The quiet before the storm

In the next 7 days, we're expecting guests - lots and lots of guests. First, one of my friends from grad school days arrives with 3 of her children, then my brother and his family, then another friend from grad school with her family, and finally a dear friend from DePauw and her family, including one of Alex's best friends from home. Also, Alex Kindergarten's annual summer party will take place during that time. Though we cannot host anyone here in our tiny apartment (we moved to a really small one-bedroom apartment at the beginning of June), we're thrilled all of these friends will be in Heidelberg in the next few days. We've been waiting for this blockbuster week for months. The weather is finally perfect and we cannot wait to show off some of our favorite spots.

In preparation, I've done tons of laundry, cleaned up our place, run errands, and spent a few quiet afternoons. Here, Alex is enjoying some after-school playtime in the sandbox near our apartment.

Yesterday, after school, we took a stroll down to the Neckar, found a shady spot on a bench and had some tasty treats. Here, Alex is devouring some sour cherry and cheese cake. This was after a rather large ice-cream sandwich had disappeared in record time.

I also took the time to admire some of Alex's group's artwork. The teachers had shown the kids a painting by Franz Marc depicting a monkey in the jungle and then asked them to reinterpret it. Here is part of the display.

And this is Alex's version. They stamped their names with corks.

Oh, and I wanted to share this picture with you as well, even though I took it a few weeks ago. It's Alex and his Kindergarten posse having a snack at tables outside in the garden as they do most days now that the weather is nice. All the kids bring their own morning and afternoon snacks, the school provides water to drink and a home cooked organic lunch. He's raising his hand to indicate that he wants some more water.