St. Martin's Day and the Lantern Parade

Rana had the privilege of alternating between

two different lanterns this year,
as Mira was not interested in holding her's. 

They both enjoyed crafting the lanterns 

as well as the festivities in town, though!

We paraded through town and up to the castle

to sing a few songs around a bonfire with 

St. Martin on his horse accompanied by a few of 

Königstein's other "nobilities," including Princess Nora I. 

Rana is 6 Years & 5 Months Old!

Rana has always loved games and coloring, 

but she has recently discovered that she can 

sneak into her room and play with toys

that her little sister shouldn't, including 

games with little parts, beads, and legos. 

This villa is a replica of the one on the box

and Rana worked diligently to find the right 

pieces and put it together with very little help. 

Kata & Adele's Visit!

We were so very pleased to finally meet Rana and Mira's 

9-month-old cousin Adele! She and her mama, Kata, 

made the long trek over to spend a lovely week with us

during Rana's fall break from school. 

Adele charmed us with her grins and giggles and

 overcame the jetlag within the first day like a champ! 

Mira gave her "little" cousin lots of lovin'

and Adele taught Mira how to smile for the camera!

As usual, Rana was wonderful with both girls

and savored the time with her Aunt Kata.

 We miss you loads already, Kata and Adele!

Thank you for coming to see us!!

Physical Therapy

Mira has been going to weekly PT appointments 

to improve how she walks and we have been doing

a variety of exercises with her at home as well as

wrapping her feet at night. 

Even though she usually cries through the sessions,

we've already noticed an improvement

and are encouraged that we can help her 

straighten things out before she gets any older.

Dance Class!

Rana is taking an after-school dance class

and learning all sorts of ways to stretch, move,

and balance her body as well as a few dance steps.

"Look, Mom!" - Mira at 16 Months

At 16 months, Mira continues to be a bundle of energy.

She loves to climb and dance and run around.

She has started communicating more with us, 

saying more words and clearly comprehending more.

Much to our enjoyment, she has also started 

nodding and shaking her head for "yes" and "no,"

which makes it easier for all of us to figure out 

just what she wants! 

She is learning so much these days!

Some of her favorite words are:

Ana (Rana)

Baba

Mama

hi

hum (food, I want to eat!)

hot

bah (all done!)

bow-wow (dog)

boo (ghost)

wa-wa (hurt)

bye-bye

She has also started making all sorts of animal noises,

which we have to capture on video soon!

Mira loves to be out and about

and doesn't seem phased by our busy schedules.

What a fun age!

Happy Halloween!

Being part of a more international community 

at our bilingual school has its perks, 

including a festive Halloween celebration!

Both Little Miss Spider and Princess Mira

loved their costumes.

Mira learned to say "BOO!" when she sees a ghost

 and made all sorts of spooky crafts at daycare.

Rana told everyone she was a witch's sister

and was quite pleased with the outfit she selected

with her Aunt Kata last week!

Happy Halloween!