Wir sind angekommen.

Departing from the Bay Area, we had:

• 2 adults
  
• 3 kids
  
• 10 checked bags of luggage
  
• 1 checked booster seat
  
• 1 dog crate with labradoodle
  
• 2 carry on rolling suitcases
  
• 2 backpacks
  
• 3 laptop bags
  
• 1 tote bag
  
• and many explanations of "We're moving – we don't normally pack this way!"
  

  
   

We said our tearful goodbyes to parents/grandparents and had a smooth shuttle ride to the airport – patting ourselves on the back that we fit in one van, until the driver mentioned that he needed a commercial license to haul our lot. We were just thankful that the steering column worked given our recent experience with Super Shuttle. At the airport, we managed to get the luggage inside with the use of just 4 luggage carts (2 bags were wheeled separately). We checked in as quickly as you can with 11 bags to check, 1 crate, and a dog. Since it did take just a few minutes to process (not helped by the missing mileage numbers in the system), we got just a few stares from the business class patrons waiting to check in behind us. I'm sure the stares were accompanied by quiet prayers that they weren't on our flight.

 

We were given 45 minutes to spend with Lucky, and told we could walk her around. In an efficient attempt to wear out both the dog and the children, we sent them all outside the airport to pace in front of the check in area. Their mapped route consisted of one spin around the revolving door, a short walk to the next revolving door, another spin, and a return to the first revolving door. Repeat 50 times. Apparently, it was just a wee bit entertaining, as we noticed a few Japanese businessmen taking pictures of the site. Alas it was time to take Lucky to the "oversized baggage" check in area where her crate was searched. Lucky was calm throughout the process, unlike the rather large, continuously barking dog who we prayed wasn't destined for the same flight as Lucky. Even the TSA guy commented that the dog would make the flight miserable for all the other dogs. There were 4 dogs slated for our flight.

 

Next stop was the business class lounge. I'm sure they were thrilled to see us walk in with the kids, raid the soda and cracker station, and boot up Skype. John calmly explained to C.J. that he wouldn't be able to get free internet service, but C.J. figured out a way. I think Macs make it easier, as I have never gotten a connection on my PC. Just another reason to go with Mac. John brought back 2 margaritas which helped with the comments. Instead of glares at the kids, people said, "I didn't know they'd make margaritas for you!" See how helpful we are?

 

On to the boarding gate. The kids were on great behavior, but it didn't stop the people behind us to ask "Do you know this is the First/Business Class line?" We smiled and said, "Sure do!" I'm sure they prayed we were far away. We quickly found our seats and settled. C.J. and Brendan sat by the windows, John, Abbie and I were in the middle. We all had the bulkhead seats, so there was lots of room. The downside – the darn family next to us with a baby who cried throughout the take-off process. Abbie progressed from asking, "Was I like that?" to "Could you help me put in these earplugs?" I cheerfully said to John, "I doubt anyone is worried about our 3 anymore!"

 

Small problem. C.J.'s headphones didn't work. The flight attendant swapped them out 6 times before she got a working pair. I'm pretty sure he got extra attention for being a kid. John or I would have been told to suck it up and read a book. The boys each watched one movie. Abbie watched the Hanna Montana movie twice. John watched an alien movie, and I got to see some chick flicks – Confessions of a Shopaholic and 17 Again. Okay, 17 Again wasn't a chick flick, but it was funny. 2 out of 3 kids got kids meals. Not sure what happened with the 3^rd kid. I guess that request got filed with our mileage numbers. After eating and movie time, all 3 kids went to sleep and did John and I. We had to wake Abbie for pancakes, knowing that she would be furious about missing a meal. Brendan was allowed to sleep until we landed. Ha! Take that worried business class travelers – you barely noticed our brood. The crying baby did eventually stop and actually slept most of the trip.

 

We arrived in Frankfort to terrorize another Business Class lounge. This time, they had a jar of german candy and I spent my time digging through it, picking out the favored gummy bears. The kids loaded up on soda, and C.J. complained that there was no place to charge his dying laptop. Guess he didn't sleep the whole time John and I did afterall.

 

Second flight was short and easy. C.J. and John both saw Lucky get loaded, so we knew that all would be good. No one sat next to each other, but all survived.

 

We landed in Zurich and quickly retrieved our luggage and went on to pick up the dog. This time we used 5 luggage carts since the price was right. (SFO at $4 a cart is ridiculous!) Lucky was happy to see us, but a bit disgruntled over the 3 meowing cats she had with her on the second leg of the flight. She didn't comment about the barking dog, so we don't know if it was on the first leg or not. We presented Lucky's papers, paid the entrance tax, and rushed her outside to a nice patch of weeds so that she could do her business. We had 2 shuttle vans for us and the luggage. Lucky was thrilled to be reunited with us and laid at our feet.

 

Hauling the luggage up to the 3^rd floor temporary apartment was fun. One shuttle driver had a bad hip, so John got quite the workout. I did my share – especially considering I'm still not supposed to be lifting anything over 20 pounds.

 

The kids fought over room allocations. We knew all was normal in the universe. Lucky got another walk, and we picked up some essentials from the store (milk, yogurt, Frosted Flakes, soda, chips).

 

We went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. John really outdid himself trying to make the day nice for my birthday. I got champagne, a rose, and a "First Class" toiletry bag delivered on the flight. There were roses waiting for in the temporary apartment. He had given me a Kindle before we left the States, but he followed it up with a purse and wallet at dinner. After dinner, the waiters brought me a brownie complete with sparklers.

 

Pictures to follow as everyone is asleep and I'm thinking that I should join them.