Das auto eis weis

(The car is white.)... or something like that. Our first step toward integration into German culture...the purchase of an automobile worth of both the narrow streets of Europe and the speed of the Autobahn. The Mercedes may be fancy-schmancy here in the US, but where we're going, Stuttgart Germany is the location of the Mercedes factory. So we'll just be another duck in a row over there.

It was time to say good-bye to 'old reliable. My beautiful Suburban today was left at a dealer in Denver. As I pulled away from the dealer lot in my shiny new (old) car, I took a moment to curse myself for giving up that beacon of family travel, that snow plow of a vehicle. How could I just walk away? Heated seats... 4 WD... DVD... cargo space for a whole baseball team. How could I have thought that I was done with that wonderful car? Well, gas mileage is why. I remind myself of the terrible fuel economy of the bohemouth SUV and I feel right about our decision to scale down.

And so now, in my garage sits a smaller, more fuel economic version of the family touring vehicle. Still seats 7, still room for pooch, great safety and performance ratings. This is the car that will more appropriately take us around Europe over the next 3+ years.

And it is good. Das junge frau haas longe haar. (oops, wrong German lesson.)

The World According to Alex

Alex: "Mom, if you were in a treehouse, eating a banana and a monkey came along, would he take a couple bites of your banana? or would he just take the whole banana?"
Me: "I think he'd just take the whole banana."
Alex: "Oh."

It's no wonder this kid has no room in his head to remember to use a fork at dinner. His brain is full.

Happy Back to School

One 1st grader, one 2nd grader. These boys are so big. Alex follows behind Ethan, with his old teacher (again). And Evelyn was more than happy to have me all to herself again this year.

Distractions

I'm fairly certain that I'm in denial. I think if I just keep looking forward to 'moving to Germany' then I won't break down over the fact that it also means I have to leave Colorado. Mostly I just focus on the first half of that sentence.

There's clearly enough to keep me distracted - getting the house ready for the market, what kind of car should I buy to take with us, school is starting in 4 days. There's a convergence of events looming with enough need for attention that it's so easy to think only of the next hour.

But when worrisome thought butt in...
-- like the fact that I mostly missed my entire last summer in Colorado (only my favorite time of year here!)
--that I'll be practically giving away the house I've raised all my babies in
-- that we won't have perfect skiing and a perfect condo only 2 hours away
-- that I'll be leaving only the best friends I've made in my adult life here.
Well, I push through and focus on the bookshelves I have to re-arrange. Because you see, if I actually sat here and let it overcome me, I would just. lose it.

Maybe if I box up some clothes now, the tears will subside.

You Put the "Big" in Big Brother

Ethan and Evelyn's relationship had a pivotal moment a few weeks ago, and I see it resonating.

We were swimming in 7 Lks, Evelyn back and forth to me, over and over again, as new swimmers are wont to do. But I needed 2 minutes to help Alex with his mask/snorkle. Unbeknownst to me, Evelyn just came on swimming even though I was paying no attention (also as new swimmers are wont to do). With me completely absorbed in something else, Evelyn struggled, went under and (I guess) started that whole drowning process. By the time I looked up, Ethan had her in his arms, telling her that "it'll be okay, I have you." She was gasping and choking and visibly upset. By the time I realized the situation and got to her, she was coughing, crying, and really visibly upset.

I promptly thanked Ethan (over and over), for recognizing that she was in trouble and needed someone, rather than just going off to continue to swim, assuming 'Mom'll get it.' It would have been a much dire situation had he not a) seen she needed help, and b) actually acted on her (very important) need. Basically I conveyed to him what a ginormous deed he's just done.

Later on that day:

Ethan: "Evelyn, you can sit next to me." (moving over to make room)

Ethan: "No, Evelyn, we've already started this game of monopoly, but you can be the banker (!)"

Ethan: "Evelyn, I'll play with you."

Before 'the drowning/saving incident' Ethan didn't really have much time for his little sister. Mostly she was Alex's deal- they two were the peas in a pod, thick as thieves, best buddies, and Ethan was the older brother, who didn't really engage much.

Now, it's different. He's her protector, her knight, her prince. Her big brother, with all the rights and responsibilities of that title. I can see that now he understands what his relationship is to is little sister. Where he fits in when it comes to being that big brother. It's not just a place in the birth order; it means he should look out for her safety, give her a hand when she needs help, stand up for her when's she's being treated unfairly. That moment when he plucked her out of the water, he grew up a little (a lot). Did they stop fighting? Not a chance. But has this changed the way they look at each other? Definitely.

This is just what a parent hopes for when we endlessly badger "be nice!" "play fair!" "think how he/she feels!" We don't ever say, "if someone's drowning, stop what you're doing and help out for pete's sake!" but we hope that that will be the consequence of our endless, nagging teachings.

Ethan, you rose up that day. I hope what I witnessed was a fleeting glimpse of the young man you will grow to be. Someone who doesn't just see and watch but someone who acts.

I've never been prouder. And more thankful.