Chapter 1, "The Arrival"

Well, were here in beautiful Germany enjoying a wonderful culture and eating some great food. We've been here about 2 weeks now and are doing great. The kids have actually done well with the traveling but I think we are pushing the limit on living in a hotel room this long. We are ready to have our own place. The last two weeks have been mostly administration stuff like getting new identifications, getting into the medical system, taking the German drivers license test, and etc. We have also been looking for a place to call home which I think we found. It's about 8 miles from the office in a beautiful countryside village that has a breathe taking view. The house has 3 floors with, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 1 car garage, 2 terraces, and simply enough space for us. The landlord is a wonderful German guy who speaks very little english but with my little German we are able to communicate somewhat. Hopefully we'll sign the contract on the house next tuesday and be in the house sometime in the next week or so. Last week had our first real german dinner downtown. The food was great but the time was difficult. Hyland pull over a silk flower pot which was full of rocks. Then when she looked like she was going to fall off the bench I reached for her and knocked over Riley's drink which at the same moment Hyland was choking and threw up all over the cloth cushioned bench. Needless to say I left a nice hefty tip. I don't think German's take their kids out with them when they go eat because we have yet to see any high chairs or any kids for that matter at a restaurant.