KarlsPreis and A-man's Birthday

Thursday was the Karlspreis in Aachen. It is an award (given every year since 1950) to someone who has done something for Europe.  This years prize was given to a Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.  

It was a holiday, and Scott had to get ready for a conference.  While the baby slept, the boys and I decided to go downtown and check out what was happening.  

 Here are the boys in the ATM.  They call it the "Dr. Who" box.  :)

The "ship" playground.

 The fountain entitled "The circulation of money."

 The Rathaus after the Karlspreis was awarded inside.

 We decided to order an ice cream and cocoa at the Eiscafe so that we could sit and listen to the speech.  He did a German introduction and then spoke in English the rest of the time.  We were super excited when he started in beautifully clear English, but then the volume was turned down and a translation was begun over the loud speaker.  Couldn't hear much. :(

We realized after the ceremony was well under way that we were "camped" on the Russian protester side. The Ukrainians were cheering on the other side of the Market.  There was a Ukrainian politician there, Arsenij Jazenjuk, who spoke.  Due to the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the traditional Laudatio was not given, since it might be interpreted in favor of one side or another, I suppose.

In other news, Timmy has been doing swim classes twice a week and he is doing great!  It's the most strenuous part of my week to get the kids there and home, but it's been really good for him.  He has learned the leg motions, and how to propel forward.  He can swim the length of the pool 5-6 times now.

 The doting brothers.

  Aaron celebrated his 5th birthday on Monday!   He has been anxiously awaiting his birthday for about......364 days now.   He chose to go to Aquana with the family, a family friendly pool with a few waterslides.  He was big enough to ride the big slides on mom and dad's lap this time.  He did it about 100 times, and loved it!

 He was so happy that he got a chocolate cake at home, AND got to make a chocolate cake in Kindergarten with his teacher and 2 friends of choice, Miss Sylvia, Timmy and Maxim.

 He was super polite and happy about his whole birthday, which I think is actually a miracle, is it not?  Everything was "Just like I WANTED!"  He got a skateboard, just like he wanted!, and birthday cards, emails and some other great gifts.  He is excited to spend his birthday money from his grandparents on both sides, and is in the city picking something out right now, actually.

 We spent the evening at the park, so he could try out his new skateboard.

Aaron is such a great kid.  He is always saying funny things and making us laugh.  He is a really fast learner and catches on quickly to new sports, games, rules and routines.  He likes to get his way, but knows (most of the time) how to ask nicely and politely for things he wants.   He likes to try new things and has seemingly endless energy.   His German and English has skyrocketed this year.  He speaks very clearly in both languages.  We are so proud of him and love having him in our family.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY AARON!  We love you!