Last weekend I had a 4 day weekend so I went adventuring to Vienna.
Thursday- I left Bonn at 5:30 in the morning to catch my train. I got into Vienna around 3:30. Patrick had made arrangements for me to stay with his nephews in Vienna so I went to the apartment when I got into town to establish a home base. I net Pascal when I got there and got set up in Colin's room. Pascal recommended that I go into the pedestrian area in the city center. When I got into town I went and saw St. Stephan's Cathedral. It was so beautiful because the sunlight was hitting the stained glass just right to send the colors everywhere. Then I just wandered around to get my bearings of the city. On my way back to the apartment I stopped and got a Kase Kranner, which is a sausage with cheese in the middle, at the park.
Friday- I did some more wandering in the morning just trying to see as much as I could. I went on the tram lines around the Ring Strasse. That way I was able to see all the sights and figure out what I wanted to explore further. In the middle of the day I stopped at the Sacre Cafe to have a piece of the famous Sacre Tort. It was really good, the chocolate was a little bitter for my taste but I really enjoyed it. In the afternoon I went over to the Giant Ferris Wheel and rode that. After the ferris wheel I had lunch at a street stand, Schnitzel. On the way back into town I got off the tram to take some closer pictures and I ended up finding a rehersal for the Band Festival happening that weekend. Then I headed over to Hofburg. I was taking pictures and found my way to the Spanish Riding school on the estate. I found out that they were doing a performance that night and that there were standing room tickets available. So I went to the show and it was really cool to see. Then I headed back to the apartment.
Saturday- I had made arrangements to go on a bus tour to Budapest for the day. I had to be at the State Opera House by 6:45AM. So I left the apartment at 5:30 to make sure that I would get there with some time to spare... turned out that it only took 15 minutes to get from the apartment to the opera so I had an hour to enjoy the quiet morning in Vienna. The bus ride was 3 hours into Budapest. We started off by visiting Hero Square on the Pest side. Then we drove around the Pest side before getting to our lunch restaurant on the Buda side. We ate lunch that was Goulash, Paprika Chicken and something like dumplings, with a dessert of sponge cake. After lunch we walked around the Buda side with a guide then got on the bus to the Pest side where I had free time for 2 hours. I got a bell and a really cool puzzle box. And I went to see the Basilica. After the 2 hours we went back to the bus and headed back to Vienna. When the dropped me off at the State Opera I heard the Opera going on and walked around the corner to see that they broadcast the live show out into the street. It was really fun to be able to see the Vienna State Opera while standing in the rain! After I watched the Opera for a while I headed back to the apartment.
Sunday- My train was leaving at noon so I had a few hours to explore. I pretty much just hit the big sites again and got a better look at them. Then caught the train... which was Deutsches Bahn so of course there was some complications on the way home but all in all I made it back on time.
Anyways so that is my most recent adventure. Monika gets here Wednesday and we will be spending a weekend in Bari, Italy, then a weekend in Paris, France, and I will go to meet up with her and her family in Poland a few weeks later. I am so excited for the rest of June and July! Summer Rocks!!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
2.5 Months, 4 Countries, Lots of Adventures!
The weekend of March 26-27 I went on an adventure to Brussels, Belgium!
So I caught a train the night of March 25 and headed to Brussels on my own. I got checked into my hotel and stayed in for the night. The next morning I got up and went into the city center. I wandered around for a bit. I found amazing Belgian Waffle stands so I had an honest to goodness Belgian Waffle in Belgium for breakfast. I continued into the city center to see all the cool buildings. After a while I found this open top bus tour that went to all the big sites so I decided to do the hop on hop off tour. I was able to see everything in the area, hear details about them and take pictures. I saw the Atomium, the royal palace, the Belgian Arc de Triumph, Mannequin Pis, the tomb of the unknown soldiers, and many others. Something cool was that Mannequin Pis was dressed up for the first day I was in Brussels which they do for special occasions/holidays but I don't know what the occasion was.
The next day I went back to a few of the places I wanted a closer look at. I also went into the shops around the main square... Belgian Chocolate and Belgian Lace. It was a lot of fun to eat good food and have an adventure in a country where I understood the language! I went to the train station to catch my late afternoon train to only find out that they had cancelled all international trains. I met a girl at the train station who was also supposed to be on my train and we talked to the people at the station about where to go to catch an alternative. They sent us to another station where there were hundreds of people waiting for busses out of the country. We had to wait for about 2 hours before the busses finally got there and thankfully they took us all the way to Koln where I was able to catch a train back to Bonn. All together it has been my favorite European solo trip!
The weekend of April 1-3 I went to Amsterdam, Holland!
Thursday night I found out that I could have a long weekend so I stayed up late booking trains, a hostel, and a tour. I left early Friday morning to Amsterdam. There was more train drama on this trip too but I am getting used to it and learning to expect some sort of train difficulty. I made it to Amsterdam in the late afternoon. When I got into town I went straight to the tourism office so that I could find out more about transportation and how to get to my hostel. I got a 28 hour all inclusive train pass and directions. I headed over to my hostel to get checked in. It was my first experience in a hostel and I made sure to request an all girls room. There were 3 other girls in the room with me that were traveling together from Germany. After I got settled I went out and about just in the area of the hostel and made sure I knew where to get my tour in the morning. I turned in early because I had a tour that left at 9 am.
The next morning I went to the tour pick up spot where I was going to the Keukenof tulip gardens. During the bus ride out to the gardens we went through Harlem which I would love to go back to! We also got to see some of the tulip fields covered in plastic to keep the bulbs warm, and some daffodil and crocus fields in bloom. There was one field that they were decapitating the flowers to preserve the bulbs. Apparently I was 2 weeks early to see all the tulip fields in bloom but the gardens were gorgeous. It was also cool because there were some families who were wearing traditional Netherlands attire visiting the park. After that tour I went back to the hostel and took a nap for a bit. Then I went out to find a canal cruise and went on an evening cruise that started just before sunset so it was an awesome couple hours. I even got a sneak peak at the red light district without being scarred for life. The canals were absolutely beautiful and our guide had lots of cool details for us.
The next morning I checked out of the hostel and went to see a diamond factory where I got a personal tour. Then I headed over to the Anne Frank House and did that tour as well. After the Anne Frank tour I went to a cafe that my canal cruise guide had pointed out and I had the best apple tart in the world! Then it was time for me to head back home... no train trouble on the way back thank goodness! I had so much fun in Amsterdam with all of my last minute tours... though I was always the youngest person on any of the tours because I was not in Amsterdam for the classic 21 year old reasons ;)
The week of April 16-23 the family and I went to Carinthia, Austria!
So the original plan was that we were going to Switzerland with another family to go skiing. However because Easter was so late this year there was not enough snow at any of the Swiss resorts. So the week before we left Patrick, Koko, Hannah and Dave talked about alternatives... they ranged from Barcelona to The Netherlands.
The night before we left they settled on Carinthia, Austria. We rented a car and spent the next morning packing up for a 10 hour drive. We got to our hotel around midnight. The hotel we stayed at was really cool and kid friendly. There was a water fountain playground in the front as well as a fun trampoline. There was a full on rope climbing pyramid playground in the back. There was also a room with racetracks and virtual floor games. Some nights the adults would meet up after the kids were asleep and we would all spend a few hours playing Wii or watching a movie. Sunday morning we all met at breakfast and started planning our week.
The first day we were there we went to a castle and also to a reptile zoo. The castle was really cool because all the security gates were still in tact. Then there was a museum up in the actual fort showing different armor and all that jazz. The view from the top was pretty amazing. After the Castle we went to a reptile zoo it was pretty neat because they had a giant chameleon, an alligator, 3 crocodiles, 2 galapagos tortoises, etc. We actually got to touch the galapagos tortoises and I got to have a snake around my neck. Then we headed back to the town we were staying in to a restaurant that we ate dinner at every night.
Monday we went to the ropes course playground place that was really fun. Patrick, Koko, and Dave rode their bikes that morning and met up with Hannah, the kids and I at the ropes playground. There were all sort of obstacle courses and a giant bouncy ball trampoline. There were giant mettle slides and bridges up in the treetops.
Tuesday we went to a monkey mountain. We went to this mountain where we had to do a minor hike up to a monkey zoo. It was a place that kept a community of Japanese Snow monkeys. When you went in there were railings but no fences. The monkeys were just wandering all around you and had no problem approaching people. We had a guide who was giving details about the monkeys but he was speaking german so I got the Cliff Notes version from Koko, Patrick and the boys. At one point the guide was showing us the puzzles that the monkeys solve to get apples when I felt someone tugging on my pant leg. I looked down thinking that it was going to be one of the kids but found that it was a MONKEY! It scarred me to death. While we were there a monkey grabbed Finni's arm and another tried to steal the water bottles from Hannah's backpack. After the tour we went up to another castle a little further up the mountain but it was closed.
Wednesday we went biking around a lake. We biked about 16 km with the kids around this beautiful lake and stopped only a few times. We stopped next to a bridge for our packed lunch then again when we found a beach for us all to play at. Austria is a truely beautiful country!
Thursday we relaxed and visited a different lake. We hadn't had enough time at the lake on Wednesday so Thursday we went and found another lake to play at. Patrick and Dave went swimming in freezing cold water. I hadn't thought to bring my swimming suit otherwise I would have been right there with them. Finni was climbing around on the dock just trying to get his feet wet but accidently fell all the way in!
Friday I stayed and relaxed at the hotel. Friday I decided to play hookie from the family activities and wandered around the town we were at. There wasn't a whole lot to see in walking distance to I got to spend a lot of the day just reading my kindle so it was very relaxing while everyone else went on another substantial bike ride.
Saturday we went to some caves and started our drive back. On our last day we went to this cave that I can't remember the name of but it had stalagtites and stalagmites. It was really sad because I am so used to Mt. Timpanogos where the caves are so well preserved. This cave that we went to had been a mine before and they had destroyed a lot of the rock formations. It was interesting also because they had installed a sound system, interesting lights, and movie projectors so I was not overly impressed... though we from Utah are spoiled like that. After the cave tour we started our trek back to Bonn, we got home around 3 in the morning.
The weekend of May 12-18 I visited Home!
Last week I got to spend some days at home in Utah for Natalie's wedding! It was so much fun to have time with my family in 3D. I left here on Thursday at 6 am and landed in Utah at 4 pm. Natalie, Tyler, Mom and Aunt Mary Ann picked me up at the airport. Then we headed home for the in-law BBQ that night at our house. After the BBQ, my family, some of Natalie's friends and some of Tyler's passe all went to a movie. We went to see "Something Borrowed" though because I had been up for 24 hours at that point I only made it through the first 10 minutes of the movie and fell asleep on Natalie, who ended up falling asleep on Tyler so it was a chain of shoulder sleepers. After the movie we went to breakfast at the Belgian Waffle House and Mat (Tyler's best man) and I (Natalie's maid of honor) proceeded to do the traditional toasts by throwing toast at the happy couple! Thank goodness we all went home and got some sleep after that.
Friday was the wedding day so we started off the day by going to the hair stylist to get mom and Natalie's hair done and I ran over to get my macbook looked at in the mean time. After Natalie's hair was done we went over to Cafe Rio to get me some much anticipated salad. We made it home and started getting things organized to take over to the reception center and getting ready ourselves. We got over to the wedding venue and I had so much fun bonding with Natalie while she got ready, did the rehearsal, and hid upstairs until the actual ceremony. We got to spend some much needed sister time hanging out in the bridal room. The ceremony was beautiful, everything went perfectly even with a little comic relief by the ring bearer and flower girl. After the ceremony we took so many pictures then all the guest started arriving and it was my job to keep Natalie hydrated and fed. It was so nice to see extended family especially since I haven't been home in about a year. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone!!! The reception was really nice and pretty chill. I caught the bouquet so that was a lot of fun. After Natalie and Tyler left I helped mom, dad and Mary Ann get all the gifts and left over food back to the house.
Saturday morning I got to go shopping with my mommy and that was a lot of fun! Then Kiran got into town so she came over to hang out... the thing was neither of us had a car so we felt like we were 15 again wondering what we could do then asked my parents for a ride to Starbucks, got frapaccinos during happy hour then walked back home. That night I went to dinner with my friend Todd who I hadn't seen in 3 years and we got to catch up which was awesome! We both had a lot of stories of our adventures and I was glad that we were still in a great friendship spot even after such a long time.
Sunday morning I went to my sorority sister's homecoming then went to church with my family. After church Kiran came over to hang out some when Natalie and Tyler got back from their weekend in Park City.
After I went to the dentist Monday morning... Monday was National Brooke Day!!! Daddy took off work and so mom, dad and I went up to wander around Park City for the day. When we got back dad was able to get Logan and I into a sneak preview of the Pirates movie. After the Pirates movie I had made plans to meet up with my 3 best Utah girl friends and we went to see Thor. It was really fun to catch up with them!
Tuesday was my last day in Utah so we took Mary Ann to the dentist in the morning then went home and mom taught me how to make bagels before I had to go to the airport. Then they took me to the airport and I started my journey back and arrived home around 4pm Wednesday.
So those are my adventures from the last while. There are pictures on facebook but I can't get them to load to my blog at the moment. (and there are just too many) Things here are pretty normal there hasn't been anything really overwhelmingly exciting as of late. But ya... Next month is going to be crazy busy because MONIKA is coming over to visit me!!! and we have lots of adventures planned! So hopefully... no promises... I will be a bit better at keeping this updated.
So I caught a train the night of March 25 and headed to Brussels on my own. I got checked into my hotel and stayed in for the night. The next morning I got up and went into the city center. I wandered around for a bit. I found amazing Belgian Waffle stands so I had an honest to goodness Belgian Waffle in Belgium for breakfast. I continued into the city center to see all the cool buildings. After a while I found this open top bus tour that went to all the big sites so I decided to do the hop on hop off tour. I was able to see everything in the area, hear details about them and take pictures. I saw the Atomium, the royal palace, the Belgian Arc de Triumph, Mannequin Pis, the tomb of the unknown soldiers, and many others. Something cool was that Mannequin Pis was dressed up for the first day I was in Brussels which they do for special occasions/holidays but I don't know what the occasion was.
The next day I went back to a few of the places I wanted a closer look at. I also went into the shops around the main square... Belgian Chocolate and Belgian Lace. It was a lot of fun to eat good food and have an adventure in a country where I understood the language! I went to the train station to catch my late afternoon train to only find out that they had cancelled all international trains. I met a girl at the train station who was also supposed to be on my train and we talked to the people at the station about where to go to catch an alternative. They sent us to another station where there were hundreds of people waiting for busses out of the country. We had to wait for about 2 hours before the busses finally got there and thankfully they took us all the way to Koln where I was able to catch a train back to Bonn. All together it has been my favorite European solo trip!
The weekend of April 1-3 I went to Amsterdam, Holland!
Thursday night I found out that I could have a long weekend so I stayed up late booking trains, a hostel, and a tour. I left early Friday morning to Amsterdam. There was more train drama on this trip too but I am getting used to it and learning to expect some sort of train difficulty. I made it to Amsterdam in the late afternoon. When I got into town I went straight to the tourism office so that I could find out more about transportation and how to get to my hostel. I got a 28 hour all inclusive train pass and directions. I headed over to my hostel to get checked in. It was my first experience in a hostel and I made sure to request an all girls room. There were 3 other girls in the room with me that were traveling together from Germany. After I got settled I went out and about just in the area of the hostel and made sure I knew where to get my tour in the morning. I turned in early because I had a tour that left at 9 am.
The next morning I went to the tour pick up spot where I was going to the Keukenof tulip gardens. During the bus ride out to the gardens we went through Harlem which I would love to go back to! We also got to see some of the tulip fields covered in plastic to keep the bulbs warm, and some daffodil and crocus fields in bloom. There was one field that they were decapitating the flowers to preserve the bulbs. Apparently I was 2 weeks early to see all the tulip fields in bloom but the gardens were gorgeous. It was also cool because there were some families who were wearing traditional Netherlands attire visiting the park. After that tour I went back to the hostel and took a nap for a bit. Then I went out to find a canal cruise and went on an evening cruise that started just before sunset so it was an awesome couple hours. I even got a sneak peak at the red light district without being scarred for life. The canals were absolutely beautiful and our guide had lots of cool details for us.
The next morning I checked out of the hostel and went to see a diamond factory where I got a personal tour. Then I headed over to the Anne Frank House and did that tour as well. After the Anne Frank tour I went to a cafe that my canal cruise guide had pointed out and I had the best apple tart in the world! Then it was time for me to head back home... no train trouble on the way back thank goodness! I had so much fun in Amsterdam with all of my last minute tours... though I was always the youngest person on any of the tours because I was not in Amsterdam for the classic 21 year old reasons ;)
The week of April 16-23 the family and I went to Carinthia, Austria!
So the original plan was that we were going to Switzerland with another family to go skiing. However because Easter was so late this year there was not enough snow at any of the Swiss resorts. So the week before we left Patrick, Koko, Hannah and Dave talked about alternatives... they ranged from Barcelona to The Netherlands.
The night before we left they settled on Carinthia, Austria. We rented a car and spent the next morning packing up for a 10 hour drive. We got to our hotel around midnight. The hotel we stayed at was really cool and kid friendly. There was a water fountain playground in the front as well as a fun trampoline. There was a full on rope climbing pyramid playground in the back. There was also a room with racetracks and virtual floor games. Some nights the adults would meet up after the kids were asleep and we would all spend a few hours playing Wii or watching a movie. Sunday morning we all met at breakfast and started planning our week.
The first day we were there we went to a castle and also to a reptile zoo. The castle was really cool because all the security gates were still in tact. Then there was a museum up in the actual fort showing different armor and all that jazz. The view from the top was pretty amazing. After the Castle we went to a reptile zoo it was pretty neat because they had a giant chameleon, an alligator, 3 crocodiles, 2 galapagos tortoises, etc. We actually got to touch the galapagos tortoises and I got to have a snake around my neck. Then we headed back to the town we were staying in to a restaurant that we ate dinner at every night.
Monday we went to the ropes course playground place that was really fun. Patrick, Koko, and Dave rode their bikes that morning and met up with Hannah, the kids and I at the ropes playground. There were all sort of obstacle courses and a giant bouncy ball trampoline. There were giant mettle slides and bridges up in the treetops.
Tuesday we went to a monkey mountain. We went to this mountain where we had to do a minor hike up to a monkey zoo. It was a place that kept a community of Japanese Snow monkeys. When you went in there were railings but no fences. The monkeys were just wandering all around you and had no problem approaching people. We had a guide who was giving details about the monkeys but he was speaking german so I got the Cliff Notes version from Koko, Patrick and the boys. At one point the guide was showing us the puzzles that the monkeys solve to get apples when I felt someone tugging on my pant leg. I looked down thinking that it was going to be one of the kids but found that it was a MONKEY! It scarred me to death. While we were there a monkey grabbed Finni's arm and another tried to steal the water bottles from Hannah's backpack. After the tour we went up to another castle a little further up the mountain but it was closed.
Wednesday we went biking around a lake. We biked about 16 km with the kids around this beautiful lake and stopped only a few times. We stopped next to a bridge for our packed lunch then again when we found a beach for us all to play at. Austria is a truely beautiful country!
Thursday we relaxed and visited a different lake. We hadn't had enough time at the lake on Wednesday so Thursday we went and found another lake to play at. Patrick and Dave went swimming in freezing cold water. I hadn't thought to bring my swimming suit otherwise I would have been right there with them. Finni was climbing around on the dock just trying to get his feet wet but accidently fell all the way in!
Friday I stayed and relaxed at the hotel. Friday I decided to play hookie from the family activities and wandered around the town we were at. There wasn't a whole lot to see in walking distance to I got to spend a lot of the day just reading my kindle so it was very relaxing while everyone else went on another substantial bike ride.
Saturday we went to some caves and started our drive back. On our last day we went to this cave that I can't remember the name of but it had stalagtites and stalagmites. It was really sad because I am so used to Mt. Timpanogos where the caves are so well preserved. This cave that we went to had been a mine before and they had destroyed a lot of the rock formations. It was interesting also because they had installed a sound system, interesting lights, and movie projectors so I was not overly impressed... though we from Utah are spoiled like that. After the cave tour we started our trek back to Bonn, we got home around 3 in the morning.
The weekend of May 12-18 I visited Home!
Last week I got to spend some days at home in Utah for Natalie's wedding! It was so much fun to have time with my family in 3D. I left here on Thursday at 6 am and landed in Utah at 4 pm. Natalie, Tyler, Mom and Aunt Mary Ann picked me up at the airport. Then we headed home for the in-law BBQ that night at our house. After the BBQ, my family, some of Natalie's friends and some of Tyler's passe all went to a movie. We went to see "Something Borrowed" though because I had been up for 24 hours at that point I only made it through the first 10 minutes of the movie and fell asleep on Natalie, who ended up falling asleep on Tyler so it was a chain of shoulder sleepers. After the movie we went to breakfast at the Belgian Waffle House and Mat (Tyler's best man) and I (Natalie's maid of honor) proceeded to do the traditional toasts by throwing toast at the happy couple! Thank goodness we all went home and got some sleep after that.
Friday was the wedding day so we started off the day by going to the hair stylist to get mom and Natalie's hair done and I ran over to get my macbook looked at in the mean time. After Natalie's hair was done we went over to Cafe Rio to get me some much anticipated salad. We made it home and started getting things organized to take over to the reception center and getting ready ourselves. We got over to the wedding venue and I had so much fun bonding with Natalie while she got ready, did the rehearsal, and hid upstairs until the actual ceremony. We got to spend some much needed sister time hanging out in the bridal room. The ceremony was beautiful, everything went perfectly even with a little comic relief by the ring bearer and flower girl. After the ceremony we took so many pictures then all the guest started arriving and it was my job to keep Natalie hydrated and fed. It was so nice to see extended family especially since I haven't been home in about a year. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone!!! The reception was really nice and pretty chill. I caught the bouquet so that was a lot of fun. After Natalie and Tyler left I helped mom, dad and Mary Ann get all the gifts and left over food back to the house.
Saturday morning I got to go shopping with my mommy and that was a lot of fun! Then Kiran got into town so she came over to hang out... the thing was neither of us had a car so we felt like we were 15 again wondering what we could do then asked my parents for a ride to Starbucks, got frapaccinos during happy hour then walked back home. That night I went to dinner with my friend Todd who I hadn't seen in 3 years and we got to catch up which was awesome! We both had a lot of stories of our adventures and I was glad that we were still in a great friendship spot even after such a long time.
Sunday morning I went to my sorority sister's homecoming then went to church with my family. After church Kiran came over to hang out some when Natalie and Tyler got back from their weekend in Park City.
After I went to the dentist Monday morning... Monday was National Brooke Day!!! Daddy took off work and so mom, dad and I went up to wander around Park City for the day. When we got back dad was able to get Logan and I into a sneak preview of the Pirates movie. After the Pirates movie I had made plans to meet up with my 3 best Utah girl friends and we went to see Thor. It was really fun to catch up with them!
Tuesday was my last day in Utah so we took Mary Ann to the dentist in the morning then went home and mom taught me how to make bagels before I had to go to the airport. Then they took me to the airport and I started my journey back and arrived home around 4pm Wednesday.
So those are my adventures from the last while. There are pictures on facebook but I can't get them to load to my blog at the moment. (and there are just too many) Things here are pretty normal there hasn't been anything really overwhelmingly exciting as of late. But ya... Next month is going to be crazy busy because MONIKA is coming over to visit me!!! and we have lots of adventures planned! So hopefully... no promises... I will be a bit better at keeping this updated.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Karnival and Other Adventures
Week 1:
So Monday March 7 was the Karnival parade. Patrick, the boys and I dressed up and the Grandparents tagged along. We caught a train into Bonn with the boys in the TioStroller. The trains were packed! We got off a stop earlier than we would have because the ramp at the main station is currently under construction and there was no way we were going to carry that stroller up the stairs. We followed Patrick through town until he found a good spot. The parade itself was very interesting. It reminded me of the 24th of July meets Halloween. Why the 24th you ask well the parade consisted of tractors pulling floats, marching bands, and horses pulling covered wagons! As for the halloween comparison well everyone was dressed up and the people in the parade were throwing TONZ of candy. The parade lasted 2.5 hours and in that time we got 4 bags of candy (the reusable grocery bags). After the parade Patrick was taking the boys and his parents for a walk so I decided to head home. Might I also just say that I was the only Giraffe that I saw in Bonn! I am in love with my costume and will be wearing it for years!!!
The rest of the week was pretty normal. The Grandparents left Tuesday morning. Patrick was out of town Tuesday night at a conference.
Friday the boys had violin on the schedule until Nico got a birthday invitation. So I picked up Finni in the TrioBike with Nico riding his bike and we met Koko at the bridge where we divided and conquered. She took Nico to the party and I took Finni to violin group. After violin group Finni had a playdate scheduled at the Bishop's house. The bishop's wife was going to pick Finni up at the church where we have violin right after the lesson at 3. The lesson went really well I even got to participate in playing the rhythm sticks. After the lesson we hung out on the grass out in front of the church waiting. We played tag while we waited. We ended up waiting until 3:45 when I called Koko to find out what happened. She made some calls and Patrick called me back saying that the Bishop's family had forgotten and that I should take Finni to Koko's office. After I dropped him off I came home to hang out and folded laundry while I waited for the boys to get home.
Saturday night Koko left for Ethiopia for 10 days. Sunday Patrick at Night Duty so he was able to take the boys to church but then within the first hour he had to leave. But first he pulled me out of Relief Society to give me a calling in the ward. I am now the Ward Music Director. This is by far the biggest calling I have had at church before. So Patrick gave me the calling then he had to leave. After relief society I was heading into my sunday school class and was caught by the other counselor of the bishopric asking about an interview for the ward newsletter. He said that he had asked me about it weeks ago but had not received anything yet... so I guess I was supposed to write a statement about myself for the newsletter but misunderstood him so he got my e-mail address and let me know that the newsletter was already done for now but if I could respond to the newsletter with my statement. I again tried to go toward my sunday school class when I was caught by the Bishop. He wanted to have a new to the ward interview so that he could get to know me better. We talked a bit and he told me the importance of the young single adults in the ward. After our chat it was time for Sacrament meeting. So I got the boys together and we were about to sit down in the chapel when Ben came over to tell me that he was translating in the Primary room. So I gathered the boys up and we moved. Nico was saying that he was tired and didn't feel too great so he laid on my lap during the first half of the meeting then there were so many kids that had come into the room that Ben was getting frustrated at not being able to translate over the noise so we moved to the nursery. Finni stayed in the Primary room but Nico came with me and laid down on the floor. After church Brother Engstrom offered us a ride home which we gladly accepted. When he dropped us off as soon as Nico stepped out of the car he got sick. I brought him inside laid him on the couch with a trash can next to him and he fell asleep. Finni and I played for the rest of the afternoon and I just kept checking on Nico. A funny moment was that evening Patrick called to check in and suggested that I give Nico some tea to settle his stomach. We went downstairs and I made the tea and Nico went into auto pilot just chatting away and sipping his tea. At one point I had taken Finni upstairs to his bed because he had fallen asleep at the table and when I got back downstairs Nico was still talking a mile a minute to me even though I wasn't there. Needless to say it was a very long night because Nico had trouble sleeping so that meant I was up too.
Week 2:
Monday morning I took the boys to school then I had German class. Afterwards I came home and slept for hours to make up for the night before. Patrick was home in the afternoon to take the boys to their swim classes and Nico to his psychomotorik.
Wednesday I was getting ready to go pick up Finni from Kinderhaus when Finn's mom called and asked if Finn could come over to play with Finni. I said that would be awesome if she didn't mind Finn coming with us to play at Nico's soccer practice. It worked out well because Finni usually just sits up by the fence watching the practice but this time he had a friend to play with. During the course of the practice Nico fell and scraped up his side and Finn fell and cut his finger. Both were accidents but I felt like a horrible caretaker that 2/3 kids I was responsible for ended up bleeding. But they all had fun.
Thursday the boys had swim class with the next door girl Lena. I picked up Nico from school we had lunch then I went and picked up Finni at 1:30. I had everything ready to go so the boys went next door to get Lena. The 4 of us caught the train and I had the name of the station we were to get off at. From that station the kids knew the rest of the way so I just had to follow them. I got them checked in and changed. Then I watched their lesson and then they swam afterwards for a few minutes.
Friday we took the train to violin group and on the way I remembered that I had the Aquarium passes with me so I asked the boys if they wanted to go to SeaLife after their lesson. They thought it was a good idea so they did their best at the lesson then we headed to SeaLife. We were cutting it kinda close because the front desk closes at 4 and we were running to get there just in time. We got in and spent about an hour. We beat Patrick home by about 5 minutes and he said that we were going out to dinner. So we went to Vapiano for dinner. It was a really cool place that was fast food style service but fresh Italian food.
Sunday was my first week leading the music in Sacrament meeting. Patrick had to take Finni to a birthday party half way through but Nico and I played the dot game. Since the headset system is down I no longer know what is going on. I just follow the cues from the pianist about when I am supposed to be on the stand. I think it went pretty well. Afterwards I found a substitute for the next week as I will be in Brussels. The Engstrom's offered to give me and Nico a ride home. Coreen gave me some tips about what to see in Brussels.
Week 3:
Monday the boys had swimming again but Lena's mom took them. She even picked up Finni from Kinderhaus so it was really nice for me. I had some time to myself to read a book and just hang out. A guy from our ward came over to clean the windows. When the boys got back from swimming Patrick came by to pick up Nico for an Orthopedic appt. and then took him to psychomotorik. I had Finni and Lena had come over for an hour. They were both so tired, Finni and I played Hali Gali while Lena sat on my lap and watched. Then after the game they ran around and played some before Lena's mom came to get her. Once Lena was gone Finni found the face paint we had used for Karnival and asked to be made into a pirate.
Tuesday Koko got home in the morning and took the boys to school. I went and picked up Nico but I didn't take any bikes. It was such a beautiful day I wanted us to enjoy it. I gave him 2 choices of ways to get home and he chose the "street train" that takes us into the center of Bonn. While we were on our way I asked if he wanted to stop and get lunch at one of the kiosks in town. He thought that was a good idea so we went to my favorite sausage stand and I asked Nico what he was getting. He wanted the Currywurst which is apparently his favorite so I decided that I would try it too. Lets just say that Nico has very good taste. It was delicious, and we ate it in the main plaza in Bonn. It was a fun adventure! When we got home we did homework then Nico had a playdate at his friend Vincent's house which was on the way to Kindergarden to pick up Finni. I got Finni and we went straight to his psychomotorik but we were early so I let Finni sleep in the buggy outside in the sun. After psychomotorik we went and got Nico from the playdate. Patrick had meetings that night so it was just Koko, me and the boys for dinner and I made sloppy joes from scratch.
Yesterday nothing overly exciting happened the morning was pretty standard. Nico and I did homework and caught up on some things from his school. Then we went and got Finni who took a nap on the way home and a bit after that. Nico had soccer practice and Finni found some friends from his psychomotorik class at the field so they played during Nico's practice. We got home and I made noodles with pesto, candied carrots, and peaches for dinner. Patrick had night duty so again it was just Koko, me and the boys.
Which brings me to today.
So Monday March 7 was the Karnival parade. Patrick, the boys and I dressed up and the Grandparents tagged along. We caught a train into Bonn with the boys in the TioStroller. The trains were packed! We got off a stop earlier than we would have because the ramp at the main station is currently under construction and there was no way we were going to carry that stroller up the stairs. We followed Patrick through town until he found a good spot. The parade itself was very interesting. It reminded me of the 24th of July meets Halloween. Why the 24th you ask well the parade consisted of tractors pulling floats, marching bands, and horses pulling covered wagons! As for the halloween comparison well everyone was dressed up and the people in the parade were throwing TONZ of candy. The parade lasted 2.5 hours and in that time we got 4 bags of candy (the reusable grocery bags). After the parade Patrick was taking the boys and his parents for a walk so I decided to head home. Might I also just say that I was the only Giraffe that I saw in Bonn! I am in love with my costume and will be wearing it for years!!!
The rest of the week was pretty normal. The Grandparents left Tuesday morning. Patrick was out of town Tuesday night at a conference.
Friday the boys had violin on the schedule until Nico got a birthday invitation. So I picked up Finni in the TrioBike with Nico riding his bike and we met Koko at the bridge where we divided and conquered. She took Nico to the party and I took Finni to violin group. After violin group Finni had a playdate scheduled at the Bishop's house. The bishop's wife was going to pick Finni up at the church where we have violin right after the lesson at 3. The lesson went really well I even got to participate in playing the rhythm sticks. After the lesson we hung out on the grass out in front of the church waiting. We played tag while we waited. We ended up waiting until 3:45 when I called Koko to find out what happened. She made some calls and Patrick called me back saying that the Bishop's family had forgotten and that I should take Finni to Koko's office. After I dropped him off I came home to hang out and folded laundry while I waited for the boys to get home.
Saturday night Koko left for Ethiopia for 10 days. Sunday Patrick at Night Duty so he was able to take the boys to church but then within the first hour he had to leave. But first he pulled me out of Relief Society to give me a calling in the ward. I am now the Ward Music Director. This is by far the biggest calling I have had at church before. So Patrick gave me the calling then he had to leave. After relief society I was heading into my sunday school class and was caught by the other counselor of the bishopric asking about an interview for the ward newsletter. He said that he had asked me about it weeks ago but had not received anything yet... so I guess I was supposed to write a statement about myself for the newsletter but misunderstood him so he got my e-mail address and let me know that the newsletter was already done for now but if I could respond to the newsletter with my statement. I again tried to go toward my sunday school class when I was caught by the Bishop. He wanted to have a new to the ward interview so that he could get to know me better. We talked a bit and he told me the importance of the young single adults in the ward. After our chat it was time for Sacrament meeting. So I got the boys together and we were about to sit down in the chapel when Ben came over to tell me that he was translating in the Primary room. So I gathered the boys up and we moved. Nico was saying that he was tired and didn't feel too great so he laid on my lap during the first half of the meeting then there were so many kids that had come into the room that Ben was getting frustrated at not being able to translate over the noise so we moved to the nursery. Finni stayed in the Primary room but Nico came with me and laid down on the floor. After church Brother Engstrom offered us a ride home which we gladly accepted. When he dropped us off as soon as Nico stepped out of the car he got sick. I brought him inside laid him on the couch with a trash can next to him and he fell asleep. Finni and I played for the rest of the afternoon and I just kept checking on Nico. A funny moment was that evening Patrick called to check in and suggested that I give Nico some tea to settle his stomach. We went downstairs and I made the tea and Nico went into auto pilot just chatting away and sipping his tea. At one point I had taken Finni upstairs to his bed because he had fallen asleep at the table and when I got back downstairs Nico was still talking a mile a minute to me even though I wasn't there. Needless to say it was a very long night because Nico had trouble sleeping so that meant I was up too.
Week 2:
Monday morning I took the boys to school then I had German class. Afterwards I came home and slept for hours to make up for the night before. Patrick was home in the afternoon to take the boys to their swim classes and Nico to his psychomotorik.
Wednesday I was getting ready to go pick up Finni from Kinderhaus when Finn's mom called and asked if Finn could come over to play with Finni. I said that would be awesome if she didn't mind Finn coming with us to play at Nico's soccer practice. It worked out well because Finni usually just sits up by the fence watching the practice but this time he had a friend to play with. During the course of the practice Nico fell and scraped up his side and Finn fell and cut his finger. Both were accidents but I felt like a horrible caretaker that 2/3 kids I was responsible for ended up bleeding. But they all had fun.
Thursday the boys had swim class with the next door girl Lena. I picked up Nico from school we had lunch then I went and picked up Finni at 1:30. I had everything ready to go so the boys went next door to get Lena. The 4 of us caught the train and I had the name of the station we were to get off at. From that station the kids knew the rest of the way so I just had to follow them. I got them checked in and changed. Then I watched their lesson and then they swam afterwards for a few minutes.
Friday we took the train to violin group and on the way I remembered that I had the Aquarium passes with me so I asked the boys if they wanted to go to SeaLife after their lesson. They thought it was a good idea so they did their best at the lesson then we headed to SeaLife. We were cutting it kinda close because the front desk closes at 4 and we were running to get there just in time. We got in and spent about an hour. We beat Patrick home by about 5 minutes and he said that we were going out to dinner. So we went to Vapiano for dinner. It was a really cool place that was fast food style service but fresh Italian food.
Sunday was my first week leading the music in Sacrament meeting. Patrick had to take Finni to a birthday party half way through but Nico and I played the dot game. Since the headset system is down I no longer know what is going on. I just follow the cues from the pianist about when I am supposed to be on the stand. I think it went pretty well. Afterwards I found a substitute for the next week as I will be in Brussels. The Engstrom's offered to give me and Nico a ride home. Coreen gave me some tips about what to see in Brussels.
Week 3:
Monday the boys had swimming again but Lena's mom took them. She even picked up Finni from Kinderhaus so it was really nice for me. I had some time to myself to read a book and just hang out. A guy from our ward came over to clean the windows. When the boys got back from swimming Patrick came by to pick up Nico for an Orthopedic appt. and then took him to psychomotorik. I had Finni and Lena had come over for an hour. They were both so tired, Finni and I played Hali Gali while Lena sat on my lap and watched. Then after the game they ran around and played some before Lena's mom came to get her. Once Lena was gone Finni found the face paint we had used for Karnival and asked to be made into a pirate.
Tuesday Koko got home in the morning and took the boys to school. I went and picked up Nico but I didn't take any bikes. It was such a beautiful day I wanted us to enjoy it. I gave him 2 choices of ways to get home and he chose the "street train" that takes us into the center of Bonn. While we were on our way I asked if he wanted to stop and get lunch at one of the kiosks in town. He thought that was a good idea so we went to my favorite sausage stand and I asked Nico what he was getting. He wanted the Currywurst which is apparently his favorite so I decided that I would try it too. Lets just say that Nico has very good taste. It was delicious, and we ate it in the main plaza in Bonn. It was a fun adventure! When we got home we did homework then Nico had a playdate at his friend Vincent's house which was on the way to Kindergarden to pick up Finni. I got Finni and we went straight to his psychomotorik but we were early so I let Finni sleep in the buggy outside in the sun. After psychomotorik we went and got Nico from the playdate. Patrick had meetings that night so it was just Koko, me and the boys for dinner and I made sloppy joes from scratch.
Yesterday nothing overly exciting happened the morning was pretty standard. Nico and I did homework and caught up on some things from his school. Then we went and got Finni who took a nap on the way home and a bit after that. Nico had soccer practice and Finni found some friends from his psychomotorik class at the field so they played during Nico's practice. We got home and I made noodles with pesto, candied carrots, and peaches for dinner. Patrick had night duty so again it was just Koko, me and the boys.
Which brings me to today.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
So Behind!
So it has been way to long since I last blogged. Friends and family keep asking about it and things have just been kinda crazy.
So when I last blogged I was on my way to Sweden for the weekend. That adventure was fun especially having the time to explore and have time for myself. On Friday I left for the airport ridiculously early in the morning. I got to the Koln airport and waited for my plane. The flight was not very long and I slept most of it. When I landed in Stockholm I caught the train into town. I switched trains to find my hotel. I was so glad that I had found the hotel through Expedia and the reviews were accurate also the helpful directions one reviewer had put on the website. When I got there they said that they had a room ready if I wanted to check in early and leave my things. While I was in Stockholm I went and explored, I went and saw the Stockholm Palace and the shopping district as well as Old Town. I had originally been planning on doing a bus tour early Friday afternoon but when I went looking for the meeting place I wasn't able to find it but stumbled across the Stockholm Palace. The palace was beautiful and there was some kind of military demonstration. I walked a lot during my time in Stockholm. I was there Friday and Saturday then checked out on Sunday and headed back to the airport. I was ridiculously early to the airport. On the plane ride home the guy sitting next to me bought me a bottle of sparkling water and chocolate bar. Apparently he thought I was 15 and needed taking care of...
The second week of February the boys had a violin recital on Saturday but I went to their dress rehearsal on Friday.
The third week of February Koko traveled to Paris and to New York. Monday was Valentine's Day, I made chocolate chip cookies shaped like hearts to celebrate. After dinner Patrick and the boys came up to my room and we all had milk and cookies. Wednesday Patrick had night duty so Patrick took the boys to school in the morning on Wednesday and I had them over night on Wednesday and took them to school in the morning. Patrick got home from work and then picked the boys up from school.
Koko was home for the weekend and then went to Italy the next week. Patrick had night duty on Tuesday so we did the overnight routine again. Friday night Patrick went to a work Karnival party so I put the boys to bed again. Koko got home late that night.
This last week on Monday I labeled the kitchen in German because that is what we were learning about in class. Finni went to a Karnival themed Birthday Party. It was in the town next to Bad Godesberg we took the triobike and I got lost twice but we got there on time. Wednesday Patrick called to ask if I would make some cookies and also get some face paint with a new hat for Finni. Nico and I went into Bad Godesberg to get the things Patrick asked for as well as some things for Koko's birthday. That night Dana came over as I was finishing up making dinner, Patrick stopped by the house to tell me that he had a meeting at the Kinderhaus. So Dana helped me get the boys fed and cleaned the kitchen while I put the boys to bed. We baked the cookies that I had made dough for earlier in the day then we came upstairs to watch Ratatouille because she had never seen it. Thursday I picked the boys up from school early because they both had Karnival parties, we came home and the boys played outside while I made a cake for Koko and then Finni and I decorated the house. Patrick and Koko got home from their bike ride and then Patrick's parents got into town. Friday I took the boys to violin in the Triobike then dropped them off at Koko's office. I went and met up with Jackie and Dana at the church so that we could clean it. It was just the 3 of us to clean the whole church, it is a small ward building but still it took us about 2.5 hours. Saturday I went into Bad Godesberg and went to the Haribo Factory Store then went and saw Rango in English (which was a very good movie).
That brings me to today.
All in all the month was pretty uneventful, I did a lot of reading and got very far on my counter cross stitch. I miss Disney every day, having people to hang out with at work and afterwards. Real days off to go play in the parks. I miss that everyone at Disney was like me and really got me. I am trying to make friends here but it is really hard since I only know 2 girls my age. Disney really messed me up, I realized that there is a place where I fit in but I don't want to make popcorn for the rest of my life. I also made some amazing friends in Disney and some have remained my friends where ones I thought would be there forever have faded away. I really love the few that have reciprocated the desire to stay in touch. The skype dates and letters mean everything to me.
I miss my family so much, by the time I go home in May I will have spent 12 days at home in a year. For being such a homebody that isn't very much. I love that I get to talk with my mom everyday even though we are on opposite sides of the planet. I wait for the Saturdays that Natalie can spend with me. We had a day where the two of us talked for 7 hours on skype. I get so excited when Logan is on the computer and spends a few minutes talking with me. I love getting to see my dad on the weekends. I miss being with them in Utah. One morning the first thought I had was "I want to go home." I miss them everyday even though I get to talk to them it isn't the same.
I have been trying to figure out what exactly I am going to do when I go home in January. I know I am going back to school but it is a question of if the U is the right fit for me. Natalie has finally given me the O.K to go to USU if that is what I want. I might just do some classes at SLCC. I am not sure yet but I am still figuring it out. I do know that I want to go back to Disney next summer either as seasonal or as a CP Alumna. But there is still so much time before that can happen.
Anywho I thought that I should update this. Sorry there are no pictures I have a bunch but I am having trouble uploading them to my computer. I am going to get it fixed when I am home in May.
So when I last blogged I was on my way to Sweden for the weekend. That adventure was fun especially having the time to explore and have time for myself. On Friday I left for the airport ridiculously early in the morning. I got to the Koln airport and waited for my plane. The flight was not very long and I slept most of it. When I landed in Stockholm I caught the train into town. I switched trains to find my hotel. I was so glad that I had found the hotel through Expedia and the reviews were accurate also the helpful directions one reviewer had put on the website. When I got there they said that they had a room ready if I wanted to check in early and leave my things. While I was in Stockholm I went and explored, I went and saw the Stockholm Palace and the shopping district as well as Old Town. I had originally been planning on doing a bus tour early Friday afternoon but when I went looking for the meeting place I wasn't able to find it but stumbled across the Stockholm Palace. The palace was beautiful and there was some kind of military demonstration. I walked a lot during my time in Stockholm. I was there Friday and Saturday then checked out on Sunday and headed back to the airport. I was ridiculously early to the airport. On the plane ride home the guy sitting next to me bought me a bottle of sparkling water and chocolate bar. Apparently he thought I was 15 and needed taking care of...
The second week of February the boys had a violin recital on Saturday but I went to their dress rehearsal on Friday.
The third week of February Koko traveled to Paris and to New York. Monday was Valentine's Day, I made chocolate chip cookies shaped like hearts to celebrate. After dinner Patrick and the boys came up to my room and we all had milk and cookies. Wednesday Patrick had night duty so Patrick took the boys to school in the morning on Wednesday and I had them over night on Wednesday and took them to school in the morning. Patrick got home from work and then picked the boys up from school.
Koko was home for the weekend and then went to Italy the next week. Patrick had night duty on Tuesday so we did the overnight routine again. Friday night Patrick went to a work Karnival party so I put the boys to bed again. Koko got home late that night.
This last week on Monday I labeled the kitchen in German because that is what we were learning about in class. Finni went to a Karnival themed Birthday Party. It was in the town next to Bad Godesberg we took the triobike and I got lost twice but we got there on time. Wednesday Patrick called to ask if I would make some cookies and also get some face paint with a new hat for Finni. Nico and I went into Bad Godesberg to get the things Patrick asked for as well as some things for Koko's birthday. That night Dana came over as I was finishing up making dinner, Patrick stopped by the house to tell me that he had a meeting at the Kinderhaus. So Dana helped me get the boys fed and cleaned the kitchen while I put the boys to bed. We baked the cookies that I had made dough for earlier in the day then we came upstairs to watch Ratatouille because she had never seen it. Thursday I picked the boys up from school early because they both had Karnival parties, we came home and the boys played outside while I made a cake for Koko and then Finni and I decorated the house. Patrick and Koko got home from their bike ride and then Patrick's parents got into town. Friday I took the boys to violin in the Triobike then dropped them off at Koko's office. I went and met up with Jackie and Dana at the church so that we could clean it. It was just the 3 of us to clean the whole church, it is a small ward building but still it took us about 2.5 hours. Saturday I went into Bad Godesberg and went to the Haribo Factory Store then went and saw Rango in English (which was a very good movie).
That brings me to today.
All in all the month was pretty uneventful, I did a lot of reading and got very far on my counter cross stitch. I miss Disney every day, having people to hang out with at work and afterwards. Real days off to go play in the parks. I miss that everyone at Disney was like me and really got me. I am trying to make friends here but it is really hard since I only know 2 girls my age. Disney really messed me up, I realized that there is a place where I fit in but I don't want to make popcorn for the rest of my life. I also made some amazing friends in Disney and some have remained my friends where ones I thought would be there forever have faded away. I really love the few that have reciprocated the desire to stay in touch. The skype dates and letters mean everything to me.
I miss my family so much, by the time I go home in May I will have spent 12 days at home in a year. For being such a homebody that isn't very much. I love that I get to talk with my mom everyday even though we are on opposite sides of the planet. I wait for the Saturdays that Natalie can spend with me. We had a day where the two of us talked for 7 hours on skype. I get so excited when Logan is on the computer and spends a few minutes talking with me. I love getting to see my dad on the weekends. I miss being with them in Utah. One morning the first thought I had was "I want to go home." I miss them everyday even though I get to talk to them it isn't the same.
I have been trying to figure out what exactly I am going to do when I go home in January. I know I am going back to school but it is a question of if the U is the right fit for me. Natalie has finally given me the O.K to go to USU if that is what I want. I might just do some classes at SLCC. I am not sure yet but I am still figuring it out. I do know that I want to go back to Disney next summer either as seasonal or as a CP Alumna. But there is still so much time before that can happen.
Anywho I thought that I should update this. Sorry there are no pictures I have a bunch but I am having trouble uploading them to my computer. I am going to get it fixed when I am home in May.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Weekend
So Saturday I didn't do much really... I did laundry and worked on some things around here. I was disappointed with myself for not being adventurous as my goal for the weekend was.
Today I made it to church on time and without any trouble. Relief Society and Elders Quorum were combined today since it is the 5th Sunday. I sat next to Dana who translated the first half and then gave up in the middle. It was fine though. The rest of church was good. I met more people... I don't remember any of their names. After church I got on the bus to come home and realized that it was going the wrong way but we only went a little ways before it looped around and headed home. Nico had a friend over from church this afternoon... his mom came over and helped us make dinner and we all had a lot of fun cooking and talking while the boys played. After dinner Koko, Patrick and I were talking about this week and I found out that I have Friday off so I have my first long weekend. I originally thought that I would go over to Switzerland to see Jon and Mr. Hercules but after talking about it for a bit it didn't make sense to do this weekend. But then Patrick told me about this cool thing that German Wings does... it is called blind booking where you pick the dates you want to travel and the region you want to go to but you don't end up knowing for sure where you are going until you actually book the flight. So I was looking into it and Skyped my family about it. My parents encouraged me to do it... so this weekend I am going to STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN! I will be there Friday through Sunday!!! I am so excited. It is really nerve wracking but so exciting at the same time. So I don't think my life gets more exciting than that for the time being. I have class in the morning and really have to go to sleep... pictures will be posted tomorrow for the triobike and my church building.
Today I made it to church on time and without any trouble. Relief Society and Elders Quorum were combined today since it is the 5th Sunday. I sat next to Dana who translated the first half and then gave up in the middle. It was fine though. The rest of church was good. I met more people... I don't remember any of their names. After church I got on the bus to come home and realized that it was going the wrong way but we only went a little ways before it looped around and headed home. Nico had a friend over from church this afternoon... his mom came over and helped us make dinner and we all had a lot of fun cooking and talking while the boys played. After dinner Koko, Patrick and I were talking about this week and I found out that I have Friday off so I have my first long weekend. I originally thought that I would go over to Switzerland to see Jon and Mr. Hercules but after talking about it for a bit it didn't make sense to do this weekend. But then Patrick told me about this cool thing that German Wings does... it is called blind booking where you pick the dates you want to travel and the region you want to go to but you don't end up knowing for sure where you are going until you actually book the flight. So I was looking into it and Skyped my family about it. My parents encouraged me to do it... so this weekend I am going to STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN! I will be there Friday through Sunday!!! I am so excited. It is really nerve wracking but so exciting at the same time. So I don't think my life gets more exciting than that for the time being. I have class in the morning and really have to go to sleep... pictures will be posted tomorrow for the triobike and my church building.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Beautiful Day
Today was absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies and warmer weather. Other than that nothing is really new. I picked Nico up from school, did homework, got Finni, and went to violin group. After we got home from violin we finished up Nico's homework then went out in the backyard to play soccer. It was really cute because Finni doesn't really know how to play so he thought that if you were the goalie it meant that once you had the ball you could pick it up and run with it to the other side and throw the ball into the goal. It was really cute trying to explain it to him. Also I would have to hold Nico back to give Finni a fighting chance to get across the yard. Once we had been playing for about an hour and a half we were cold so we came inside and had some hot chocolate. Then we made puzzles and played with other toys until Patrick got home. We kept playing a little longer then I came upstairs to check facebook. Dinner was a curry stir-fry that Patrick made and it was really good. After dinner I did the dishes and Koko put the boys to bed. I had my weekly Skype date with Amanda... it was really good to talk with her. I had updated my skype today so it was nice to try it out. I am not sure what I am doing tomorrow but I know I have to do some laundry... I might try and go into Koln tomorrow just to explore a little bit. I am also going to try and catch up on some photos. Now I am going to sleep.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Almost Legal
So I forgot to publish this last night but here is what happened yesterday.
This morning I had an appointment at the visa office that Koko went with me to. Apparently it was the smoothest visa application Koko has ever been through. The lady was very nice and we had all of our paperwork. Near the end of the meeting the woman turned to me and started asking me questions in German. I looked over at Koko who had a slightly panicked look. Apparently I am supposed to already know some German in order to be an Au Pair. Koko and the woman discussed thoroughly that I am currently enrolled in classes. The woman thought that it was something they would consider. But Koko doesn't seem to worried so I am not going to stress about it.
Finni was sick again today so when I got home from my visa appointment Patrick left for work and I got to hang with Finni. We listened to a lot of audiobooks and watched the birds in the bird feeder. We went to get Nico from school in the TrioBike and Finni fell asleep. Nico remembered his homework today which was a very good thing. We worked on the homework when we got home and Finni layed on the couch... he ended up falling asleep again. I thought that a nap would be good for him. Nico and I finished homework and played for a bit before Finni woke up and wanted to draw. We drew and played with Playmobil and listened to music until Patrick got home.
I came upstairs to continue some research I have been working on all week. Finni yelled up to me to let me know that dinner was ready. When I got downstairs there were McDonalds bags on the table. Koko and Patrick had used the coupons they were saving. After dinner it was time for bed. I came up and got to talk with mom and wish her a Happy belated Birthday. I also told her about my last few days. I love that even though I am on the other side of the world I still get to talk with my family every night! I don't think I could have come all the way to Germany without Skype!!!
This morning I had an appointment at the visa office that Koko went with me to. Apparently it was the smoothest visa application Koko has ever been through. The lady was very nice and we had all of our paperwork. Near the end of the meeting the woman turned to me and started asking me questions in German. I looked over at Koko who had a slightly panicked look. Apparently I am supposed to already know some German in order to be an Au Pair. Koko and the woman discussed thoroughly that I am currently enrolled in classes. The woman thought that it was something they would consider. But Koko doesn't seem to worried so I am not going to stress about it.
Finni was sick again today so when I got home from my visa appointment Patrick left for work and I got to hang with Finni. We listened to a lot of audiobooks and watched the birds in the bird feeder. We went to get Nico from school in the TrioBike and Finni fell asleep. Nico remembered his homework today which was a very good thing. We worked on the homework when we got home and Finni layed on the couch... he ended up falling asleep again. I thought that a nap would be good for him. Nico and I finished homework and played for a bit before Finni woke up and wanted to draw. We drew and played with Playmobil and listened to music until Patrick got home.
I came upstairs to continue some research I have been working on all week. Finni yelled up to me to let me know that dinner was ready. When I got downstairs there were McDonalds bags on the table. Koko and Patrick had used the coupons they were saving. After dinner it was time for bed. I came up and got to talk with mom and wish her a Happy belated Birthday. I also told her about my last few days. I love that even though I am on the other side of the world I still get to talk with my family every night! I don't think I could have come all the way to Germany without Skype!!!
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