Shannon Lubell

Play date

Isaac has several buddies at kita. But he hasn’t played with them outside of school since the weather got cold and we stopped meeting up at the playground after school. So one Friday in January, his friend Johann came home with us. I treat our boys to a candy, ice cream or Coca-Cola every FridayContinueContinue reading “Play date”

Eight Years Old

Ben turned 8 last month and to celebrate, we had an epic weekend of activities. Being a lover of bagels, books and Coca-Cola, we took the boys to brunch at Fine Bagels located in Shakespeare and Sons book store in the Friedrichshain neighborhood. http://www.finebagels.com/# The Bagels were great, but so were the rugelach and cinnamonContinueContinue reading “Eight Years Old”

From Soup to Nuts

Ben’s school handed out report cards today. For him, it was nothing but an excuse get out early, as they don’t start receiving grades (1 for highest achievement, 4 for lowest – most kids strive for ones and twos) until next year in third grade. (We recently discovered during a meeting with his German teacherContinueContinue reading “From Soup to Nuts”

Six Months

We recently celebrated our first six months in Berlin. This is the longest the boys and I have been out of the country at one time. Quite a lot has happened as I’ve written in previous posts. And quite recently, we’ve had more unique adventures. And have done things we used to do in theContinueContinue reading “Six Months”

Haircuts

When you move somewhere new, it seems to always take forever to get settled. You have to get the internet hooked up, go to the DMV for a new license plate, find a pediatrician. Amongst a laundry list of other things. Imagine getting settled in a place that does almost all of its official businessContinueContinue reading “Haircuts”

Morning Commute

Dave was stuck in Lisbon last night coming home from Morocco, so despite being sick, I was tasked with getting both boys out the door and to school together. On time. Gulp! We usually take them separately, as Ben’s school starts at 8:10 and Issac must be at his by 9:00. And things just goContinueContinue reading “Morning Commute”

Weihnachtsmarkt – Spandau

Christmas markets are a big deal in Germany. And we are learning why. When the weather is cold and the nights come early, nothing is more welcome than these fair-like gatherings filled with rides, holiday lights, open fires, live music, hot drinks, tasty treats and traditional snacks. Some even have ice skating and Santa appearances.ContinueContinue reading “Weihnachtsmarkt – Spandau”

Hanukkah in Berlin

Tonight was the first night of Hanukkah. We started early as the sun has been setting shortly before 4 PM here. And because Dave was flying off to Oslo tonight. {Isaac had the honor of lighting the candles} {Ben, Dave and Isaac} The boys received new coordinated scarf and hat sets. Stars for Ben andContinueContinue reading “Hanukkah in Berlin”

Thanksgiving in Berlin

As with every year since we’ve been an item, I’ve spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws. This year was no exception. John and Martha, Dave’s folks, as well as his brother, Sam, and future sister-in-law, Barbara, arrived the day before in order to spend the holiday together. With trips to the school for a party, museums,ContinueContinue reading “Thanksgiving in Berlin”

Safety

People ask us if we feel more or less safe here in Berlin. In Germany. I do. Hopefully not blindly. While there have been a few cell phones taken from coat pockets left in cloak rooms in our older son’s school, it doesn’t compare to the sinking feeling of sadness and fear that I feelContinueContinue reading “Safety”