We (and our luggage) made it safely to Munich yesterday morning after a comfortable flight on Lufthansa. Lana's mother Gabi and best friend Susi picked us up at the airport...the first time they had seen Lilli. It was good to see them both again. After arriving back at Gabi's apartment, we all took a four hour nap to help with the jet lag.
Today was a great spring day in Munich to start our time off between assignments, so we spent the time outside around the city. Lana and I have missed Europe a lot, sometimes I think I more than she. We walked through Englischer Garten, had a good lunch, and eventually made our way to Marienplatz (the center of Munich). Liam and Lilli did well too, taking turns napping in the stroller as we walked around...I wish they could remember all the sites! It's a good thing I married a German so that we'll have plenty of chances to see it all again.
We'll be in Munich until the weekend and then make our way to Chieming near Lake Chiemsee where Lana's grandparents are living...another great place in Bavaria. Here's to Germany!
Today I flew my last flight here at Shaw AFB. This was my third fini flight (Aviano fini / Kunsan fini). Seems just like the other day Lana and I drove in the front gate, the two of us, and now we're departing for Germany as a family of four! It's tradition that the squadron pilots wrestle those flying their fini flight to the ground, duck tape their hands and feet, and then spray them with water. Lana, Liam, and Lilli were there as well to celebrate a great assignment here in South Carolina.
Tomorrow Lana and I will put our final cleaning touches on the house (renters move in on Monday) and I have some outprocessing appointments to attend before leaving next week. Next Monday I have my final out appointment where I finalize all the departure paperwork...Tuesday we're on a Lufthansa flight, flying business class to Munich! Before that day arrives, our dinner plans are booked each night with friends as we say one last goodbye. Thanks to all those who make this assignment a good one...fly safe, check six!
Since Lilli was born and because we're leaving for Germany soon, most of my family has been able to make it down for a quick trip. It's been great seeing everyone and look forward to hopefully having them visit Europe!
Two weeks ago we sold Lana's car and this past Friday we took our BMW to the Charleston port for shipment to Germany. Thanks to our neighbors and friends from church for letting us borrow their cars! Since we were already at the coast, we decided to make a short holiday out of it and spend a couple days in Hilton Head, SC. It was our first trip as a family of four and an enjoyable time.
While there we rented bikes for a ride on the hard sandy beach, had great food, and enjoyed relaxing by the pool (until storms arrived). This was our last trip in the USA for a few years while we're living in Germany. We move to Germany in only two short weeks!
