Frankfurt Layover

Despite the fact that none of us got more than 2 hours of sleep on our flight, Team Bordner energy levels were pretty good. The zoo was great because it kept us on our feet and map master (self-declared) Reese kept us moving at a steady pace. For the most part, the Germany zoo was not much different from an American zoo, but we did see some great animal exhibits and some lively animals. One difference we did notice was the number of each animal they had per exhibit. The monkeys in particular seemed to be running in large numbers and we quickly learned why—they were very affectionate with one another and we stayed just long enough to take in all the different groups but not long enough that we had to worry about having a birds and the bees talk at the Frankfurt Zoo.

Now masters of the Frankfurt subway, we quickly made it back to the airport and were through security with time for a bite to eat before our flight to Verona. The girls were having none of it and used the 2 hours to get a nap in. At times we tried to wake them up to eat or walk from one spot to another but that went over like the suggestion to clean a room or eat a vegetable. They had hit their wall and took great naps. All four of us managed to shut our eyes for a few minutes here and there and eventually we were on our way to Aunt Penny in Verona. The girls did great on the flight and last leg of the trip to our final destination and the official start of our big trip.

Aunt Penny picked us up at the Verona airport and drove us to her home where we ate, showered and got a great night's sleep. The blackout blinds enabled good and long sleep and we now feel ready for the trip!

 The Frankfurt Zoo was a great layover stop as the girls loved seeing animals, especially the stuffed ones in the gift shop!

 We bought our first apple in Europe hoping to see that it had come from Washington. But instead, it was a pink lady from New Zealand. It was pretty good, but obviously they are missing out by not having NCW apples.

 The playground at the zoo kept the girls active and happy. But when we sat down to watch we were reminded of how tired we really were. Keep moving if you want to stay awake!

 The underwater viewing of the seals was the girls favorite stop at the zoo.

We didn't get to see much of Frankfurt, but we did see this quaint little fountain and old city block.

 As soon as we stopped moving the girls were out for the count.

Kendall is a solid sleeper and she was virtually unresponsive during this 90 minute nap. Reese also got a great nap, but at one point she was deliriously giddy and silly while seemingly still asleep.