Flamingo Party

Raymond and Melissa had their yearly bash in the Allschwil forest last night, but instead of the traditional "Chili Party", they had a "Flamingo Party" with pink plastic flamingos, shimmering palm trees and these oh-so-chic sunglasses!

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All Aboard

Ruth took Tobias to see "Madagascar" at the movie theater so Roger, Karen and I took Connor to the free Steam Train rides at Basel's Psychiatric Clinic. Yes, I know it's a strange place to offer this type of attraction, but the Steam Train Club needed a place to lay its tracks down and house the collection and the Psychiatric Clinic offered the space. Regardless of the location, Connor loved the trains and enjoyed the ride - as did Karen and Roger!

Melissa's Big Day

Melissa turned the ripe age (notice I left the word "old" out) of 37 and we had a bash with all our kids. I made a yummy Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Caramel Frosting from Martha's recipe collection - thanks Martha - by adding a 1/4 cup cocoa to the batter. Because Melissa's mother-in-law brought her a cake during the day, I took the leftovers home to Urs and Fritz and it lasted all of 3 minutes.

The party was fun with lots of crafting for the kids and drinks and munchies for us moms. I can't wait until Saturday for M's Flamingo Party where the celebration will continue outdoors!

Our iPod Mini

My husband surprised me yet again today! We bought an iPod mini (I got to choose the color). It is soooo cool! I am in the middle of transferring most of our CD's to this little gem. I can't wait to buy some "books on tape" to add to the collection.

Welcome Sucky

"Sucky"



I think I've finally got my aquarium set up properly. It has taken weeks (no kidding) to get this thing going. After I set it up the first time, we let it run for a few weeks and the water turned brown and was overrun with rapidly mating snails - yuck! With some consultations with our friendly neighborhood pet-shop owner, I made a few changes which included stripping the tank down and starting from scratch.

The water is now looking healthier and we added our first scout fish. The boys have appropriately named him "Sucky" because he is an algae-eater and sucks everything in sight! If he survives the week, we can add more fish. If he doesn't - then back to square one.

Hot Summer Days

What better way to spend the day while the men are working than to have a picnic in the park with some friends? Martha (from New Mexico) came with Finley (shown above, left) and Chiara. Melissa (from Texas) with Laura and Claire and me and the boys.

We spent 5 long hours eating fruit and cake while dodging water balloons...what a fun day!

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Yummy Strawberries

We love strawberries and the best way to eat them is straight from the field while you're picking them! Oh sweet summer!

Dino Park

I admit, I just had to see these dinosaurs! The kids have seen them at least once or twice before with Ruth (their grossmami), but I've heard so much about them, that I had to go for myself - and I was impressed! This outdoor exhibition is on throughout the summer at one of our local parks. They have several life-sized dinos standing around so you can get an idea of the size of these animals! WOW!

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Early Birthday Present (for me)

Urs bought me an early birthday present (it's not until November!). I've been lusting after a new computer since mine is already 6 years old and that is ancient as far as PC's go. I was up in the air as to whether to order a new Dell 9100 or if I should make the switch to a MAC because I love the clean look of Melissa's machine. She has an iMac that is so cool because the screen IS the computer! I was looking at the Mac Mini because it is just too cute and more in line with my price range.

Anyway, after looking into my cupboard filled to overflowing with all the software I have on hand, I decided that the Mac should wait a little longer and I went with the Dell. I have to say that I can't wait to try out my new machine because going from my current 256 MB RAM to 1024 MB RAM on the new PC should make me a very happy girl for months to come.

Birthday Boy

Tobias had his 7th birthday yesterday and we invited a few friends over to celebrate. He was VERY excited and received some books on CD, Star Wars Legos, a school backpack and gym bag, a camera, candy, and even a swim course.

Coming Soon

Marianne's baby boy will arrive in no time at all! We are all so excited to have another baby in the family! Only another 7 weeks to go!