1 Year!

We arrived one year ago today to our flat in Koln!  The past year has gone so quickly and we have done a lot of traveling and learned a lot.  What a difference a year can make!  It seems like a long time ago that we stepped off the plane and drove to our flat looking around seeing signs in German and carrying around our dictionary.  

Slowly,  but surely we adjusted and settled into our new lives here and have made this our new home.  We do miss the US but we are making the most of our time here and have figured out how to lead our daily lives.  We are always thankful for Anna, Martin and Rosi!  They are wonderful friends and have been helpful in teaching us about Germany and also assisting us in our adjustment.  We know that they will be lifelong friends.

It is also time that we keep chugging away on our list of things to do and see. We have done a good job this past year, but there is more to do in our time here.  We are excited for the next year and beyond to see where we will go and how we can make the most of our time in Europe.  Our calendar is quickly filling and we hope Will continues to be a good little traveler.

Things We Love about Germany!

1.  Our friends 

2.  Our landlord

3.  Our flat

4.  Will's pusher

5.  Health care

6.  Fresh Bread

7.  The local ice cream shop

8.  Walks

9.  The grocery store

10.  The Dom

11.  Our ability to travel

12.  Fresh Flowers

13.  The Euro

14.  Relaxing Sundays (no shopping)

15.  24 (we brought this from the US)

16.  Sion (a restaurant in the city center)

17.  Visitors from home

18.  German food

19.  Our little dishwasher (fill it & run it every day)

20.  The green outdoors

21.  Warmer winter (compared to Wisconsin)

22.  Long summer days

23.  Cheap flights around Europe (Germanwings & Tuifly)

24.  IKEA

25.  Those that are kind enough to speak English!

26.  Recycling

My List of Supplies that Lasted the Year!  My trip to Sam's Club with my dad has paid off.

1.  Toilet Paper (yes dad they do have TP in Germany)

2.  Mouth wash

3.  Popcorn (made by ConAgra Mr. Dunn)

4.  Toothpaste

5.  Shampoo & Conditioner

6.  Bars of Soap (we'll have enough for year 2 easy)

7.  Toothbrushes

8.  Tylenol & Ibuprofen (surprise Chad)

9.  Hot chocolate packets

10.  Paper towels

11.  Deodorant 

12.  Laundry detergent