Ryans Geburtstag

So like I've been mentioning for a few posts now today was Ryan's birthday, the big 0-3. I think he found it to be a great success. He got numerous toys, including but not limited to: a marble run (that us adults find to me more entertaining than I think Ryan does), a scooter with knee and elbow pads, a toy ambulance, a bear book, zebra book, 2 Dr. Seuss books, and another German book I don't know, animal sheets, a jacket, an extension set for his wooden railroad, an extension set for his lego railroad, a swing set (that isn't put together yet), a wooden xylophone, wooden vegetables that you can "cut," a construction truck, and a little man on a four wheeler. Talk about a lot of toys. I have to say I'm quite glad I got him some books that I know will last for a long time, even the English ones. So I probably don't have to tell you we will have plenty to play with while I'm watching him tomorrow. The party went ok and the cake Andrea made was really good. Thankfully there were only 4 children there, so there weren't any big fights over toys or anything. Plus Andrea was smart and only made it for an hour and a half. After cleaning up everything we were all tired, but it could have been a lot worse. I totally understand now why my parents never let me have a sleepover birthday party. Any parent who agrees to that is committing suicide (especially with little girls). The birthday festivities have made me think about my own birthday even though it's not for another 5 months, but I was thinking (and if you've seen my facebook the last 2 days you will notice I've been having a Beach Boys obsession) and I decided that I need a good Beach Boys cd (remember that mom). I can't believe I'm just now realizing how awesome they are. I read (on wikipedia but I'm pretty sure it's true) that their album Pet Sounds (which is supposedly their best) was inspired by the Beatles Rubber Soul album, which in turn inspired Paul McCartney for their own St. Pepper album. And supposedly Paul McCartney's favorite song is God Only Knows from the Pet Sounds album. So I mean that just says it all right there. It's a shame Brian Wilson got all messed up with drugs.

On another note, the weather isn't any better yet, but it is forecasted to be nicer on Thursday which is good news for our weekend in Tessin (and the forecast there is looking much better). That's also good for my day off on the 26th. Urs bought me a day pass for the train, so I can basically take the train anywhere I want for the day. I've decided to go to Luzern and go up to Mount Pilatus (which is named for Pontius Pilat because there is a legend that it's the final resting place of his ghost). So I only have to endure a few more days rain and then sun!