May 2007

Ahoj everyone,

The month of May was jam-packed with big events. First, we all went to a wedding celebration in the town of Slavonice in southern Moravia. Next we celebrated Laurence's very first birthday with a trip to Becki Land followed by cake and presents. Then as a grand finale, Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Nellie came to visit. We had a wonderful time and hope you enjoy the photos.

Much love,

Britt, Melinda and Laurence

Laurence's First Birthday

Becki Land Ball Bin

Slavonice Field

While on the bus Daddy and I talked about all the wonderful things we saw out the window. This photo was taken just before I nursed, became car-sick, and puked all over Mommy with only ten-minutes remaining in our long trip.

Here's the pension we stayed at while in Slavonice, the Bejckuv Mlyn.

Petr and Morgan need the practice.

Oh, look Mommy!! There's a little lamb over there.

"Sometimes when you dream, I dream too."

Morgan and Petr's "friends" set up an obstacle course-game for the newlyweds. The new couple had to dress up as cross-country skiers (including parkas, hats, pants, boots, skis and poles) and ski from point to point, challenge to challenge, all while being taunted (helped) by other skiers along the course. At each point they were given a new challenge and a gift for completing the previous one. By the end of the obstacle course poor Petr looked like an over-burdened pack mule following his wife to the finish.

Morgan's last challenge was to lead her new blind-folded hubby through the forest. It's a pity about Petr hitting all of those trees:)

Laurence's first Czech boyfriend, Vaclav.

This was our first time being around other Czech couples with children the same age as Laurence. It was refreshing to know we all shared the same struggle:)

Laurence wanted some of the balls on Emma's jacket.

What's everyone staring at?...

No animals were harmed in the making of this photo...OK, maybe the pig was but at least it didn't die in vain. The pension owner's dog kept eyeing the pig, waiting for his chance to run off with it.

Daddy and accomplice needed a refill before heading back to all the yummy food at the party.

Morgan was so happy that eveyone was having such a wonderful time at her party she danced a small jig.

Melinda gives the international sign for food coma, eyes glazed and mouth slightly open while holding stomach, after we all stuffed ourselves on all the yummy Czech cuisine at the party.

The rooms at the pension were cosy and cute. We had a such great time with all of our new-found friends. Too bad the weekend went by so quickly.

On the way home from Slavonice, Jan and Pavlina--friends of Morgan and Petr, saved us from another long, vomit-filled bus ride by offering a ride home with them in their car. On the way back to Prague we stopped in Telč, a town in southern Moravia and UNESCO world heritage site. We all look tired in this photo, don't we?

This is my birthday hat...you like? Mommy and Daddy started my first birthday right by taking me to Becki Land, a children's indoor playground, where I played with giant Legos, swam in a huge bin of plastic balls, jumped on an inflatible crocodile, chased after swarms of colorful balls on padded floors, and was pulled around from station to station in my very own wagon. Later, we all went back home for cake and presents. Birthdays are the best days.

I have this re-occuring dream where I'm swimming in a sea of colorful plastic balls...

Mommy teaching baby to build a wall between herself and the outside world.

Becki Land has all sorts of weird and fun ways of getting from place to place including, bicycles, scooters, tricycles, and even wagons.

There it is, in all it's chocolate glory!! Laurence Sophia's first birthday cake. Gifts, hats, plates, and napkins not included (thanks for everything, Grandma Monica).

"Creature from the Chocolate Lagoon!!"

An intermission was needed to wash off the chocolate birthday girl.

OK, back to the party..."Holy cow, look at all this stuff!!!"

"Mommy, would you read the card for me? It's from Grandma Monica, Grandpa Steve and the boys. I can't read cursive yet"

"I choose you, Legends of Kutna Hora".

"And then the little baby grew up so fast it made Mommy and Daddy cry...the end."

Yippie, they made it!! 18-hours and one lost bag later, Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Nellie finally arrived in Prague running to the open arms of Ms. Laurence Sophia.

Since Grandma and Grandpa arrived only days after Laurence's first birthday we decided to re-create the event, sans baby--she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. In this episode, Devil Cow will be playing the part of Laurence.

"Grampa Jerry says I'm a very good driver, even while holding my soccer ball".

Pictures of Old Town after a small summer rain storm.