A playbox ...

Initially, Papi wanted to build a sandbox himself, but since he has been so busy with grant applications, papers, and giving lectures, we decided to just order a sandbox for Andrin online. Yesterday, we already got the big package in the mail and of course had to put it together this morning. Please do not ask Clemens how the assembly went! We found out that there is a piece missing (the handle to the mechanism to lower and lift the little sunroof/cover). And this is not even an IKEA product!! And of course the sand is still missing. I did some research online and did not know that you have to be careful which sand you order because of toxic fumes .... Well, we will order some beautiful Oregon beach sand and hope that Andrin soon will be able to play in his bigger sandbox. Thanks, Papi, for assembling Andrin's sandbox!

the fruit of all of Papi's work ...

Andrin discovers the screws and bolts.

Helping Papi with the screwdriver.

I can do this too, Papi!

Meet Ella and Bella

We had a special treat today. Our dear friend Marta has baby goats and invited us over to her house to pet them, kiss them, and just enjoy them. Even Andrin dared to kiss the baby goat and discovered some of the droppings (we were able to prevent a tasting though!). How wonderful to have friends that have all the animals that could never fit in our little backyard.

Surprises ...

Our little baby boy loves to play and leaves some of his toys in the most unusual places ...

Tulip Festival in Woodburn

Our dear friends Dana and Owen mentioned the Tulip Festival to us and we took the chance and went up there together today. We first stopped at the outlet mall, and even though Mami did not need anything, she could not resist some amazing deals ... But fortunately, Dana also found the pair of jeans that she was hoping to find. After some lunch, we hit the tulip field and had some fun.

Trucks are flying high ...

Sometimes, it is just amazing so see how Andrin's little mind works! Lately, he just loves to play. He enjoys and prefers when someone is in close proximity, but he does not rely on us to provide him with ideas how to discover the world. The other day, we were in our backyard enjoying the sunshine and Andrin was playing with his beloved trucks.

No words ... just tears ... and gratitude

We had a long time to prepare for this good bye, but it is still surreal and hard to accept ...

Last night, my beautiful godmother lost her battle with cancer!

There are really no words to describe our relationship ...

You were in my life since before I was born ...
And you were there for every little step of it ...
At times, you probably knew more about me than my parents ...
All the teenage drama, all the secret crushes ...
You never failed to give words of encouragement and hope ...
Even though you at times struggled to see light in your life ...
I am so grateful that you were able to let go, Gotti ...
And that you do not have to suffer any more ...
You wanted us to let go as well ...
But I will not let go of all my beautiful memories that I will cherish forever ...
You were my three-folded godmother ...
and so much more to me (and my family) ...
I cannot yet imagine what it will mean to not have you here anymore ...

I will always love you, Gotti!

Visit with my US host family at your favorite place on earth, the Bergli (little mountain) where you will also be resting in peace ...

Toasting after our engagement announcement in June 2005 ...

Impressions from our wedding ...
With your best friend and love of your life Nik.

once a hippie ... always a hippie ...

Singing for our wedding in the church ...

Our visit last summer in Alpnach/Switzerland ...
we changed plans and stayed longer because we feared that it would be our final good bye ...

Andrin's baptism during our visit last June ...

And all the beautiful memories ...
that no picture can capture ...
all the words that will stay with me forever ...
I cannot say how much I will miss you!