Happy Birthday Tate! and a few of our events of the weekend....

We started our weekend out with a birthday celebration for our best bud Tate. He turned 4 and partied it up at Kiki Mondo. Its an awesome kids place with cool slides, tramolines (that even big kids can go on) and a bucking bull. Its the same spot Nick had his birthday bash so needless to say he was thrilled for a reason to go back.

Its super cute to see Nick's excitement when Tate opens his gift. He squealed - 'see, I got you a ball shooter!' Sorry, Farrah, we really wanted the drum set! Happy Birthday Tate Later that afternoon we decided to test out the bike trailer. We received this super cool insert from Margaret years ago and figured it was time to make it work (before Shane out grows it). Both Boys had a helmet (thanks to Lynn Azuma who will forever be in my mind reminding me of such things!) I have a feeling Shane will soon be occupying more of his fair share of a seat!

We rode down to the airport to watch the planes come in.

Just a few in the distance.

Chris convinced Nick to wave so the pilot could see him. Those planes were quite loud!

On Sunday Chris decided to attack the pond. We were thrilled to see how many fish were able to weather through the winter (we don't have any fancy heaters like my folks so these fish better be hearty!) I have a feeling they were quite active as well since there are some additional ones too.

Nick is such a big help with chores

Shane wanted to be part of the action - so here he is in his suit. We call him lego man when we dress him up in this one...

of course all smiles - what a tough baby=)

I love a man in sweater vests!!

Chris Nick decided if he can dress in a sweater vest than he can wear one too! Now there are some good looking men =) How lucky they are MINE!
As an additional birthday wish, I got two more days of beautiful snow fall. I know everyone else hated it - but I loved watching the snow flakes and was super hot in the new jacket I finally received. Nick even asked if he could go play in the snow. He was out there solo for over 45 minutes! Thursday night I enjoyed every second of a slow drive to book club at Farrah. Ah the magic of snow!
Here's a cute video of Shane. He is growing up too quick and I know I say that too often. I am thankful to have this time with him as he is truly my little buddy. I can make him laugh in a second. He loves to cuddle and most recently figured out that he LOVES his toes (he does not get to see them that often. When we were on vacation we kept showing them to him. He would them grave and roll over! Too cute.
He is also loving the German baby food. First off, everything has potatoes in it. Carrots and Potatoes, Spinach and potatoes, and potatoes Zuchinni. They have the best selection and Shane can not get enough. Nick was SO picky as a baby that I am loving every minute of Shane stuffing full of good German cooking! He is finally rolling over (it take a lot to move that girth)

Seefeld, Austria

This weekend we traveled out to Seefeld Austria for a much needed trip to the mountains (I am not sure what Nick's life will be life, when the normal vacation does not involve mountains!) We hit the road right after kindergarten on Friday.

In typical German fashion, we hit a STAU (30 car pile up) within 40KM of the trip. We tried to navigate around it (but so did everyone else). We arrived at 6 just in time for dinner. Wyland had already beat us there. He took a train from St. Moritz, Switzerland to meet up with us.

We stayed in a cute little apartment in Seefeld. it was the perfect size. Nick and grandpa got to bunk in together (lucky as Grandpa Nick sleeps while in motion!) Chris and I got to bunk in with Shane. Here is the first day on the slopes. Nick 'walked' around in his skis for a bit to get the feel of it. It did not take long before he had some confidence and was ready to head up the mountain with mom.

Of course you have to eat a little snow.

This was a super tiny mountain - perfect for the first timers. We could even pay for each run separately. It was just a little two sided tow rope.

The little blurb is us coming down - the right side is a blip of the tow rope

Yes, Nick's skis aren't on the ground and Yes, my back is getting quite the workout! But no, our skis never crossed. Nick was never short on instruction! He insisted that I 'hold his bellie!' the entire time.

Not a bad view

Here is the cheering stands for those first time skiers. Yes, they opened the bar when they opened the slopes - that is where Chris and Wyland stayed!

Just a quick video of the little skier. We didn't video this - but he was able to go about 10 meters without me. He had his arms out like an airplane - too cute.


Please notice the Michigan helmet!

Shane hanging out at the bar!

Sunday morning Wyland convinced Chris and I to head out on our own. He thought Nick would help! So we purchased 1/2 day tickets (who are we kidding - as if we need a full day!) and hit the slopes.

You would think we positioned our heads just perfect around that mountain! Well done and yes, nice nose ring!

I should submit this photo to a ski magazine - look at that hottie.

on another note - check out the two skiers behind him. You may have to zoom in. But they are skiing UP the mountain. Yes, its a sign of the economic times. Folks purchase a 'tape' that goes on the bottom of their downhill skis. Than they put on their backpack (filled with water and the clothes they are stripping off on the way up). They also have different bindings on their skis that allow them to pop out almost like telemarking. We saw TONS of them.

Of course Chris and I like to consider ourselves ready to tackle just about any physical fitness challenge - we hope to always be able to afford lift tickets!

Again, look at that hottie!

We decided two German beers and being able to ski back down is just the amount of challenge we need right now.

Seriously - that is beautiful!

We came home to Shane sleeping. Nick and Wyland were reading. I don't know what he was hiding - but I don't care! It was a wonderful morning - thanks wyland!

Next - lets find dinner - wait, are they playing music - do they serve beer - gosh, we are like flies to a light! Cannot resist!

Even Nick was swindling the waitress for more chocolate!

The Leadbetter family loving the mountains!

Happy birthday to me!

My father-in-law arrived the day before my birthday - no only was I amazed as he was able to land in Frankfurt and navigate his way directly to my home via, train and bus (Nick and I picked him up at the playgroud up the street) But he has been helpful since the moment he landed. That night I hosted some wonderful ladies for a bunco night, Wyland and Chris took the boys to dinner together.

On my birthday morning we walked Nick to Kindergarden and put Shane down for a nap. At that time - I decided to hit the trails SOLO (well, with Pauli, but hey - that is awesome) we ran an AMAZING trail in my town. It was through the woods with some of the most remarkable scenery. I rounded one corner to came upon this beatiful hill top that was decorated with a silo, three perfectly placed tree and a deer stand just for Steve Madray. I almost took a picture but feared my motivation would end..... However 30 minutes later when I came on that same spot again, I thought twice (but since I realized I was lost at that point my motivation was already lost - than I was almost crying, so sorry, no photo) If anyone is listening - please - a sense of direction for my birthday!! So my 40 minute run turned into 80 minutes and inculded conversations with any and all Germans along the way to make sure I was headed towards 'de Autos!' My lungs felt great, but my muscles are quite upset...

Cheers!!

My desire was to get my nose pierced, random right? Of course my folks were thrilled =) But in germany I see LOTS of ladies with cool nose piercings so I have only been more intregued. So I met a new German friend (Claudia who has a nose piercing) recommended this place.Tomorrow I will be waking up with more than just a hangover!

Yes, this is the tattoo/piercing parlor. Needless to say, my father-in-law didn't follow me in, but judging by the photos on the wall, he may wish he did!

The sweet lady that was kind enough to make it so painless! She has a ring on her nose and a piercing at the top too... I kept it simple (for now hahahaha!)

Nick with his brochen - mom with her nose ring...

Anyone want to join me?

Dear USPS - when I order a winter jacket in January, I hope to receive it before winter ends. I appreciate the gesture of delivering it on my birthday - however that was 36 days later!!

Speaking of quality deliveries, I am celebrating the delivery of a Chelcy Carson package that arrived in less than 60 days!! Just in time for my birthday. Thanks to her, my house smells wonderful, my munckins will be mesmorized by bubbles for hours (days hopefully) my coffee will taste better and I will be enriched with quality reading. But mostly I am thrilled with her new postal delivery method! Love ya lady!

As I type, I am sporting some sweet argyle socks with warm LL bean slippers stocking my trendy wallet with some megga cash - thinking about gardening in comfort! Love you all