Fishy Fishy

A few weeks ago we took advantage of Jan's last remaining paternity leave days and went on an excursion to an aquarium.  We visited Sea Life on a Friday afternoon with Jan's Mom (otherwise known as "Babi" - czech for "Grandma") and Jan's nephew, Adrian (who is already 4 1/2!).  Sea Life is in Speyer, which is about an hour from Mainz.  We took the train and although it was challenging at times with an almost-five-year-old, Blaise had a good time and therefore so did I.

This kid really loves him some fish!

Making his fish face

Mommy being tricky with the mirrors

Overexposed smile

Babi and Blaisey

Happy New Year! Frohes Neujahr!

This was the celebration in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate.  Ours was a bit less rambunctious.  We had a nice fondue dinner at home, then waited for midnight and toasted with wine as we watched and listened to the fireworks being shot off from all directions, all the time praying Blaise wouldn't wake up, which thankfully he didn't.  There was plenty of action out there, but it seemed to be less than previous years and we found out later that the city had forbid fireworks in the old historical part of town where we live.  That must have at least helped keep the noise level down for my sleeping babe.  It was a great way to ring in 2010, with my parents and cousin Lisa.  I hope 2010 brings much peace and health to us all!

Grandma and Grandpa Came to Town

Welcome Blaise Party

Since we always have limited time when in town, my Mom likes to organize family parties for everyone to get together.  This year was even more special, because everyone was meeting Blaise for the first time.  We had a mini Hawaiian theme since we had some pineapple and macadamia nut souvenirs and other yummy treats for everyone.  It was great to see family who I only have the chance to see about once a year - unfortunately, I was kept pretty busy for the first half of the party, so I only got pictures from the last half and therefore missed my cousins.
 

Blaise with my Godmother

Blaise with my Godmother and Great Aunt

Chasing after his ball

Where d'it go?

Mr. Wilson and Grandpa

With my Auntie Dorothy, love this look on his face!  Too bad it's blurry :( 

Family Cookout in Wackernheim

Jan's family gathers a few times a year and this past weekend we were invited to his cousin, Renata's. They have a nice backyard with a grill and we have spent some relaxing evenings out there with a "camp" fire and wine. The occasion this weekend was their cousin, Jitka, was visiting from Prague. Of all the first cousins in Jan's generation (7 women and Jan!) she is the only one still living in Prague, along with her mother and son. We don't get to see her that often unfortunately, so it is always nice to get the family together when she is in town.

Curious Blaise arriving at Renata's

Renata was sweet and put some toys out on a blanket for the kids. Blaise attacked the books.

Enjoying his sweet potato dinner

Blaise hasn't been too interested in animals until recently. Jan pet the bunny, which Blaise thought was really funny. He also got the chance to pet "Alf" the bunny, which he really liked. On the way home in the bus, he laughed at a dog for the first time. Today he laughed at fish in an aquarium - I think he's figured out the magic of animals!

Checking out the bunny

Jitka

Andrea's boyfriend, Andreas, with Adrian

Is is wrong that I am jealous of a 4 year old's eyelashes? :)

Family Fun in Seifersbach

Jan has a fairly large family on his mother's side. It is always very international around our house partially because his family is czech. Of the three currently living generations, the oldest two include 12 people - of those 12, 11 are women!! Jan is the only male in those two generations, and he is the youngest. With all those women, you can imagine how chaotic some family get-togethers can be! :) We had a nice time last weekend celebrating his cousin, Jana's 50th birthday. A large majority of the family drove out to their farm for the big bash. She lives about 4 hours away in former East Germany. We stayed with the neighbors who have a little guest house. It was our first mini-trip with Blaise and all things considered, it went well. We even decided to use the cloth diapers while away and I'm so glad we did - that was the easiest thing we did all weekend!

Blaise in his carseat on the way - he was great in the car!

Jana dug out many old toys from her grown son for Adrian to play with - he loved being Knight Adrian!

Adrian fencing with Jana's husband, Ralf

Blaise taking a nap on Jana's couch

The matriarch of the family, Jan's eldest aunt, Jitka. Of Noemi's 3 sisters, she is the only one who still lives near Prague. We love visiting her! She is so sweet and she reminds me of my maternal slovak Grandma even if I can't understand what she is saying. She loves to cook and loves to eat even more!

Blaise and Daddy hanging out in the shade

Toasting to the birthday girl (middle back in purple)

Jan's eldest cousin, Jitush. She also lives in Prague so we don't get to see her too often.

Family photo before taking off on Sunday morning

Two of Jan's aunts, Jitka and Jana, ogling Blaise before we left Sunday morning. You can tell he is smiling at them by his cute cheek sticking out! :)