nice we decide to have another movie.  Why not, it is vacation.