Store Beer Wisely

My brother-in-law started making beer about two years ago. When we were in the US one year ago, we got to taste a few of his brews. Each had a unique flavor and all of them were decent, if not good.

In honor of my brother's wedding (the last sibling of three to marry), he brewed a special batch of richer, darker beer. My sister designed a beautiful label with "SJM" to represent the three married couples. The "S" is for Steinbach. The "J" and "M" for their last names, all in order of our wedding dates. The background is a piece of PJ's art.

Each couple got two bottles and we were each asked to drink the beer on our wedding anniversary. Which I thought was very touching and committed myself to do. And then forgot to actually do.

When we FINALLY got down to trying to beer just a short six months late, we proudly took a before picture.

That was our last smile. Because quite honestly the beer was horrific. Rotten. As if penicillin had gone bad, mixed with some year old eggs, and then joined a motorcycle gang.

Yes, it was that bad.

We actually tried to take another sip. I even poured it into a glass. At that point it became obvious that something had gone wrong. It turns out - who knew! - that how one stores a homemade beer actually matters. It turns out that one is not recommended to allow the beer to get too hot, too cold, freeze (long story), or carried around by a toddler who enjoys rather randomly pulling things out of the fridge and either shaking them about or carrying them around the house for a little while.

In other words, we did a bad job of storing the beer.  As a result it tasted just like it was stored. It sure was pretty though! 

XO

Heidelberger Herbst - What a Year Changes

Heidelberg rolled out the red carpet recently for its weekend-long, extremely full Fall Festival called "Heidelberg Herbst." Basically the entire city center fills with stands offering beer and food and beer and beer and ... getting the point? ...and tourists from all over.

Pre-baby we'd roll towards the Herbst in the late evening and enjoy a number of those beer stands. Now, post-baby we've slowly discovered that there are actually lots of other things being offered at the Herbst. Things like clothing and antiques and music and tons of different types of food. Even kids games and rides. Who knew?

Last year the Herbst was one of our first big outings with little PJ and my sister was here with us. It was the first time we took public transport with little man. I was shocked to discover that I never posted about our trip because it was pretty damn awesome. Better late than never!

Back then, last year, we took PJ out in the Baby Björn (please never use one of these - go with a baby-friendly Ergo or like product instead) and he slept as he had never slept before.

The Mr loving on PJ as he hangs in the Baby Björn.

There was all sort of silliness that happened. This is my favorite picture of that silliness.

PJ was just a few months old and we stopped on a stoop for a snack.

I can't seem to locate a picture of my sister at the Herbst and she was so fabulous at the Herbst. I can't believe that I missed taking pictures of all that. Anyways, for a reminder, here is my amazing sister.

You can't help but love someone with those sunglasses.

This year, we again took public transport. PJ enjoyed it quite a lot more this time around.

At first on daddy's lap for the food.

Later in his own seat, like a big boy.

This year instead of being carried the entire time, he started off on his own two feet.

Later we stopped on a stoop for a snack. What a differance of year makes!

Instead of my awesome sister, we ran into some good friends over Guiness at the Irish bar. Everyone had their own coaster. Everyone. PJ insisted. 

After ensuring his own coaster - and 'prost-ing' everyone five times - he took a tour of the Irish bar. I think he was more than at home. That sort of worries me but I'm taking it a day at the time.

After a bit of walking around we discovered a bouncing castle. Is there anything better? Try to find PJ holding his own as the smallest in the castle. He totally held his own and for quite a long time.

Right when we were suppose to be headed home, little PJ feel asleep in the Ergo. So we posed quickly....

and then stayed for a while. We might gone a slight bit bar hopping. But just maybe.

That may be a toddler asleep on his back. Or not.

Bar hopping does remain the best part of the Herbst afterall.



xo

Lucky's Taproom and Eatery

Over a year ago my uncle made good on a long-term dream and opened up his own bar in Dayton, Ohio, with a name and theme to honor my deceased Grandpa (his dad), called Lucky's Taproom and Eatery. http://www.luckystaproom.com/

We finally got to see open and serving on this vacation. PJ was enamored with the toy cars that once belonged to his great-grandpa, leading to a good amount of singing.  Loud singing.

Great Aunt L-Lady chilling with PJ.

Great Nana and PJ loving on the toy cars.

Great Uncle Drewmeister, owner & operator, and PJ interest.

The lunch crew and our soul-singer PJ.

xo

7 Months!

Who gave this kid permission to turn seven months old?? Seven months is clearly closer to turning one year old than just being born. Turning seven months old also means that we are just one month away from the Mr starting his parental leave. Yeah! But that also means that we are only two months away from when I return to work. Does anyone else wonder where all the time is going?

The past few days have been full of new and exciting  experiences. For example, this past weekend little man got to meet an even littler man who is just as interested and engaged in the world at a tender age. Check out those eyes! 

Then just yesterday we got to spend some quality time with Oma. PJ learned the joy of flying on his little belly, safe in warm arms.

And, as all good (half) German kids should, PJ discover beer! The first day he was more interested in the sound of the bottles jingling against each other...

 

...but by day two he repurposed the crate into his own standing prop. This marks the first time that a crate full of empty beer bottles helped someone stand up straight. And aint he proud?

Happy seven months, Little Farter. You are the best little guy ever.



xo