One small step for mankind, one giant step for Kidu

Today was the first day I didn't have to help him with the multiple steps of winter clothes. Turning the sweater & jacket right side out. Holding the other side so he could put his second arm in. Holding the stinky gloves while he shoves his hands in.

Thankfully he had mastered scarf tying, shoe velcroing and hat donning weeks before.

No need to blog

when someone else does it for you. Thanks Leslie!

http://lesliekidd.blogspot.com/2010/01/birthday-party-in-primary.html

You know it's cold...

...when the sewer vents are steaming.

Long Night on the Town

On New Year's Eve I was able to spend time with some of my favorite people in a city that parties as soon as it gets dark.

Here we are with an older Austrian gentleman who wanted to be in our picture.

The Graben

Waiting for fireworks in front of the Rathaus

Christmas Past: Midnight Mass at Stephansdom

By far one of the coolest things I've done in Vienna. The organ calling all the faithful to adore was beyond words.

Christmas Past: Recycling

This is the oh-so-cool container in which my mom sent Chex Mix to me. It was the perfect size for the biscotti we gave to the family that hosted us on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Past: Cat Sitting

The week before Christmas we watched the two cats of a friend who was back home in the states. Once they got past their fear of people, they were fun companions to have around.

Christmas Past: My first icicle

As a result of the snow melting, I saw my first icicle. So exciting for this California girl!

Christmas Past: Snow

We had a great snowstorm the Saturday before Christmas. The snow didn't stick around for Christmas, but it was fun to walk the city and see it covered with snow.

First Trip of the Year

This past weekend, Sara and I headed by train to Munich. I enjoyed being able to dig deeper into a city I'd merely passed through earlier this year with my family. Some of my favorite sights:

One of the towers of the Frauenkirche

A great flower stand

Icicles forming beneath fresh flowers in a fountain

Check out the wood paneling in this U-bahn

Relaxing on the hammock

The shadow from Peterskirche on the Rathaus

Just a clock

See more pictures here.

Christmas Present: Our tree

This year we upgraded to a fake tree. We never got around to putting lights on it. Thank goodness for the tiny ornaments Anna sent in the advent calendar. Otherwise our poor tree would have been decorated with a semi-crunched ribbon and the seven ornaments we bought as the season progressed.

At the bottom you can see the gift I gave Whitney. No, it's not the cheesy Santa mug, it's the ceramic pitcher to the right.

Christmas Past: Primary Party

Miss Mac joined us for our party and took some great pictures. Thanks!

My idea of a party: everyone bring food and eat.

Noah brought us apples.

Jonathan's enjoying his chocolate something or other. I'm in the background frantically trying to get independent work ready for a student who's traveling for 3 weeks after the break.

Miss Mac patiently listens to Primary secrets.

Christmas Past: Trip to the Rathaus

Every year City Hall has crafts that kids can make for their families. We headed off to make cookies.

First 2 U-bahns.

Our line as we switch to the second train. My kids are great line-walkers.

Working hard.

This doesn't happen often

Especially in winter (the clock is PST)