Zurich, Heidelberg, Gruenstadt, Bordeaux and back

(early) Friday evening: Lego is still a popular pastime

Like last year - though I just realized that I didn't add a post about that trip - I had to spend a few days in Bordeaux at ESI's laser research facility. But this year I needed to extend the trip to Zurich and Heidelberg, which meant I had to spend the weekend abroad (Michaela - and I, too - was not pleased). But given the proximity of Heidelberg to Gruenstadt, I got to revisit my old stomping grounds and spend the weekend with my parents. Not only that, but my sister's family had long planned to be there that weekend, too. And not only THAT, but Nani's family of five would be there, too! Full house! And while I am certainly not used to the chaos and dynamics involved of being around 5 kids, I had a great time catching up with everyone.

Friday evening: everyone has arrived.

Saturday: I got to know several new games !

Sunday morning: time to say goodbye (front to back: Phryne, Anian, Zoe, Raul, Leon, Juri, Helga, Jan, Julie, Malte Nani

Touring Christian's 'new' home (with partial foundations from 1720 A.D!)

My parents: still smiling after hosting 10(!) guests over the weekend - very impressive.

Time tested tradition: farewell meal at Kaefer's at Frankfurt Airport

ESI's research facility in Bordeaux.

No need to starve in Bordeaux, of course. This Mango foam dessert was particular delightful.

Random photos

While sipping my morning coffee I was digging through my photos. Here are a few of the better shots. Many of them are of the pets - they are just so photogenic (no bad hair days!). 

Two good boys waiting for breakfast:

Lots of napping:

Jan being silly:

We started playing with gold foil in my lab:

An artist lest this on my office door. I bet it's Pepper (just his legs are a bit too short!).

And I got surprised with this gorgeous clock at the end of one of my classes:

I took this photo with my phone. Surprising just how well it turned out!

Billie and Rod had to leave for California for four days, which means I had Sailor and Maggie with me (while Jan was in Europe). Here's Billie dropping off Mags:

Maggie and Pepper butt-to-butt after the morning walk and getting some love from the students:

Sailor, Maggie, Abby & George:

Abby was keeping me company yesterday while I was prepping for class. What a love bug!