11 Months and Beating the Heat

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is still hot.   And Germany is still the land of no air conditioning.   So a big chunk of our week consisted of trying to beat the heat and praying for the sun to stay behind the clouds.  But despite the high temperatures, we managed to have a great week that included lots of time with friends and some relaxing family time as well.    In other news, Sarah Avery is 11 months old this week.   And as evidenced by the pictures below, she is very curious, very mobile, and very adorable.      

Now that she can pull up easily, she is extremely interested in crayons and paper.   Not necessarily to color; she considers craft supplies more of a snack than a hobby.  

Yellow crayon??  Yummy!

Susannah seems to be taller every single day.   How is that possible?

August school break is approaching and I think she is ready.    Kindergarten isn't air conditioned either and she comes home pretty tired from playing in this heat.   

As of this incident, we have instated a strict "water closet door must remain closed at all times" policy.    

Please notice both hands as far into the toilet as she can manage.   

In other news, SA learned a new skill this week......clapping.

She does it all the time now.  

And is super proud of herself.  

While Susannah takes her swimming lessons, SA and I have been walking the bike trails that run behind the pool complex.   They are lined with these flower fields which run on an honor system.   You pick the flowers and leave the money in the barrel.   I want to let Susannah pick some one day soon. 

Ready for ballet.

Her teacher requested that she start coming with her hair in a bun.   I'm so relieved somebody gave us this big ribbon  that camouflages my horrible attempt at a bun.   

97 degrees means Mama is not turning the oven on, so we had smoothies for dinner on Friday night.   Sarah Avery loved it!

Silly sisters.  

She loves playing with her sister more than anything else.  

Before Sunday school I had to snap a couple of photos of this big girl.  

I think she looks so much like Peter's family in these pictures.   

And that was our week.   We hope all of you are enjoying your summers.   We love and miss you all!