First Things First

When we arrived this is one of the first things we did.

We need another tandem to have enough seats for the whole family that is present here at this time.

We were contemplating a peddle version but Jess and I decided, not so much…. 

This shop is fun because you get to try out the different models. Ask for Cody, he was awesome.

We think we know which one we're getting now. Are you going to come kayak with us??

On The Other Side

Our pack out was exhausting but not bad as far as pack outs go. We were able to clean the apartment as space cleared which meant by Friday we were done. There were some last minute touch and go items that I wasn't sure we'd finish. There were some things I completely forgot. By Friday night we were ready to relax and try to enjoy our last two full days in Germany. 

I decided we should try out the V8 motel in Boeblingen. It was hilarious. We I chose one of the novelty rooms. It was comfortable, quiet and fun.

The next day we hopped on the train and made our way down to the Bodensee. We took the ferry from Friedrickshafen to Meersburg only to find out we were there on the busiest weekend of the year. After three and a half hours of walking and one more ferry ride into Konstanz we finally found a place to sleep, quite possibly the last room available. It was 9:30pm, the kitchen was closed, and we were hungry. We asked the waiter if he could make us a sandwich he asked if we liked fish and said the chef would not mind making us a plate. In other words, excellent customer service beyond our expectations and the food was fantastic.

A fun garage over looking the water

My dream home

The next morning we walked to Mainau and saw some gorgeous scenes. 

That night we were back in Stuttgart at the Movenpick, another absolutely wonderful hotel. It's right across from the airport so it's very convenient.
Kelly came the next morning to have breakfast with us, see us off and help us schlep our ridiculous amount of baggage (all essential, really) to the airport. So ends our time in Germany. When are you all coming to see me here?

The Next Chapter

As I wander, watching the last of my things being packed away, I have way too much time to think. Am I ready for this? Just how different will things be? Will my kids still like me when I live right near them? How much fun will I have watching this new child grow? Oh yeah, lots of fun.

Intertwined in all of this looking forward, is a lot of looking back. Am I ready to leave? They'll go on without me. Will they still like me the next time we meet? How much fun will I be missing out on? Lots and lots.

The biggest thing I have realized with all of this wandering and thinking is…… I am blessed.

I am leaving behind some of the most wonderful, clever, kind, creative, and special people I will ever meet. My life the last few years has been made better by them.

I am going to some of the most wonderful, clever, kind, creative, and special people that I am lucky enough to call family.

I am making this journey with an amazing man who has put up with me for years and years, yet still manages to see the good parts of me.

What more could a person ask for?

Thanks everyone for the best going away birthday party ever.

See ya on the other side.