Knorr Family Adventures

Anton has bronchitis ... need I say more?  First time any of my children ever have that and we just happen to be in Germany.  The good news is that we survived the first doctor's visit and a trip to the local apotheke (pharmacy). The doctor and one of the nurses spoke pretty good English and the had lab on premises which was really nice because they wanted to draw some blood out of his finger to check for any bacterial infections.  The office was pretty nice and big with some toys in the waiting area as well as the room. The doctor gave me prescription for 3 different drugs for Anton.  One is for nasal spray, one is for drops (20 drops 2 times a day) and the third one was just to reduce his fever.  It was super easy to get.  I went into the first pharmacy I saw on our way home from the doctors and they filled it out within 5 minutes.  They also gave all the boys vitamin C which the boys thought were a candy. All in all it was fairly easy but we a...

Irony of all ironies - the rental car we got in Germany is Ford.  It's a good thing because we all fit in it and so did most of our luggage.  We had to put 2 bags and a stroller into the storage area and came back for them later in the evening.  Frankfurt airport is HUGE. Our temporary apartment is nice.  It's very spacious - 3 nice size bedroom, large open living, dining and kitchen.  It's absolutely furnished with everything a family would need.  It is also on the 3rd floor of an apartment building so bringing our luggage up was a good exercise but thankfully the landlord helped. We knew that since all the stores are closed on Sundays we had to get some groceries.  So off we went ... One store right on the corner, a minute away, from the apartment is a fairly large Turkish store where we stocked up some fruits, veggies and protein.  Then we went off to find the real supermarket to pick up some dairy items, some juices for the boys and alcohol...

We have survived the flight and our nearly full first weekend in Germany.  Parts of it are definitely a blur though. As expected, Anton was not a happy little traveler.  On our first leg from Pittsburgh to Toronto he did great for about half of the trip.  After that the screaming started and it never stopped.  Also, you are not allowed to hold the 2 year old in your lap, he has to be in his seat during landing and strolling through tarmac.  The flight attendant was quite bitchy through this whole ordeal.  We had nearly 5 hour layover between 2 flights so we went to a lounge for Business Class passengers where they have free unlimited food and drinks.  I believe we had the only children in there but at that point I really didn't care.  It had free wi-fi and food - enough said!  So when the seats for our flight to Frankfurt were booked some random person decided that while you are traveling with 3 young kids the most ideal way to seat wou...

Speechless would be a great word to describe my feelings right now so just pictures of what's happening in my house today.

Anton's school pictures (courtesy of Tracy Brien Photography)

We are moving to Germany, potentially next Friday.  Also known as 8 days away!  I decided to give this blog another chance since we are moving pretty far away from all of our family and friends.  Life has been rather frantic and frustrating.  Chris has been in Frankfurt for 2 weeks now, looking at schools and housing.  He has found a school for the boys and an apartment for the first month.  This will give us time to look at several properties together, House Hunters International style. Boys really miss Chris as do I.  They've been kind of crazy, often acting out in frustration. Anton screams every time he is in the car seat, has learned to unbuckle himself and is overall he is a bit frustrated.  I think he wants to talk but just can't seem to make the sounds. He feeds off the energy of the house and has been known to throw things, hit his brothers, and just act out in general. I am very open and looking to hear from people who have suggest...