The Hill Family

grandma comes to visit

2012-02-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Grandma Hill came to visit us in January. She stayed for two weeks and the kids loved it. They were completely spoiled. Simon and I were even able to get away for a few days (that is for another post). Here are some of the pictures from her visit.

We went to the zoo. It was actually a really warm winter day for us and turned out to be a great day. Although I totally forgot bears hibernate in winter and my sweet little Auburn was a little upset that there were no brown bears. We made up for it by seeing polar bears instead. Here she is trying to be like a monkey. The funny thing is I didn't even ask her to make that face, it was all on her own.

Conley is watching the rhino.

We went to BMW Welt and they had a motorcyclist doing stunts in the building. The kids like seeing it, but it was a little loud for them.

We went sledding. This is the pre-sledding photo. The pictures didn't really turn out during the sledding, but I think it was our most successful outing so far, no one fell or cried the whole time.

One Sunday afternoon we took some pictures. He is just too cute. Grandma brought him this doggie sweater and he loves it. So much that he gets made when I try to take it off.

Auburn is now the owner of a princess dress thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. She loves it and now can dress up for princess parties with her friend.

Thanks for coming to visit Grandma. Hope to see you again soon!

living in Germany part II

2012-01-04T05:49:00.000-08:00

I have to admit the first time I went grocery shopping here I was terrified. I don't know why, I studied in Italy when I was 21 for six weeks and never had a problem. The grocery stores by our apartment are small, really small. It is pretty entertaining watching me trying to maneuver a double stroller through it. We barely fit and when they are restocking the shelves it is kind of rough especially when one of your toddlers keeps trying to pull things from the shelves. We can actually use the single stroller for Conley and Auburn walks, but it helpful to have the double stroller to carry groceries home. Yes, I carry all of my groceries home, well my stroller does. Because of this I am at the store usually 4-5 times a week and more if I need to stock up on things. I just feel grateful that there is an elevator in our building and that I don't have to carry my groceries and children up four flights of stairs, only one. For some reason you have to climb up a few stairs to get to the elevator.

You have to bag your own groceries here. I am actually okay with that, but the cashiers go SO fast that you can barely keep up. I feel like it is a race for them. They don't wait for you to finish packing up your stuff before the next customer, they just push it aside and keep going. You can almost sometimes feel the impatience building from the customers behind you. At first it was so stressful for me, but I have a little system and simply don't care if I take a few extra minutes. I have two little kids, sometimes we just take a little bit longer to do things.

I have had a hard time finding some things and other things just don't exist here, like vanilla extract and chocolate chips. The brown sugar tastes different. The first time I made cookies they were just a little off. For some reason tortillas are ridiculously expensive which was an adjustment for us considering that we ate them all the time in the states. I have learned to make a lot of things from scratch which has been so good for me and healthier. Some of my recipes from the states simply don't taste good here. It is interesting the foods that you miss when you don't have it. They have delicious chocolate here, but I still find myself craving peanut butter cups and york peppermint patties. I can get peanut butter here, but it isn't the same. On the other hand my children have come to love brezen (big soft pretzels). I feel like everywhere we go kids are munching on them. The dairy products here are simply delicious, especially the yogurt. I have tried a few new German recipes, some are keepers. One of my favorite desserts here has ingredients that you can't get in the states. I have come to love vinegar based potato salad in all different varieties. The one thing that I don't think we will ever be big consumers of sausage like most of Germany.

living in Germany

2011-12-31T07:01:00.001-08:00

We have now lived in Germany for three and a half years. I have to admit that is longer than I thought we would live here, and longer than I have lived in any one place since I was seventeen. I realized that I have posted a lot on my blog about our travels, but not a lot about how my day to day life has changed since moving overseas. So, I thought that with the new year I would make a few posts about these changes.

A major change for us is transportation. We don't have a car. We had plans of buying a car when we moved here, but after choosing an apartment in the city we found that we don't really need one here. I have a pass that covers the subway, buses and trams in the center of town and Simon has a bike. Simon rides his bike all year long, even in the snow. It takes him less time to get to work with his bike than with public transportation. I love my pass. I didn't have one for a the first year, but it has really given me freedom and I have been able to take the kids all over the city. I can tell you all about which train or bus to take, but I couldn't tell you directions by street to save my life.

Some of the good things of using public transportation are:

Exercise. It takes me about fifteen minutes to get to the subway station. I can walk over an hour (pushing 70lbs) in a regular day without even thinking about it. It has really helped me stay healthy and fit.

I don't have to drive in the city or in snow.
Germans are punctual. Their public transportation system is rarely late.
The Munich transportation system is very good about accommodating strollers, even double strollers.
I can walk to a grocery store, pharmacy, dry cleaner and two different parks in five minutes.

I get to spend time outside everyday.

Some things I don't like about public transportation:
If there isn't a good connection to where you want to go it can take forever to get there. If I had a car it would only be a few minutes instead of an hour.
I really hate it when I barely miss the train have to wait 10 minutes for the next one.
I would like to be able to leave on my schedule instead of a train or bus schedule sometimes. (I usually feel this way when we miss the train)

I don't like having to walk in the rain and snow, but I have an awesome rain cover for my stroller.
I miss driving sometimes. I miss turning up music and singing along with my little ones.

I never thought that I could live without a car, (in Jacksonville we had to have two) but I have and have had a great new experience. I always like to add a picture and this is an oldie. You can't tell, but they are actually in the subway station about a year and a half ago.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T04:33:00.000-08:00

I think the closest thing that we have to tradition for Christmas in our family is going to Schliersee. Our first year of being married we decided to head to England and travel for two weeks, then we were in Florida with my family, the next year was California was Simon's family and then the past three years we have been here in Munich. We have really enjoyed our past two years at Schliersee for Christmas that we decided to go again, and it was the right choice.

Here are the kids on the train. It only takes an hour to get there and the kids loved looking out the window.

While we were there went sledding, some of us liked it more than others. Auburn loved talking about it, but wasn't quite sure after the first ride down. Conley kept saying "more" and "mas". We built a little snowman and made snow angels.

Mommy and Daddy played billards and fussball while the kids read books and did puzzles. The kids played and played in the toy room. We took naps, all four of us, that was bliss. We also told the story of Mary and Joseph to our kids.

We took a bus from Schliersee to Spitzensee just over the mountain. The first year we tried to hike it, but the markings were not very clear and the rain made us turn back. We walked around the frozen lake, played in a snow fort and just enjoyed the beautiful Alps.

Monday we returned home to find what Santa Claus had left for us. Auburn and Conley love their "bikes". Auburn's is called Laufrad in German and it is a bike without pedals. They are very popular here and she is likes that it is pink. Conley calls to his little bike a cycle (motorcycle) half of the time. We have been outside everyday to ride them. The kids also received some nice gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends. Thanks! It was so fun to see the exciting and joy from our kids this year. We enjoyed the day playing and relaxing!

We hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas and were able to spend this time of year reflecting on the love of the Savior and the very best gift that we had all been given. All the best to each and everyone of you in the upcoming year!

december

2011-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

I just realized I haven't blogged for a month. Last week I was sick, like didn't get out of bed for three days sick. It was awful, but Simon and the kids were very helpful. Because of that of Christmas fun I am behind in my blogging, so here is a recap of December.

Simon was gone for most of November. He had three different business trips, it was kind of a whirlwind. Auburn started asking everyday if Daddy was coming home. So, last week I took the kids to Simon's new office to show them for Daddy works. I think it helped. They loved it! Although I think their idea of what he actually does all day is a little off. We have loved having Daddy home for the entire month of December. Here they are snuggling while watching Bundesliga highlights on a Saturday afternoon.

Auburn has decided that she doesn't need naps anymore. I still make her have "quiet time" every afternoon. Every once in a while I find this.

This is just a cute picture of my little man sleeping in his Christmas jams.

I have been trying to do winter activities with the kids this month. We made snowmen, went to a winter festival here in Munich called Tollwood and did crafts with friends. We went downtown to look at the Steiff (famous German teddy bear) window displays and walk through a couple of Christmas markets. This week I took them to the mall to see Santa Claus and do some more crafts. Well, they saw the german Santa Claus, St. Nikolaus, and wanted nothing to do with him. Conley screamed and Auburn didn't even want to shake his hand, maybe because he looked like this....

We stayed at the mall and made some gingerbread men crafts. The theme at the mall this year was Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

This is the best picture I got of the two of them.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-02T02:39:00.001-08:00

So we did end up celebrating Thanksgiving this year. On Thanksgiving evening we went to dinner at Hirschgarten with a colleague of Simon. We had a lovely time stuffing ourselves at dinner with good company. It was kind of funny to explain to someone else what we normally do on Thanksgiving: cook, play football, cook, watch football, cook, eat, eat, eat, take a nap, watch more football and eat some more. I didn't take any pictures because I'm lame, but here is a picture of my kids in the laundry basket. This is their "boat" in which they travel to their "island". Auburn likes to recreate our trip. It is one of their new favorite games.

I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

18 months

2011-11-16T00:51:00.001-08:00

Conley is now 18 months old. Where did that time go? He loves cars. He usually carries one in each hand all over the house. He also loves anything that moves, trains, boats, tractors, etc. He loves books. He will pull all of the books off the shelf and read them one by one (just like his sister). He like animals, but particularly horses and dogs. Simon started playing the horse game with the kids and now Conley sits on anything and calls it a horse. He calls Simon on the phone. He likes pretty much all kinds of foods, but particularly fruits and cheese. When he gets excited he does a little dance. He loves his blanket. We are bink free! We took it away a couple weeks ago, He only had it in his crib, so going to sleep was a little difficult for a few nights. He is talking like crazy! Everyday he learns a new word. He is mainly speaking English, but has started speaking some Spanish with Simon. There is something adorable about him saying "leche" (milk in Spanish). I counted a month ago and his vocabulary was around 50 words, but he knows a lot more than that now. He is full of energy and a very happy little boy!

Happy Birthday Auburn!

2011-11-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is 3!!! So, her birthday was in September while we were in Indonesia. We, as in Simon and me, decided that her birthday would be in October when we returned. Crazy, I know, but how do you explain to a three year old that they don't get to open presents or eat cake on their birthday? So, we planned it for the weekend that we returned. Honestly, she didn't know the difference. I figure later on in life she will figure it out, but hopefully she won't care. We still did all the birthday stuff, just on a different day. Plus she was in Indonesia, how cool is that? We didn't do a big fancy party, maybe one day we will. We had French toast for breakfast and her favorite tortellini with broccoli for dinner, went to the park and just had a day all for her. She wanted a pink chocolate cake.

She was really excited about the candles and when we started singing to her.

Conley enjoyed the cake as well!

showing off her new Hello Kitty shirt and her kitchen.

I really can't believe my little girl is already three. She loves Hello Kitty, reading books, her baby, bubbles, animals, Sesame Street, puzzles, stickers and all things princesses. She has know the letters for awhile now and loves reading her preschool books. She recognizes numbers up to 100 and can count to over ten, but how far depends on the day and language. She can write some of her letters and loves playing the "what letter does this word start with" game. She is definitely in the "why" stage. She is avoiding speaking Spanish right now, but Simon still speaks to her. I hope that this will change. She has always been my big helper, she sets the table, helps fold and put away laundry, swiffers the floor, and cleans up her toys. She always has to be the one to pick out a diaper for Conley. She also loves picking out her and Conley's clothes everyday. Her favorite color is currently purple, but pink is a close second. She is so loving and mothering. She reads books to Conley and tries to teach him the alphabet and new words, which is pretty adorable. She remembers everything, I mean everything you say and can usually repeat verbatim weeks later. She will still let us snuggle with her sometimes, which we love. We just love you our little Auby Aubs!!! You make us so happy and I can't believe that you are already three!

Bali - part II

2011-11-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is the very last post from our trip. Our kids did really well traveling. They slept on the long flights and adjusted to the time changes coming and going very quickly. We choose a place like Indonesia because we thought it would appeal to us and our kids, we were right. Auburn is a piece of cake to travel with now and loved pretty much everything we did. Conley was a little more difficult, but slept like a champ every night even though he had three new teeth come in on our trip. It was nice to have so much Daddy time, especially since he is traveling so much right now. Auburn really bonded with Simon and when he is home he has to help her with everything. We feel so blessed to have good little travelers and to have these opportunities to travel and see the world.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

We were really excited to walk through some rice paddies while we were in Bali. It was so much more beautiful than in pictures, especially the terraces.

A couple was taking some pictures with balloons and gave our kids some when they were done. What an awesome place to have your engagement pictures taken at!

Sayan Terrace

Sacred Monkey Forest

This is in Ubud, just a short walk from where we were staying. There are monkeys everywhere. Our kids were pretty excited about this. We saw the monkeys fighting over food, grooming each other. Auburn was especially excited about the baby monkeys. On monkey jumped on Simon's back trying to get food out of our backpack. Luckily, the monkey realized that he couldn't get to the food and jumped off quickly, but it was sure exciting for a few minutes.

Besakih

This is the mother temple for the Balinese Hindu. It is right at the base of Mt. Agung and is really quite spectacular. It is actually a complex of temples that you can walk through and explore.

Taman Tirta Gangga

This is a water palace. The pools were filled with fish, much to the delight of our children. It was also fun to walk on the stones in the pool.

Around Tirta Gangga we walked through a few more rice paddies.

At the end of our trip we had to head back to Java to fly back home. We had a day in Surabaya to kill so we went to the zoo. There were tons of Komodo dragons.

In the morning they were taking these Orangutans for a walk. They didn't actually touch our kids, but it was fun to see them walking around. Auburn thought it was so funny that now she walks like an orangutan around our house.

Gili Islands

2011-11-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a group of three islands off of the bigger island Lombok. Lombok is about a few hours by ferry from Bali. The islands are all quite small. In fact we walked around one of the islands in just under a few hours one day. That was first for me, walk around an entire island in a day. We stayed on Gili Trawangan, and then spent a day on Gili Meno. We swam, played in the sand, took long walks and naps, ate delicious food and relaxed! It was bliss, pure bliss! It was a little difficult to come back to reality after the Gilis, especially as I look outside at the forty degree weather here in Munich. I think the beach was a highlight for our kids.

The kids were hanging outside of our bungalow eating snacks. Simon is taking this picture from the hammock.

We took one of these boats from Lombok to the Gilis.

We met this little guy on one of our walks.

Hot Sauce

Conley always found this bottles and little packages of hot sauce at every restaurant. He thought it was so funny to say "hot sauce". We have since called him our little "hot sauce" and he loves it. That was his first two word combination.

Simon and I think that Auburn looks like she is conducting the sunset.

We found this urchin for our Christmas tree. We have a tradition that we collect Christmas ornaments on all of our trips. We have had to be very creative with some. It was so fragile that it unfortuantely didn't even make it to the airplane.

You can't really tell from this picture, but at sunset you could see the volcanos from Bali.

Bali

2011-10-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Bali is paradise. We saw incredible things, met friendly people, ate delicious food, had wonderful weather and even relaxed a little. Which is not something that we normally do no vacations. We spent a week in Bali and then headed to the Gili Islands and then back to Bali for a few more days. This is Bali - part one.

Tirta Empul

This temple is also known as the holy spring water temple. This is a Balinese Hindu temple. The springs here are believed to be magical and have healing effects. After walking around the temple, Simon asked if he could join in. They gave him a sarong and he jumped right in following the leads of the others in the spring. I don't know if it had magical powers, but he had a good time. I thought about going in, but didn't want to be wet the rest of the day.

If you look closely, there are little baskets on top of the water fountains. These baskets are offerings, and are found everywhere in Bali. I mean everywhere, outside homes, resturants, stores, and just on the street. We usually found some outside of our hotel room. Apparently it was for good luck.

I love this picture. This girl kept smiling at me while I was taking a picture. Simon is right be hind her washing his head.

Gunung Kawi

There are ten shrines craved out of the mountain.

Ubud

We spent most of our time in Bali staying in a city called Ubud. I loved it there. We had a quiet little room with a veranda and garden. There are great little shops selling everything from art to clothing. We took day trips from Ubud, but did see a few things while we were there.

Puri Saren Agung

This was the royal palace, and some members of the royal family still live here.

At a couple of restuarants we sat on mats close to the floor. Our kids loved it because they could easily reach the table.

Pura Tanah Lot

This is a temple that is on the west coast of Bali. You are not allowed to go to the temple, but the view is just breathtaking.

Kuta

We spent one night in Kuta and left. The beach was great, but the atmosphere was well, not for us. The beach was filled with surfers. Our kids loved playing in the sand and the shallow part of the water. Conley really liked playing in the sand. I think he just like that he could be as dirty as he wanted to without us getting upset. We spent more time at the beach, but that is in another post.

Taman Ayun

Ulun Danu

The dragons were a big hit!

Java

2011-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Java

Java is the most populated island in Indonesia. We stayed away from the capital Jakarta because we really didn't find anything interesting there. The original plan for this trip was to head straight to Bali, but after some research we found out that on Java there are two major sites, the Borodorur temple and the Prambanan temple complex. So we decided to stay a week in Java. We stayed in a city called Yogyakarta which is very close to both of the sites. I am really glad that we stayed the week. The temples were so impressive and different from anything else that we had seen.

Prambanan temple complex

The Prambanan temple complex is the biggest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and was built during the ninth century. We spent the day wandering through the temple complex. You can walk through the temples. Our kids had a great time running around the grounds.

I had to had this picture, because this happens so frequently when we travel to Asia. We are always stopped so that people can take pictures of our children. This is a group of school children, but adults stop us all the time. I really don't mind the pictures, I just don't like it when they try and touch them. For some reason they always want to pinch their cheeks, I don't get it.

Mt. Bromo

We had to travel from Yogyakarta to Bali. Which consists of a very long bus ride, a ferry and another bus ride. On the way to Bali is Mt. Bromo. We decided to break up the trip and see the volcano. The big thing to do is to see the volcano during sunrise. This means getting up at 3am, yes, that's right 3am. You then take a jeep up to an observation point. Well, we were suppose to go to an observation point, but apparently you have to hike up to the top as cars are not allowed up. It was rough that early in the morning carrying our almost 30 lb kids uphill, but it was so well worth it.

In the background you can see ash coming from the larger and active volcano Mt. Semeru.

After the watching the sunrise from the observation point from afar, we took another little jeep ride and headed to volcano itself. We hiked up. Have you ever hiked in volcano ash, it is hard, really hard. Some random guy asked me if I was a glutton for punishment because I was hiking up with Conley and I looked like I was about to die. But I made it and I lost five pounds, so maybe I should do things like that more often. I have to say it is a little eerie looking into a volcano.

Borobodur temple

Borobodur temple is a Buddhist temple built from two million stones. There are nine terraces that you climb up and walk around.

Conley had a hard time with us wanting to take his picture sometimes, okay most of the time. Here he is waiting for his rice at a restuarant in Yogyakarta and he actually smiled for the camera. He is always happy when food is about to come!

Kuala Lumpur

2011-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Our trip was really long and so I have decided to break it up for blogging purposes. There will probably more posts about this trip than you want to see or read about, but when you travel for three weeks there is a lot of stuff to cover.
Our first stop was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was cheaper to fly there than strait to Indonesia, so we decided to spend a few days in Kuala Lumpur and really liked it.

Thean Hou Temple

The turtles were a big hit with our kids.

one word - delicious!

Petronas Twin Towers

Behind the towers they had a huge park with a wadding pool and the biggest assortment of children playground equipment that I have ever seen. Our kids had a blast!

This picture is out of order, but we had a layover in Oman for five hours. Luckily they had this awesome children's playplace full of soft toys. It made it the easiest layover ever.

Batu Caves

I think Auburn walked up almost all of those stairs.

There is a Hindu temple inside of the cave.

one kilo

2011-10-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

We had a doctor's appointment today. Luckily, we were able to do Auburn's three year and Conley's 18 month check up all in one. The nurses laughed when they realized that Conley only weighed a kilo (2.2 lbs) less than his older sister. I get the question "are they twins?" everywhere I go. People expect Conley to be able to do more because they think he is much older than he is. I think the percentiles might be off for the US. I think Auburn is actually in a higher percentile in height in the US, but I am not sure. I just used the scale in their German book. They did great, Conley didn't even cry for his last vaccinations. They are both healthy and right on track for all of their developments. We feel so blessed!

Conley

height 87 cm/ 34 in - 90 percentile
weight 12.5 kilos/ 27.5 lbs - 75 percentile

Auburn

height 98.5 cm / 38.5 in - 50 percentile
weight 13.5 kilos / 30 lbs - 40 percentile

home sweet home

2011-10-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

We just got home from our fabulous trip to Indonesia. It was the longest trip that I have ever taken, and we almost adjusted to being home. I am slowly going through the loads of laundry and Simon is sorting through our few thousand pictures. It is amazing how kids can develop so much in three weeks. Auburn turned three and is now in the "why?" stage. Conley found his little voice, his vocabulary more than tripled on our trip (he is now at about 40 words).

We wandered through rice paddies, watched the sunrise over a volcano, walked around an entire island in a day, saw incredible ruins and temples, relaxed at the beach and had a wonderful time together as a family. I'll post more pictures and details about our trip later when I sort through it all. Until then, here is a little photo of our adorable kids playing at the beach

Oktoberfest

2011-09-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Oktoberfest. The last time that I was there I was nine months pregnant with Auburn. She was born the next day. Since we are not going to be in town for the majority of the festival we decided to head downtown. Simon got me a dirndl for Christmas and I had to wear it. Auburn and Conley are both wearing traditional clothes as well, although Conley is missing the lederhosen. We were all dressed up except Simon. He decided to sport a BYU shirt in support of the Cougs for tonight. I feel weird that the big game is this early, but Happy Oktoberfest and Go Cougars!

Conley is eating a cracker. It was the only way we could get him to look inthe right direction.

These are the famous cookies that people wear around their necks during Oktoberfest. They are also pretty popular at Christmas.

me in my dirndl

They were so distracted about what was going on that they were not very interested in taking pictures. This one they are at least looking in the right direction.

best buds

2011-08-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Grandpa comes to visit

2011-08-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

I have kind of neglected my blog lately, sorry. Grandpa came to town and well, we were just too busy playing. I realized that after he left I didn't really take many pictures, so I might have to borrow from his blog. He took the kids to the park, to a Summer festival, the zoo, swimming and then on the weekend we all went to a lake here in Munich. It was kind of a busy week. He also watched the kids one night so Simon could go on a date! He also treated us to some delicious dinners and I got a little break from cooking! Thanks again Grandpa! We look forward to the next visit with Grandma!

Here are a couple pictures from our trip to Feldmochingersee (the lake).

lisbon

2011-07-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Simon was in Lisbon a few weeks ago for a seminar for work. It was just a shame that we couldn't all go with him. He had some time to explore the city.

Simon came home with these tasty treats for me! They are a custard pastry and they are delicious!

it wouldn't be Simon without a soccer stadium

Wildlife Poing

2011-07-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Simon had a day off. He had secretly planned to take us to this park, well it rained the whole day. So that Saturday he surprised us and we all headed just north of Munich to Poing where they have a wildlife park. They have a bunch of different animals that you can feed and some others like bears and wolfs that you obviously can't feed. They also had rabbits and guinea pigs that the kids would pet.
Auburn thought it was great. She had no fear of animals, absolutely no fear. Conley on the other head got a little freaked out when an eager goat came up to him in the stroller.

feeding the dear

feeding the baby goats

(do you see Conley's upset face in the background)

Auburn chased these little guys after she feed them, they were afraid of her.

They let the dear room free in the beginning.

She tried and tried to feed the baby pigs, but they just wouldn't take it.

She finally started putting the food on the ground for him to eat.

feeding the bigger goats

seriously, no fear

We had a great time. Thanks for the surprise Daddy!

our conley, conley

2011-07-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

These pictures are old, but I thought I would do a little update on my Conley. He had his year check-up a few weeks ago, it was late, but oh well. He is weighing in at 25 lbs and is 31.5 inches long. That puts him in the 75 percentile for height and weight. He was a baby sumo and was off of the charts, but has slowed down. Now the doctors are concerned that he isn't on a curve at all and I have to go in again in five months to check his weight again.
He just started walking, like yesterday! He has been using everything you could possibly imagine (i.e. the lego box) to walk with and finally decided yesterday that he could walk alone. He is super proud of himself and I am sure it won't be long until he is running.
He can say mom, dad, ba, dog, duck, this, wa (water), pig, cat, and make a few animal sounds (woof and quack). He loves dogs! He gets so excited when he seems them in the park.
He adores his sister. They play very well together. I cut his hair this weekend. It is his second haircut. This kid has a lot of hair and it grows fast.

He know has six teeth and I am pretty sure with all of the

drooling and chewing that there are more coming.

He loves reading books.

He gets so excited when Simon pulls out the guitar and likes to hold the pick.

This is Conley asleep. If you can't tell he was sitting up and just fell forward.
This has happened multiple times, and I laugh everytime it does.

wedding

2011-07-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went a wedding for some friends of ours. The wedding was in Augsburg, which about an hour from here. It was in a beautiful room in the town hall and then we had a delicous, fancy lunch at a restaurant. We had a great day and we are grateful that our children were well-behaved throughout the celebrations. We snapped a few good pictures with the kids, enjoy.

road trip - the last part

2011-06-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

Switzerland is famous for cheese. They have these Show Dairies in different parts of the country and we were able to visit a couple of them. This is the Emmentaler Schaukäserie. We got to see the cheese being made the old fashion way. Simon and and I both got to stir the cheese with the huge wooden spoon.

This is the cheese after he pulled it out of the pot and let it sit in the mold. The taste is really bland until they salt it. Afterwards we enjoyed some locally made yogurt and bought some cheese for some seriously delicious grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.

There were four different castles on the Thunersee (the lake). These were my two favorite ones. I think royal life would of suited me well.

We stayed three nights in a city called Lauterbrunnen. This is Staubach falls. We could see this from the balcony of our hotel.

Chateau de Chillon

We got to tour this medieval castle on our own.

Hiking with two little kids is not particularly convenient, but we were in the Swiss Alps and we just had to. I don't have the words to describe the beauty of this place. I carried Conley in the wrap and Simon carried Auburn on his shoulders. We drove up to Grindelwald and hiked up to the base of the Oberer Gletscher (higher glacier). It was a good hour hike. From there you can take 900 stairs up to the glacier. Well, we did it. It doesn't seem like 900 stairs would be that bad, but when you have an extra 25 lbs, it is. We made it though.

Later that same day we decided to hike to at little lake called Oeschinensee. It was literally uphill the entire hour and a half. I thought I was going to die right there on the mountain, seriously. It really wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't already hiked in the morning. I kept going and made it to the top. I know that I am out of shape, but Simon even admitted that was rough after our morning. Well it was worth.

Geissbach Falls

We spent a couple of nights with our friends Emily and Joseph. They lived in Munich and moved just outside Zurich last year. We were so exhausted we got there (and probably smelled from hiking all day) so I totally forgot to take pictures. Auburn and Conley loved playing with their kids. We enjoyed wonderful conversation and delicious food, thanks guys!

We stopped at another Show Dairy that happened to be at a monestary.

Again, more delicious cheese.

We spent the afternoon wandering around Zurich.

On the way back to Munich we stopped at a really cool city (Stein am Rhein). I forgot to put a picture up, but it was really cool. We also stopped at another gorge called Rappenlochschult. We hiked almost all the way to the lake, but apparently there was some damage to the path and we couldn't make it the rest of the way.

I just had to add Conley chowing down on a hamburger.

We are so grateful that Auburn recovered quickly and that the rest of our trip went so well!

road trip - II

2011-06-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

After our little stay in the hospital, we decided to head home to Munich to regroup and see how Auburn was doing. We came home and Auburn played, so we did laundry, and made plans to continue in the morning. Well, Auburn jumped out of bed so we headed onward ... to Switzerland. We just prayed that the second part of our trip would be better than the first, (which it was).

While Auburn and I were in the hospital, Simon had to find ways to keep Conley and himself entertained. Conley was allowed to stay at the hospital very long. Luckily we were in the Eisenstadt which is about one hour from Vienna and the same to Bratislava. One day they headed to Vienna. This is St. Stephens Cathedral inside. Simon said it was really psychedelic with the lights.

The next day they headed to Bratislava and caught the Slovakia v. Andorra game. Apparently it was poorly attended, but Conley had a blast !

We spent our first morning at Achensee. It is a beautiful lake in western Austria. We all stuck our toes in, but it was a little too cold for a swim.

Daddy and his boy

(I love Conley's chubbiness)

I just threw this in because I thougth he looked handsome in this picture.

stylish

Then we headed to the Swarovski Kristallwelten. The headquarters for Swarovski is in Wattens, Austria and they have an exhibit there.

Swarovski Christmas tree

walls of crystals

We stayed in this awesome hostel in Feldkirch, close to Switzerland and Leichtenstein. This building is 700 years old and it served many purposes back in the day, including a hospital.

The next morning we headed to Leichtenstein, because, well, I wanted to say that I had been there. We stopped and eat found the best playground ever. We ate breakfast and let our kids play for a little bit before heading on. Oh, and we got stopped by the border patrol on our way into Leichtenstein. It is the only time that we have ever been stopped in Europe.

We drove to Camasee in Switzerland. Do you see that water? It is so beautiful! We hiked down, ate lunch and Simon and I took turns swimming.

We then headed to the Italian part of Switzerland to the city of Lavertezzo. This place was so amazing that I almost felt like I was on a movie set. Pictures don't do it justice, so if you are ever in Switzerland go to Lavertezzo, you won't regret it.

Auburn is driving and Conley is navigating with the atlas.

We have some pretty awesome kids.
We spent the morning in Bern. When I was in college, my friend Lyndsey and I went to Bern to go to the temple and to see the sights. That was seven years ago, unbelieveable. It was great to go back and wander around the city. I think the highlight for our kids was bears that they have in the city.

road trip - part I

2011-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Simon and I planned this super awesome two week road trip. We were going mainly be in Austria and Switzerland with a little bit of time in Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia to see his Uncle Dave. We thought it would be such a shame to be so close to these countries and not really see them. Well, the first week turned out to have a lot more unexpected excitement than we would of like. A brand new rental car breaking down on us in the middle of nowhere, a sick kid, a trip to the hospital... Not fun stuff.

The second week was awesome. I decided to blog about the first week first and then end on a good note

We started out by driving to Austria and Conley and Auburn both threw up. My stomach couldn't handle the clean up because I was car sick myself, so Simon got clean up duty.
We cleaned up and then went for a beautiful walk around this Gosausee. Breathtaking.

We then headed to Hallstatt where we ate lunch, walked around the city, and visited the Beinhaus.

We then drove to Liechtensteinklamm. Liechtensteinklamm is one of the deepest and longest gorges in the Alps. The Prince of Liechtenstein help funded the project to create walkways so people could enjoy it. It really cool.

After this, our car broke down somewhere in Austria. Yep, a brand new rental car breaking down. Unbelieveable. After lots of waiting, a tow truck ride, a taxi ride, more waiting, we finally had our new wheels and were able to continue.

The next day Auburn was sick, but not too bad, so we kept going. We drove through some beautiful country. We stopped in Vienna. We have been there before, but it was pretty quick so we saw some new things. This is the car that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was riding in. That event triggered WWI.

We stopped in Bratislava, Slovakia for night and explored the town for a day.

Once we were in Bratislava, we realized that Auburn was not getting better. She started refusing to eat. The next morning we drove back to Austria to a city called Eisenstadt. We took Auburn to the hospital where we were told that she needed to spend a night to have an IV infusion and to do some tests. It turns out that she had an intestinal infection. We, nor the doctors, have no idea what it came from. The doctors where very confused that Auburn was sick and not Conley. The poor little girl was sick. It was so heartbreaking to see her hooked up to an IV and just feeling awful. That is the worst thing ever as a parent to see your child suffer. She ended up staying for three nights. I was able to stay with her the entire time. Simon came once a day and spent a few hours with her, while I took Conley out for some fresh air. Simon also had to keep Conley busy while Auburn was in the hospital.

She recovered quickly after the antibiotics and IV. She had to be on a strict diet for a week after, but when we left the hospital she was happy, but still a little tired. We headed back to Munich that night to regroup and decide on the rest of our vacation plans.

London

2011-06-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

This happened way back in May, but I am trying to catch up....

My favorite sister Carrie has had quite the adventure. She graduated from BYU Idaho in December and then went to Mexico for four months to teach English. After being home for only a few days she hopped on a plane and headed to Germany with her friend Wendy to see Europe for three weeks. That is my way to party after you graduate! We loved having her here with us. She was able to travel all over, Salzburg, Florence, Rome, Venice, Paris and London. I was able to fly out to London for a short weekend to meet up with her. (Thanks Simon for watching the kids). It was my very first time away from the kids. I cried when I left, and I missed them, but it was great. We stayed with my friends the Zabriskies, thanks!
We spent the day at musuems, went to a musical and just walked around the city. Thanks for letting me hang with you Carrie!

me and Buckingham Palace

National Gallery

My sister Carrie

Us enjoying Jersey Boys

(I am not so good at taking my own like my husband and I look a little weird)

Conley's birthday

2011-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Someone is having a birthday!
You mean I can ripe this open?

Auburn, can you help me out?

mmm... tasty.

So much cake, where to start.

Oh, what is this stuff?

Mom and Dad have been holding out on me.

How does it taste with a spoon?

I highly recommend having a birthday!

Conley turned one at the beginning of May. Here are a few updates at a year: He can say mom, dad (his favorite word), ba (Auburn), dog, duck, quack, and almost has cow and ball done. He pulls up to everything and cruises along furniture. He loves being on his feet, but he still likes to crawl for speed. He is also starting to climb. He loves dogs, books, legos, playing with Auburn and destroying things like towers. He also loves being outside. The moment he is in his stroller his chubby little legs just start kicking with excitment. I feel like his favorite foods are milk, bananas and grilled cheese. He has a favorite blanket that he likes to sleep and snuggle with. We just love our little boy and can't believe that he is already a year old. Happy Birthday bud!

US - the little last part

2011-05-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

So our original plan was to stay in Utah for one week and then return to Germany. During the planning process my cousin Tyler announced that he was getting married in the Draper temple the week after we were suppose to leave. Simon had to return to work, but I thought it would be a great idea to see a bunch of my family. The only catch was, I had to fly from Salt Lake City to Munich with both kids by myself. I decided to do it. Somehow we were totally blessed and didn't get the flu that everyone else in the house. And my kids slept for an amazing amount of time.

Like I said our camera died, so this are pictures off of my brother's camera. He only sent me a few so they are very limited. I was able to see my parents, my brother Kyle and his family and my sister Carrie even flew out. I also friends, aunts, uncles and and cousins that I haven't seen in years. It was wonderful!

My cousin Tyler and his new bride HyeWon

The boys scarfing down the biggest hamburgers ever for the bachelor party.

We stayed at my Grandma's house in Park City and Auburn just fell in love with this seal. Although I am not sure why she has that expression on her face.

Conley playing with his cousin Olivia

My parents, sister, sister-in-law, brother and me after the wedding.

This is the most precious picture of them all. My Grandma Seal started to decline right before we flew out. This is a picture of her with Auburn, Conley and Olivia, three of her great-grandchildren that she had never met until this trip. I knew when we left that it would be the last time I would see her on this earth again.

Grandma Seal passed away last week. I feel very grateful that I was able to say goodbye to her.

US - Antelope Canyon

2011-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

As part of our family reunion we went to this place called Antelope Canyon. It is on a Navajo land in Page, AZ. This place is stunning! We all took a tour through it, but Simon and his brother and brother-in-law went for a photo tour and were able to take some awesome pictures.
Seth and Scott have nice professional cameras, our little Nikon actually died here. After 400 pictures that Simon took in two and a half hours, it died. We are thankful for those who helped us pull the pictures off of the memory card and for documenting the rest of our trip!
Here are some pictures of Antelope Canyon...

US - week 1

2011-05-09T03:57:00.000-07:00

We take a trip back to the states every year to see family. Our families live on opposite sides of the country so we alternate East and West Coast. This was our last trip back and we decided on Utah. We spent almost four days with the Hill family in St. George, Utah for a reunion.

Grandma and Grandpa Hill with all the grandchildren

Simon and Brandon hiking in Zion's National Park

Simon, Scott, Caleb and Samuel hiking in Snow Canyon

Conley and his cousin Sierra playing

Auburn and Sierra having a tea party with Grandpa and Grandma (who isn't in the picture)

Uncle Seth in Antelope Canyon

Auburn and Conley hanging out in the sand

The Johnson family

our family

long overdue post

2011-05-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I haven't posted for a month. It has been a busy one. We just return from a vacation to the US. We had a family reunion with Simon's family. It just so happened that my cousin was getting married the week after and all of my family was coming into town so I decided to stay an extra week. Simon had to get back to work, so I flew solo with the kids home. All 20 hours of travel. I was so nervous about it, but the kids were angels. I really felt everyone's prayers with me. If I could just get Conley back to his schedule that we would be great.

I'll post some pictures of the Utah trip another post. I still have to sort through them.

But in the meantime here are a few pictures of some events of April....

The Friday before we left, Simon totally surprised me. He took the day off and had passes to the Munich Zoo. It was a perfect day. Auburn was so excited about everything and Conley seemed to enjoy himself as well.

Every Wednesday we go to this indoor playplace with friends. The last one was in April and this is Conley riding the car. My kids love this place!

photo shoot

2011-04-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

happy

2011-03-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have been really happy lately. Not that I am not normally happy, but lately I have been extra happy, content. I have lots of reasons to be happy. These are just a few that come to mind...

Spring- Munich has an awful, cold, dark winter, and I am so grateful that it is over. Spring has started and the sunshine and warmer temperatures had made being outside so wonderful. We have been spending a lot more time outside and it feels good.

my hair - I just cut four inches off of my hair, and it is wonderful! I was in desperate need of a new hairstyle. I don't feel like a frumpy Frau anymore.

friends - I have made some wonderful friends here. It has been really important for me to have good friends here being so far away from family.

family - Within the next couple of months we will get to see our parents and every sibling and respective spouse, niece and nephew from both sides! Awesome, it is just awesome.

Simon - he always makes me happy, but he hasn't had to travel hardly at all this year (except for that crazy week and a half in Feb). I like having him home.

my kids -I have really good kids. Don't get me wrong, we have tantrums and bad days, but over all they are very well behaved. They are just fun and make me happy. I am grateful that I can stay home with them.

(apparently cars are more exciting than the camera)

Oh, and I have a delicious chocolate cake waiting for me, that always makes me happy!

Istanbul - part II

2011-03-19T03:07:00.001-07:00

Blue Mosque

This mosque was built finished in 1616 and is called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles on the interior. It is a very popular with Muslim believers and with tourists.

Conley and Daddy hanging out in front of the Blue Mosque

Conley just making himself comfortable. He fell asleep several times on Auburn.

Hill family in front of Blue Mosque

inside the Blue Mosque

Topkapi Palace

Suleymaniye Mosque

inside right after the afternoon prayer

Auburn and Conley outside of the Suleymaniye mosque

One day we took a ferry to the Asian side. Someone on the boat was throwing bread at the birds and the kids loved watching it. They would fly right next to the ferry and then dive into the water for the bread.

lighthouse with the European side in the background

That my friends is baklava, lots and lots of delicious baklava.

We decided that one game on the trip was enough for the kids, so Simon headed off to the Besiktas game alone one night. It is a good thing, apparently it was freezing that night. There are three big clubs in Istanbul and Simon saw two of them in our five night stay. Apparently the game was awesome, but the Besiktas loss in the 88th minutes.

Besiktas stadium

Grand Bazaar

crazy Istanbul story

2011-03-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

We have a lots of crazy adventures on our trips and if I was to blog about all of them no one would read it, but here is one thing that happened on our most recent trip.

We had pretty much done everything we wanted in Istanbul and had a few hours to kill before our flight, so we decided to head to Ataturk Olympic Stadium. It was freezing outside and we also thought a nice warm bus ride wasn't a bad way to see the non-touristy side of the city. Ataturk is about 3o minutes by bus from where we were staying.

The bus literally dropped us off on the side of the highway. The people on the bus seemed upset that they were leaving us there, but we asked the driver to show us where the stadium was. You couldn't see the stadium from the road. You had to walk up a huge hill (luckily Simon was pushing the double stroller) and the stadium is kind of nestled a little valley. We had some dogs barking at us, I guess they are protecting the stadium. At first I was a little frightened, but they were just curious and accompanied us the rest of the way. It was really quite a sight, Simon, me and the kids in the stroller with wind, snow and a big old dog following us. There wasn't really anyone around except for a few security guys. This place is really in the middle of nowhere.

We couldn't get very close, because there was a powerline down, that was kind of a bummer. We did get to take a couple of pictures. We didn't spend much time because we wanted to head back and make sure we caught the bus. We were a little concerned about catching it. We saw the bus come and Simon ran after it, but they didn't see him. As he was running a group of men, who we assume to be maintance guys?, in a van asked us in very broken English where we were going. We somehow communicated and they offered us a ride to the other side of the freeway where the bus stop was. At first I was hesitant, but they were just trying to help us. They loved our kids and showed us pictures of their kids with their phones. They even waited at the stop until the bus came so that we could stay in the warm van. When the bus finally arrived they stopped it and made sure that we were on okay. The people on the bus were incredibly nice to us as well, making sure that we had seats.

It was a little bit of a crazy morning before our flight, but definatly a memorable one.

Conley hanging out with the guys in the van. He looks upset, but he just wanted me to hold him and not take a picture of him.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium

Istanbul - part I

2011-03-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

We headed to Istanbul last week. To be honest, I was wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I really liked it. The city has so much history to it and is just a really interesting place to be. The weather was not good. It was warmer here in Munich, it was kind of a bummer. We just bundled up and faced the cold. The people were so friendly and didn't want anything in return for their kindness. We had a lovely long weekend exploring the city.These pictures are totally out of order.

Blue Mosque

(I'll put more pictures of this up in the next post)

Türk Telekom Arena
This is the brand new (3 months old) arena for the Turkish team Galatasaray. We were lucky enough to catch a game while we were in town.

The ceiling of one of the mosques that we went in.

We ate some delicious food! This is a turkish meatball in between two grill tomatoes. It was seriously delicious. I am going to see if I can replicate it.

Turkey is actually part of two continents - Europe and Asia.

A view from the Galata bridge. Galata bridge connects the European side.

Basilica Cistern

This place was awesome. It was built in the sixth century and is the biggest cistern in the city of Istanbul.

There are two columns with Medusa heads at the bottom.

One is upside down and this one is turned to the side.

Hagia Sophia

This is a really interesting place. Here is a little history lesson for you. It was built in 360 and rebuilt in 532. It was the cathedral until 1453 and then turned into a mosque until 1931. It was made into a museum in 1935. There are both Christan and Islamic influences in the building.

inside the Hagia Sophia

Hill family special

My happy little guy

It is a little blurry, but I liked the picture anyway.

10 months old

2011-03-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

My baby is growing up. He turned 10 months old this week and to celebrate he learned how to pull himself up to standing. He did it for the first time in Istanbul (more about that later) in his crib at the hotel. Now he gets frustrated when he can't pull himself up. These past two months he has learned to go from laying to sitting and does a mean army crawl. He can say Mama and Dad and "Ba" which we think means Auburn. He will give you five. He had his first haircut last month (okay, Simon cut a little off the sides). He has had some awful teething going on, but he still has his toothless grin. Thank heavens for Dentinox during the nights. He gets into everything. Auburn will tell me "Conley's getting into trouble". He loves his blanket, books and toys. He loves knocking over towers of blocks. He dances anytime he hears music. He will eat anything. He hate putting winter stuff on, but likes going for walks in the stroller.

reading

2011-02-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

I am grateful that both of my kids love books. They love being read to and "reading" the books on their own. It actually amazes me how long their attention span is for books.

reading books in their fort

We took the picture of Conley below last week and I looked back and saw one of Auburn at the same age doing the same thing. I thought I would share.

Auburn at 10 months

Conley at 10 months

Hopefully they will continue to love reading!

what Simon brought me from Amsterdam

2011-02-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

Do you know what it is?

Don't worry, I didn't either. It is a flessenlikker. That translates to bottle scraper. This little guy was originally from Norway, but apparently is only used in the Netherlands. It gets the very last drop of anything in a bottle. I know it sounds funny, but I am really excited to use it and to have a random kitchen utensil. Thanks love.

Amsterdam

2011-02-22T10:55:00.001-08:00

Simon had a crazy couple of weeks. He had planned a weekend trip to Amsterdam months ago to catch a few soccer games. It was suppose to be calm weekend full of soccer, but turned hectic really quick when he had two business trips added to it. He flew to Venice on Wednesday, returned Friday morning and went straight to work. He came home for an hour and half to see us and change luggage and then headed to the airport for Amsterdam. On Sunday he was suppose to fly home, but had to go to Boston for a week instead. We are glad that he is home.

Here are a some highlights from his trip to Amsterdam. The whole point of this trip to was catch two soccer games from the Dutch Eredivisie. Although it was a little crazy, Simon had a great time.

PSV Eindhoven

They lost 0-1 to ADO Den Haag.

Ajax Amsterdam

They won 2-0 against De Graafschap.

missing this one...

2011-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Simon has been gone for a week and doesn't come home till Saturday morning. Normally it isn't a big deal, but this has been a tough one involving sickness, teething and no sleep.

We miss you! Saturday can't come soon enough!

Saturdays

2011-02-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

This is the usual conversation between Simon and Auburn on Saturdays. They speak in Spanish, but I translated it for you.

FYI: Bundesliga is the German soccer league and Van Nistelrooy is Simon's favorite soccer player

Simon: Auburn, what is today?

Auburn: Saturday

S: What do we get to watch today?

A: Bundesliga highlights

S: Would you like to?

A: Yes!

S: What do we see?

A: Golasos (I think it translates to awesome goals or something like that)

S: Who is going to score?

A: Van Nistelrooy and Bayern Munich

Then before bedtime they watch Bundesliga highlights together and Auburn cheers for the goals. Cute! Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

funny things Auburn said this week

2011-01-27T03:11:00.000-08:00

You are doing a great job" She said this to herself after finishing her puzzle.

Auburn to Conley "I know you want to play with your toys, but you have to take a nap honey."

Auburn to Simon when she heard sirens "It's an ambulance honey."

Auburn had already gone to bed, but need to go potty. While she was sitting on the potty she happily said "After your nap you can have a bite of cookie!"

Auburn to Conley"Don't give it to her bud, it's not hers to play with."

Auburn to her baby"Just one book bud and then it's time for bed."

Auburn to herself "I should probably play with my princess puzzle"

8 months

2011-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

Conley turned 8 months while we were in Rome. My little boy just keeps growing and growing. He is still off the charts in weight and in the 90 something percentile for height. He is happy and content. He recently started waking up during the night, something he hasn't done since he was two months old. We put a quick end to that. He loves music. He dances, really he does and it is hilarious. We turn on music or Simon brings out his guitar and he goes nuts. One day when I figure out how to edit our videos I'll put some up. He doesn't crawl yet, but moves backward and in circles. He always figures out how to reach a toy that he really wants. He is pretty even tempered, but he doesn't like it when you take a toy or book away from him. Conley loves books, and Auburn does a wonderful job of making sure that he always has one. He loves food of all kind. He is so content in his stroller as long as he can see. He has started reaching for items on the shelves at the grocery store, which has made shopping more exciting. He is wonderful! We love you Conley! Happy 8 months!

Rome

2011-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Rome. We haven't been to Italy together, yet. Simon is there all the time for business, but usually in Milan or Venice. I spent some time in Italy almost seven years ago in college when I did a study abroad program in Florence. I was feeling old when I realized that it was seven years. I felt better when we realized that it has been almost twenty years since Simon came for a high school band trip. We decided to take a weekend trip to Rome. Apparently most of Europe had the same idea.

We had a lovely time and also a workout. Pushing around fifty pounds on cobblestone all day long will really do you in. One day we actually carried the kids (Auburn walked, sometimes) so that we could go to the game.

Pantheon

Conley loving breakfast at the hotel

St. Peter's Basilica

There have only been a handful of times where having a double stroller can give you an advantage. We were too wide for the metel detectors so we got to go around! We took turns going in, because there were SO many people it was unreal. You also can't take your stroller into the church.

While Simon was taking his turn in the bascilica, a very nice nun just loved my kids and gaves us clementines. Any Italien that I learned is totally gone, but I know that she did ask their names and ages.

Auburn loved the Colosseum.

from this picture, apparently Conley did as well!

out of order picture of Conley, but thought he was cute.

Auburn at the Roman Forum

We went to see a Roma soccer game, of course. We got to see a great game and six goals total. Conley slept through half of the game, but loved it when he was awake. It was the only game I have ever been to that there were ticket scalping outside. Your ticket has your name on it and you have to show your passport at the door. Great game, great atmosphere.

I thought this was funny,

This is the opposing teams fans...

when Roma scored they all turned and made sure that these ten people knew.

Spanish Steps

Simon and I got separated for a short period of time, it was a little scary because there were so many people. I knew we would find each other, I have a bright green coat. We did find each other and had a nice time enjoying a little snack on the steps.

Trevi fountain

So Auburn developed a love for fountains while we were in Italy. We let her throw in a coin at Trevi fountain and she loved it so much every single time we saw a fountain (and there are a LOT in Rome) she wanted to do it again. We probably spent about fifty cents on this. Luckily there are one and two cent coins with the Euro.

Our stroller wheel broke the day we left for Rome. Luckily the nice maintence man at the hotel had some thick wire and was able to fix it for us. I am still working on a permanent solution, but it seems to be holding up well.

Auburn loves to hold Conley's hand in the stroller.

New Years

2011-01-11T02:03:00.000-08:00

Our celebration of the New Year went something like this....

cleaned the apartment. Not the usually cleaning, but the moving furniture,

cleaning out cupboards, and getting rid of stuff type of cleaning.

naped

more cleaning

Chinese take out

yummy apple pie that Simon made

college football bowl games

watched fireworks from the Olympic stadium from our balcony

kissed at midnight

Here is a picture of our delicious pie.

Happy New Year to all !

Christmas

2010-12-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

We spent the holidays in Neuhaus next to a little the little lake Schliersee like last year. It was wonderful and relaxing! We really just ate, played and slept. It is a holiday apartment that Simon's company owns. They have two playrooms filled with toys and books, ping pong, billards and fussball tables. We were also able to go outside on Christmas. It didn't last very long. We went sledding down the little hill behind Conley, but the snow was icy and Auburn got scared. If it looks cold, it was. It was Simon's first white Christmas.
We opened presents when we got home. Santa stopped by on Sunday during naptime. He brought a sled for the kids and they loved it.

hanging out on the sled in Neuhaus

swinging in Neuhaus

Conley's favorite part of Christmas

on their new sled with all of their presents behind them

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!!!

seven months

2010-12-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

My little boy is seven months. I really don't know where the time has gone. I know that he looks like he is already a year old, but I feel like he was just born. He is such an easy baby, I feel really blessed.

He now loves solid food. There are sometimes that I just can't feed him fast enough. He is still a super sleeper, 11-12 hours a night. He can sit up by himself. He pushes him self backwards when he is on his tummy, and gets stuck under furniture quite often. He loves playing with his toes and taking his socks off.

Conley loves toys. Luckily, he has a loving sister who brings him stuff all the time.

(I found this one morning after my shower)

Conley is very social and wants to be involved with everything. He still doesn't have any teeth, but I think some are on the way. My very happy natured baby has been grumpy the past few days.

I know this picture is blurry, but his smile is so sweet. This is the best one we had of it.

We love you Conley! Happy seven months!

best sister ever

2010-11-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

Last week while I was getting lunch ready I walked in to see this:

Auburn was saying "It's Peter Rabbit, bud. Do you see him?"

She loves to read him stories. She use to just turn the pages while sitting next to him, but now she tells him whats on each page and then shows him the page.

She is really a great older sister. She also points things out to him in the stroller, and calls him "bud" all the time. The first thing she wants to do in the morning is to go see Conley and loves playing with him. She always makes sure that he has a toy. She is also very protective of him.

We had some friends over to play this week and one of the little boys took one of Conley's toys that was laying next to him. Auburn followed him around until he dropped the toy and then took it back to Conley declaring that it was "Conley's toy". And Conley just loves Auburn. It makes me so happy to see the ways that they show love towards one another.

Thankful

2010-11-22T12:16:00.001-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving. Last year I made a small attempt at a Thanksgiving dinner for our little family, and well it just wasn't the same. This year I have decided not cook the big meal. We are eating leftover empanadas and Spanish rice for dinner, lame, I know. Even though Thanksgiving is obviously not celebrated here in Germany, today I am reminded of the many things that I am grateful for. Here are a few of them.

I am grateful for him. He is wonderful. Really, I couldn't ask for a better man to be my husband. He is talented, dilligent, perceptive, a wonderful father, and well you get the point.

I am grateful for these two little ones.

They are amazing kids and I feel so blessed to be their mother.

I am grateful for all of these people.

(plus baby Olivia and Lucy)

(plus baby Sierra)

I am grateful for my Savior and for the sacrifices he has made for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

May you all have a fabulous day filled with family, turkey and football!

rice cereal, carrots and zucchini...

2010-11-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Conley had food for the first time. We started with rice cereal and have since moved to carrots, zucchini, potatoes and apples. Auburn is really excited that he is eating real food. The first night she wanted to help feed him and now really likes setting a place for him when she sets the table. I really thought Conley would love solid food, but so far I think he just tolerates it. Zucchini seems to be the favorite so far. He loves sitting in his highchair and being with the family during mealtime.

Monday

2010-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

Monday was a big day at our house.

First, Conley rolled over four times!!! He has rolled over before, but only twice and they happened almost a month apart. The doctor was concerned that he isn't really rolling a lot yet. I think it is just harder because he is so big (almost 25 lbs at 6 months, I know...) He doesn't like to perform and we haven't gotten it on tape yet. I guess he likes to do it on his on time, anyway Yeah Conley!!!

Auburn started potty training on Monday, and she is doing great! On Monday she had four accidents, yesterday one and today we are at 3:30pm and accident free so far... let's hope that continues. She is really doing great and already telling me when she needs to go, sometimes. I can't imagine potty training with carpet. Yeah Auburn!!!

I'll post some pictures of the kids later.

our US trip

2010-10-27T13:21:00.001-07:00

In October we headed back to the US to see our families. Our kids were absolutly wonderful on both of the plane rides. I am grateful that flying doesn't bother them at all. Auburn was SO excited to have her own seat and meal. Coming back we had some pretty bad jet lag. Conley, my super sleeper, decided that he wanted to go to bed at 2am for about four days, and Simon had to jump on a plane to Italy the day after we returned (we didn't know that was going to happen). It all made for an exciting return.
The pictures are in the wrong order. I always accidentally do this, sorry. Just so you know, we started in DC with my family, drove to New York to meet up with Simon's family. Thanks to Brent and Kirsten for letting us crash with you in DC and thanks to Paula for letting all of us share your wonderful studio in New York.

After we spent a day in NY, we drove up to Conneticut to see the leaves with Scott, Sasha and Seth. The leaves were in their peak and it was just beautiful!

Seth took some pictures of us as a family and I will post those later, but here is Auburn with Daddy.

We took in a Red Bulls soccer game. Our friend Rob met up with us at the game.

The Johnson family. Sierra is twice Conley's age and weighs almost 8 lbs less.
It was our first time meeting Sierra. Auburn just followed her around and loved her

and mothered her.
Conley lovin' it!

Auburn, Conley and their cousin Sierra

Seth hooked us up. We were able to go to the 49th floor of this building overlooking Ground Zero. We were the only people on the floor and it was an amazing view of NY.

On our way to New York from DC we stopped in Philly. I had never been there before.
We only had a quick two hours, but managed to see a few things.

In DC we went to see the National Arboretum with my family. Here is Auburn enjoying the fountain.

Simon and I were able to go to the Washington DC temple one morning. It was wonderful!

We headed to the zoo and Auburn loved it, especially the Pandas!

Here are my parents with five of their six grandchildren. It was near to impossible to take a picture with them all looking at the camera. I hope someone else got a better picture than I did.
Auburn had SO much fun with her cousins and still talks about playing with them.

Thanks Mom and Dad and Scott and Sasha for flying out to see us! We didn't get to see everyone, but hopefully we can catch the rest of my siblings the next time out.... or you can come see us!

Grandma and Grandpa Hill

2010-10-27T13:19:00.001-07:00

I'm a little behind in my blogging. The past two months have been a whirlwind, and I am finally catching up. Simon has been on three different buisness trips, we have taken two trips and we have had two different sets of visitors. That being said, Grandma and Grandpa Hill came to visit in September. They came on Auburn's second birthday. They also did some traveling on their own while they were here, I think about five different countires in all. Here are some of the pictures

Conley and Grandpa

We hiked up to the Andecht monestary for this beautiful view and to see this church in side.

Simon and Brad were able to take in a game at Allianz Arena

Here's Grandma cutting Auburn's birthday cake

Thanks for coming to visit Grandma and Grandpa, come back anytime!

new pics

2010-10-07T01:22:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we took some more pictures of the kids. Here are a few of my favorites.

Happy 2nd Birthday Auburn!!!

2010-10-04T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well, last week my little girl turned two! I feel like we were just bringing her home from the hospital. We have been helping her understand what a birthday is. When we would question her she would respond to the appropriate questions. Her answers were "get a present", "eat cake, chocolate cake" and after her birthday she told me that "Auburn needs to cool down the candles again." I guess she wants another birthday. On Sunday we had another cake and she thought it was her birthday again, it was really cute!

Grandma and Grandpa Hill were actually able to be here for her birthday this year. Their plane arrived in the afternoon and we celebrated in the evening. Conley decided the party wasn't for him and actually slept through the entire thing.

She was more interested in eating cake than smiling for a picture.

She was spoiled rotten by her Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, thanks for the presents!
Simon found this awesome children's mp3 player for her without headphones. She carries her "radio" around everywhere and asks for me to turn it on for her. It is uploaded with all of her favorites, even Daddy's music.

Auburn is such a delightful two year old. She repeats everything, I mean everything. Today, I think she said her longest sentence to date "Do you want to read your prophet book on the blue coach?" She narrates what is happening all day long. She loves helping me. Her new favorite is setting the table. She runs to me and asks "would you like to set the table?"

She loves her baby and bears, blocks and building towers, animals. She still loves reading books. She will sit and read for a half an hour reading books by herself while I do chores and shower in the morning. She loves looking at photos on the computer (screen saver option). She loves the swings and playing in the sand. She also loves her brother and is a very big helper!

Happy Birthday Auburn!!!!

India - part 2

2010-09-23T11:51:00.001-07:00

Taj Mahal

Well, it is totally worth all of the hype. What a beautiful and impressive building. Pictures really don't do it justice at all. It is bigger than I thought it would be and has so much detail. The stone sparkles in the sun. We spent most of the day there just taking it all in.

Believe it or not, this is our first family picture since Conley was born. It took us four months to get one of all of us.

Conley loving the Taj Mahal.

She learned how to say Taj Mahal, but added a syallable "Taja Mahal". It was so cute to hear her say it.

Hill family special

It is a good thing that my daughter loves rice. She really lived off of it the time that we were there. The food was really, really spicy.

Everyone loved our double stroller. This is the Red Fort in Agra.
What you don't see is is a bunch of other people taking our picture behind Simon.

So a typical traffic jam in India consists of cars, tuk-tuks(what we are in), bikes, motorcycles and cows. This picture didn't have a cow in it, but they always in the middle of the street.

Baby Taj

This is in the same city as the Taj Mahal, and has been nicknamed the Baby Taj. Not as big, but still some impressive stone work.

He is just really too cute!

Auburn sporting her new India shirt.

Delhi - the largest mosque in India

I had to wear this lovely robe because I was wearing shorts.

We feel really blessed to have all of these adventures and that our children travel so well.

Who knows where we will end up next....

India

2010-09-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Our life is always full of some adventure, somewhere. Our lastest adventure was India. Simon and I had been talking about India for sometime and finally were able to male it happen. It was hot and humid, a big difference from our cold summer here in Germany. This was the first trip that Auburn was really aware that we were leaving our home and travelling. She had a bit of a culture shock when we arrived. The heat, bugs, dirt and all of the people trying to take pictures of her. She adjusted quickly, and had a great time. Conley was as happy as ever, as long as he has his family and milk, he is good to go. The kids were amazing on the flights. Conley had a bassinet and the crew managed to get us a seat for Auburn which made a huge difference. I think airlines know that if the family with children are happy, then everyone is happy.

The kids were superstars in India. Everyone thought that they were twins. We also had crowds of people around our children taking pictures. I didn't mind the pictures, it was the constant need that many people felt to pinch our kids cheeks. We were constantly saying "don't touch". I wasn't expecting the kids to draw that much attention.

We spent our time in New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. We traveled by trains, tuk-tuks, rickshaws and taxis. It was really an adventure and we had a great time! Here are the first set of pictures. I'll add more later, especially the ones of Taj Mahal.

Laxminarayan Temple - Delhi

Lotus Temple - New Delhi

The temple is even more impressive in real life. You are not allowed to speak or make any noise inside. Luckily our kids were both really good. Don't mind Auburn's grumpy face in the picture. She wanted a cracker and we told her after the picture she could have one

India vs. Thailand

probably one of the smallest stadiums we have ever been to, especially for a national game. It just happened to be going on while we were there, so we stopped by to check it out. Auburn is really starting to like soccer games.

Humayun's tomb - Delhi

Monkey Temple

This is in Jaipur and looks like it came right out of Indiana Jones. Monkeys have taken over this temple and are everywhere. Auburn loved it.

If you look really closely you can see to monkeys in the top right corner. They would climb to the top of the wall and jump in to the water. It was hilarious. You never knew who was going next or from where. Probably one of the most random afternoons I have ever had.

Palace inside of the Amber Fort

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Yes, those are real cobras. I didn't let my children anywhere near them.

Akshardam temple, New Delhi

This structure is really quite amazing. You aren't allowed to have cameras on the grounds so this is the best we could do. There was so much detail inside and out of the temple, it is a beautiful building.

more pictures to come...

this weekend

2010-08-31T12:09:00.001-07:00

College football starts and we couldn't be more excited!

Go Cougars and Gators!

Our little michelin man

2010-08-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

I knew it would happen....

2010-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I just didn't think it would be so soon.

My children had their doctor checkups last week at the same time. As you know they take all of their measurements and guess what.... my children weigh the same. Seriously, I'm not kidding. My 23 month old daugher and my 3 and half month son weigh the same, almost 22 pounds. It's okay, you can laugh, we both did.

So a little update on the kids...

Auburn

She is only in the 10th percentile for weight and 25 percentile for height. She is talking up a storm using 6-7 word sentences. She loves her baby and everything involved in taking care of her, feeding, rocking her and putting her down for a nap, changing her "poopie diaper" ect. She loves clothes and gets really excited to help me with the laundry. She loves to narrate as we fold, "Conley's ball onesie" or "Auburn's heart shirt" and so forth. She also likes picking out her and Conley's outfits. She is also way into blocks, animals and music with Daddy. The other day she was singing a Rob Thomas song... and frequently asks for different bands, but her favorite is Def Leppard.

Conley

He is in the 90th percentile for height and way off the chart for weight. He is one big boy. He, well I probably shouldn't say this, but he sleeps for 9-10 hours a night. Simon keeps reminding me that I am one lucky mother, I agree. I feel kind of spoiled. He is such a happy, content baby. He smiles all the time and has started laughing. To be honest he doesn't really cry. He is such a sweet boy!

July

2010-07-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

I really don't know where July has gone. Summer seems to be quickly slipping away and my kids are growing way too fast. Even though times seems to be flying our summer has been very calm. I do have the itch for another trip. Simon has been in Italy a few times this summer for work. He is actually there right now. The kids and I are enjoying our trips to the park and the nice weather.

Simon has taught Auburn about different bands. She will now put in her requests for music. Some of the bands/ artists she knows, but not limited to, are Rascal Flatts, Metallica, Chicago, Bon Jovi, Peter Cetera, Keane, Robbie Williams, Rob Thomas, Blackhawk, Van Halen and what seems to be her favorite Def Leppard. It is pretty funny to hear an almost two year old asking for Def Leppard.

Conley is growing and growing some more. He is already in 6-9 month clothes and can wear some 9-12 month stuff. He is sleeping through the night (9pm-6am)!!!!! I am really excited about that. He is a very happy and content little boy.

Here are just a few pictures from the month...

Hope you are all enjoying your summer as well!

World Cup

2010-07-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Four years ago my husband was planning on going to the World Cup here Germany... well we got married instead. The plan was for us to both go to the next one in South Africa, and then well... our little Conley was due a month before the start. So being the super-cool wife that I am, I told my husband to go without me, as long as I have help while he was gone. My parents came to help and I sent my husband off for two weeks to see seven World Cup games.

USA vs. Slovenia

Argentina vs. S. Korea

USA vs. England

He went with my cousin Ryan and their friend Duane.

Soccer city stadium

Netherlands vs. Denmark

Apparently Simon and Ryan climbed up this and jumped into the water fully dressed. That's sound like my husband.

Honduras vs. Chile

I think the zebra pattern on the seats are cool.

To me this just says "South Africa"

My handsome hubby!

They *hunted for penguins

*followed them around taking a thousand pictures of them
Portugal vs. N. Korea

USA vs. Algeria

They saw a lot of cool animals just from driving around.

Apparently this guy started charging after them while they were in the car.

So, in four years we will hopefully be going together to Brazil for the next World Cup!

Oma and Opa visit

2010-07-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

My parents came for a visit in June. They spent some time in northern Germany and in Italy and then came to Munich for two weeks. They helped me while Simon was in South Africa for the World Cup (that is another post). It was nice to have them here and Iknow that my children miss them. The first week I was really sick and it was nice to have my children entertained and the everyday chores done, thanks Mom and Dad. We also had awful weather the first week they were here, it rained almost everyday. The second week we were here we went out and explored Munich a little bit.

Hirschgarten

This is an awesome park here in Munich that has a deer reserve. You can feed the deer and they also have a great playground. Auburn had a great time and always ask to feed the deer now.

We walked around downtown Munich and were there for the big announcement of Munich's bid for the 2018 Olypmics. (Yes it is June and my children are wearing fleece, it was really cold)

Auburn is tucking my Dad in for a nap. She likes to have her bears right next to her when she sleeps and thought my Dad would also need the bears for a nap, plus the princess blanket. He fell asleep on the couch and started snoring one day. She ran to tell me "Opa making noise".

Auburn had several trips to the park with Oma and Opa.

Conley enjoyed being held and snuggled all the time!
Thanks for coming Oma and Opa!!!! We miss you already!

Kiddos

2010-07-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was sweet...

This is my 6 week old son and my 21 month old daughter. This is what it looks like when your daughter is in the 15th percentile and your son is in 90th percentile.

Conley, Conley

2010-06-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

On June 6th, we blessed our little Conley. Simon gave him a beautiful blessing. I unfortunately didn't catch every word. Auburn kept saying "Daddy bless Conley". My parents were able to be in town for this blessing. I didn't get pictures of him with other people, but at least I got a picture of him in his blessing outfit.

I am pretty sure his eyes are going to stay brown.

Conley and Daddy outisde on the balcony.

Conley had his six week checkup last Friday. He weighed in at whooping 6.7 kilos (14 lbs 12 oz). He is a healthy boy. The doctor was going through the routine questions and got to "Is he eating well?" He stopped and looked at Conley and said, "of course he is". He is already in 3-6 month clothes.

Look at those chubby little legs... I just love them!

My Dad works at Cape Canaveral so these "rocket jammies" as Auburn calls them are from my parents! I think he looks very handsome in navy blue.

Conley is so calm and peaceful. He doesn't really cry and is very tolerate of his sometimes too loving older sister. He is becoming more aware of his surroundings and is really strong. I just feel so grateful for my little ones!

anniversary

2010-06-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Simon and I celebrated our fourth anniversary in May. Our anniversary fell on a holiday here in Germany so lucky for us, Simon had the day off. I told him that all of Germany was celebrating our anniversary! We didn't a lot considering that I had a baby six days prior, but it was a nice day. We were able to take advantage of my parents being here and had a date about a month after.

I can't believe that it has already been four years. I am so grateful to be married to my best friend. We have had four wonderful, adventure-filled years and have been blessed with two beautiful children! Happy Anniversary Love!

funny things Auburn said this week

2010-06-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Simon has been out of town (more about that later) and so I have tried to remember the new things that Auburn has said. Here are a few of the funny ones.... (remember she is not even two yet)

"pink bear wear brown shoes"
She is really into dressing up her teddy bears lately.
"how about some tortellini?"
That is what we had for dinner tonight. I laughed when she said it because it sounds so grown up.
"Conley's chillin"
She tells me when Conley is sleeping, awake ect, but this made me laugh. I guess I said it awhile ago.
Nephi, Lehi, Liahona, Moroni ect....
She got a Book of Mormon story book from my parents and now she knows all of the Book of Mormon prophets. She tells me the names all the time.
"Auburn count strawberries, 1,2,3"
I about fell over when she said this. She counts everything to three. She also started telling me the numbers in one of her books, she got 1-5 right. I think my Mom taught that to her while she was here.
"bless you Conley"

me: where is Daddy?
Auburn: Africa
me: what is Daddy doing in Africa?
Auby: soccer game
me: who is with Daddy?
Auby: Ryan
me: who won the game today?
Auby: USA

The best of all is that she finally started saying "I love you"! There is something about hearing "I love you Mommy" that just melts my heart!

big sister

2010-06-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

With all of the attention that Conley has been getting, I thought I would make a post about the big sister. Auburn is such a sweet older sister. She is always bringing him her favorite blanket and her toys. These are her new jammy jams. She walked around for days saying "new jammies like it".

This is Auburn and Daddy at the park on the big swing.

These are my two little munchkins in their double stroller. Auburn is always saying "Auburn sit next to Conley". She loves to hold his hand and help him find his bink when he cries.

This is in the subway station. I guess they were just both exhausted.

We just love our Auburn! She is really growing in so many ways. Her vocabulary is incredible and she has started saying four and five word sentences. She specifically asked for her "pink bow" in the picture below. Yes, that is right she knows her colors (in English and Spanish) She has also named all of her shirts and usually requests what she wants to wear in the morning, and she is only 20 months.

three weeks

2010-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Conley is already three weeks old. I can't believe where the time has gone. He is such a sweet and calm baby. He is already a big boy! He is almost too big for his 0-3 month clothes. He is a champion sleeper, usually waking only one time during the night. He has even had a few nights of 8 hour sleep, it has been wonderful! We just love him and are so happy to have him here in our family!
Everyone has asked me how Auburn has adjusted to having a sibling. She was a little bit jealous and wanted Mommy to hold her all the time, but she soon got over that. She loves her brother. She is always bringing him her toys and her favorite blanket. I had to intercept a rice cake that she was trying to feed him the other day and explain that he only drinks milk right now. She also regularly asks to "hold baby Conley" or "snuggle baby Conley". She also loves the double stroller and asks me to "sit next Conley". She really is such a wonderful big sister!

Here are some more pictures of our little man. I included a few of Auburn because she is just cute.

Introducing.....

2010-05-13T06:09:00.001-07:00

Conley Berendt

Born May 7th at 5:00 pm

4.1 kilos (9 lbs)

59 cm (23.2 inches)

We feel very blessed and humbled to have another sweet child come to our family.

Auburn update

2010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

I really meant to write an update when Auburn turned 18 months, but somehow it just never happened. Now she is 19 and half months old. Here are a few of her (and our) favorite things:

She likes to call Daddy. She will pick up any phone and say "Dad" and then tell him about her day. She sometimes gets upset when I am on the phone and it is not Simon. Apparently, once when I was gone she called me.

She now asks for soccer games and the ball.

She will bring you her blanket and saw "snuggle" (we both love this!)

She asks Simon to "tackle" her. He throws her in the air and she just laughs and laughs.

She loves her bears and dolls. She started feeding them her sippy and crackers and has asked to put a diaper on them. I didn't think this would happen until after the baby was born, but I was wrong.

Her new favorite songs include: Wheels on the Bus, 5 Speckled Frogs and If your Happy and You Know it. She does the actions and will ask for each of them by name. She will even have her dolls and bears do the actions as well.

She still loves the swings, slides and now playing in the sand.

She has become very independent. I hear "self" a lot these days. She wants to eat, drink from a big girl cup and walk by herself.

She is a very good helper and will help clean up.

She helps me cook (she stirs and plays with the bowls while I cook). The other day I asked her what she was doing and she said "help dinner". I asked her what she was making and she told me "pasta". I guess that is her favorite.

When she really likes some food she says "yummy".

Simon speaks only Spanish with her and her Spanish is coming along really well. In fact sometimes I have to ask him what she is saying if I haven't heard him use the word before. I guess I need to learn Spanish.

She still loves books and repeats almost everything. Her vocabulary grows everyday, it just amazes me.

We just love her so much and are so grateful for our Auburn! I have been meaning to put up some new pictures of her, I just have to take them first.

Germany road trip - part 2

2010-05-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the second part of our trip. I figured that since I am this baby is due next week, I better get this finished.

Schloss Wernigerode

It was a nice little castle that looked over a very picturques town.

Auburn enjoying the Wolfsburg game.

We took a ferry ride in Hamburg to see the city from a different view. Auburn loved the boats.

Bremen

We saw the Rathaus, the Dom and the Bremen town Musicians. Simon even got to see some mummies in the crypt.

Daddy and Auburn at the Bremen game.

You are probably wondering why there is a picture of windmills. All over Germany there are windmills and Auburn kept asking about them. She learned the word the first day and kept asking for them the entire trip. One night in the car she kept asking for "more windmills" and was really upset when we couldn't magically make them appear.

We drove over to Poland, just to say that we been there. There was much over the border, you really had to drive to get to the bigger cities. We did stop and have some Goulash and it was really yummy!

Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate

Reichstag (Parliament building)

You can actually walk up to the top of the glass dom in the middle for a great view of Berlin.

Auburn stretching her legs at the Berliner Dom

East Side Gallery
Some remnants of the wall that artists have been able to paint.

Dom in Dresden

Royal courtyard in Dresden

We went to this really cool national park called Bastei. It was kind of a foggy morning. The pictures don't do it justice, but it was quite beautiful.

We had a wonderful time on our trip!

Germany road trip - part 1

2010-04-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

We have traveled all over while we have lived here, but haven't really seen Germany. So we decided that a road trip would be easier with one than with two. So, we rented a car and drove all over Germany. I was a little bit worried considering that we were within 7 weeks of my delivery date when we started, but everything worked out great

Our first stop was Hamburg

Of course, if you know us, you know that we stopped at a few soccer games. Here we are at Hamburg Europa League game. Simon finally saw his favorite player of all time, Van Nisterooyl. It only took him 4 times and 3 different teams.

Lüdbeck
It is now a little city, but it was once home to the Hanseatic League, which is a huge trading alliance during medieval times.

Schloss Schwerin

You can't tell from this picture because of our cute Auburn, but it surrounded by water and just takes your breathe away when you first see it.

Cologne

This is the enormous Cologne Dom in the downtown. It is the largest church in Germany.

Our little Auby at the Cologne game. On this trip she learned how to say "game" and "soccer".

Cochem

We walked around this charming little city on a Sunday afternoon. Simon and his Aunt climbed up to the top of a hill where there was a castle, but Auburn and I decided to admire it from below.

It isn't a fablous picture of me, but this is the first time that I ever tried currywurst. It is a sausage with curry and very popular in Germany. It was so good that I had some more in Berlin.

Simon's Aunt Kathleen was very adventurous and joined us for a few days on our trip. We enjoyed having her with us. This is all of us at Berg Eltz, a secluded castle in the Rhineland.

Landschaft Duisberg

This is an industrial site that has been converted into a park. They had some playgrounds and a petting zoo for Auburn, which she just loved. Simon and I actually climbed up to the very, very top. It took me a little while longer than Simon, but I am proud to say that I did it!

Düsseldorf

It had a really cool pier with some very interesting buildings. We spent the evening walking around the town and eating a delicious Italian dinner. Thanks Aunt Kathleen!

On my birthday we went to the chocolate museum in Cologne. Auburn loved the chocolate bunnies and we loved the free samples! We also went to a really cool cave (we couldn't take any pictures inside), then to a little city called Celle. There is a picture in the previous post of Auburn and I walking around there. We topped off the night with a yummy Turkish dinner in Hannover. Thanks Simon for another wonderful birthday!

Quedlinburg

This was a really picturesque city to walk through. We stopped and ate a delicious German lunch at a little resturant.

We also stopped by the Gutenberg museum in Mainz where we saw a real Gutenberg bible among some other cool things. I also went to the Beethoven Haus in Bonn, which I just loved.

preparing for baby

2010-04-22T11:19:00.001-07:00

I guess I had forgotten all of the things that need to be done to prepare for a new baby. We have also been trying to prepare Auburn for the the baby as well. Auburn now refers to herself as "big girl" (she also calls herself Auby). We took her "bink" away a few months ago. She was only using it for sleep. The first night she was furious, but then that was it. She asked for it at naptime for the next few weeks and then, nothing, no more bink. She started sleeping in her big girl bed last week. There has been no problems with that transition either. Simon asked her the other day if she wanted to sleep in the crib of the bed and she said "big girl bed". I know that there will be some jealousy, but so far so good. I started buying newborn diapers, washing all of his clothes, moved the crib up to newborn and put boy sheets on and packed my bag for the hospital. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone. We are only 3 weeks away....

This is the best picture to show just how large I am. This was taken two weeks ago on our trip to northern Germany. (Hopefully I will get that post up soon)

Here is a picture of our cute big girl! I can't believe how time flies.

swings

2010-03-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

When the weather finally started to warm up, Auburn and I have been spending more time at the park. She LOVES the swings and asks me to go every single day at least two or three times. Our conversation usually goes something like this:

Auburn: swings

Jodi: We can go to the swings after your nap

Auburn: slide

Jodi: yes, and the slide

Auburn: weeeeeeee (she says it with such enthusiasm, it is way cute!)

Jodi: yes, the park is fun

Auburn: fun

Today she even told Simon all of this on the phone while he was at work. It is hilarious. After our trip I will try and take some pictures of her on the swings.

VNM

2010-03-15T13:31:00.001-07:00

and so it continues.....

super and applesauce

2010-03-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Auburn is our little chatterbox. She has about 100 words or so in her vocabulary. She names things everywhere we go. When she gets dressed she tells me what we are putting on, shirt, pants, socks, shoes, scarf, coat ect... If she doesn't know the name for something then she wants you to tell her. She will usually tell me what she wants like hold, side (for outside), eat, walk, play and nap (yes she tells me when she wants a nap). Most of the words that she speaks are English, but she also will say some things in Spanish. (Simon speaks only Spanish with her).
Auburn also gets some German at church, playgroup and the nursery at my German classes. The other day she came home and was saying "super". We were a little confused, because that is not a word that Simon and I use with her. "Super" is a word that many Germans use and we figured that she must of learned it at the nursery. She even says the word like a German. I went to the store and Simon played the guitar for her while I was gone. When I returned, I asked her if she like Daddy's song and she said "super". Simon and I laughed, but she was serious. The other funny word that she just learned is applesauce. She repeats it over and over again, probably because we end up laughing because it is just so cute!

date night

2010-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Simon and I went to the Germany vs. Argentina soccer game here in Munich a few weekends ago. We went with some of our friends. Believe it or not, this is the first time we have ever left Auburn. She was asleep the entire time and didn't even know that we left her. Thanks to my friend again for babysitting! Although Germany lost, we had a great time.

England

2010-02-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

The first week of January we took a trip to England. We spent a week in the Manchester area, saw four Premiership soccer games and just had a great time together as a family. Yes, it was cold, but it was a lot colder in Germany.

This picture is a little out of order. We headed down to a few little cities, Shrewsbury and Chester. These cities are famous for their Tudor architecture. I think Auburn is eyeing the shopping possibilities.

We headed to Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. This is Simon's favorite soccer team, and now mine as well. We actually came here back in 2006, but it was so awesome we had to come again. Man U won 4-0, thanks to a German hat trick from Rooney just for Auburn.

We headed to the Peak district on Sunday to see the area. This is not Stonehenge, but similiar rock circle called Castlerigg Stone Circle. The whole area was just beautiful!

We went to the National Media Museum in Bradford. I got to give the evening news and Simon and Auburn did the weather report.

We spent the morning exploring Manchester and the plan was for all of us to attend the four soccer matches, but after Auburn throwing up in the morning (she was totally fine just a little car sick) and my killer headache, Simon dropped us off at the hotel and went to the Bolton game alone. He had a great time of course and I am pretty sure that Bolton won the game.

We spent the day in northern Wales and in the evening we headed to Everton for game number three. We saw the American, Landon Donovan, score his first goal for Everton. Yes, it was cold, but I promise Mom that my daughter had on so many layers that she was nice and toasty warm!

In York we saw the National Railway museum. Look at our cute little Engineer!

We also walked around the city, saw the Minster, walked on the city walls and pretty much had a great time. I think York is a very charming English city.

On Friday we headed to Whitby. This is where a scene from the book "Dracula" takes place. We walked up to the Whitby Abbey, all 199 steps to get there. It took me and my pregnant self a little bit longer than Simon, who was carrying Auburn, but I made it. Whitby is also famous for the fish and chips. We ate at a yummy little place on the water.

The last game we went to was the Liverpool game. I am still amazed that we were able to get three tickets. I know, I put two pictures of Auburn at the game, but she had so many cute ones that day, and I couldn't decide.

walking

2010-02-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Walking has been scary for our little one. For some reason she has really been afraid of walking without holding on to anything. She took her first step in Thailand at 14 months, she then refused to take another until we were in England at 16 months. Later that day when we were in the Munich airport she finally took 5 in a row. Since then she has only taken a few steps at a time on her own. She loves walking holding our hands and with her doll stroller.
This week, on the day she turned 17 months, she overcame her fear and just took off. We pulled out the camcorder to get 5-6 steps on tape, but she ended up walking all over the apartment on her own. She was so proud of herself. She would walk from Simon to me just giggling and smiling. I am so proud of her!!! and my pregnant back is very grateful!

New Years

2010-02-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

I saw this picture the other day and realized that I never made a post about New Years. I know that it is already the middle of February, but I hope everyone has had happy start to 2010. I made a yummy meal and Simon made this fantastic lemon meringue pie for New Years. That's right, my wonderful hubby makes delicious pies! I fell asleep before midnight, but made Simon promise to wake me up for New Years kiss. He did and we watched the fireworks at the Olympic stadium from our balcony.

Pretty

2010-02-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

Auburn is a total girly girl! She loves playing with my jewelry box and putting all of the bracelets on her arm. A few months ago she started calling the bracelets "pretty". Now all jewelry, Christmas ornaments, sparkly lights, dresses are all called "pretty". She loves putting on her "pretty" Sunday dresses. Every time I open her closet she comments how pretty her dresses are and wants to touch them. She also knows the word "card" because she loves playing with our credit cards. We better watch out for her when she hits her teenage years.

Books... and more books

2010-02-05T05:20:00.000-08:00

Auburn loves books! I think I already posted something about this a long time ago. Starting at about 7 months she would pull every book out and look through it one by one. Now, she wants to be read to. I think Simon and I probably read every single book that we own at least one day, usually two or three times. Her vocabulary is growing so fast. If you try to do something else while you should be reading to her, she will get upset.

She brings the books to us, well more like pushes the books on the floor. It doesn't matter what room you happen to be in even the bathrom, she will find you, look up with her sweet brown eyes, say "pleeeaaassee" and "book" and hand you a book. I can never say no, it is really too cute! Oh, and once you finish the books she has brought she will bring you two more to read.

It's a ......

2010-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

We found out last past week that we are expecting .... a baby boy! We are super excited! I had a feeling ever since we found out that I was pregnant that would be having a boy. Auburn came to the ultrasound with us and repeatedly said "baby" while we looked at the screen. We are excited for her to have a little brother. We just need to start thinking of baby boy names ....

Christmas in the Alps

2009-12-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

This year for Christmas we ended up going to Simon's work cabin in Schliersee. We decided that since Auburn doesn't quite understand waking up on Christmas morning to open presents yet and we are so far away from family that there was no reason to stay in Munich. We left on Wednesday evening and stayed until Saturday. It was probably the most relaxing Christmas we will ever have. We slept in (even Auburn), played and relaxed. The cabin that his company has is awesome! They have a couple play rooms for the little ones with lots of new toys that Auburn loved playing with. They also have ping pong tables, a billard room, fussball tables, internet and a library. We also can take some amazing walks as we are in the Alps and close to the lake.

Auby and Daddy on our Christmas Eve walk

Outside Schliersee

our apartment was to the left of my head with all the windows on the top

I didn't want to carry all of our Christmas presents up to Schliersee, so we opened Christmas presents on the 26th when we returned home. Auburn loved all of our gifts and is still enjoying playing with the new toys.

She isn't walking yet, but she got this stroller from my parents from Christmas and has been taking it everywhere in our apartment. It took her a day to get use to it, but now she takes her "baby" and "bear" everywhere.

We hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Nürnberg

2009-12-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Christmas we took a day trip to the city of Nürnberg. They have a famous Christmas market there, and we thought that we would take in the market and a soccer game all at the same time. Nürnberg is about 2 hours away by train from Munich. It was cold. Luckily Auburn stayed warmer than all of us.

Our little sweetheart

Look at all of those yummy treats! Lebkuchen is a type of cookie kind of like Gingerbread, but softer and in my opinion much tastier. Nürnberg Lebkuchen is very famous and I bought myself one to try while we were there.... it was delicious! Simon doesn't like them, but he surprised me with a package of Nürnberg Lebkuchen for Christmas.

There were rows and rows of stalls. They sell all types of yummy treats, christmas decorations, toys, handmade items and other gifts.

We watched the Nürnberg v. Hamburg game. It didn't turn out so well for Nürnberg, they lost 4-0, but we still had fun.