Last week Jason and I packed our suitcases and our baby and hopped on the New Jersey transit to meet Klaus and Jonas at Newark airport. Klaus had taken the train from Baltimore, and Jonas came on a connecting flight from Denver, and together the four of us escorted Liam on his first international plane trip. We boarded the plane and took our seats and quickly learned that there were incredible tail winds and that the trip would take much less time than usual. This would have been good news except it meant that to make our arrival time (arriving too early in Frankfurt would mean no gate), we had to wait at Newark for an hour before taking off. Liam did not enjoy sitting in our shared seat and waiting, and cried loudly for most of the delay. However, once we took off he fell asleep and slept for majority of the rest of the flight. And miraculously he showed no signs of the pressure change from either the take off or the landing bothering his ears.
When we arrived in Germany we picked up our rented car and car seat and made our way to Heidenheim where we would quickly change clothes at Omi’s house and then head to Opa Karl’s birthday party. Liam also slept for most of the three hour car trip, but was not happy when he woke up. He continued to cry when we arrived at Omi’s, so Jason and Jonas headed to Opa’s party, while Klaus waited behind with me. When Liam finally calmed down, I was able to change and get ready, and then we too went to the party.
Opa Karl had turned 80 earlier that week and was now celebrating with dinner, cake, and 45 family members at a local restaurant. When we arrived everyone was eager to meet Liam, who was totally disoriented, sleep deprived, and clingy. I had to hold him for most of the party, but he tolerated the numerous new faces who came over to greet him and even took a couple short naps despite the noise. The only person who Liam was happy with - besides his mama - was Charlotte. It seemed they had an immediate bond as he nuzzled into her scarf. She entertained him allowing me to enjoy my dessert. The food was amazing, there were nice toasts and presentations in Opa’s honor, and Opa seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit. Despite feeling like I was sleep walking (since I hadn’t slept much on the plane), I had a really great time at the party and was happy to show Liam (and Jason who hadn’t been to Germany in a while) off.
Opa Karl had turned 80 earlier that week and was now celebrating with dinner, cake, and 45 family members at a local restaurant. When we arrived everyone was eager to meet Liam, who was totally disoriented, sleep deprived, and clingy. I had to hold him for most of the party, but he tolerated the numerous new faces who came over to greet him and even took a couple short naps despite the noise. The only person who Liam was happy with - besides his mama - was Charlotte. It seemed they had an immediate bond as he nuzzled into her scarf. She entertained him allowing me to enjoy my dessert. The food was amazing, there were nice toasts and presentations in Opa’s honor, and Opa seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit. Despite feeling like I was sleep walking (since I hadn’t slept much on the plane), I had a really great time at the party and was happy to show Liam (and Jason who hadn’t been to Germany in a while) off.
Liam napping during the party.
Liam loving on Charlotte (my cousin).
Liam and the birthday boy... Opa Karl!
We spent the next few days at Omi’s house and Liam met Bodo, Walle, Leonie, and Martin. Liam had recovered from the day before and was delightful and happy as our big group headed out for lunch. Leonie has been a huge Liam fan since the day he was born (sending sweet emails and asking for updates) and it turned out that Liam was an equally big fan of Leonie. She entertained him quite a bit at the restaurant allowing Jason and I time to eat.
Liam and Omi at breakfast.
Opa Hans and Liam.
A champagne toast with Bodo (my uncle), Walle (my aunt), Leonie (my cousin), Martin (Leo's husband), Jonas, Klaus, Jason, Omi, and Opa Hans.
Liam, Leonie, and yes, that's Obama. (Finally, we don't have to travel as Canadians!)
After spending three days at Omi’s (mostly stuffing our faces with delicious food), Jonas left to fly back to Denver for work, and Jason, Liam, and I packed our suitcases and headed to Opa Karl’s house. With Opa and Tante Anneliese (Oma’s sister) we went shopping in downtown Heidenheim, visited the “Hütte” (cottage), and stuffed our faces some more.
Tante Anneliese, Jonas, Opa Karl, Liam and Me.
Downtown Heidenheim.
At the end of the week we had a farewell dinner at Omi’s (where Liam also met Wolfram) and then headed to Beate’s house in Frankfurt for the last night. There we got the grand tour of Beate and Manuel’s new and recently renovated house (which is amazing) and Liam was reunited with Charlotte.
Wolfram (Omi and Opa's "adopted" son) and Liam at Omi's.
Beate (my Aunt) and Liam.
Walking in the vineyards behind Beate's house.
Liam could spot mountains in France from the top of the hill.
Manuel (my uncle) and Liam "Mozart" Hetzner
The week flew by as usual, but the trip overall was a huge success. Aside from a few rough car experiences, Liam proved to be a good little traveler. Even though he is a high energy kid and needs quite a bit of attention, he’s very social and adapts well to new situations. Plus, Jonas, Klaus, Jason and I were a pro traveling team. Jason was a dream husband/father/travel companion as usual. He spent lots of time with Liam since he’s normally at work and misses being with him throughout the day. Jason was also a trooper through all the German speaking (much of which he doesn’t understand) and the overload of family time. It was also nice that Liam was able to spend quality time with Uncle Jonas and Opa Klaus since they don’t see him much. By the end of the trip he was definitely loving his Opa Klaus. On the flight home I brought him to the back of the plane where Klaus was sitting (to hand him off for a little break!) and he gave Klaus a huge smile as I passed him over the other passengers onto Klaus’s lap.Since Liam did such a good job on this trip, I came home and booked his next travel experience right away. Next up: San Diego to visit Aunt Vera and Uncle Chas!
Happy Liam after sleeping in his crib at night for the first time! (Happy mom behind the camera). 
