Visitors/Visitors/Baby

Hello again, we've been rather busy in the 4 weeks since Wilder was born - Veronika has been away for the last 3 weeks, so we had first Gran Helen, and then Andrew and Maria come and help with the big kids. So first, here are some of the things we got up to with Gran Helen


This is Wilder after his first bath. He wasn't that impressed. He has had several more since then, but I don't think his attitude has changed




This is the photo we used so Gran Helen could pick Ilona up from her Kinder Kripe, where she now goes 3 mornings a week



While Gran Helen was here we took the opportunity to go out for Lunch with some friends, and without Bluet and Ilona; as their kids also weren't there we were able to have adult conversations. i.e. Wilder's first visit to a restaurant



We also went to the zoo - the kids prefered the slide to the animals


(Without Wilder)

Things to do in Zurich part II

If you are 3 years old, one fun thing to do in Zurich is to go to playgroup (Speilgroupe). Here is Bluet dressed up and ready to go last Tuesday (at the moment it is one morning a week). When I returned to pick Bluet up she was playing happily with playmobil people and playdoh, so I think she had a good time - although she told us later it was 'a bit difficult' because everyone was speaking German all the time, which is understandable. I expect that in about 6 months, she will understand everything the teacher says.

 
Alternatively, if you are under 1, you can find everything extremely funny

Meanwhile at home you can play in a tent in the garden. Again, extremely funny for the under-1s

Or you can take the water taxi down the Zurich Pond, and see the sights

And then, of course, ice cream for the walk home.

Or you can play in the garden with chalk, try out a slide at the playground for the first time, or again back in the garden, eat an apple fallen on the ground.

How to Slide

This Sunday we went on a very successful family trip to Brazos Bend State Park. We saw a Bird of Prey (injured), lots of alligators (apparently they are so safe, it is ok to fish whilst standing almost on top of them, judging by the behaviour of others), and some turtles.

After our picnic, Bluet showed Ilona how to slide

Here is Ilona watching, raptly

And Bluet's demonstration


1) Swing to build up momentum

2) release and slide

3) jump off the end

Imagination

This Sunday we returned to the imagination playground. After eating a delicious ice cream, Bluet was free to play to her heart's content. This time, the water was off, so instead she played in the sandpit. After that, she went down a big slide, which went fast, and appeared to be the most fun she has ever had (see video). It was still fun for her the 10th time. This baby has no fear.

Apples and Slides

To a child, the world is a marvellous place filled with treasures at every turn. What we may discard as unwanted rubbish can fascinate a small baby for hours.

Viz, here is Bluet eating my discarded apple core, feasting as if it were a Michellin-starred desert (although perhaps less elegantly than decorum would require if that were the case).

Also, from a couple of weeks ago, here is Bluet enjoying sliding for the first time

Bluet Slides

What an afternoon in New York