Fruelings Fest

Fruelngs Fest is just about the same as Oktober Fest - only the Germans consider Frueling fest more traditional as Oktober fest has become 'tourisized'  The germans claim to go to 'practice their english'

Nick wanted to get dressed up like dad.... 

Chris and I took the train into the fest.  His company reserved a table that night (which was danced upon)The band rocked.  They played great german tunes and anaged to filter in some Joan Jett an othe great 80s Rock favorites.

How many beers can Jen and I carry - not that many....  YUM Chicken

This photo is titled, how did they get home??  We tried to figure out the train schedule, but after a few liters of beer things get a bit hazy.  The only one to really be able to recall the evening is Chelcy.  Turns out we called her a few times.  Impresive that she was helping us out from miles away.

German birthday parties

Nick had 2 German birthday parties this week.  His German Kindergarden buddies Maurce and Maximillian.  I am thrilled he has some dude time as his best dude friend is living it up in the states right now.  But also, what an honor for him to be invited.  He bearly speaks/understands the language, but do kids really need that yet?  Apparently his enthusiasm for cars, trains, games is shared in any language. 

I also love the parties.  They are small (4 kids at each - because they were turning 4) and simple.  Only a few hours in the afternoon.  Best part - we (parents) don't have to go!  Yup, I arrived at Maurice's on Tuesday all prepared to stay and learn some German (as all the ladies talk,etc...) But they explained to me that the parents don't need to stay.  Even better!

Shane fell asleep on the way home.  He really can sleep through anything.

Nick the tiger - is allergic to amoxicillin

Last week Nick had a MEGA ear infection that made his throat swell - he sounded funny and I cannot tell you how many times he said, "What... say that again.... say it louder...."  I repeated myself 1 million times as his ears were clogged.  Well, after 8 days on Amoxicillin he woke up with a MEGA rash.  We walked to our doctor that morning and he instantly knew the issue.  Not much else we could do excepted stop taking the medicine.  Nick went to kindergarden that day as well as a birthday party.  Busy Dude.

Nick wanted me to post this photo.  Its called Nick the Tiger.  Can you hear his fierce growl from here you are?

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Lake Titisee

Well here is 3 more for you. 

1.  We left the house Friday night around 6PM.  Its only a 1.5 hour drive, so getting there at 7:30 is perfect.  20 minutes into the drive MAJOR STAU.  Seriously, I want to ask every German why they bother driving this way when they can clearnly here the traffic report!

2.  We arrived at 9:30 - (note expected arrival 7:30).  Now its dark and our GPS says 'you have arrived at your destination' looking left and right there was clearly NOTHING to be sleeping in.  So we drove to the camp ground, asked a few quick questions, called the noted phone number (no answer) drove around some more with Nick asking - can i watch another movie??  On the third time, we finally connected with the Apartment owner.  She met us at her house and took us to our apartment/house (needless to say, we went ahead based on her directions and ran into a cow farm....  Just a little back tracking to find her again...) 

3.  Upon arrival at the apartment, Chris and I were so determinded to empty the car that we totally forgot about our tiniest bladder.  Little Nicholas did not make it to the potty in time.  That is just crushing for him as he HATES accidents.  So guess we all needed a bath to relax - yes, that was the third and final.The house was BEAUTIFUL and had EVERYTHING we could ever need.  A coffee maker, bread maker, dishwasher....  The list goes on.  But most importantly it had the sweetest little Elephant crib for our man Shane.  It was hand made years ago for the two girls that the owner had.  Beautiful!

Saturday morning we were up and ready to investigate Lake Titisee.  It was a simple walk from our home and Nick was thrilled to have his bike. 

We also found another method of inducing sleep for Shane - the walk....

I really have no idea why the ducks aren't coming over here....

The back pack even acts as an activity saucer!  Perfect.  My other reason for posting this, 30 minutes after taking this photo, we lost the hat!  Yes, that makes 3 in the 'lost' department.  My phone, the puky bike carrying strap and now the hat.  I will admit to being a little flighty and often miss things.  But gosh, these folks snatch it up like candy!  All weekend I walked around looking for whoever grabbed the hat and put it on!  Its so cute and I totally miss it.  But yes, we have others...

Next event was the boat pedaling.  Nick was the Captian and I was the crew.  I got quite the workout and Nick loved being in charge.

The lake is part of the black forest.  All the Brothers Grimm Fairy tales were said to be based in areas within the black forest. 

Chris titles this photo as 'parenting is hard work!'

I title this one as serenity

We opted to take the longer hike back that night.  I love these trees.  Much of the senery we saw was a reminder of Maine and Tahoe together.

Here are some quick photos of our acomodations.  This is the playground right outside our house.  I didn't capture it in the picture, but they had a tramopline!

Here is the home we stayed in.  We were on the Lower left portion.  The home was broken into 4 rather large apartments.

We drove up behind the apartments and this is what we found....  Hmmmmm, permanent campers?  Deakon, want to list this helicopter?  Wonder when was the last time it took flight...

Just leaving you with a cute photo of the Leadbetters.  Great little weekend.

I guess I was getting too confident

Ever have that feeling when things are 'some what' under control.  You can tackle the average mission.  Then, somehow life decides to toss you another struggle to set you out of your comfort level..... 

Just the other day I was talking to Diane about the two things I need with me at any time to make any situation better.  My reply - my Iphone and my water bottle (that chelcy keeps me supplied with as you can only get it at the HEB - I have had the same two for over a year) 

Well you guessed it.  My Iphone is MIA.  Yup, I am quite convinced I left it at the local park.  I have called it over 1 million times.  I just came back from riding to the park in the dark on my husband's bike (that I cleaned for him today - and no, I cannot touch the pedals while sitting on the seat so yes it was uncomfortable)  The phone is no longer ringing through so I am assuming someone found it, picked it up and is loving some Iphone interaction - maybe some good tunes, maybe a little identity theift - who knows.  But I should have seen it coming.

This morning after dropping Nick at kindergarden, Shane and I drove to our gym.  HUGE sign out front saying closed for cleaning from 19 April - 23 April (seriously, there is NO way I could have missed that last week)  I swear they put it up today.  Since when do they need an entire week to clean a gym and pool?  The workers were rocking out to brittany spears as they were cleaning - guess that is good motivation for the next 5 days.

I recently found a cleaning lady - Please understand how difficult that is!!  For some reason asking around for a cleaning lady has caused me anxiety.  German's live in modest houses.  They often share levels with families (meaning the grandparents live downstairs, Kids with their kids upstairs etc...)  They had houses down through generations.  Apartments are rather common and homeownership is not.  So, I already feel like the greedy American as we have the entire house (that you all need to visit).  Now of course its too big that I need someone to help me clean it!!  I always make sure to have Shane on my hip as I casually bring up the topic to someone I think might be on my wave length.  Well I finally found an awesome lady who told me she has had a cleaner for years and she wold be happy to get a number for me....  Well...... 

she was supposed to come Friday.  What does the average person do before the cleaning lady is due to arrive?  Yup, they DONT clean.  Where is my cleanng lady.....  Well, I called Friday evening when I was crushed that she didn't show (let me remind you, she doesn't speak english and I have no idea how much she charges....  She just lives in my town, came recommended and seemed like an effecient lady, in my10 minute meeting with her)  So those calls were very difficult and  hung up the phone not knowing if I was closer to getting her back or losing her - I think I was talking with her husband.  Come to find out today - she is stuck in Turkey. 

So now, if anyone asks me - do you know anyone affected by the Volcanic ash - I will invite them to my house.

Please don't call or text my Iphone as I and it are in morning....

Phew - thanks for letting me vent.  Now I am realizing all my music is downloaded, my contacts merged.  All I need to do is change ALL my passwords and spend a fortune on an unlocked Iphone that I will surely break in the next 30 days.  Sounds like a simple process.  Happy Shopping to me....

Sprouting Teeth!

Yup, Shane is working on them already.  The lower left is the first one to show itself.  There is another brewing on the upper right.  He isn't terribly phased, but gets a little irratable every so ofen - not sure if that is the teeth or other baby life...

Today Chris took the dudes (allowing me some study time) to enjoy a German Gourmet food convention.  The wine, beer, shnaps, cheese and mustard tables were of high emphasis and the boys slept in the stoller while he walked the aisles.  He came back raving about it!  He had what we term as a rather successful German day! 

Rothenburg on a Sunny German day

Today was a beautiful german day.  Sunny and still a little chilly - but perfect for a day's worth of exploring.  Chris was excited to get the family out of the house as he loves nothing more than having a beer in another city!

  We drove about 1.5 hours to Rothenburg.  Its a beautiful old walled city.  You can actually walk along the top of the wall for portions of it.  They built these walls to protect the city - now we need spyware to keep hackers out of our computers.  Oh, how the times have changed.

Can you see the two cute blond dudes in this window - yup, take out that magnifying glass.  Its Chris and Nick

These are the homes outside the walled city.

Enjoying that beer!  The city is such a tourist hot spot that  I am convinced I didn't hear German all day.  I heard French, English, Japanese, Russian- you name it! 

I love this photo as it emotionally reminds me of the Archway in Vilseck, yes, we will have to go back there someday - wonder what my old landlord will think!

The photos are a little outta order - but we popped our heads into the torture museum.  Here I thought the word museum was torture enough! (hahahaha)

I must admit - there was a moment today when we were sitting outside enjoying lunch.  Nick was running around, Shane was happy hanging with us.  Chris and I both had a beer and the sun was shining.  Sure, we could be home working on the yard, trying to make the pond not SO green, studying, working etc.  But isn't that everyday?  Will that task list ever end  No - so I am thankul that my husband finds the importance in taking time like this.  Hope you ejoyed some unscheduled time this weekend.