Houston we have a problem

As I was snuggling one of my littles to bed tonight, I was bummed about how we ended up with post-church poopy pants for the second Sunday night in a row. Both Sundays I got fair warning and just didn't accommodate. 

During my blissful snuggle session I thought, "yes, I missed the poop cues, but I also am taking in a lot of input." The analogy of a pilots' cockpit came to mind. Just for fun, I thought I would write up a sort of "Mission Control Panel".

Let's see if you can read my hand writing. Also, I decided to blur the kids' names like we don't know who is who. ha!

I was expecting four dials for me and three or four for the kids. As you can see, sleep and hunger are just the beginning. But let's celebrate the small victories of the last week:

Pancake flipping: check

Team Napping: check

Exercise: check. Not pictured: two rounds of swimming. Cros can now do backstroke the length of the pool.

Whispering into each others' mouths: technically not part of the control panel but a much enjoyed activity.

Work demand: check (one week off)

If you do write up your own family control panel, I'd love to see it. Stay sane out there. 

Family Road Trip to Rostock

First a confession: it doesn't feel great that we drove for this family vacation as Germany is (hopefully) gearing up for a Russian oil embargo. When we booked in July, we planned on doing our train/bike plan until we learned that both electric bikes and trailers are not allowed on trains on our October trip. I looked into renting an electric car through the VW electric carshare service, Weshare, but unfortunately part of the agreement is one needs to use special charging stations (instead of the one that is in the parking lot of our hotel). I weighed the pros and cons of hanging out in a random parking lot for two hours with small children before deciding to go the carshare route.

You can skip just the cute photo of Carmen if you don't live in Berlin.

My plan was to use the car sharing company, Sharenow. It seemed like the cheapest option and I wouldn't have to go to a formal counter. The app shows the car locations which are usually within walking distance. This is where things went wrong. After all my research, I didn't make sure my account was all ready to go. For some reason I couldn't log into the app. If I can get into my share now account, I likely will use it in the future for a big trip because they have a book to your door option.  

My plan C was using Sixtshare which ended up being too expensive. Thus, after all my research, and getting the kids ready, I was off to the central train station to sign a traditional rental car contract. I even got suckered into an upgrade to an Audi. After having the kids wait with Paul for an extra hour while I got this sorted, I figured my traditional space optimism would not be a crowd pleaser. We gave the littles a Ninjago Magazine Pack:

20 minutes later:

One hour later:

We then started listening to Prince Caspian by CS Lewis. One credit, five euros on Audible, for the whole seven book was a steal.

In summary, even the best planners have the occasional big fails. And that's what this blog post is about, the best planners. My packing strategy was more of an art than a science. AKA I didn't have a good packing list. I'll spare everyone putting a spreadsheet in this blog, but ping me if you would like to see it. This blog, I will share a tricks of the road trip trade I've discovered through our epic Kur adventure and our big Bulgarian trip. Sadly, the latter trip has no associated blog documentation.

This blog post will highlight 10 essential items for road tripping with small children, as we are two days into this gloriousness:

Another caveat: this list is unfortunately not all ethical companies. If someone out there has found the equivalent products made in the USA or other countries with labor laws, please do let me know.

1. Hydroflask - Kids - 12 oz wide mouth for the kids.  Adults - 20 oz for water, 12 oz coffee for coffee/tea

The pros:

- Straws = less backwash
- Metal = keeps cool, and less plastic touching your water. I recycled all of our plastic water bottles after reading the book Boys Adrift.
- We've tried imitation, they just aren't as good

- Rubber bottoms = not as loud

The cons:

- made in China
- should only be used for water, putting anything else in them will get funky fast
- for amateur drinkers, you need to make sure the straw is all the way straight to not get bubbles

2. Metal straws

My bleeding heart is all for avoiding plastic straws, but paper straws + toddlers = cute photo opps

I mean, a papery unusable pulp in 15 minutes.

3. Mesh park bag

Paul, the real travel pro of the family, had the brilliant idea to get a bag that lets the sand through. The combination of size and pockets is a win. We got something like this, which sadly I can't imagine is ethically made.

4. Fancy travel stroller

It seems silly to have have both an everyday stroller and a packable stroller. But, it's a must. My friend, Caitlin, brought this one to Berlin and we were so jealous. Ours does not handle the cobble stones as well, as poor Carmen who got thrown from it yesterday, will tell you.

5. My carry potty and Potette

Our cute bungalow has two bathrooms. Winning! We just brought our trusty Carry Potty, but I wish we would have brought a foldable one to leave at home for the big toilet. Some hotels include the extra seat, but unfortunately this one doesn't. 

6. Medicine Bag

Ok, this seems obvious, but it is specifically important in Germany where everything is closed on Sundays. Your kid will get a fever on a Sunday. You have to bring all the things. Also, don't get me started on how IB profin for adults only comes in blister packs.

7. Emergency Meal

Even resort restaurants will have a "Ruhetag" or day they are not open. I knew the main restaurant would be closed on Monday, so I grabbed a jar of bolognase out of our freezer and a bag of pasta for our first night. It turns out this other gem, the blue buoy, was open, however:

But, I forgot the next day, Tuesday, it was closed. Since we'd promised the kids ice cream, we ended up on a pleasant trek through the dunes and back through the forest.

We didn't find ice cream at our Brazilian Oasis, but they did have Caparinhas:

8. Techni Ice Packs

After all sorts of successful adventures in traveling with dry ice with my breast milk in the US, I was shocked to have so many troubles in Europe. Chalk it up to better maternity leave not requiring every nursing woman to travel with a pump and thus a ton of milk? Anywho, I finally found these ice packs that are just as good, and don't require extra trips to pick them up. Also, they are great for cooler bags.

9. Biarritz Sunscreen

This is the best non chemical sunscreen that won't make you look like casper. This tinted version is great for everyday, especially if you have a beard or stubble which usually isn't great for the zinc based version. It's expensive, but organic, made in France, good stuff is worth it.

10. Cream based make-up

Powder eye shadow and blush just end up breaking and getting everywhere. Also, the littles love using brushes and/or putting them in their mouths. I'm sure people who know about beauty stuff have been using this for years, but if I can't put it on with my fingers (ie no additional brushes), it's not travel friendly. 

Those last two items are a good segue into a future post - air travel without small children AKA luxury travel.

 

I spy Mommy

Carmen is a very observant two year-old. On the way to school, she often points out street art, "panda."

Or "rat". Thankfully that was actually art and not a physical rat which is often the case. I didn't take a photo of the rat art because nobody needs that. 

She pointed to this poster and said, "Mommy"

So according to Carmen, this is what I look like in street art form. I'll take it.

Sick and Tired

I don’t think we can say we survived March until I am safely reunited with the Biggs5 after this quick trip to Eugene to celebrate this:

This month has been a doozy. Also, Carmen is still on the border of being just healthy enough to be back at Kita. We’ve spent a lot of time at home which means many silly conversations. Example: Conversations about Strengths and Weaknesses

Hugo: “My weakness is I don’t have bones in my stomach.”

Crosby: “What are my weaknesses?”

Me: “What do you think are your weaknesses?”

Hugo: “Crosby, you aren’t good at piano.”

Hugo burn. It’s not true. Crosby is awesome at piano.

Whether we’re sick or healthy, we creepily take photos of our kids sleeping. Because that’s what we do.

Me: “Do you want to come in to the grocery store?”

Hugo: “I’ll wait here.”

One hour later, little man started perfecting his bucket aim.

When Carmen falls asleep on the way to Kita, likely she should just come home. I got a phone a call an hour later on this one. 

One particularly cough-y night, Carmen came in my room six times before I finally let her sleep with me. The following night, we tried the strategy of having Crosby comfort her in the middle of the night. I need Crosby for his chore skills and his snuggle skills.

Just getting settled in.

 

The first night she was back in my bed, the second night, we peaked in on them to see this. 

Yes, they are both sleeping with Carmen on his face. We didn’t hear any groans but understandably they went back to their own sides of the bed:

While looking for sleeping photos I realized we’ve got some good Hugo material over the last couple months that our Boss fans will appreciate. 

This is Day 2 of the stomach bug. His facial expression reminds me of his newborn face.

The blanket cape really brought this “sick Batman” look together. Red bucket just right of the frame. Poor dude.

On the previous sick day he actually put himself to bed, but usually our best bet is to let him lay on the ground until his body just won’t let him go anymore.

This day he went to bed at 4:30 PM and didn’t wake up until 5:30 AM

Now that Hugo is on the mend we can expect more of the usual:

Pillow = thankfully not used as a crash pad this throwback from Christmas time.

And some new sleeping configurations:

Carmen is on the floor next to the boys. Hopefully Paul will also move back into my room. Dream Big.

I got some sleep on my last flight from Seattle to Amsterdam. Let’s see where I end-up falling sleep. Stay healthy and rested my friends. 

Carmen at 2.25

The baby book isn’t finished, but neither are our taxes, I blame Putin and illness. It is definitely not for lack of love of this one:

This girl is so amazing. Where to start?

We live to make her laugh…just a simple giggle. When she starts kackling, you should be worried because she might throw something. That’s something new for the Biggs5, a kid who throws things…and climbs on the counter tops.

Her greatest love is her binkie. We try to use it only at bedtime, but these kita days are long, an who wouldn’t want to just zone out at the end of a long day.

She likes going on adventures. She will dress herself to get ready. Who needs undies or pants when you can just put this fabulous snow suit over your business?

She still has no concept of personal space. We love whispering into each others’ mouths which is where uncle Connor would say “I wonder why you guys are always sick.” No regrets. 

This is actually a photo of when Carmen got back from the Kur after not seeing Paul for 10 days. She does these full body hugs most days I pick her up from Kita.

We recently also did a little family project inspired by the Cat Kid Comic project. Lil’ Petey is teaching characters to write comic books by first writing-up 5 things you like, and five things you like to do. Here are our lists:

Lots of overlap for Carmen and Hugo. ;) The previous post explains why everyone else wrote skiing.

While pizza is her first love, she’s pretty enthusiastic about anything sweet or salty.

Not only does this little lady want to do everything herself. She also insists on helping whenever possible - carrying things in from the bike, helping Crosby unload the dishwasher, or helping Paul work-out.

This is the point in the blog where most moms would say something like “baby girl, don’t ever change.” But, if growing up eventually means sleeping in past 5:30 am, then we’ll embrace it.

Favorite Things: Skiing

Late February:

School Dad to another school mom and me: “What are you doing for the long weekend?”

Other Mom and me: “What long weekend?”

Oh that’s right - International Women’s Day y’all!

The state of Berlin has the fewest number of public holidays at 10, Bavarian having the most at 12. As such, the state of Berlin started celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2020 as a public holiday. The catch was that March 8th fell on a Sunday that year, so it wasn’t really a day off. Germany doesn’t move holidays if they fall on a weekend. So yes, Christmas and St. Stephens Day falling on Saturday and Sunday in 2021 was a super big bust for people wanting paid time off. But, hey, Paul’s company did increase vacation days from 25 to 30, so it’s all good around here. Also, when a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, the school will often take a “Bridge Day” to make it a four day weekend. So, this year we got a four day weekend in March.

In general, we usually have a “four night minimum rule”. What is the four night minimum you ask?

It started long ago on our very first road trip:

Crosby meeting his middle name sake for the first time.

Over that long weekend we stayed in three different locations, each for one night. When kids are little, one night here and then there is just too much work. With each subsequent kid, we’ve added another night. So, if we leave our house, in general, we shoot to stay for at least four nights.

But with skiing, we throw caution to the wind. We all like it so much that even a long train ride and three nights is worth it. And, we will also throw money down to not have to schlep our stuff around. In this case, we were so last minute that we literally only had one hotel option - one right across the street from the central train station in Garmisch.

I’m not totally sure what this quote means from the wall on our hotel in Garmisch. But in summary, Obama was here, and he was glad about it.

We heard great snow reports from our friends who went skiing during the winter holiday this year which usually falls around Crosby’s birthday. But many of the stories ended with families then quarantining for crossing borders. So, we decided to stay in Germany and go as high as possible to make sure we had snow. Also, we asked our babysitter extraordinaire to come help with the kids. We are big Kinderhotel fans, but with covid the risk/cost ratio isn’t in our favor. So, here’s the day by day of our epic last-minute adventure.

Friday: 

Send Crosby and Paul ahead to scout

This step wasn’t maybe entirely necessary, but I wasn’t entirely sure how easy it would be get set-up with ski school and skiing. But in any case, look how happy Crosby is to have time with Paul:

Because this trip was so short, I wanted to make sure we had a lay of the land before we had Gen to watch the kids on Sunday. Crosby proved himself to be a trooper on his trip to Phoenix and this train trip with Paul past midnight was no exception.

Saturday:

Gen has mad kid skills. 

We arrived in Garmisch in time for coffee and cake hour. Love Germany. We booked a half pension - breakfast and dinner was included. The cake hour was just an added perk.

Paul took the little rascals to the pool, and managed to return with three of them, while I went to get my ski rental.

Wet suit + furry slippers = ready to swim

Sunday = The longest kid free time Paul and I have had together in 2.5 years

I don’t really know how this is possible, but lift tickets cost 50 Euros, $60 for the day. I can’t compare ski school pricing however. 

The top of the Zugspitz has a place to rent some very professional looking sleds to go down full separate sled runs that weave across the ski runs. I don’t know if this is just a Zugspitz thing, but it looked like fun.

And Gen managed to keep all these crazy people happy:

These little had donuts and then Crosby sled while Carmen napped. 

Hugo wanted to go skiing right when we got off the train. He was a happy ski school kid.

Paul and I went out to dinner for some classic German food and stumbled upon some local Gems.

Meat vending machine: we’re not in Berlin anymore.

Monday:

Gen got on the train back to Berlin and Paul took the boys skiing while Carmen and I got some hanging out and swimming.

The big surprise of the trip was how much Crosby loved skiing. He opted to sled with Gen on Sunday instead of skiing, but on Monday he was all business. After his private lesson with Hugo, he did laps on the ski obstacle course.

Tuesday: 

Train back to Berlin and Crosby kicks off a round of the stomach flu.

Our next ski trip will likely be the first week in February of 2023 in the Czech Republic. It’s a bit of a gamble because its not as high but it’s closer and cheaper. Also, so you aren’t too jealous, we’ll likely need to rent a car. Train travel outside of Germany isn’t as easy to come by. We’ll have three little kids in ski school. Start emotionally preparing yourself now for the photo cuteness.