sahd loves... and cooks

Happy Bday April!

2011-04-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Back with new posts!

X'mas is coming!

2010-11-29T01:18:00.000-08:00

X'mas is really coming... I can feel it now with the snow and the cold. Not to mention the X'mas shopping and people buying trees. As usual Rebecca baked some delicious cookies for us.

Cooking Updates

2010-11-29T01:10:00.000-08:00

Haven't been cooking too much lately. These were from a while ago...

The teriyaki chicken wings I made for myself for lunch one day. Marinated the chicken wings in soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, ginger juice, lemon juice overnight and baked in the over for about 15 mins. Finished them off by brushing some honey on top and broiling them for another 2 mins.

Brocolli with roasted pork belly. The pork belly was bought as is at the butcher. I just chopped it up and stirfired it with broccolli and a honey mustard sauce. Great with rice. The chestnut chicken wings was also easy. Saute the chicken with slices of ginger, add the chestnuts, then add oyster sauce, sugar, light and dark soy sauce, a bit of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 mins. Not too long, you don't want the chestnuts to get all mushy.

BTW, www.cookntalk.com is up! Check it out and pass it on!!!

First Snow/First Advent

2010-11-29T01:01:00.000-08:00

We had the first real snow on the first advent. Rebecca wanted to get something green to decorate the flat a bit so we went for a walk in the woods. I am not a nature person but I also enjoy the time we spent with the kids in the woods. They always have so much fun playing with twigs and rocks and leaves... I really like it's nice that the kids could appreciate nature. I think that's a big reason why we are here in Europe. I would rather them grow up in the woods than in shopping malls like I did. Rebecca and I also balance each other out, her with her tree huggerness and me with my shopping.

Happy Birthday Dear Anna

2010-11-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday My Dearest Anna. I wish you a wonderful year ahead. Thank you for being the sunshine in my life. Thank you, Rebecca, for bringing Anna into my life. I love you both very much.

Japanese Potato Salad and Tsukune

2010-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

I had a strange craving for Japanese potato salad a while ago so as expensive as the Japanese mayo was at the Asiashop I got a bottle and made this salad with it. Basically the same ingredients as any potato salad, potato, cucumber, carrots. Also had some chicken breasts left so I minced it and made the skewers. The kids love to eat caviar so I put some on their rice as well.

New Jackets from Oma Chan

2010-10-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just got these in the mail. They fit great, now the kids are ready for the winter. I don't know where you guys pick up these things. We never do or have taught you the thumbs up, and yet here is Kai doing the pose. I guess I should be glad that it's the thumbs up and not the Asian 'V'.

Chinese School

2010-09-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

It's pretty clear from the look on your face that you would have probably liked to be somewhere else. But I think the second class went better than the first since I could sit next to you and help you. Your mother was brave taking you there the first time not speaking a word of Chinese. She was sweet for trying though.

Treasures On A Slide

2010-09-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

I think I took this picture in the summer. Although neither of you looked into the camera but I can still remember how happy you both were there with mama.

Kai's Lego Catapult

2010-09-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

So cool. He made this with lego without any springs. Such an inventive boy. I don't think I could've done it myself, but then again, he could already do more than me when I was his age. He can already ride a bike, speak two languages (hopefully 3 soon now that Chinese classes have started), and help set the table.

Anna and her juice

2010-09-28T14:10:00.001-07:00

Lately you don't like me taking pictures of you. But when I saw you sitting in your bed quietly drinking your juice you just looked too cute. So I asked for permission, and luckily it was granted!

Anna's 1st Kindergarten Day

2010-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Anna Maria Chan, 2 years and 10 months, Hedge Hog Group, St. Sebald's kindergarten, 01/09/2010, Erlangen.

Last Day with Maria

2010-09-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

I was so sad. It was the last day you were at the day care with Maria and Gisela. You spent almost 2 years there. 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. You talked about her all the time.

I generally don't do well with goodbyes. But this one in particular was more difficult, that's why I couldn't bring myself to go there. Maria was very good to us and helped us a lot over the last few years.

You are just growing up so fast, already going to the kindergarten. Maybe in part I was sad for myself, that one day soon you will be leaving us and having your own life and family. I can't tell you enough how much I love you and you will always be my little girl.

Roland

2010-08-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Wendy and Roland came over from Ingolstadt for lunch on Sunday. And ofcourse the kids jumped all over him, asked him to read and play in their room like best buddies. Whenever someone comes I always ask them if they are ok being climbed on and abused like a donkey. It's the kids I am worried about, I am just concerned they are so crazy with the guests that they might never come back.

Chinese Pickled Vegetables

2010-08-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

I actually made these for the Vietnamese sandwiches a while ago. Had some leftovers so brought them out with dinner. Simply pickled the carrots and cucumber pieces in lemon juice with a bit of sugar. The longer they stay in the fridge the better they taste.

Young Lady

2010-08-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to get a clear shot of you recently because for some reason you've become camera shy. Everytime I try to take a picture of you you would sneak away. But I persisted this time, you look too pretty in your new summer dress. You are growing up so quickly, I can already see you turning into a young lady. Time does really fly.

Kai's Sculpture

2010-08-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

You love to draw and play with playdoh. That's when you are the most focused. Most of the time you draw/make robots and monsters. This time was no exception but we were really amazed about the details that this piece had. Horns, prickles, giant tongue... Sometime I really wonder where you draw your inspirations from. Your mother and I both agree that we should encourage you more with your artistic projects. In September you will start Chinese lessons on Saturdays, maybe we can find you a drawing class during the week.

Food Updates

2010-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

The kids were at Opa and Oma's for a whole week. That left Rebecca and I lots of time to cook at home and actually enjoy our meals instead of yelling and scolding them at the dinner table.

I saw the breakfast idea from another blog. Very healthy breakfast indeed. Fried the bell pepper ring with olive oil and then cracked an egg into it. Served over toast.

We got some new 'Asian' looking dishes from the store and I was so excited about it. Made a simple dinner that night. Pork cutlets and stir fried veggies topped with bonito flakes.

The rest of the pork chops I made into a super spicy dish the next day. Patted them with salt, pepper, and flour and deep fried to pre cook them a bit. Then sauteed the garlic, chillies, ginger, scallion, onion in the pan with oil and added the sliced pok chop pieces into the pan. Mixed everything up and serve. Great dish with beer and rice.

Hair Clips

2010-08-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

We put Anna's small collection of hair clips in a jar. Lately she likes to open it and put them all on her hair. Actually she has a tendency to do put everything on in one go, like the time she put all the stickers on her legs, or the time when she put on all the socks, or carrying all her little bags like a bag lady...

Quickie Bruschetta

2010-08-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

I think we had these with some kind of soup. Had some leftover rolls so quickly sliced them, drizzled olive oil on top and baked till crunchy. Topped with tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and chives. Seasoned with salt and pepper.

In Anna's Bed

2010-08-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

We don't allow you to play on Kai's bed because it's the top of the bunk so you often do all kinds of crazy stuff on Anna's bed instead, like building 'caves' and 'castles' or piling up all the toys and stuffed animals there. So I was rather surprised to see you two just reading there on afternoon.

House Hunting

2010-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Been busy looking at places to buy. We always took the two of you alone. You seemed to really like this place in particular, ran around the place like crazy. It was a flat on the ninth floor of an apartment building with a nice clear view of the city and a large balcony. Too bad the windows had no barriers, that's why I decided aganist it. I would worry too much about Anna climbing out the windows.

Gazpacho with Ravioli

2010-07-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's been like an oven for the last few days. None of us had appetite. So I decided to make something cool and refreshing for dinner. Simply purreed the peeled tomatoes, onion, garlic, cucumber, and the soaked day-old rolls and seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil. The raviolis were stored bought and filled with cheese.

Black Eye

2010-07-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

No you were not in a fight. I was shocked too when I noticed your black eye. Apparently you woke up crying in the middle of the night because you somehow managed to hit your eye on the ladder of bunk bed. Being a deep sleeper I slept through it and only realised what had happened when your mother pointed it out the next day.

Kai in Action!

2010-07-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Kai Can Ride!

2010-07-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

I was so proud! You could ride like a big boy! Well you still need to work on the breaking... Four years old and riding your bike. I remember I learned to ride much later and even had training wheels. You didn't need them at all! Thanks Grandpa Gote for the cool new bike!

Cooking Updates

2010-07-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

I know. Looking at these pictures it seems like we don't eat any vegetables. I just usually don't take pictures of the sides dishes...

Cold zucchini soup with steamed butter fish and caviar.

Strawberries are in season and are oh so sweet. Simple dessert with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice-cream after lunch - steak with peper sauce.

On our anniversary I made a filet wrapped in bacon. First time I baked the steak instead of pan frying, worked out pretty well. 5 mins on each side is good for medium.

Made pizza with the kids one night - hawaiian. They really loaded it up with cheese, you can't really see the pineapples and bacon.

Baked chicken wings marinated in lemon juice and olive oil wrapped in bacon. If it's not for the biking and jogging we really can't afford to eat so much bacon.

Lunch by myself. I discoverd this canned kimchi at the Asiashop here and bought loads. Simply topped some rice with it plus couple of eggs and some seaweed and chilli sauce.

Papa the Donkey

2010-06-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

We went to a sort of Pioneer Village on Father's Day Weekend. And most of the time this is how you two got around, with me hauling you in a rental wagon. Sometimes I really feel like a donkey, especially when I am on the bike with the kids buggy attached and four bicycle bags on the bike. It was disappointing for me that Sunday because in Germany father's day is not the same day as THE REST OF THE WORLD and so I didn't get anything special, not even a 'Happy Father's Day'! I even cooked that night, how sad.

Baked Potato Chips

2010-06-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tried this out as a side dish. Of course it was a hit with the kids this kind of crispy stuff. Sliced the potato real thin, seasoned with salt and pepper, add some olive oil and baked on baking paper at 180 for 30 mins turning them half way through. Best snacks ever! I ate a third before serving them for dinner. The main dish was a eggplant schnitzel. Same procedure as a normal schnitzel except I had to first bake the eggplant for 30 mins before removing the skin. Served everything with a cold tofu dish and miso soup and rice.

Secret

2010-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dont' know what you two were up to behind the balloons. Probably spliting that box of tic tacs. We were waitng for mama to pay for some shopping outside a store and I was dead tired. So as long as you weren't fighting I couldn't care less what you did. Looking at the pictures I just realised that Anna was wearing all of Kai's hand-me-downs! She almost looks a boy with long hair! A hippie boy!

What's up cool guy?

2010-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

These pictures remind me of those pics in Japanese men's fashion magazins of people on the street and what they wear. You look kinda thugish in them, I guess because you were tired. Otherwise you look kinda cool. I could already see what you would look like as a teen. But what's up with the balloon man?

Drama Queen

2010-06-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

For dessert Anna, Kai, and I shared a mango. You kids got the fleshy parts and I had what was left around the pit. When I returned from the kitchen two minutes later I found Anna smearing all her mango on the table and lots of it on the floor so I started to scold her. Didn't even take one second for her to start balling. I found that so hilarious that I had to take pictures as evidence of her acting skills.

Soccer Fan

2010-06-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

World Cup 2010. You got the German flag face painted, even though they were already half faded by dinner time. I guess we know which team you are cheering for.

Our First Family Car

2010-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's a used car but still so exciting to be mobile again. We could finally go places! Zoos, castles, and far far away children friendly excursions here we come! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Chan!

Alternative

2010-06-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you kids are creative with playing. For example with this threading game. I don't know who started it but when I came in the room I just saw you guys sitting on the floor with parts of the game between your toes. Somehow that was a lot of fun for you. So I just rolled my eyes and went back to cooking.

About Kai's hair cut. Yes, I messed it up, it's not supposed to be so short. The weather is getting warmer and you seem to be perpetually sweating so I decided to give you another trim. Unfortunately used a setting too short. You didn't mind though, maybe you are not at that age yet to care. I still think you look cool. But something else hit me. I realised that you are quite forgiving of my mistakes and flaws. Maybe I should cut you some slack too instead of being such a tough ass all the time.

Meals with Papi

2010-06-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Your mother was away in Munich this weekend. It was my birthday present for her to get away for a few days to relax and see some friends. So I spent the weekend with you kids alone. Turned out great, had ice-cream everyday. But I did cook 'real' food for us. Mostly used up the stuff at home. Made a Japanese curry with ox tail, and a carbonara with prosciutto, and we even made pizza together with some leftover bell peppers and sausages. Instead of using tomato sauce (of which I was out), we used bbq sauce instead! You guys had loads of fun throwing the toppings on top of the ready made dough, not to mention gobbling up half the cheese before the pizza hit the oven.

Pan Fried Butterfish and Stir Fried Water Spinach

2010-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I usually try to cook using regional ingredients. But there are days when I really crave some Chinese soul food. Luckily I am able to get these 'exotic' ingredients at the Asian grocery store.

Water Spinach is usually grown in Asia but these, according to my friend at the store, are from Holland. Simply stir fried a bunch with chilli, garlic, salt and fish sauce. She also happened to have some a few pieces of frozen butterfish. I simply pan fried them in oil, then seasoned with salt and pepper. Served with mayo.

Weekend with Grannies

2010-05-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Opa and Oma Petra were here over the weekend to help renovate the kitchen. While Opa and your mother worked on the kitchen Oma P and I spent some time with you kids (but it was mostly Oma P). The weather was beautiful and you kids really had a wonderful time reading and blowing bubbles. You are very lucky I think, because I never got to spend anytime with my grandparents. I only remember one time going to ocean park in HK with my Dad's dad and when I was older going to have dim sum with my Mom's dad in Macau with other cousins. I hope you two will enjoy and get to spend more time with your grandparents in the years to come.

The Lego Artist and Like Father Like Son

2010-05-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

You started to play with the small legos in Toronto, I thought they would be too small but somehow you managed. So when I saw some on sale at the supermarket here I bought a set for you. You were so happy. You actually did a pretty good job building the things according to the pictures but then you started to do your own thing. Kinda like the way I cook, first I would try to follow the recipes but then I always end up doing my own thing... The things you made were pretty cool I have to say, but they were always one of the three things: guns, some kind of space ship/plane, a robot or a combination of everything like a flying robot with a gun. Your mother noticed that in this picture you and I have the same grin, and I think she is right. I guess we are similar in more ways than I think. I shouldn't be surprised. Afterall we ARE father and son.

Bike Riding and Tree Climbing

2010-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day we went to the schlossgarten for an open air concert and picnic with some other families. Nico, your best friend from kindergarten was there too. He is a bit older and can already ride the bike quite well. So you sat on the rack on the back and the two of you were zipping through the park and the people. I was really surprised that there were no accidents. Eventually all the kids went to climb the tree. The tree climbing gene must be from your mother because I've never done it. Shopping malls I frequented as a child but nature for me was a foreign thing. I am very glad (hopefully) you kids will a nicely mixed education from us.

Bacon Wrapped Chicory

2010-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Extremely lazy dinner (or was it lunch). Cooked the chicory till tender, wrapped them up in bacon, put in casserole, topped with hollandaise sauce, sprinkled parmesan on top and baked until nicely crisp. Served with potatoes.

Tea Time!

2010-05-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

I bought a very cute hello kitty tea set for Anna the other day. Couple of days later I found you guys 'picnicing' on Kai's bed drinking tea. There were no other guests though, and I wasn't invited.

Bear's Garlic Pesto Salmon

2010-05-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dunno what's going on lately, but haven't had the mood to cook. It was recently bärlauch (bear's garlic/wild garlic) season here so I bought a whole lot. Made a big batch of pesto with it. Instead of using it for pasta yet again I decided to go 'en papillote' with aluminum foil. Just brushed some olive oil onto the foil so that the fish doesn't stick to it. Layed the salmon, tomatoe slices, and then topped with the pesto. Baked in pre-heated oven for 20 mins and serve with wild rice.

Hansel & Gretel

2010-04-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

These are not the best pictures your mother took of you today but I like them as much as your reading together pictures because you look so lovely as siblings in them. Once in a while, and to your credit it happens more often now, you two do play very nicely together. Today you wondered around in wild together, which reminded me a bit of Hansel & Gretel minus the evil parts. I really hope that the two of you will remain close as you get older. That you will be there to protect and support each other.

Sunday Japanese-ish Dinner

2010-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Rebecca took the kids to the playground for a couple of hours so I had some peace and quiet to cook our Sunday night dinner. It's pretty much left over ingredients in the fridge. Miso soup with potato and lotus root. Shaved carrot and asparagus salad with mustard/olive oil/soy sauce dressing. Baked salmon marinated in miso/ginger/lemon/soy sauce/sugar in foil pouch. Minced chicken/lotus root patties.

Picnic

2010-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Asked a friend to come along for our Sunday bike ride/picnic. Had a great time. Weather was beautiful, kids were happy, and food was great. I packed a melon and some parma ham, plus some rocket salad, cherry tomatoes, walnut, and parmesan cheese. Even remembered to bring olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bought some olive bread sticks at the bakery to go with the light lunch on paper plates.

Kai the Architect

2010-04-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

We went for a picnic where the wild horses are. Kai decided to build a house with branches. We helped him collect them and he told us where to put them up. Sure made a fine house for him and Anna. Too bad some other people destroyed it when we went for a walk. Whether or not he wants to be an architect in the fut re is irrelevant. I was most happy seeing him being imaginative.

Simple Chinese Dinner

2010-04-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Someone was supposed to come for dinner tonight but canceled last minute. So I scaled back to only one dish plus the soup ingredients. The green/red carrot soup took a few hours to simmer, added some corn to sweeten it up a bit. The other dish was Chinese chives and egg stirfry with some minced dried shrimps.

Kai's New Haircut

2010-04-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Summer's coming and so we decided to shave his head ourselves today. Rebecca did a good job with the 21mm setting. But then Kai's got a nicely shaped head. Can't say that I am not jealous.

Nail Polish

2010-04-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Usually Anna is the first to wake up, together with Mama and they would spend some time together in the bath while Mama is taking a shower and getting ready. This morning Anna asked Rebecca to paint her little toes. She was so pround when she came into the bedroom to show me. My little baby is growing up fast.

Lunch Alone

2010-04-14T03:22:00.001-07:00

Been home the last few days. Finally made lunch for myself today, looking through the fridge there was a chicken thigh and some old rice. Fried the rice with peas, soy sauce, and egg. Seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper, and tobasco, floured, dipped in egg and deep fried. Washed everything down with a glass of milk tea which I had forgotten about since the morning.

Sticker Girl

2010-03-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Anna found the stickers somewhere. All of a sudden she was so quiet in her room it got me worried so I went to check on her. There she was, sitting on her bed and plastering her legs with all the stickers. Sometimes I really don't know where kids get their ideas from.

Drunk Skiers

2010-03-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

It was hard to keep your nap times when we were in Toronto. Many times you fell asleep already on the way home and we had to bring you in the house and put you on the sofa. And to avoid waking you up we would leave you in your clothes and only took your shoes off. I thought this is so funny because you look like two drunk skiers with your coats and sun glasses.

Wild Things

2010-03-04T03:06:00.000-08:00

Took this a while ago, before we went to Toronto. You made this at kindi. Reminds me of Max from Where the Wild Things Are. I think you said you were a tiger.

Self Portrait

2010-02-01T12:35:00.001-08:00

Kai Chan Age 4 Self Portrait

Kai's 4!

2010-02-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

Our little boy turned four on Sunday, not so little anymore. We invited some of his friends over, and Oma and Opa Gote came over for the weekend too.

Time really flies, I still remember the day when you were born, the times when you took your first steps and said papa and mama. The days when I would have you in the carrier and you would fall asleep on my chest on the bus going home from the supermarket. I can't say there hasn't been tough moments but all in all you have been a lovely, good boy. I cannot wish for a better son than you. I hope you will be as happy as you are today when you grow up. Although at times it might not seem that way to you, but I love you with all my heart and will do anything for you. All you need to do is ask.

Drumstick Anna

2010-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Anna likes to meat that comes with a bone. Before she started eating solids we would give them a piece of bone from the ribs to chew on and she would love it. Now that she's a big girl she likes ( and is very good at ) eating ribs and drumsticks. Cleaned it up very nicely leaving barely any meat on the bone.

Deep Fried Chicken Wings

2010-01-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make some kids food for lunch so there wouldn't be any drama. The kids helped with cutting up the sausages and rolling the chicken wings in breadcrumbs. Sure was fun. I think I will involve them more in the kitchen from now on.

I seperated the drumstickes from the wings, seasoned them with five-spice powder, salt and pepper, rolled them in flour, then beated egg, and then the kids finished them off in the bread crumbs. Deep fried for aboutu 5 mins. The kids also helped cutting up the sausages. Simply fried them up with some tomatoes, and egg. Also added a garlic broccoli for a balanced meal.

Chew and Swallow!

2010-01-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

I HATE these moments of the kids not wanting to swallow their food in their mouths. I always feel like I am the negotiator at some police/robber stand-off and the food in the mouth is the hostages. But instead of making sure you free them I need to ask/threaten/beg (usually in this order) to just swallow that by now disgustingly tasteless piece of meat so that I can go and do the dishes. One day I tell you, your kids are going to do the same and I would just sit and drink my wine and enjoy the show.

Sunday Lunch

2010-01-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

The duck is nothing much to write about, just browned on both sides and finished it off in the oven.

But the baked apples were wonderful. I saw them on the window sill looking sorrier and sorrier everyday so decided to put them to good use. Simply core the apples, fill the centers with mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and some nuts/dried fruits, stick a piece of butter on top, add some water to the pan, and bake for 20 mins until nicely browned. Serve with cream or ice-cream.

Doodle Board Art

2010-01-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

It's very abstract. But the artist (Kai) says that it's paradise where no one dies (or at least we interpreted what you said as such). The artist of the black and white picture said that it's a fish ( or did we think you said it was a fish)?

Pasta with Curry Cream Sauce

2010-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

If I want to make sure that the kids eat then all I need to do is pasta in some kind of sauce. Personally I hate pasta, I have to eat it so often at work for lunch I've pretty much pastaphobic. Hey but if there's no drama at the dinner table then why not????

For the sauce, saute onion and garlic, add cream, curry powder and season with salt and pepper. Goes well with shrimps.

Anna Riding a Turtle

2010-01-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

One evening your mother said to me in a hushed voice, 'hey look at the kids'. And this is what I found! When you were us looking at you, Anna said something like Kai's a turtle or did Kai say that? Whoever's idea it was it certainly gave us a good laugh.

Net Hats

2010-01-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Don't remember if it was Kai's or Anna's idea. But these nets belong to the butterfly game. Funny accessory I must say.

Anna's Giant Bear

2010-01-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Your mom is not much of a stuffed toy fan. But I certainly am, I don't think you can ever have enough of them. I used to play with your Aunt April with ours until I was... well, much older than I should have been.

So when your Oma C brought over his giant bear (it's bigger than you!) I can honestly say that I was more excited than anyone. I asked you what his name was and you just said bear. Wish you would give him a more creative name. I did with mine!

Baggers with Sour Cream and Caviar

2010-01-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

Baggers are basically rostis. Usually here people serve them with apple mouse, but I am not a big fan. Instead we had them with sour cream and caviar. Surprisingly the kids loved the little orange fish eggs, popped them into their little mouths like they were candy. What expensive taste!

Reading Time!

2010-01-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I am tired (and very often I am), and in no mood to entertain you two (not that I do that a lot, your mother is much better than I am at that) I think about getting a TV and just sitting you two in front of it and call it a day. But when I see the two of you reading, and are so interested in books, those evil thoughts quickly go away.

Hoppe Hoppe Reiter

2010-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

This is Anna's favorite song, used to be Kai's too. I don't really know it by heart but I never bothered. Not because I don't care for it, but I think it's nice that there are certain moments that only belong to your mother and you. For example the laughs that come with this well know nursery rhyme.

Hoppe hoppe Reiter, wenn er fällt, dann schreit er.
Fällt er in den Graben, fressen ihn die Raben.
Fällt er in den Sumpf, macht der Reiter plumps!

X'mas Cookies

2009-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

My wife is the family baker. Just like the previous years she baked and decorated some wonderful, tasty, colorful X'mas cookies for us to munch on. The last batch finished in no time, this one probably won't last too long either.

No Pictures!

2009-12-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

I picked you up last week one day from the daycare. You were still in your little bed taking your nap. You were so sweet I couldn't resist taking a picture (or two) of you but then the flash went off and you covered your face with your little hands. You and your brother could be a handfull duirng the day but whenever I look at the two of you sleeping like angels all the frustrations automatically go out the door.

Sunday Breakfast and Lunch

2009-12-07T03:07:00.000-08:00

Took our time on Sunday to have breakfast. For lunch we had some kind of surf and turf (steak and scallops) with mashed peas and potatoes.

Reading Time

2009-12-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

Love these moments of the two of you reading together. Kai aksed Anna do you want to read with me? Anna replied ja. Kai said ok sit next to me. And so you two began reading...

Chorizo Stew(again)

2009-12-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

Love chorizo. But I can never finish the whole thing. Always end up making a stew at the end. Just dumped all the ingredients in the pot (corn, olives, pepper, garlic, beans, sausage, potatoes, cannned tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, salt and pepper) and simmered for 20 mins.

Bruder Jakob

2009-12-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

for Meike.

Sprinkles Sprinkles

2009-11-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

It was Kai's turn to be sick. He stayed in bed for a long time in the afternoon so the freshly baked goodies were all Anna's. Of course you must just licked the sprinkles off but it was still fun to watch you getting so excited.

Anna is 2!

2009-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Anna turned two today. Time really flies. Happy Birthday my sweetest baby girl. I love you so much. You probably know already, that I would do anything for you. Well, besides baking your birthday cake. That your mother is much better at.

Pumpkin Risotto

2009-11-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin season is almost over. Have to make the most of it so made this seasonal risotto. Prepared the pumpkin by chopping in pieces, skinning them, mixing with olive oil, salt, and oregano. Baked until done in oven, let cool, and mashed.

Made the risotto in the usual way. When the rice was done, added the pumpkin, parmesan, and butter. It was a nice satisfying lunch for a Sunday afternoon.

Kai the Pirate

2009-11-06T00:55:00.000-08:00

It was your mother's idea. Dressing you up as a pirate for your first all boys birthday/Halloween party at your friend Nico Kaiser's. Of course no pirate costume would be complete without a beard.

Hug

2009-10-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's really nice to see the two of you play and interact with each other more. Out of the blue one day, Kai went to mom and said, 'Look mama, I am hugging Anna!' And the beautiful is that she didn't mind! So your mother quickly grabbed the camera to snap this real kodak moment. I hope there are more in the years to come. And look! Kai is a whole head taller than Anna!

Breakfast!

2009-10-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

bHad to take this video of the two of you waiting to be fed breakfast. We bought that table for us but you two took it over recently for your breakfasts. I am not the most cheerful in the mornings but looking at you two laughing and smiling always makes me happy.

Holding Hands with Mama

2009-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

What can I say except that it is the cutest when you kids hold hands with us or with each other. But Anna is the cuddlier one though, at least with me.

Kids in a Box

2009-10-25T08:19:00.001-07:00

Like I always say, there's no need to buy toys. For some reason boxes are your favourite. We save all the diaper boxes so that the two of you could do whatever you want with them.

Weekend in Mainz

2009-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

We spent the holiday weekend in Mainz. Took some cute videos of you two with your grandparents. These two I like best, reading with Opa, and baking with Oma Petra.

Apple Head

2009-09-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

It wasn't that cold so we took the hood off the vest you got from Grandma Chan. When we came home from the daycare you just put it on yourself. I thought you looked so funny like a very fashionable deep sea diver. Coolest thing was what Kai said. Out of the blue, he said 'oh Anna, you are so cute!'

Rebecca, Kai, Anna

2009-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Your mom is right, I rarely take pictures of her with the two of you. I don't know why but I guess I am just not the picture taking kinda guy. Even when I am on holidays I tend to just shove everything in my brain and am too lazy to take out the camera. Anna looks cool though in her new coat from Grandma Chan.

Chinese Fried Noodles

2009-09-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've been sick after the marathon, caught a cold. Kai has a stomach flu. So for the last two days I made congee. Today I made plain congee with some simple soy sauce fried noodles. Topped with sesame seeds.

Field Trip Anna

2009-09-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Bad timing for these, you actually looked really happy to be in your field trip gear when you came home. But then you wanted to get the back pack off. I got it for you a while ago. I though since Kai has one you should have one took. But of course the girly version.

Kai in Berlin

2009-09-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

We went to the Berlin Zoo. I am not a big fan of zoos but at least the kids like it. Before the zoo we went to the biergarten nearby and you two played with this boat 'Gisela'.

Anna in Berlin

2009-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

We went to Berlin over the weekend for my first marathon. It was nice to be in a big city. We had Dunkin Donuts for breafast, took the subway, and went to pick up my runner's number at one of the airports. Besides seeing lots it was also nice to see Harry and Anthony. You kids certainly had fun.

Chicken Wings, Garlic Bread, Carrot Salad

2009-09-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday dinner. Store bought garlic bread, lingoberry juice, grated carrots marinated with sesame, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. The chicken wings were marinated with lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper and grilled on this gas burner with a korean bbq fitting.

Papa's Suspenders

2009-09-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Those suspenders belonged to me, when I was a bit older than you. My mother loved to dress me with them, I remember I had a big collection of suspenders which she kept and which the two of you have inherited.

Grilled Ham and Cheese

2009-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Preping forthe big marathon so did a longer run on Sunday. Rushed home to make a quick lunch. Grilled cheese with ham and tomato along with some chips.

Brother and Sister

2009-09-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

We don't have too many pictures of the two of you together. But these are nice. Needless to say we both love it when you play nice. Seems like since Anna gets older you two play nicer together. Sometimes you would even share things and make the same silly gestures.

Posing for Omas

2009-09-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Took some pictures of you with dresses from Oma Gote and Grandma Chan. The red polka dots dress is from Oma Gote, it's sleeveless so it's before summer is gone for good we thought it would be a good idea for you to wear it. Otherwise it will be too small next year. The other dress is handmade by Grandma Chan. It should be nice in the fall because it's wool. Gonna need to wear leggings though.

Jewelery Queen

2009-08-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Took these after your mom and I dropped you kids off at your grandparents and before we took off for our little trip to France. You were trying on some jewelery from Oma Gote. We ate mostly outside in the yard so you kids were free to roam after meals. We had a great time in Colmar, but surprisingly I missed you kids more than I expected.

Anna in Papa's Shirt

2009-08-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

I came home from work and changed before I started cooking. Don't know why but today you wanted to try my shirt on. So I put it on you and because it is so long you had to walk very slowly and carefully to show Mom on the balcony.

Tiny Lioness

2009-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Don't know why but you remind me of a tiny lioness in these pics your mom took of you climbing on me when I took my nap. Very unflattering pictures of me I must say but you look cute and cuddly as ever. Of course I was not happy to be disturbed during my luxury nap on the weekend, but I was glad to have been your playground.

Quick Lunch

2009-08-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

I think comfort food around the world can't be so different. Sometimes I do this fried egg, ham deal with rice and soy sauce. But today I used fried potatoe instead, a bit of western twist I suppose. Served with a salad and a yogurt dressing. Nice and brunchy Sunday meal. Went down well with a cool glass of riesling.

Mom and Daugther

2009-08-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I like these two pictures. The two of you look so sweet, I think the older Anna gets the more she looks like mom. These were taken at the playground birthday party for Alex who turned 2. We too have to think of something for you, you are going to turn two very soon. It would be a bit cold to do anything outside though in November.

Bachelor's Dinner

2009-07-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well.. not exactly. I never cooked and I still don't cook for myself alone, unless if you count making instand noodles cooking. I did eat alone though this evening because the kids and Rebecca were at a birthday party. I just put the rice from yesterday in a bowl, topped it with the left over black bean ribs and steamed it. Washed this giant bowl of food down with my new favorite beer - Weltenburger.