Cold Friday.

Brycen and his orange juice. It doesn't matter if we fly on three planes a day, he always orders orange juice and would live purely off of it if we let him.

So, I'm a wimp and today was definitely colder than I would like. Cloudy, windy, low 60s. I froze. And I also wasn't sure if it would start raining... so the zoo will be another day. Instead, I wanted to do the things on my list that were indoors. Such as the Berlin Wall Museum that we came across last Sunday at 5:30pm when it is only open Friday-Sunday until 5. And Parliament. Everywhere I read said that the Parliament Dome was open to all and provided a spectacular view.

Brycen's favorite walk, right by the water.

Well, let me just say again that it's a good thing we have some days to spare here because the museum was closed due to some lovely construction and Parliament is apparently only by appointment now that you have to make at least three days in advance.

This monument is for one of Bryce's roommates in college, Bismarck, who was also in our Freshman ward at BYU.

So, as back-up plans, we climbed this:

Which I didn't even know was possible until a friend from Indiana (thank you!) recommended it. And we loved it!

It's the Siegessaule or victory column. If Hitler hadn't had it moved during his time as Chancellor of Germany, it probably would've been destroyed during WWII.

It includes roughly 300 stairs (I counted on the way down) to the top. Which I decided was not an every day activity I wanted to do carrying two kiddos (or front pack) and a backpack. Luckily, Brycen was able (and willingly) to climb at least half of them on the way up and probably 90% on the way down.

I have also decided that Bryce and my dad would get along great if he were here. They read ALL the boring signs and take forever. I think one day alone touring with Brycen might change it though. I have learned a long time ago that you have enough time to look at the pictures and skim for the important/interesting things (especially if there are alot of signs) because you never know exactly how long your child will give you before they are either hungry, tired, need a nap, or just need to keep moving. So Daddy was still in room number 3 (of 10) of the museum when we were done and so we started the climb up without him.

Brycen was even kind enough to mess his diaper right before climbing (no restroom I saw), giving all those behind us some fresh air. haha. Also right as we started climbing, another tourist and her daughter were trying to decide whether or not they would attempt to make it to the top but then they saw Brycen start...and followed. I remember seeing them at the top.
Do you see the Radio Tower out there? I also love the big Tiergarden (all the trees). So many trees. Some time this week, I read that at one point (1940? maybe 1950?), they cut down every tree in the Tiergarden for firewood.
I've also decided (big decision day for me, haha) that Brycen is awesome. Such a good trooper. So easy going. We were out the entire day today and he did absolutely perfect.

Waiting for Daddy...

And look who shows up!

This artwork is towards the bottom.

I couldn't even imagine how long it took to do this:

From a picture in the museum. Lots of people! Annually concerts and celebrations are held here every year and represents the unification of the German people.

After climbing back down, we had a much needed apple eating break and then changed Brycen's diaper on a bench in the park (hey, bathrooms are hard to come by and we didn't want to make anyone pass out on the bus) before taking Daddy to Mommy's memorial church.

See, doesn't it look like just another office building to you too?

Right before going to the church though, I used a public restroom for the first time here. With being pregnant and having Brycen by myself during the week, I have always feared not being able to find a restroom or if I did, what conditions that would be in. So, I always make sure I go before I leave the apartment and it normally works just perfect by the time we come back from naptime, I usually have to go again.

Well, since we spent most the day out today, I had to go and so when the sign said it costs 50 cents (in Euro) to use the restroom--Bryce was wondering if it would be worth it but I was sold. I was at the point that I would've been willing to pay alot more, if need be.

I must say, I was the only one in it and definitely the cleanest bathroom I have been to in awhile. I made sure to get my money's worth though; took my time and washed my hands at least three times. After changing a messy diaper in the park...it was mentally and physically needed.

Favorite moment of the day:

Brycen shared some of his cookies with Daddy and after giving him his first one, he said: "Yummy, huh?" Haha!

Observations for the day:

1. I always get a kick out of watching people wait 10+ minutes for a bus or subway just to get on for less than a minute and then get off at the very next stop (usually no more than a few blocks)..a distance they could've walked in those 10 minutes of waiting.

2. Like in most cities, there are always people trying to make money on the street by either begging or doing something else. I saw a young group of boys the other day washing people's widows at stop lights and then asking for donations. It's also common for a lot of musicians to ride the subway back and forth and play (which I think is way smart). People are in a confined area and forced to listen and like Bryce pointed out today, the music can add a lot to the ride and is kinda nice. Takes away any awkward silence, for sure. I have been impressed with how well some people play too.

We also came across a musician that played his saxophone at the beginning (or end, depending on how you look at it) of a tunnel so no matter where people are walking, they hear you and can tip you by the time they walk by. I'm impressed by how creative people are and I always enjoy seeing people work for the money they receive.

Another common thing is for people to search for empty plastic bottles. Hey, for the 25 cents you get for every return at the recycling machine...I don't blame them! I look forward to recycling my water bottle I bought here (to have two, always one in the fridge) once I'm done with it, definitely beats the 5-10 cents you get in the U.S!

I was kinda turned off by a lady yesterday though. She came by and asked everyone at the Berlin Wall Memorial if they spoke English. If they did, she would then give them a piece of paper to read about her daughter that is in the hospital and in much need of money. I had given our money bag of Euros to Bryce that morning for work and so I honestly, had nothing to give and she refused to believe me. It rubbed me wrong when she said, "C'mon. 50 cents".

I then saw her later, sitting behind a sign with her friend eating a big Burger King meal. I have no idea if she is really in need or not but it did make me wonder for a moment. And it makes me grateful for the church. I rather donate and be comforted in knowing that those that know which people are truly in need will give our money accordingly.

Wearing Daddy's coat.

We are in the process of packing to move apartments tomorrow. We found one online (and isn't too far away) that offers A/C, soundproof windows, laundry, and breakfast in the morning for roughly the same price we are paying now. We will definitely miss our balcony and bathroom (the current bathroom is about the size of how half of our old apartment in Indiana). We have loved the huge tub. It will be missed but we are looking forward to much needed sleep, away from the trains and street noise we hear all night because our windows are open to keep the temperature relatively sleep-able.

Hopefully it will be all we hope...and might alter the blogging schedule depending on the quality of sleep. :)

P.S. On a pregnancy side-note, I wore my first pair (ever!) of pregnancy bottoms today and it was heavenly. It was more out of the need to do laundry but I was so glad I did! So nice to not have my pants buttons dig into my tummy when I bend over and sit.

I never found ones that fit right with Brycen so I loved that my friend-who is roughly the same size-let me borrow hers!