The Next Van Gogh??

For Tyler's birthday, I searched high and low for the Crayola Store in Shanghai. Luckily I found it and was able to buy crayons, eashable markers, and fingerpaints. All with the knowledge that these were non-toxic. Super important if you have been reading the paper or watching the news lately. If you think the US has problems with toxic stuff, imagine what they keep for their own citizens. Okay, maybe don't imagine. I don't want to scare away our future visitors ;)

I tried a few weeks ago to introduce Ty to the wonderful world of coloring with crayons. He was more interested in eating the crayons--glad they are non-toxic. Today I thought we would try our hand at markers. He LOVED them! Even managed to get some of the colors on the paper. I have now officially turned Peter's college dorm room table and our old IKEA coffee table into Tyler's craft tables.

Here is a pic of the big guy in action:

A Shout Out to the Yas!

Here is one of Tyler's latest moments caught on tape....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKM1teyrwO0

The Ball Pit

A few months ago Tyler discovered the ball pit at our clubhouse. He loved crawling around but he loved throwing the balls out even more. A few weeks ago I stumbled across some balls at our Walmart--yes we have one but do not get too excited. An Active Graco Pack and Play and 500 balls later, Tyler's ball pit is a reality in our family room.

Here is some video of Ty's very own play land. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7oIBeJhBuY

To My Bucka Buddy!!

We had lots of fun when Ned and Jen recently visited Shanghai. Ned was able to spend the last week with us and Tyler quickly found a buddy. Tyler loves saying his new word "Bucka" to Ned. We also found a new use for Peter's ottoman. Ned, having just graduated Law School and taken the CA Bar has suggested we trademark "Bucka" for all products, dance moves, and comic book exclamations. Consider it done :)

Check out the video of the Bucka Buddies by clicking on my links or accessing You Tube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0MJhYsyJvo

Let me know how the video turns out on your end and if you'd like to see more.

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us, Ned & Jen!! We had a blast! Ty cried when he watched this video.

Wanted -Your Meal Time Suggestions

Tyler is loving eating table food! While the accomplishment is great, I am scratching my head for what to feed him over here. Many of you have heard my shock at the price of food here..$11 pack of bacon or $9 pack of shredded cheese anyone?? Yes, these are imported from the US and I am thrilled to have them! I am very careful with what Ty eats or should I say the source of his food supply. You've read the headlines. If that stuff makes it way to the US imagine what is in our stuff over here. Okay, maybe let's not imagine.

I have access to a lot of vegetables and organic produce so we try to eat a lot of veggie based items, pasta, quiche, homemade pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, casseroles. Since the food items we have access to is limited as well as varied depending on supply, a wide range of recipes is golden.

I recently received Baby Bistro, a great cookbook with loads of meal ideas and recipes for Toddlers and their parents. We have really enjoyed eating the family friendly meals and I am on the hunt for some more meal ideas for the entire family (ideally somewhat healthy). Since I have experienced many delicious dinners and holidays catered by you, what better source than you!

Please send any ideas or suggestions for snacks, main courses, side dishes to me via comments or my e-mail. You can also photo copy any recipes and mail them to us:

Heather & Peter Klug

12605 W North AVE #134

Brookfield, WI 53005

Greatly appreciate your help!

Tyler and our former SF roomie, Ned, snacking on a yogurt smoothie.

Go PACK!!!!

As many of you know, since we have been out of the US Peter spends hours every week during football season dodging the Internet, tv, and family/friends/co-workers until he can listen to the game online or watch the weekend's Packer game. This year we have been blessed with the technology of Slingbox and very willing family members (thanks Mom & Joel) who have let us wreak havoc with their Directv and broadband services so we can watch US television here. Watching the weekly game is a religious experience for Peter and last year it involved a lot of praying ;)

This setup is great because we have the ability to watch the games, huge improvement over listening. However, since you are 13 hours behind us, it usually takes us a day or two to get to the game. Thank you to those of you who did not tell him who won as Peter loves the surprise. I think we have a new Packer Backer in the works...time to get him on the waiting list for tickets??

Hmmm...looks like Tyler might prefer Baby Einstein still.

Happy Birthday, Tyler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our dear, sweet, baby boy is One!!! How quickly the time goes. Tyler had a banner day today. Normally, Peter sneaks into Tyler's bedroom to kiss him while he is sleeping before heading off to work but today Tyler is waiting for him. Breakfast consisted of blueberry waffles, lunch was grilled cheese and dinner was cheese tortellinis with pesto...oh and do not forget the cake! We are starting a few traditions here with Tyler, eating birthday cake first and taking a picture in Daddy's Favre jersey.

I created a train cake and landscape with a mountain tunnel and lake. I had to make do with the supplies at hand but all in all I think it was a success. It was yummy either way. No complaints from any of the boys.

Tyler loved opening his gifts one by one and was delighted to find the seams in the paper to enable his ripping. He inspected each gift. Thanks to everyone for the great gifts and cards!! Tyler will have many fun days a head with the blocks, Legos, crayons, chalk, and finger paint. I can't wait!!!!! Who knows what the next year has in store....it will be great!

We miss you all and are looking forward to spending future birthdays and special occasions together. Thank you for all the birthday songs and well wishes. We love you!

I have uploaded pictures from the day in my online album. Take a look. I hope to upload the video soon.