Na das ist doch schon mal was.

August 8/Monday was a very long day of work. Two was sick, so he had to stay home with me. HD also left the day before for a work trip, so it was just HM and I. Two and I hung out and watched the Olympics in the morning. Lately he's been really wanting to watch tv when he's left at home, whereas before he'd rather have played in his room. I think it has to do with his age. His concentration is improving the older he gets. I put him down for a nap shortly before 1pm, and HM got home about 15 minutes later. She wanted to give me a break since she needed me to work until 8pm and she didn't want me working from 7am to 8pm. I took the opportunity to relax and take a nap. HM's mom, Oma, arrived that evening as well. Originally, HM and HD were both supposed to be out of town Monday through Thursday and Oma and I would stay with the kids. For whatever reason, HM's trip was cancelled, but Oma came anyways. HM dropped One off with me and left with Oma and Two for swim class. One and I went an hour later. I dropped One off with HM and picked up Oma and Two. I brought them both home, got Two ready for bed, and then I was finished working. I got ready and headed into town. I had an appointment to meet someone about an apartment. The apartment viewing went well, though I ended up not getting it. I went to see Fiona when I was finished, but I just stayed long enough to chat for a few minutes. I was home by 11pm.

Tuesday was busy. I worked an hour in the morning to get everyone out the door. Oma went with HM and the kids to Erlangen. She spend the day hanging out and shopping in Erlangen. I got showered and went to the Ausländerwesen (foreigners office) to ask some questions. Back in July I applied online for an extension on my visa. Last Friday I got a letter in the mail with a list of things I needed to bring to the foreigners office for the extension. I had a couple of questions about what I needed, so I went to ask. On my way there, a girl stopped me in the subway to ask me about her subway ticket. I didn't end up waiting too long at the office, thankfully. I was interested to see that they had added a new level of security. Everyone going into the foriegners office had their bag checked. It's not surprising given what has been happening in Germany lately, but it was still interesting. There wasn't that level of security when I first got to Germany. I had to race home to get my hair cut. When that was finished, I made my way back into and went to AOK, the public health insurance company. I have to have proof of health insurance before I can apply for the visa extension. I came home, yet again, and took a nap. I lazed around the house for a bit before I got ready in the evening. I went for dinner and drinks with Johnny and Fiona. We tried a new German restaurant up near the castle. We were all pleased with our meals. I didn't stay out long and was home by 11pm

Wednesday was less action packed. I worked an hour in the morning, got ready, and then went into town. I needed to get some stuff done at the bank. I came home afterwards and lazed around the house until it was time to work. HM got back with the kids about her usual time. I watched the kids while HM packed for their vacation. HP and the kids leave Saturday morning for their summer vacation. We all ate dinner and watched the Olympics together. When it was time for the boys to go to sleep, I was done working. I spent the evening at home.

Thursday morning I got to sleep in! It was Oma's last day here. I still had to get up early to go to the Ausländerwesen. I had yet more questions to ask before I could turn in all my paperwork. As I was waiting for the subway, a guy asked me when the next subway car was coming. Yet again, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to get my questions answered. I went to AOK yet again and turned in my application for health care. It was nice to finally get one thing taken care of. I again went to the bank. I was finally able to head home around noon. As I was waiting on the platform, a guy came up to me and asked if the train was stopping at a certain stop. I ate lunch at home and relaxed for a little before I had to drive Oma to the bus stop. I said goodbye to her, as it's the last time I'd see her as the au pair. She was sweet and wished me all the best, and said hopefully she'd see me again. I went for a run when I got home. It was beautiful weather outside, perfect running weather actually. I hung around the house in the afternoon, taking care of some chores while I waited for everyone to get home.  HM dropped the kids off with me and then left immediately for Munich. HD got home from his business trip soon afterwards. The boys were really excited to see him. I hung out with the kids while HD got settled in. We all ate dinner together and HD asked about my visa extension drama. I got the kids ready for bed and then was finished working for the night. I was sitting in my room, typing away on my computer. I opened some gummy bears to eat. One heard the wrapper and marched into my room. He demanded to know what I was eating and wanted some. I refused, of course, but he lingered anyways. He ended up hanging out in my room with me for awhile and we had a little pillow fight. Two joined in on the fun as well. It was an adorable moment. I stayed at home for the night, getting into bed early.