Arrival in Zurich

We made it to Zurich.  The kids were great on the plane- even had a few compliments from nearby travelers.  Getting through Chicago proved to be difficult with our heavy carry-on bags and the stroller.  We got separated from Travis when he went on an elevator and we took the escalator (Elisabet commented "we've never been separated from Daddy before").  It took us 30 minutes to reconnect and we had just enough time to get through the international security gates and to our Swiss Air flight.  The personal remote controls and in-seat movies kept the kids happy while we waited for dinner.... which wasn't served until 8:30 pm.  Elisabet watched one more thing after she ate and then promptly went to sleep (yay!).  Leif and Hanna took a little while to get comfortable but eventually slept as well.  It's not much sleep though, and they had to pry their eyes open when the plane landed in Zurich.  We only found 8 bags waiting for us in baggage claim.  This may have been a good thing, however because we filled the VW van completely with what we did have.  A resident from the vet school picked us up- as well as helped us lug all the baggage up 2 flights of stairs to our apartment.  It's quite roomy and has 2 spiral staircases, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a small kitchen.  Also in the warmer weather we will be able to enjoy a roof-top terrace.  There is snow on the ground and it's colder than I expected.  Not Minnesota cold, but definitely winter.  Right now it is foggy in Zurich, so we cannot see the mountains.  Above 1000m it is sunny and beautiful.  Maybe tomorrow we will take a train to see them.  Today we spent going shopping (all stores are closed on Sundays) and I was able to take a bus to IKEA and rent a van to bring back 3 beds and mattresses.  It was an adventure for me because I wasn't exactly sure of how to get back to our apartment, and I was driving a fairly large Ford work van.  We were grateful that the property manager noticed us carrying things in and opened up a special "driveway" so I could get closer to the apartment. The boxes were heavy enough just getting them up the stairs.  Now we just have to put them together!  Everyone is now in bed (Elisabet keeps falling asleep randomly, but is happy enough despite the jet lag).  Hanna claims she is totally adjusted- despite being up for 2 hours in the middle of the night.  Leif looked pale all day, but at least slept the whole night through.  One funny comment from Elisabet was "I notice there are a lot of people speaking German here" after we had been to the mall.  Our location seems quite good.  Hanna's school is across the field from our apartment, the mall which has lots of food shopping and other things is within walking distance, and the Tierspital (Vet School) is a few tram stops away.  More tomorrow.....