Another Itinerary Change?

Seems like our itinerary will never be final!  Just this weekend I received a message back from Monika, our second au pair, who lives in northern Germany.  I had planned on making a day visit to Monika knowing that she had a baby and would probably be so busy that she wouldn't have much time to spend with us.  I also didn't want to add extra stress to her life -- I know what it's like to entertain with young kids running around!  Not easy.

So, I sent Monika a quick note letting her know of our plans to drive through her town on Monday, August 2 enroute from Luedinghausen (Eva) to Braunschweig (Johanna Finke).  Well, Monika quickly wrote back -- and sent photos of her five-month-old twin boys (!) and her two year old.  WOW.  I thought she was busy with one! (Needless to say, Monika and I hadn't been in touch for the last, well....14 or 15 months!)

Monika and Mirko's children: Julian (2) with Jonas and Max (5 1/2 months).

Max and Jonas

                                                                                

Julian with his Santa hat!

But, Monika amazed me and offered to house us for a few days.  When I told her it may be best if we just come for the day, she was so disappointed.  She explained that we wouldn't really have time to talk and catch up until after her kids were tucked into bed at night (rightly, as I recall those days with young children), and that it would be so nice if we could all stay for at least one night.  She also wants me to meet her husband (who was her boyfriend while she lived with me in 2002).

Monika's reaction reminded me about what this trip is all about....it's not about the sightseeing (although that will be fun); it's about reconnecting with a group of VERY special people.  My big problem is that we can't add days to our trip, so I need to rearrange the schedule a bit.  I've decided to contact Eva and explain the situation and hope she understands that we'll leave her home a day earlier than planned to spend the night with Monika and Mirko.  We owe it to ourselves and we owe it to Monika to spend a bit more time with her.

So....the schedule will change once again.....for the better, I think.  Can't wait to spend time with Monika's children.