Kid's Day at Villa Kunterbunt, Again!

Every first Sunday of the month we celebrate our kid's day. Thus, we were off with the kids yesterday morning. Though papa planned for us to visit the air show in Weinheim, the kid's had to disappoint him. They both wanted to go to the Villa Kunterbunt.

It is kid's day, therefore, we go along with the kid's wishes. Papa's plan went pfft. This would be the second time that we are celebrating kid's day in the Villa. The first time was in winter, early this year. And though we've repeatedly visited this indoor amusement park in between, we've tried to avoid going there during summer. Instead, we steered the kids to outdoor pools or camping or anything where we'll get to stay outside. Fresh air is always good, right?

What amazed me is that I saw how the kids are developing their self confidence and independence. Upon paying the entrance fee, both kids got in, removed their shoes and run off to the play area, alone! The last time we were here, my husband and I were being dragged by the girls from left to right. From one activity center to another. Never wanting to be left alone, especially on the climbing frame and the giant slide.

The last time we were in the Villa, we had a hard time with MC on the slides. She wanted to repeatedly use the giant slide, but she just doesnt want to go alone. We should always be there, sliding with her. Which of course, is not to my approval, really. The very first time I tried the giant slide was during our first visit in the Villa and that was something I dont want to repeat anymore. I had to do it two more times, before I escaped with a headache.

And yesterday, she took off alone; simply screaming for me to watch her stunts. IC took sometime playing with papa; who had to endure molding his body within the narrow climbing frames. But after a few minutes, she let the papa go. She was running around with her sister all over the place.

I had my own fun, too. I discovered the trampolin! Whew, it was really something else. I tried doing the backflip, but not yet. And I thought I can do it within 15 minutes training, haha!

My husband and I were really so happy to be watching the kids enjoying their newly found confidence and independence. But of course, we would always be on our feet whenever we hear cries for mama or papa within the crowded play area!

Potted Memory

It was already around 10 pm tonight that I realized tomorrow is the first Monday of the month; meaning, PMN Fam Pics time! Arrgh. Since tomorrow is a crazy day, with the painters coming (we are having our whole house repainted for maintenance purposes), I decided to finish my blog tonight. Oh yes, I know what photos I have in mind but when I was already writing, I began to have doubts about the theme 'Potted'. I dont want to run away from the theme!

Potted means pots therefore plants. But I have a vase. Would this be 'potted,' or 'vased?' I decided to check the dictionary and it said: A pot is a rounded container used for domestic purposes. Hmm, a vase is round and it is used domestically. When I checked the thesaurus it became the following: basin, bowl, casserole, cauldron, crock, crucible, dish, jar, pan, saucepan, stewpot, teapot, urn, vessel -- but no vase! Well, that wont stop me. From now on, a vase is also a pot; even if I have to re-write the thesaurus :-)

So here's my take:

My husband and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary last month, and these dried bunch of flower is my wedding bouquet. My husband loves orchids and I love roses; therefore my wedding bouquet is a simple mix of the two. It was my husband who arranged for the bouquet, it never entered my mind that I would be needing one, really! Imagine my surprise and delight when I opened the door to the delivery man on the morning of the wedding. 'Oh, I have a wedding bouquet!'

I guess I am still a bit dizzy, marrying in a strange land; with only a Swiss friend (who was a hotel colleague) on my side during that day. Oh, my husband's close family and friends were there, too. But it is still different when you are celebrating this very special occasion with your loved ones. Anyway, a wedding would always be something special no matter what.

So, here is my 'potted memory'. The flowers are drying gently. I love that it looked dramatic in the photo, especially the roses. Like coming from an old velvety film. Nope, it wasnt in a pot during that special day :-) Thanks to the thoughtfullness of my husband, he urged me to keep my bouquet, he said 'keep it, it would be nice to look at.' He caught me on the act of throwing it away!

The handmade blue 'pot' holding my 'potted memory' is a gift from my husband's old friend who lives in France. And you'll find my 'potted memory' on top of a grandfather clock, that was inherited by my husband from his grandmother. Memories, memories.

Check out the other PMN Fam Pics entries:

1. Julie's flowers
2. Cookie's different kind of pot :razz:
3. KK's indoor and outdoor pots
4. Rach's Flowers and a Smile
5. Lynn's Pot Shots
6. Lady Cess' The Best Tea
7. Feng's Tagaytay Pics
8. Analyse's Life isn't easy being a nomad
9. Purple Girl's Coffee Alamid
10. Mitch's very edible photos
11. Noemi's Ceramic Fondue Pot
12. Vicky's Potted Fruits and Vegetables
13. Dine's anything potted in Bhutan and Capalonga

A Postcard from Pippi

One late afternoon, Papa looked into the mailbox and shouted excitedly for IC. Hearing something in her Papa's voice, IC came running and jumped into his arms. It was a reaction of glee coupled with surprise. Papa asked her to look into the mail box, prolonging the excitement.

Seeing already what's inside, and recognizing where the postcard's coming from; IC was already giggling. Her first words were solemnly whispered, 'Papa, this is a postcard from Pippi.' As if she still cant believe that her favorite hero would be sending her a postcard.

'Go and show this to Mama. She can read the postcard to you,' when Papa uttered these words , IC skipped into my arms and proudly showed me what she got. She waited in earnest as I read the words to her. I wouldnt forget her reaction when she heard her name being mentioned, followed by the greetings from Pippi. Ahhh, she's in a little girl's heaven!

She took the postcard from my hands and proceeded in her room; finding a comfortable place to sit and savor the 'gift' from Pippi. Turning it around, smelling it, hugging it; just loving the feeling that the card gave her.

This postcard never left her side that whole day and the next days; it is now securely tucked in her toy chest. What a thoughtful gift from her godmother. Jaja, thanks a lot for making our little angel happy!