Hannes celebrates a birthday

Herzlichen Glückwunsch
zum Geburtstag,
Hannes!

Today is Hannes's 14^th birthday, almost back where it all began 14 years ago. He celebrated with candles and his favorite Brötchen early this morning before school and then with German pancakes for lunch after school.

Two sets of grandparents are here to help him celebrate—Jost's mother, Heidi, is here for a visit from Hamburg, and my parents are on their way home from Switzerland via Berlin.

This afternoon we had applesauce cake and presents, and tonight we plan to enjoy the last of the late-summer weather at a sidewalk table at a neighborhood restaurant. What a great way to turn 14!