So far the morning routine is working. First, we actually have a routine. We didn't have one for about two months since the girls weren't in school and we had just moved here and had visitors, summer trips, etc.. Now the late summer routine is set and it's fresh enough that it gives me pleasure. I pack up the girls in the bike & trailer and take Claire to her kindergarten, and then Camille to her daycare. This takes until 9am - and I am free until noon when I pick them each back up again. Today 8/26 #10:10am. In the living room, working.
8/26
Kids
Our nightly ritual is solid. We take a bath, put on pajamas, read books while eating cut apple slices, do a few tickles and say good night. We still have to lay in bed with Claire for awhile, but we are slowly trying to leave the room before she falls asleep. Bird by bird.
#10:10am
Today, at 10:10am, I saw this.
Mobility
July was marked by the internet. We didn't have it and after the girls would go to bed, Georg and I would sit outside and have a beer and talk. We didn't have our phones out, or our computers. The minute the internet was hooked up, our phones and laptops moved in and interrupted our conversations.
August was totally transformed because I found a bike and trailer. I have discovered so many bike trails around Riehen and have now optimized the kid-commute to and from school. It's summer, and being on a bike every single day makes me very happy.
Connection
A few nights ago Georg's mom stayed at our place for a few hours after we put the kids down. Georg and I went into Basel and met some friends for a drink. On the way, we walked over the bridge, holding hands looking at the view of the Rhine. Georg pointed out this new path to me. We are together all the time, but connecting isn't guaranteed since the kids demand so much of our constant attention.