Tylenol, Motrin, and/or Both

The week started good as Emmie attended Kindergarten while Adeline came to my class. Her teachers had internal meetings, so this was her last day of vacation. Adeline was a good student in my class and even answered some of my questions for me. She was surprised at how small our  classroom was and how there were only 4 other students. After class, we picked up a tired Emmie from school. This set the stage for the rest of the week.

Monday evening through early Wednesday, Emmie ran a high fever. Wednesday afternoon, Emmie was feeling better, so we were able to get our pumpkins from the market for Halloween. The pumpkins were on the smaller size to what we are compared to carving, but they were largest they had. Emmie picked out a round pumpkin and Adeline a tall pumpkin. I had to return with the car as I was not going to attempt pulling the wagon with the pumpkins and Emmie in it up hill to our apartment. When we were unloading them from the car, our neighbors thought they were large pumpkins, so I guess they will be good for carving.

Emmie passed on her virus to Adeline on Thursday. In the evening after returning from Clara's birthday party, Adeline felt the same symptoms as Emmie had earlier in the week. I went through a few bottles of the Tylenol and Motrin a little quicker than planned this week, but am happy I brought it with us. 

Friday evening, Emmie and I cleaned the pumpkins before Eric returned home from work. Emmie had fun pulling out the pumpkin seeds and had a taste test before they were cooked. She agreed with me they are better when they are cooked. Amazingly, we got over three cups of seeds out of our little pumpkins. Adeline created a page full of possible faces for their pumpkins while she rested on the couch. 

After some train issues again, Eric finally made it home from work and with his marathon packet. Within no time, Eric was discussing the pumpkin face details according to the girls' wishes for their pumpkin. Emmie choose a happy face, while Adeline picked out a scary face.

We finished the evening munching on pumpkin seeds and discussing the route Eric was going to run on Sunday in the Frankfurt Marathon and the best place for us to see him at.

Saturday was easy going as I was preparing for our Halloween party and Eric was conserving energy for his race. In the afternoon, we celebrated Melanie's birthday with her, and her family and friends. It was a pleasant afternoon treat of hot waffles and tasty muffins for this joyous occasion. We are blessed to know Melanie (and her family) who is so very dear to our family.

Mayen

Saturday, we spent the day with the Kuchera family. They live near Mayen, a town about 20 minutes east of Koblenz, so we had about an hour and half drive north. In the morning, it was foggy and drizzling in Hofheim, but about 20 minutes on the autobahn and out of the Taunus Hills, we hit sunshine and blue skies. We arrived at their house as they were our tour guides for driving into downtown Mayen and around the city. Along the old walls of the city and the throughout the brick streets, we strolled through the Lukasfest. It was amazing to see how the festival strategically placed their rides. Heather and Josh recommended an Italian place for lunch, so we stopped for lunch before the girls picked out their rides. 

Emmie's ride choices this time was the driving one in a loop with a hill, a helicopter she could control going up and down (even though she stayed up in the air the entire time), and a pony ride. Adeline went on the driving one with Emmie, but soon realized she is getting too big as she barely fit in the car. 

Adeline picked out a ride where one sits sideways as their back is to the building and they are looking out onto the street and goes in a circle. Her, Eric, and this other small girl were the only three on the ride where it had about 20 seats in a long row. Eric said Adeline was saying "no, no," the entire time, but laughing everytime it went around. Adeline's last choice of rides was the "Mouse Trap." It was amazing how the rollercoaster just fit on the street between the buildings. Adeline had a fantastic time on it with Eric, even though she found the top part to be scary since it seemed like the winding track was going to send them right into a building on the straight aways before it sharply turned. We ended the afternoon enjoying a warm crepe filled with Nutella.

We spent the early evening visting with the Kuchera's in their new home.  They have a lovely new larger apartment over looking the fields and many apple trees. We were graciously given a large bag of apples before we departed. 

Our Sunday church service was very lively and entertaining. Africa was celebrated this week and is the last country in this series of celebrating our unity by highlighting our diversity. It was wonderful as the ladies dressed in their traditional attire and the men played the instruments during our praise portion. In addition to the songs sung in the various African languages, some members read bible passages with the passage displayed in English on the screen. 

Sunday afternoon, we spent with the Thies family, Eric's colleague who also has two daughters and speak English.  Us six ladies hung out together while the men took a 15km jog as they are preparing for the Frankfurt Marathon next week. Adeline and Emmie had a fun time playing with their girls since they are the same age. The girls put on a magic show and talent show for us after dinner. 

Herbstferien- Woche 2

Our second week of Adeline's vacation consisted of more shopping and fun outings. This time our shopping trips were more adventures as we were searching for Halloween costume supplies.

Monday morning was our first stop to the children's thrift store. We were able to find a sweatsuit outfit to start Emmie's elephant costume along with a few new puzzles for the girls to enjoy. The elderly lady who waited on us informed me of the great bargain I was getting for my very nice purchases. I could not tell her we were going to use the clothes as costumes. We then continued to Aldi's for groceries and found black clothing items for Adeline's spider costume.  Monday afternoon, the girls were anxious to start making the spider legs by stuffing the socks with crumbled newspaper.

Tuesday morning, Adeline and I went to the mall looking for material for the elephant. After searching through the department stores, we finally discovered in the rear back corner of a store a mini Jo-Ann Fabrics. With limited selection of pink material, we initially picked out one type and then found a remnant of a silkier type. I think between the white felt  and the pink material, I spent more on this then the clothes for the costume. We then then went back to the thrift store to get the other sweatshirt for the elephant's ears and trunk as this was cheaper than buying fabric by the yard. These past days of shopping wore Adeline out as she fell asleep at 6:30pm on the couch and did not wake till the next morning at 7am.

On Wednesday, we relaxed and took it easy as the weather was raining and has turned cold. I had to scrap the car windows on Tuesday morning, so we decided to stay indoors, read books in the morning, and play games in the afternoon.

Thursday was an unplanned eventful day. The morning started with us accompanying Brigitte, our neighbor, to the Chinon Center. It is the new mall here in downtown Hofheim which has a few clothing stores, drug stores, and a cafe. It is about the size of a Meijer's store, but with a partial second level. Once again, we joined in the celebration with champagne and juice, acquiring flowers and balloons, and even getting large shopping bags with a purchase. Adeline enjoyed an apple with a company's logo stamped on it. Brigitte fought her way through the adults to get Adeline the large C&A helium balloon as they were handing them out in limited quantities. On the way out, Lidl was selling large buckets of fruit for only five Euro. I bought one as this was a great deal for a fruit salad and a bucket.

After returning home with our goodies, we went on our luncheon trip to McDonalds. I had to drive back to the MTZ mall for the closest restaurant. It felt weird to order half of the items in English, knowing the conversation would all be in German. I managed though and the girls chose a booth in the upper level to eat their lunch at. They enjoyed their chicken nuggets, french fries, and Fanta. I also had a Happy Meal with them, but I opted for the cheeseburger instead. The girls were very excited about their Happy Meal toy, a Tom and Jerry popsicle maker.  I had to stop one worker from taking our Happy Meal boxes as apparently nobody takes them home here. On the way out, the girls were able to pick out a McDonald's flag and balloon. I was happy we were leaving as the ordering lines were almost out the door when we left.

In the afternoon, we joined Melanie and her girls on their first visit to the Chinon Center. This time, the girls got a ball to play with in the yard. Melanie also fought her way through the adults to get a balloon for Hanna.

Friday afternoon we were planning on going to the chocolate shop when Eric called us. There was a medical emergency on the train and it was not going to be making it to Hofheim, so we went and picked him up at the last station it was going to. We then took a quick detour to the chocolate shop and showed Eric the new mall before heading home. Early in the evening, we went to the Rhein Main Therme. The pool was busy, but felt so nice and tropical since it the temperatures are cooler and it is getting darker earlier.

Soggy Weekend

The weather took a quick change from during the week and we are thankful it did not interrupt our weekend plans. Saturday was an easy going day which was good for numerous reasons. First, it rained all day from sprinkles to downpours.  Secondly, Eric ran his longest run in his training schedule for the   Frankfurt marathon in a few weeks. His goal was to do it in under three hours and he did it in two hours and 45 minutes. Thirdly, the girls really wanted to watch Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses movie. This was airing on a German children's station at lunchtime. Lastly, it was the GallusMarkt here in Hofheim.

We ventured down to the city later in the afternoon with our umbrellas. We were able to easily maneuver through the crafters as the cold and rain kept many people indoorsSome vendors were selling Gluhwein, the drink during the Christmas markets, but we stopped at the Chocolate shop for some hot chocolate to keep us warm. The girls found a few rides to go on again and cotton candy to snack on. ERic and I treated ourselves to these huge flavored-like looking marshmallow treats covered in chocolate. They are tasty and not as sticky as marshmallows. When we began our journey home, is when the rain started to pick-up, so we quickly hurried home and watched the downpour and winds send the rain sideways.

We attended Marie's baptism on Sunday morning at the same quaint church Melanie and Thorsten were married in a few years ago. The girls were invited to participate in her baptism as well. The girls went right up to the front with Melanie and Thorsten when they were initially invited and this is where we learned it was okay for them to be part of it. Adeline helped the Pastor poor the water into the bowl and light the candle for the ceremony. Afterwards, we celebrated with the Wendel family at a local restaurant. The food was delicious and the meal ended with scrumptious cakes for dessert.

Adeline has one more week off from school. This week we plan to venture out in search for costume supplies for Halloween as I do not have a Joann's or Meijer's to get my stuff from. Adeline wants to be a spider and Emmie wants to be an elephant.

Herbstferien- Woche 1

For us being on break from school, we have kept busy. In the mornings, we drop Emmie off at kindergarten. Emmie says she does not want to come shopping with us, so this is a good reason for her to attend school. Adeline and I then take care of business before Emmie is out school, so we can play in the afternoons.

A unique interior decorating store at the mall reopened their doors Monday morning from being closed all summer. Melanie invited us to join her in her journey to the store, so we accepted her invitation. This was quite the event as the little girls received orange juice, balloons, and a silk flower upon entering the store, while us big girls were treated to a glass of champagne. Much of the inventory consisted of Christmas decorations, so I just browsed as I first need to get through Halloween. Afterwards, we strolled through the mall. Melanie found some decorations, plus some little treats for the girls to enjoy. In the afternoon, we walked over to the park to enjoy the sunshine.

Tuesday morning, we made a breakfast date with Melanie at Ikea. This was our first trip to Ikea, so I was excited. We had breakfast and then ventured our way through the store. Adeline found new bedding for their beds, so this was a positive trip for us. With time to spare before picking up Emmie, we  made it to Toys R Us. Adeline had fun walking through the aisles, looking at items for her Christmas list.  In the sunny afternoon, we walked over to the farm for some fresh cider. Since the new comforter covers were still drying, this was a great opportunity for a slumber party. The girls had fun in their sleeping bags with their flashlights.

Wednesday afternoon, we strolled downtown to do some errands.  It was also a pleasant fall day, so we enjoyed a scoop of ice cream after our errands. The girls also picked out the festival rides they were going to ride this weekend as the workers were beginning to set them up. While in Hofheim, we ran into Melanie's dad at one store, her mom on the sidewalk, and then we saw Melanie driving as we were walking back. The girls thought this was so great we saw so many people during our trip. 

On Thursday morning, Henrick joined us on our walk to kindergarten. The kids joined hands and sang as they walked down the sidewalk towards school. It was a precious sight. Adeline and I made a trip to Aldi's for their new weekly specials.  I managed to find a few cold weather items and Adeline did a good job restocking the sweets and treats cupboard. 

In the afternoon, Karolin navigated our way to Hof Gimbach. It is a local farm, apple orchard, and restaurant in Kelkheim, a city on the other side of the hill from us. The kids had fun playing on the playground and petting the horses.

Adeline is excited to still not have school, but is even happier when Eric strolls in on Friday morning from work. As I get my errand list ready, she says she will stay with Eric, but as I get my coat on, she decides to come with me. We have fun with our store visits and pick out some treats to keep us energized around town. 

Friday afternoon, Emmie has a birthday party for Stella, a fellow classmate who is turning six. Prior to the party, Emmie informs me how she wants me to leave as she will be okay, since she is a big girl now. I take her up on her offer when I drop her off at Stella's apartment as I see they have invited about 12 children. In addition, we have been invited to Alex's birthday party at his apartment. (Alex is our landlord that lives two floors above us). I watch for Emmie from Alex's apartment as Stella's dad is dropping her off. Emmie is excited to tell me about her party and its' festivities when I greet her and then happy to go to another party. The party is relaxing as we mingle with some neighbors, meet new people, and enjoy the food and beverages Alex has provided into the evening.

Even though we do not have schoolwork this week, I have been teaching "English" school. Adeline  found some Disney princess workbooks I brought with us early in the week. Since her discovery, she has been working through the appropriate level math and spelling books. Emmie likes the different pages of her "Big" Preschool workbook. She will do a few pages in one section and then move onto to another. Her favorite section right now is the mazes section. One afternoon we sat for over an hour doing worksheets. The girls are very happy when they get a star and/or smiley face on their completed worksheets.

Golden October

This fall weekend was picture perfect with the sun shining and temperatures enjoyable to be outdoors. Saturday morning's market shopping trip was successful as we filled our bags to the brim and our hands were carefully balancing the delicate purchases. This week Eric found wild boar brats to be grilled for dinner. The girls had their entire lunch with the little items the vendors gave them along the way: little pretzel rolls, slice of lunchmeat, carrot, tangerine, and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

We drove up to the forest to get some fall pictures of the girls playing in the leaves after lunch. Unfortunately, the leaves have not fallen a great deal in the woods yet, but we did find a pretty pear orchard for our photo session. 

The rows of trees had beautiful colored leaves, so this was our backdrop for the photos. Emmie found a pear still on one of the trees, so from then on the pear became a prop in the pictures. We did manage to get a few nice shots out of 200 plus that Eric took between goofing around and half smiling or one smiling and the other one not.  We then went to the playground to make the most of the beautiful fall day.

In the late afternoon, we hiked up to the meisterturm in the forest with the Wendel family. It was a nice walk with great conversation along the way. The children played while we relaxed enjoying the fall air before we returned home for the evening.

This month on Sunday mornings, Pastor Carsten is incorporating a little bit of every country or region which is represented at ICF in each service. This weekend it was the Americas. To start the morning service, we sang a traditional hymn with the organ and to end the praise portion, we sang, "I'll Fly Away" and "When the Saints Go Marching In". The girls loved dancing to the final songs as the instruments did a fantastic job playing the songs' tunes.

Sunday afternoon, we drove to Hochheim's playground. It is a large playground for the young and old. The tower structure is built on a hill, so the entire play stucture appears even higher in the air as you approach it. Eric went with the girls on the large climbing bridges and tunnels up to the large tower. Once they got in the tower, there was a fast and steep slide. Initially, Adeline did not want to do it anymore, but after she wiped away the tears, she did the slide 4 more times. Emmie did it once and that was enough for her. She enjoyed the long zip line. After monkeying around, the girls went for a bike ride as Eric and I strolled along the surrounding bike paths.

Fruity week

Monday brought about a new situation for us. Adeline came home with one less folder and thought she had forgotten it at school. We trekked back to school and luckily her teacher was still there. She let us in the classroom this time, but informed me once the school room is locked for the day, she cannot to let us back in. We searched the classroom, but could not find it. Adeline's teacher informed me, it was not a big issue and she could make up the homework that was contained within it later. I received an apologetic phone call later in the evening from the mother of the student who sits next to Adeline, telling me her son had it and she would drive it over. I informed her the teacher knew of the situation, so she so kindly did not have to drive it over since it was almost 9pm and there was no need to call the teacher either. Adeline received her folder back on Tuesday, which meant a little more homework in the afternoon.

Wednesday afternoon, Clare came over to play with Adeline. All of the girls had a fun time playing together. Clare enjoyed playing dress-up with the princess accessories we have. They even put on a dance recital for me.

On Thursday afternoon, Rebecca came over to play with Adeline. This time the girls had fun doing art and craft projects and playing games. We played Zingo, a game similar to Bingo but with object tiles. Emmie and I spoke English while Rebecca and Adeline spoke German when we were calling out the tiles we needed for our card. We had Rebecca anxiously waiting for the next tile to be displayed in our second game.

All week long, Adeline's class has been learning about apple parts. On Friday, they would be having fruit salad as a class treat. Adeline chose to bring in bananas for the salad and also had to bring in  her own bowl, fork, spoon, paring knife, and cutting board.

Friday morning, I helped out in Adeline's class with a few other mothers to make their fruit salad. Intially, I thought us moms would be cutting the fruit up, but we just oversaw the kids to make sure they did not cut their fingers. I helped show the kids how to hold their knife properly and then cut the fruit. I also let them decide on big pieces or small pieces within reason. Her teacher though thought the bigger pieces should be a little smaller, so the boys ended up cutting some fruit into pieces about the size of a pea. With the guidance of Clare in helping me understand what the teacher was talking about, Adeline's group made a delicious fruit salad with nuts to top it off. The kids ended the fruit salad project with a few songs they have been learning the past few weeks, before us moms were dismissed from class.

Adeline now has a two week vacation, so she is looking forward to sleeping in and going on some outings. Emmie still has kindergarten, so we have to work around her schedule, but it will be a nice break from the school homework.