A TRIP

... is a great way to celebrate a big event, like a graduation. So Hanna and Sofia took off to Austria for a week to see Hanna's family and introduce Sofia to her other home.

The drop-off committee.

Boarding!

This picture is a bit misleading because Sofia was way too excited to sleep a lot on the plane. She loved chatting to and touching her neighbors, chewing on Hanna's headphones, and spilling food all over everything. In short, she had a great time. 

First contacts. Sofia was a little shy at first but never scared. She accepted Kobi right away.

And she loved Oma's piano tunes.

Warming up to the new place and people.

Opa!

She was endlessly fascinated with the glass door.

Always one of the highlights: Hanna's parents' backyard. Gorgeous!

We were very excited about this great idea Hanna's dad had: Planting vines for every child and grandchild. Here is Sofia's. What a nice way to celebrate young life, wine, and gardening!

The best toys are not toys.

Downtown.

Sofia loved the new Austrian stroller (Danke, Oma!). She took almost all her naps in it.

After getting to know Langenlois a little, it was time for a city trip: Hello, Vienna!

After visiting Hanna's former school and wonderful colleagues we also saw our old neighborhood:

 Highlight: Meeting the cousins ;-)

 Sofia's greatest fascination from the first second: cousin Elias. It's easy to see why.

Screaming for joy about playing with Esther. Yep, you have top notch cousins, Sofia.

 First subway ride.

 After meeting lovely Dunstkreis, hanging out with wonderful Parhamer friends, and spending time in Bene & Verena's happy home, it was time to go back again.

First train ride.

Bene, Verena and their kids visited Langenlois too and filled the house with great joy and energy.

Beautiful Langenlois:
Walk to the Loisium.

Celebratory family lunch - the whole family was there (except Marko and Samu of course)! It was so moving to see everybody.  

Laurenz and Irene visiting from Leiden!

Listening to Papa's/Opa's speech.

Always a (way too rare) pleasure to see Kobi and Kathi. Sofia thought so too.

Lazy Sunday afternoon in the Ennser backyard.

The next day, after a looooong flight, our family was reunited.

We are so grateful for this beautiful time in Austria. Thank you to Hanna's family for these unforgettable days! Thank you to Bene and Verena for the warm welcome in Vienna.

Thank you to faithful Dunstkreis and and always-inspiring Parhamer friends for your time and friendship! 

Thank you to Marko and Samu for making it all possible. 

P-ART-Y!

Thank you to Martha for inviting us to an art party in her garage to celebrate Hanna's graduation in a creative way. Everybody loved it, especially Samu.

DEFENDED!

The before shots: Dressed up, nervous, and ready.

(Because a doctor needs a white coat...)

The room is starting to fill up - what a nice turnout!

Last instructions.

Touching words from the world's best advisor Martha.

Part I: Hanna presenting her study.

People watching from six different countries (that we know of).

Part II: The closed conference during which her committee asks Hanna questions about her study. While this is going on, outside, very secretly, Marko gathered some people and wine from Langenlois to surprise Hanna.

Then Hanna is sent out to wait for the result of the secret vote from the committee.

PART III: vote and announcement: PASSED!

The committee presenting Dr. Hanna.

Celebratory bubbles!

It's official! Hanna's a doctor.

Submitting the form.

Ready to party!

There was a lot of dancing, ...

a lot of hugging, ...

and good talks.

Great company!

Great bathrooms!

Gorgeous, wonderful, inspiring women.

I can't thank you enough, friends and family, for all your support during my defense day, but also throughout these past five years. It's been an incredible ride. I will never forget this day and all the wonderful people who were part of it. Lots of love and hugs.