Cochem

On Saturday we spent the day in Cochem, Germany, right on the Mosel River. We loved the quaint little town and streets lined with half-timbered houses. Unfortunately, the temps were in the mid to upper 90's that day, so we didn't last all day. Nevertheless, it was a nice little Saturday.
 

View of the Cochem Castle.

Within 10 mins of the visit the kids discovered a playground.

Not going to let the heat hold me back.

Mosel River

Twins

Shopping Street in Cochem.

Street along the river.

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Quick stop at the fountain to cool off.

Ha, had to include this. Not sure what Bill was going for here.

Our Visit with Auntie Lindsay and Uncle Tim

Since we moved to Germany we have been so fortunate to have so many great visitors. The beginning of July was no different as Uncle Tim and Auntie Lindsay traveled from Ohio to see us. Despite cancelled flights and a long 24 hours of traveling, they jumped right in. First on their list was a pit-stop in Amsterdam for a belated birthday celebration for Linds. Second stop-Heinsberg! Normally Jake is slow to warm to visitors, but this time was different. He either thought Lindsay was me (Bria did call her "mama") or he remembered her. Although it was a quick week, we had so much fun showing them around "our hood," as well as Bruges, Belgium (one of our favorites). Sadly, Bill was gone for most of the week, but he made it back just in time for a little 4th of July Celebration. Thanks Linds and Tim for chasing Jake and Bria around and for a week full of love and laughter!

Bonding with Uncle Timmy

Sisters at the Lake

Refueling in Heinsberg

Checking out the horses in Bruges, Belgium.

Uncle Tim teaching Jake to jump.

"I did it!"

In Bruges

Reading goodnight books with Auntie Lindsay.

Trying to be a little patriotic on the 4th.

Bill got home from Norway just in time to check the status of the food.

Happy 4th of July!

Captain Jake and his crew.

A little different from the ambulance that Uncle Tim normally drives.

Having fun at the park.

We love all the fun toys they have at European playgrounds.

Final dinner with Linds and Tim in Sittard.

Thanks for a wonderful visit Lockards, we miss you!

Oh, to be 2.5

Last month marked a 2 year old becoming a 2 1/2 year old in the Keleher house. It's been such a fun (read: exhausting, hilarious, trying, entertaining and special) time that we had to share a little bit of life through the eyes of a toddler...

A few of my (Jake's) favorite things-
*Mommy, Daddy, Baby (still only calls her Baby) and Casey
* Trucks, tractors, trains, basically anything with wheels
*Airplanes and flying
*Books
*George (Curious, that is)
*Climbing
*Germany
*Waffles
*Being silly and laughing
*Playing independently
*cleanliness and organization
*Barnoons (balloons)
*The sandbox (after going through a period of a major sand aversion)
*A,B,C's

Eh, I could do without-
- a mess (on me, near me, or on anyone else)
-Time out
-potty training

The best part has been witnessing his growing vocabulary, particularly since being immersed in more than one language. He still speaks Germlish and we are counting on him to teach mom and dad some German one of these days. Here are some of Jacob's go-to phrases (keep in mind they are said with redundancy, which might get to you if not for the adorable 2 year-old voice):

Jake's favorite word these days is NEIN, so anything you ask him he will repeat back and preface with the word. E.g "Jacob, put your shoes on," "Nein, shoes on." "Jacob, do you have poopies? "Nein poopies!" you get the idea.....
"Baby, Mess!" (said with a horrible look when Bria has made a mess)
"It's broken, kind of."
"I like fan."
"Not working mama!"
"Okay, Daddy?" when he thinks he is in trouble or that you are upset he will ask "okay?"
"Trucks, big truck, mail truck, tractor, red truck, garbage truck, trucks, trucks, trucks."

We could go on and on, there is never a dull moment. It might change tomorrow, but for the moment, he is really good about sharing with Bria and making sure she is happy, he doesn't like it when she is upset.

He keeps us laughing, and reminds us to appreciate the little things in life. We love you to the moon and back Jacob!

Vegetarian Haggis?

We just returned from a weekend trip to Edinburgh, Scotland with our great friends, the Cavanaughs. Sadly, the Cavs will be leaving us later this summer so are trying to fit in as much quality time with them as we can. I have always loved Scotland and I am sure that is in part because it is reminiscent of Ireland. The scenery was beautiful, the whiskey was smooth (according to Bill), the people friendly, and the Haggis was, well, interesting! Actually, we were all very surprised to see "vegetarian haggis" on a menu. Not quite sure what that is, but I was not curious enough to try.

 

 

Our first stop was the Edinburgh Castle, or "Jacob's House" as Jake renamed it; I guess the kid has aspirations. The 11th century fort and royal residence sits atop a rock and is the focal point of the city. One could easily spend hours here as there is so much to see, unless of course you have a 2 year-old and 1 year-old, then you choose to do the abbreviated version. I also don't recommend taking your very vocal 1 year-old to wait in line to see the Crown Jewels. Fortunately, the old woman whose cane Bria grabbed, did not fall over; lesson learned!

Edinburgh Castle

Still had to bundle our kids up in winter coats!

I would imagine they get tired of tourists taking their picture all day long.

View from the Castle.

Stopping to make a quick call.

The Castle marks the beginning of the Royal Mile. It's essentially a historic road lined with museums, pubs, and shops and it ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

And of course street entertainers.

But who needs bagpipers when you have Ellie? She smiled the entire weekend.

Ellie, Daddy, and Rick Steves planning our next excursion.

Despite the similar appearance, these two have very different personalities.



 

On Father's Day the sun was shining so we decided to go to Arthur's Seat for a hike. We intended to hike all the way up the 822 ft volcanic remains of Arthur's Seat, but after pushing strollers half-way up the mountain, we discovered we hadn't taken the easy path after all; nevertheless, the views were gorgeous and we were able to sit and enjoy the scenery.

 

 

Happy Father's Day Bill and Colin! (don't be fooled, they didn't just hike on father's day, they also sampled a few scotches)

The Cavanonis

Bill, after a hike, playing with the kids...and some scotch!




Palace of Holyroodhouse at the end of the Royal Mile. Royalty preferred living here as opposed to the castle. It also contains a collection of the Queen's artwork.

Stopping for a pint and music in the New Town.

Cheers to a great daddy!

Our best attempt at a group shot. What this picture didn't capture was the horrible look Jake gave his sister moments before when she made a mess with her ice cream. Bria had ice cream all over her face and table while Jake's spot was neat and organized. Clearly, Jake did not like the mess. Gee, can you tell which child has each parent's personality?

Mom's night out!



What a great trip with wonderful friends. Thanks for all the laughs Cav Family!