Our flight was delayed over 4 hours in Cologne (because the plane we were to fly on was that late) and then we circled Newark until we got low on fuel so had to land at Stewart AFB, finally took off from there around 6:45 pm EDT and ended up in Newark at 7:30 pm, got through customs after needing to ditch a cucumber that made it along as a stowaway and then home by 11:30 pm. A long day for sure.

We were lucky to have a Thrifty car rental agent that left us know our flight was delayed. She suggested we head to a park along the Rhine river across from Cologne. It was a great place for the boys to run and play and burn off some energy before the long sitting time.

Then when we arrived at the airport, there was no one in the Continental baggage check-in line at all! We just went right through and had all 4 Continental agents helping us along. Got 60 euros of eating vouchers because of the delay and had another meal. On the plane, we had another two meals - so I'm not actually sure how many times we ate yesterday. Now it is back to normal life again - hardly seems possible.

Nic and Ian conquor the playground climing device - whatever you call it.

The Cologne cathedral looks imposing even from this far away across the Rhine.

Gardens in the Rhine Park.

Watching the airport folks getting our plane ready for flight.