Randoms

Ilona and Hugo, the neighbour, out for a walk near Viadukt



Sometimes Veronika even manages to get Ilona to help with the housework


Baby at Werdinsel (not the only time this has happened)


Baby at home; we've only had the paddling pool out once this year, even though it has been VERY hot. I guess we've been going places at the weekend





Baby in the garden; check out the teeth

April arts and crafts

I think we may do more in April than March, in the end. So far its been pretty quiet. Bluet has been spending most of her time either drawing or constructing things from card, paper and lots and lots of sellotape (so much so that she is now working her way through our parcel tape as the regular sellotape has all run out (except, I hope, for my secret supply. NB I must go check that once I finish this)).

Last week she set up her easel in the garden and drew the house opposite (pictured in art and in real life):





We also had the neighbours over for a BBQ on Saturday (the first of the year), and more art ensued



On other days the blankets are all off the beds and out in the garden, again to provide the perfect locale for some art. Hungry work

Swiss weather (part I)

Last weekend it was summer. We purchased a paddling  pool for the garden, filled it with water, and Bluet and Ilona were easily entertained.

Another weekend in swimming costumes and sun hats. This made entertaining the kids ever so easy, as we could make full use of the garden

We also bought Ilona her own swing, so that she and her sister could swing together

Sunday, still sunny, so another playground, another swing

And even time for a game of snakes and ladders before snacks

Aside: Ilona is getting very big - there are some 3 word sentences these days, and she is getting very good at answering yes-no questions accurately. Mostly in English (to us at least). Her favourite German word for the last 2 or 3 months has been 'jacke' (pronounced 'Yakka', meaning 'jacket'. she says this a lot as she likes to put on her coat and go outside (to swing). She also says 'shoe' and 'milk' in a German way. Bluet meanwhile likes to tell us what the German word for various things is, but will occasionally be overheard counting to herself in German, often on the swing, or singing a German song from playgroup.

Leaps and bounds

Ilona's walking has come along in leaps and bounds. Indeed, she is walking, running, and climbing stairs fearlessly. Not only that, but spring is springing, and Bluet and Ilona are finally able to play outside in the garden again, which is a great relief for everyone.

Ilona is also getting interested in books - you may recall that Bluet used to enjoy the 'that's not my....' series. Ilona particularly enjoys finding the mouse on each page. Here she is with 'That's not my Aeroplane'

Another popular game is to put on hats (Ilona also loves shoes. Especially holding them up for you to put on, and then when you have put them on, to remove one shoe and probably the sock also, then to walk around for a while until she finds another shoe she can hold up and ask you to put on)

And often she learns things by watching Bluet, e.g. in this example how to draw:

A tired Bluet at the end of a long day

Outside

When not playing with lego we have been spending plenty of time outside, often near the Zurich pond, at a local playground, or in the back garden. Here are some snaps.

1. Garden activities

2. Pirate ship playground activities

3. Tram activities

4. Other people's house activities

5. Picnic playground activities