Spring!

We went to the park today to enjoy the wonderful spring weather.

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming,

and the air is fresh and clear!

Our little climber in action, Part 1.

Our little climber in action, Part 2 (pardon the train!)

Rana's baby doll had a fun time, too!

We're hoping the warmer weather is here to stay!

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that five years have past

since we travelled to Copenhagen to say "I do!"

After months of navigating our way through bureaucratic red tape,

we were thrilled to sign on the dotted line and exchange rings!

And that was just the beginning...

2 Years, 9 Months Old!

Rana is officially a big girl! She is officially almost 3 years old and was recently accepted to a local preschool. German daycare only goes through age 3; preschool is called Kindergarten and is for kids ages 3 to 6, so Rana will start there after our summer vacation. She is now completely potty trained, a skill which she mastered in about four days once we did away with her diapers, and which definitely confirms that she is a big girl!!

Rana is growing more affectionate, too. She has always been cuddly, but she is more and more deliberate about showing her affection for both of us, her friends, her baby dolls and other stuffed animals. We often find her holding her giant stuffed dog Boo at night, as this picture demonstrates. Apparently it is more comfortable for her to sleep surrounded by stuffed animals than on her actual bed!

Carnival in Germany

Marburgers doned costumes yesterday and

took to the streets for a parade and other festivities.

Rana's daycare organized a little party, complete with

face painting, dancing, singing, and lots of fun snacks.

Her traditional, festive Moroccan outfit

was a gift from Pauline and Adel.

Rana was very excited to tell us about the many Carnival traditions

that she took part in over the course of the day.