Weekend Recap: John Deere Expat Dinner & first trip to the ER

What a weekend!!!

*Friday: The girls and I went swimming at our favorite indoor aquatic center- the Aquadrom.  The girls and I had fun using the outdoor “steam pool” that even included a waterfall we could swim behind (it was 65 degrees outside).  The girls giggled at all the bubbles the waterfall would create!

*Saturday AM: I had my first German haircut and hair color.  To provide you with a quick summary of this event, “MISS COMMUNICATION!”  At one point, I was texting Matt telling him I was about ready to start crying.  BUT with hair, I always keep it in perspective because it is hair.  It will grow back.  I think I confused the ladies when I started talking about high lights and low lights and demonstrating how I only wanted a trim.  It is OK- just too short (or at least considering the fact that I was/am trying to grow it out) and too dark.

Saturday PM: We had our first John Deere Expat dinner.  Our entire family had A LOT of fun meeting so many new families.  There were close to 50 adults there and 40+ children.  The only time we saw Elle was when it was time to eat.  Otherwise, she was running around the Forum with all of the other children.  Britta had a lot of fun too.  Often I would see young teenage girls carrying her around; she appeared to be having a good time and enjoying all of the attention from the older girls.

Inside the John Deere Forum in Mannheim

The girls taking a picture with Matt by the Tractor he has been a part of engineering and marketing for the last 3-years.  Now, following the Tractor to Europe and marketing it in the Region II Market.  I really think of it as his "third baby:)"!!

Britta and Elle in the Forum play room before the majority of other children arrive

Saturday LATE PM: We watched the ISU vs. IA game LIVE via Slingbox What is Slingbox?? Click here!.  Our friend Shane was VERY upset because he never dreamed the game would still be going on when he logged onto his Slingbox account, thus, he saw that the game was into double overtime AND the game score.  So, the only “new” part of the game for him was when the game went into its third overtime.  Regardless, we all had A LOT of fun watching the game—ESPECIALLY Matt, who was outnumbered 3 to 1, but still cheered just as loud as all 3 of us combined:)!! By the time the game got over, it was close to 2AM!!  Matt had a hard time going to sleep because he was so ecstatic that the Cyclones won!

Sunday AM: We UNFORTUNATELY learned how to visit the Emergency Room in Germany.  Elle and Britta were playing outside, and as usual, Britta was trying to keep up with her older sister and fell.  Surrounding our deck is a small flowerbed that has large rocks all around it.  Britta fell into one of the rocks, creating a large and deep cut on her forehead.  Matt was outside with the girls, and when he carried Britta inside the house I could have just fainted- but instead I went into “Mommy mode” and said, “load up, we need to head to the ER!”  Thankfully, I had been proactive and had all of the addresses and phone numbers we needed for this type of situation.  It took us approximately 30-minutes post the accident for Britta to actually receive some medical help.  She never lost consciousness, was never confused, and never sick to her stomach- but was in A LOT of pain.  Overall, our experience at the Emergency Room was positive; we were able to see the Doctor in a timely manner, everyone spoke “some” English and all of the professionals were pleasant.  At the end of the visit, the hospital required that Matt pay cash for Britta’s medical service. I will then submit the receipt to our healthcare provider; this is the same procedure of our Pediatrician too.  We are requested to pay cash and then submit the insurance claim ourselves.  This is just another difference from our medical practices in the States, to those here in Germany. Overall, Elle was very concerned about her little sister.  As soon as Matt brought Britta inside, Elle grabbed the Tylenol and band aids.  BUT, we did see her age come through while driving to the hospital.  While driving, Elle asked Matt if he had his wallet with some money. Initially, we thought good idea Elle since it is always good to have lots of cash on you in Germany since credit cards/debit cards are not always accepted.  Then, she followed up her first question with, “can we get ice cream when we are done getting Britta’s owie looked at?”  Matt and I just looked at each other, rolled our eyes and smiled.  It actually felt good to have a little “comic relief” in such a high stress moment.

Sunday PM: We watched “Tangled” and relaxed as a family.  We were so very thankful that Britta’s accident never really affected her overall demeanor (see pictures below).  She is such a strong little girl.  We feel so blessed to have two such great little girls!

We hope that each of you had a nice weekend too, but with no visits to the Emergency Room!!  And Cyclones, I hope you are enjoying what will probably be your last win of the season- j/k.

Britta's owie....but still smiling...

And still reading her books:)