Not our Grandpa's Car

Our new vehicle was finished being built over the summer in the US and arrived here before our return. Eric finally got to pick up our new set of wheels today after delaying it for a few weeks.

The dealer gave him a quick tour on the features and then told Eric to keep it slow for the first 1000 km. When Eric asked how slow, he said under 100 mph to break in the axles.

The X3 has a 3 liter diesel 6 cylinder engine. It is quick and peppy, so we will be able to keep up with the autobahn traffic. It also has the start-stop system, which is a neat feature but is going to take some time getting used to it.

Eric did make a compromise as he did not get the heads-up display he really wanted, instead us girls got the panorama roof to enjoy during the warm and sunny days. However, we will have to convince the girls we do not want it open while on the autobahn.

Fortunately, it has parking sensors for my sake as I am still unsure how I am going to navigate this "bus" around town and in the parking structures, let alone backing it into the garage.

When speaking about our new vehicle at work, Eric learned most Germans who buy the SUV are older  because it is easier for ergonomic reasons and the families/ younger crowd drive station wagons. Oh well, we like it and it fits our tall family the best after trying out many vehicles.  I guess we are not so hip in our vehicle choice here.

Our first family drive was through the Taunus Hills with the roof open on our way to the VBS evening program at church.

Bandit update

It is an adjustment to our routine with Bandit. It is sad we cannot take him with us when we are out and about, so we are quickly doing what needs to be done so we are not away too long. He is doing great with leaving his surgery area alone while we are home. However, when we are away, I have to cover it so he does not open the open wound. 

On Sunday while we were at church and then on Monday while we were at camp, he removed the taped sock I had on his leg. From Tuesday onwards, he now has to wear the big white collar. I have learned how to get him into his cage with the "lampshade" on. 

He insists on going in his cage when we leave. At first, he constantly butted the cage head first to get in as the white collar would not fit in. Now he has learned to stand by it  and will let me back him into the cage. It is probably funny to watch me maneuver him backwards into it and adjust the white collar, but he does not fight me. He then sits in his cage and waits for his treat as we trained him. It appears that is where he wants to be since that is his routine when we leave. When we come home, he waits for us to adjust the white collar, so he can get out of the cage.

Leaving him in the morning seems to be good for him to rest because when we are home, he is constantly up and about  to be near us.

I have also learned that with a little dog and little exercise, they gain weight quickly. I have adjusted his feeding amounts to a smaller quantity too as he was beginning to look like a little polar bear.

Arriving back on this side of the pond

The overnight flight back was uneventful and peaceful. However, I have realized there is not as much room to stretch out across the three seats now that the girls are getting bigger.  We arrived safely back to Germany and with three large suitcases, three carry-ons, plus the girls' backpacks. Eric greeted us at the airport to help carry it. We managed to fit us and the luggage into the Audi although some of the small bags were on our laps for the short drive home.

Arriving home, we were greeted by a very happy puppy as Eric picked him up on Friday. We did our best to keep Bandit calm and not get too excited since his leg was still in healing mode. The girls were a little hesitant about interacting with him as we informed them about his accident before returning. They were very glad to see him and sat with him on the floor, giving him tons of affection. 

We made a trip to the vet to catch her up to speed on his current status. When Eric showed her the paperwork and she was reading it, she was amazed we were able to get the best surgeon in Germany to handle this. Eric joked that with the cost of it, it should be a good surgeon. On the positive note, she did say for the location of Bandit's break, we were very lucky to have been able to have him install the plate and six screws as he was highly skilled in this area.

After taking off his bandage and reviewing the area that had been operated on, she  informed us to keep the bandage off so the area could heal better. We had to chuckle because with his hair shaved, his leg is skinny like a chickens. I was given instructions on how to handle him so he slowly can regain his strength in his leg.

This was going to be challenging because for the next month, he had to be carried up and down our stairs to go outside and he was only to walk about a block or two to build up his strength again. Fortunately, our little garden was perfect to allow him to get fresh air on his own, but we would have to make sure he did not attempt any quick speed trips around it if he got a sudden burst of energy.

For the remainder of the weekend, we unpacked and watched some Olympics from the German point of view as the weather was rainy. We put Bandit's new collar on him and gave him a new toy to keep him occupied as we settled in.

One last visit

Our nephew, Carlton Herman Kammer 4,  was born the morning we were flying back to Germany. We were able to make a quick stop at the hospital on our way to the airport to meet him and congratulate the parents. Adeline was amazed to be holding a baby that was only a few hours. We wish Katie, Carl, and big sister, Hannah much love, laughter, and happiness with their new family member.

Family Time

From the simple things of sewing and gardening to an outing or gathering, everything we did was fun because it was with family. 

All of the little moments we spent with the family have made for many precious memories of our summer 2012. Thank you to everyone for a wonderful summer!

Green Lake

Our Michigan summer vacation would not be complete without a trip to Green Lake. The girls were really excited about spending time at "Gammy's Beach". 

At first they were a little sad because our cousins, Trevor and Kyle (aka activity directors),  were not there, but luckily their dad was there to take over the position. Driving the pontoon, jet ski, and golf cart and then playing in the water, they wore themselves out having so much fun.  The time went too fast, but we are happy we made the trip.

Adeline's Baptism

Sunday morning, Adeline was baptized by Pastor Pat at Woodside Bible Church. She read her testimony she composed before family and the congregation. She then answered the Pastor's questions acknowledging she believes in God before being immersed in the water. 

We are very proud of her in taking this next step in her journey with faith, her relationship with God, and living her life as a Christian.