Birthdays

The twins turned 5 years old. How fast they grow up. On the "real" day, a Thursday, it was just the young family and us. James and I were invited to dinner. We went a little earlier to help Sarah a bit. We picked the birthday boys up from their preschool with their papercrowns on their heads and spent the afternoon playing.

Colin and Owen were so excited and they could not wait for some "opening". Finally Sarah told them to sit on the sofa and this is what they immediately did (while Sarah went to get something). So funny.

Of course they had a great time opening presents. Big brother helps somewhat too.

Facetime with the other grandparents.

After Chinese take-out the traditional family birthday cookie.

I just love this photo. 

When we were home we saw that Freddie was visiting us (looking in through the side-window of the front door).

Ha, I actually went outside.

Next day we found him (or her?) again when we uncovered something on the back patio.

The newest thing ... Sarah's recipe: flatbread rolls. Nice to have a picnic on the back patio.

Saturday

The birthday party. Sarah had to work but had arranged everything nicely for 3:30 pm and came straight from work there. 

There were six children doing the Zoofari and also Sarah, Wade and two dads. James and I, two moms and  smaller children were watching. First of course the harnesses were put on and instructions given. 

And then it started. Each harness has two ropes with carabiners. Everybody was told that at least one always had to be attached to the red course line. When you go from one section to the next you move one carabiner at a time. The children got it quickly and had a lot of fun. Each section was a bit different and a new challenge. 

A 'little' zipline at the end of the 'lower' level.

VIDEO        (1:30 min.)

The last platform. Here they attached to the zipline and zipped down to the start.

VIDEO     (2:35 min.)    

The video is a bit longer because you have to do the attaching right! The kids were all so patient and funny. They didn't mind doing the countdown again and again about a dozent times.

Some refreshment, celebrating and chatting. 

It was an excellent party. Happy Birthday, Colin and Owen!

Microgreens and champagne.

... not on the same day!

The last photo in my last blog was of the started microgreens. Started it on a Monday. Two days later the cover came off.

Starting Sunday was harvest time.

Lunch. I had to pinch one of the plantlings and could definately taste the broccoli. Learned though that you need to put on much more to get the taste when its mixed with other things.

The last few days have been pleasently cooler. Some of my flowers are not so nice looking any more but we still enjoy very much our back patio.

The parsley in the planter next to the mandevilla was being decimated. 

Yup, another parsley-eater. Since the parsley usually does not live through winter I didn't mind it. But no sign of it now and no chrysalis. Wonder what happened. 

Another visitor. Freddie showed his undersight on the outside of the glass-sliding door.

With mixed feelings we celebrated James' sister Kate and husband Dave's Golden Wedding Anniversary. The mixed feelings because we were supposed to be in England to do the celebrating there with them. We love our families. Second best: taking photos and doing FaceTime.

Wishing Kate and Dave many more happy years of wedding bliss and that we can spend vacation time together really soon!!!