Ben turns 13... I mean 31

Ben has worked hard this year. Trapping ions is tricky business. You should see the textbooks he reads in his spare time. Painful.

So this year for Ben's birthday I ruled out boring practical things and got him a little remote control airplane.

Right away we charged it up and took it for a spin. This is the view we have seen since about mid December. So much %*#$ snow. If I have to shovel out our 30 ft driveway in heels again this season, heads will roll.

On the positive side, it made for some soft landings. There was a bit of a learning curve there at the beginning. 

Even Addie took a turn. She was a little heavy on the throttle, but managed.

This little experiment may open up to be a brand new hobby. Our little model wasn't anything fancy (there are some deluxe little planes out there) but it was big enough for Addie to take a ride on it:

Luckily she jumped off before getting too high. ;)

Anyway. It was great fun. Just wanted to pass on some of my husband-gift-giving-genius. Your welcome.

Geek Valentines

Find these beauties: here, here and here

Winter is so OVER

I don't know about you guys, but does anyone else want winter to end already? We've had a month straight of snow and below freezing temperatures. Blech. I'm getting the feeling that Addie EVERYONE around me is getting a little Spring-hungry. 

So to cheat winter for a few hours, Saturday we went up to a ski resort to spend the day in their heated indoor pool. We had a great time and they even let us take Addie on the big water slide. We thought she might hate it but after a successful run she begged to go again and again. Little daredevil.

We took turns going to sauna in the adult swim section which was completely nude and co-ed. But that is another story for another time. Let's just say it had Ben and I snickering the whole way home. As much as we try, we can not help but be products of our prudish American culture!

Anyway. Think warm sunny thoughts. Spring is just around the corner.

I won't argue with that.

Today Addie and I were at H&M and we saw this: a hunky David Beckam, modeling the new line of underwear.

Addie's response:  Look Mom, that guy has a poopy diaper!

Er yes... a poopy diaper.

Put another shrimp on the barbie

Yesterday we got a Christmas package from my parents. Yes, we know it's now February.

Luckily, we love packages anytime of year.

Apparently the post office had accidentally sent it to Australia first... This would be a funny story except it's the second time this has happened since we arrived here. Boo!



Moral of this story: When mailing packages to Austria or Australia, include the correct continent. Just to be safe.

The Gum Hunter

Quietly ensuring 

that you can never find gum 

when you really need it.

Best 5 Euros Ever Spent