Snap shots

Keeping record

There has to be chocolate in here somewhere.

Lots going on this week, many moments when insanity is just around the corner, but also so many lovely moments. Madding moments of endless questions, repeated instructions and counting to 3 and sweet moments of learning to ride bikes and genuine heartfelt words. The Monkey was read an email by Matt from B and J and said thoughtfully and tearily' "I really miss Adelaide".

We said goodbye today to a great family that we only just met but know that will always keep in touch with. What better way to say good bye than by wearing a pair of under pants on your head and eating pikelets, luckily it was only the Bear who wore underpants on his head as he got into the CLEAN washing and decided he was a superhero. The Monkey and the Mouse went as a princess and a fairy respectively.

Captain Underpants, Princess and Fairy...and choc sprinkles

The mouse in the thick of the party

new feats and the zoo

Happy 60th Birthday Papa drawings of cakes and crowns.

New feats...literally

The Mouse has really come along in leaps and bounds in the last week. Thankfully she is back to her happy and relaxed self, though sleeping for longer stretches at night wouldn't go astray. She has started to really communicate definite wants. Yesterday she was hungry and pointed to the kitchen and when we followed her in she went to the fridge (not as easy to find as you think as it is the same as all the other cupboards) then pointed to the cheese when we opened it. She also has so many new sounds and like the other two and her mum loves to have a chat.

As Matt spent most of Saturday in bed (9 euro all you can drink and 4am don't really mix at 37) the kids and I went adventuring on the bike. I was a bit wobbly at first but got the knack of the trailer quickly. As it is wider than the bike you have to be careful. I need whiskers. Though as people were passing me (4 people one bike) in all directions I realised I have to work on my "oh my god my legs are burning but no problems here" face. So today Matt made it up to us by taking us to the zoo. I am think of building a wasserbahn (water playground) out of wood myself as i enjoyed it so much, made me think I was in a middle ages village...now where is that blacksmith???

Soccer, Cake and Bikes

This week has been a big soccer week. Nearly every afternoon we have gone down to the courtyard to play. A couple of older boys have started playing soccer and the Bear loves it. Actually he loved it the first day, had a melt down the second when he couldn't understand he couldn't touch it with his hands but made a come back and seems to have decided he will be a goal keeper. Best of all worlds, you can touch it with your hands and you don't have to run so much.

This afternoon we had a party in the courtyard put on by the international house. Cake (so much and so yummy), drinks and a bbq. Soccer featured high on the agenda for the lads who took themselves around behind the club house to play, yes the Bear went too. He is so big to me but looks so small compared to the others. (that's him right at the back). We also found some communal kids bikes and the Bear and Monkey surprised us. Looks like we might be in for a bike weekend. By the way the beer in Matt's hand is actually alcohol free (he he). Best of all didn't have to cook dinner.

and it finished with a bee sting!

It is always the way with me, I have a great weekend then fall a bit flat on Monday. I am not sure at which point I started thinking about our next house move last night, was it the first time the Mouse woke up, the third time she woke or 5 30am when she decided the day should begin. Anyway by 8am I was all at sea about moving then having to move out again a month before we fly back home....how much can a girl with 3 kids take. After much grumping around I talked to Matt and he was just as annoyed. By lunch time thanks to him we have the place until we leave and I had a lovely phone call from the landlady....hope i sounded as happy as I was in German. So biggest problem solved, just have to get the Bear to remember he can put on his socks and undies by himself and the Monkey to stop stubbing her toes and banging her head every 5 minutes. And of course the Mouse to sleep a little better no she isn't coughing so much. To help realign the world the kids took me on a walk to the lake then we ate yummy spaghetti for dinner. Was made to laugh (after screaming and hopping around) when just as kids were in bed I trod on a bee I had heard buzzing around all afternoon. At least it was me and not the kids. Made it through another one. Tuesday must be better...will go to bed early and get a head start.

markets and berries

A huge Saturday for the family today. Luckily the kids woke up early (due to the sun we were up just before 6am) so we got a good start on the Promenade Market. It is a 2nd hand market, both collectibles and peoples stuff that stretches for about a kilometre maybe more if you unwind the part on the field. We started at the collectibles part and found some great tins. Matt and the kids have joined me in my love of tins. We actually all picked up the same tin at one stall. Unfortunately it was 45euros so we didn't buy it....maybe next month. The Monkey bought a softie Maus with her 5euros who has been hugged and taken around all day.Then the Bear, Mouse and I went onto the regular people stuff and got some puzzles and gum boats. Unfortunately no bakeware.

Next up was a short train trip to some friends for the most wonderful afternoon in the garden eating fantastic food, drinking wine and tea (in the appropriate order) and watching the kids pick and eat berries. At one point my Mouse woke up in the dappled light of the apple tree..ohhh so sweet to say that. Being Australian I just don't pick berries as a rule so this was a great experience for the kids. The Monkey and the Mouse probably ate more than they picked. They picked Johannisbeeren which are red currants. I've seen them in the shop but had no idea what they were so haven't bought them before. Now we have a new berry the girls like and I have to find a jam recipe for the Bear.

The monkey takes the maus on the train.

Thanks to those who invited us and joined us.

New Transport

Triumphant Return!

Only made for 2, photo op only.

Look at that boot space, not to forget the bumperbar.

I have to say that today we got a new form of transport and short of it being a "beam me up/down Scotty" form of transport I don't think I could be more excited. Yes, we are now official residents as we own our own Kid bicycle trailer. After a little homework we found the one we wanted then luckily we found a second hand one that was in tip top condition. Matt and the bear went on a quest on the train to the next town (about 60kms away). They left with a book each and a snack. I can just imagine the pair of them looking very serious on the train with chocolate crumbs around their mouths. After a whole morning away (in the age old warrior tradition) they came back triumphant with our kinda new "Croozer Kid for 2", in a very snazzy green colour. Now we just have to get the coupling device attached, we have no tools so have to take it to a shop. Needless to say that, as with everything else we do it will take a couple of days so telling the kids to be patient is hard when I just want to get out on the open bike path.

chatting

Bear in a box reads "Fox in Soxs"

I knew my love of chatting would come in handy. Reasons to love the elderly just keep popping up. We met a lovely lady at the bus stop today. We had a lovely chat, then she gave the kids 20 euro cents each because they were being so good at the bus stop. I think I understood about one third of what she said but I made the right facial expressions at the right times (I think)...anyway she didn't take the money back. It was perfect as I have taken to bribing the children with money for a big flea market on Saturday in return for helpful behaviour so the trip bus trip home was full of Bear and Monkey chat about possible purchases. They have decided the Mouse needs a pull along dog.

Also today I got given a twin maclaren stroller. Another family are leaving at the end of the month and they have two (as this one is a bit rusty) but who knows it may last forever or break tomorrow...I'll let you know. Matt's chatting also paid off and he is off to look at and, I dare say buy a kid trailer for the bikes. The Bear must be sick of walking as he keeps looking up kid trailers on the internet, he says he has to do his job. He can be so serious sometimes. Needless to say I am very excited.

Lovely Librarians and Ice Cream

A quick maths lesson for Monkey

And these were the small options, no cream this week.

Getting a library card makes you tired.

The Bear got a library card on Friday. He was the only one as i forgot it cost money to a) get the library card and b) pay for the locker you have to store your bag in. I was so impressed that I remembered our passports and registration forms that I forgot to get money. Anyway with the help of 2 lovely librarians we borrowed books, checked them out automatically and paid the fee all without setting off any fire alarms, melting down any computers or offending anyone by using the wrong form of address. Armed with yet another bag we made it as far as the church next door where we stopped on the steps for a snack and a lovely couple took a picture of the kids and me....AND asked if I was from the Netherlands!!! Ok, I was using my best simple sentences but still I was a bit chuffed.

Staying Cool

Backgammon always a winner

2 Monkeys and a Bear

The Slide

Trying to stay cool

A basket is always a winner!

Heat, Markets, Pool and Park. The hot spell continues and we spent the weekend trying to find ways to keep cool. Riding a bike around the city to a festival with lots of little 2nd hand markets wasn't the best way to keep cool but it was worth it. Luckily I didn't drag the whole family, I took a little Tashy time and after braving a ride along the train station street (I bravely followed a group of old people as i figured they knew where they were going) I found the festival on Warendorferstr. It was about 11am and people where just setting up...I never get the starting time right. I do have the heads up for the big market on the Promenade next week. Bargains begin at 7am...I can't wait. Even though i was nearly melting I managed to find a few little things for the kids and of course I found a wicker basket!

We headed to the freibad (outdoor pool) in the afternoon as did most of Muenster. The only people not there were swimming in the canal (not something possible with kids). The bus got slowly more and more full until the pool stop when everyone poured, crossed the road and lined up in boiling sun to pay. But it was worth it, as soon as my feet hit the baby pool I was holidaying in Fiji (as everyone seems to be doing on facebook). It wasn't until 3 seconds later when the giant snail I had fail to notice began spitting water at me much to the delight of the child controlling it was I brought back to reality. Bear, Monkey and Mouse loved the pool but the slide which they loved last time caused a few meltdowns this time. Lots of wanting to but not really having he courage to do it. Bread and honey smoothed out any wrinkled armour and back in we went.

After a thunder storm overnight it was a little cooler today but really humid so we headed to the Botanic Gardens to sit in the shade for most of the day. The mouse had and still has a high temperature so lots of relaxing was in order. Armed with a soft blanket, lunch, bakery treats and lots of water we found our perfect stop surrounded by trees behind the castle. During the afternoon we were joined by some lovely friends and spent the afternoon chatting and mentioning the heat at 3 minute intervals.

Bicycle Legs

A touch of home (thanks Miss Liss)

Who needs more than 2 rooms when you have cupboards

Finding my bike legs! Eeek

The Promenade a beautiful (and busy) place to ride.

Took my first bike ride today. The destination wasn't so interesting (the train station) but the ride was brilliant. The weather in the mornings is nice and cool and riding along the promenade was lovely. It will take me a while to get my bike legs as i was a bit nervous when i had to join the traffic to turn left. I think bikes have right of way but I'm not going to test that one out.

I also survived my first washing day, though i did send the bear and monkey to the playgroup offered here for a couple of hours. Luckily there was space today, apparently it is a closed book at the moment. Anyway with the mouse in the ergo carrier we went down the stairs, up the stairs, back down the stairs to the laundry in the cellar. 3 hours-2 loads washed and dried and one washed and one the airer. It was like a elite sport and I think Matt will have to come home as he did today as i was watching the clock like a mad women towards 1pm and trying to organise lunch and sleeps. It seems ridiculous to dry washing in a dryer when the weather is so beautiful.

The bear and monkey have been keeping journals and we had a very relaxing time doing that when the mouse was asleep. I will have to admit that blogging does mean i can't indulge my cutting and pasting of collected things in a little book. So I hijacked the mouses' journal today for a bit of collage with arrows and descriptions...i just had to.

I have my thumbs pressed firmly down (as the Germans say) that Germany beat Spain tonight. As something went wrong last night and i couldn't post we all know that Germany lost 1-0 to Spain, let's not say another word.

Forgot Camera

I have now put my camera in my bag so I won't miss an opportunity like this again. We went to out first German church fete on Sunday. We went to see my old violin orchestra play and we weren't sure if it was church or not so dressed in our somewhat Sunday best just in case. There was no coconut ice, not even the peppermint version that abounds here but they did have bang the nail into the wood and a giant puzzle which the kids loved as they got a sweet at the end of every activity and of course the orchestra. It was wonderful, we all had to join in and had actions for each piece.

Actually missed many a photo op in the last week as forgot camera at World Cup viewing we went to at an Australian friends building. Everyone in the building was so nice and the kids had a great time in the garden, especially the mouse.....Will never forget camera again...I'll try. Maybe should let the bear be in charge of photos as he loves to take them.

We are finally officially registered with the government here and have visa and believe it or not Matt even has a uni library card. He gets his office on Wednesday (he had to ring a guy to show it to him). We have all come to terms with our one bedroom living situation (but only for 3 months). We think a trip to Berlin may help ease the squeeze. Cooler weather has helped. Probably will avoid buying the 2 50euro bottle of red wine ever again.

Our house

We have moved into our apartment. It is lovely and modern just a little small. Due to a miscomunication...others just not reading emails properly. Even though you try and try there is only so much you can do from the other side of the world and you just have to trust people can do their jobs, but no. We, the 5 of us have a one bedroom apartment for 3 months. All a bit crazy and the hot weather not helping calm things down. We are trying to look on the bright side. The city is wonderful and we have met up with some old friends and watched "our" team win 4-0 against Argentina with new friends in a garden...then inside when it began to rain.

Mondstr Photos

The playground had a fantastic flying fox, fun for young and old.

At the freibad (outdoor pool). A swim, ice cream and hot chips a good reward for a long walk there.
On the search for the pool.
Mondstr (Moon Street)
Working things out, now i know to put photos in other order. My brain must work differently to computer programmes.