Oma and Opa came to celebrate several milestones in the kids’ lives. The first one happened on Friday. The oldest grandchild (on both sides of the family) turned 12! As per tradition, he had the cereal of his choice for breakfast, and then I brought brownies up to school to pass out to his classmates and teachers. And of course, I saved a few for my other children as well. Alexandra always loves going up to school and visiting her siblings during recess. I am sure it has a bit to do with how much attention she gets from their friends. 🙂
While Alexandra and I were sitting on the bench, waiting for all of Nick’s classmates to come out and get a brownie, we were also keeping an eye out for Sarah and Sophie. We saw Sarah, and then we saw a bunch of Sophie’s friends, but no Sophie. Where could she be? Finally, we walked over to Sarah and asked her if she knew where Sophie was. She gave me the strangest look and said, “Mom, she’s home sick!” Oh, right. Forgot about that. Maybe I have a bit too much going on in my mind!
When recess was over, we went back home to get started on his birthday cake (oatmeal, no frosting) and birthday lunch (fondue). I made sure to have it all ready when he first walked in the door, because he wanted to have lots of time to savor the food. 🙂 And for the first time ever, we ended up with leftover cheese. Means I finally made enough. haha 
Chris came home a bit early from work, so Nick wouldn’t have to wait quite so long to open his gifts. 
Sophie is always so good about making presents for everyone, and this time Alexandra asked her to help her make something for Nick also. She ended up giving him love coupons, which Nick liked very much. Sophie also gave him a bouncy ball and a lovely card. 
The main present from us he had already received at the beginning of the summer. Chris knew Nick would want lots of time to play with it, so he gave it to him early. It was a Lego Mindstorms Robot. That was quite the hit. We also got him a couple new books, which he naturally read in one day. 
My dad sent a very nice, sentimental gift to Nick as well. When I was on my mission in Germany, I painted a silk tie as a gift for him. He wore it through the years, and now decided to pass it on to Nicholas to wear. Dad thought it was appropriate since the main decoration on the tie is an outline of the country and mission where both Chris and I served. He also wrote a lovely note to Nick telling him to wear when he performed his priesthood duties and think of him. So nice! Nick read the whole note out loud to us, and was very touched.
Oma and Opa brought a Rubik’s Cube for Nicholas.
He loves it and carries it around with him all the time, constantly working on it. It’s also perfect for long car rides. 🙂 The other kids are always wanting to “help” him solve it, but that usually doesn’t end so well…
After all the present fun, we had his birthday dinner (Her Majesty’s Pasta) and then cake. 
Nick felt that 12 was too old for a party this year, but he did want to do something. His best friend was unable to spend the night, as he had to go to his father’s for the weekend. (Divorce ruins so very, very, very many things.) My friend made the suggestion to take him to see “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, and Nick liked that idea. But the only theater it was playing at in English, in all of Switzerland was in a somewhat sketchy part of town we weren’t familiar with, and it didn’t even start until 8:45. It looked like his birthday celebration was going to be a bit of a dud. 🙁 But then Chris had a stroke of inspiration. Nick loves the “Little Nicholas” books, and Chris found the movie for us to watch at home! Hurray! Nicholas loved this idea, and we all three snuggled on the couch, after the other kids went to bed and had our own little movie night.
I think he liked it so much for several reasons. One) he got all that alone time with us, two) he didn’t have to leave the house, and three) it was a funny, funny, funny movie. There were times when we were laughing so hard we couldn’t breathe. Then we would have to rewind it back to the point where we started laughing, so we could hear and see all the stuff we had missed. We watched it in French with English subtitles, and that was also fun for him, because French is one of his favorite subjects in school. If you get a chance, you must see this movie, it is so good. The little French actor kids are the best! The facial expressions alone tell half the story.
It ended up being a great birthday, and I am so happy to be the mom of such a nice 12 year old. I know it may get rough soon, so I am taking the chance to enjoy the smooth waters now. 🙂 Happy birthday, Nick!