Hugs and kisses from across the globe.

Parker broke his arm!!!

2011-09-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Swollen, at the hospital waiting to hear from the doc. 1 1/2 hours after he hurt it. You can see that even though he is injured he is still a goof ball!!!!!!

After surgery X-ray. He is no longer metal detector friendly.

In the hospital right after surgery. Who knew a broken arm can land you in the hospital for 2 days. At least they let me stay there with him over night.

The pin. I thought he was going to toss his cookies when he saw this.

So he fell at the park and really did a number on his little arm. He had to go in for surgery and have a pin put in. He will have the pin for 3-4 weeks and then he will get a cool cast that everyone can sign. Horrible horrible. I dont like it when my babies get hurt. He was vey brave though.

Family Photo's!!

2011-08-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

A quick hello

2011-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I know it has been awhile. We are busy!!!!!!!

Parker and Sarriah are enjoying their summer as much as they can while I am dragging them around. They have had a bunch of sleep overs and pool time. We have taken them to Munich twice and Grandma Laura was able to come spend some time with us. I have them writting short stories, reading and practicing math everyday and they hate it but I am hopeful that they will thank me sometime down the line. Sarriah has grow an inch this summer and her attitude has grown a mile!! Parker still out weights his sister and enjoys tormenting her daily. They are both the light of my life and I LOVE having them home for the summer.

Trav is now a company commander. For the most part I think he is really enjoying it. Awhile back he bought a Harley and has put a seat on it for me. We should be taking our first ride soon. Trav had hip surgery several months ago and is healing well. He still has some discomfort and his flexiblity is limited but he is making progress everyday. Pictures of eveything will be posted soon(hopefully). I am truely proud of him!!

I am now the Ansbach Spouses and Civilians Club President. I am very excited!! We will be giving back to our community in a huge way. I am busy busy busy but I have a great team to work with. Truely wonderdful ladies! I will also still be helping out with the PTSA and coaching this year so forgive me if my calls home become scarse.

Lovin life!!!!

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to the wonderful mothers in my life. Mom, Kar, Laura, Grandma Ogden, mama Margie. My life wouldnt be the same without you. You guys have helped shape me and make me into the person I am today. I owe you so much. I love you with my whole heart and I pray your mothers day is filled with things/people who make you smile. Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for loving me. I have been on top of the world and hit rock bottom but you guys have always been there for me. No thank you would ever be enough. I love you, I love you, I love you!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Love always,
Steffaney

New years

2011-01-02T06:15:00.001-08:00

Fireworks on our street

We celebrated with Leila and Carlos

Leila and I singing. We even got Parker to join in!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas

2011-01-02T06:14:00.001-08:00

The game room

New cloths

My little clown

Our tree

We had a wonderful Christmas. We were all together. What could be better?

Santa's reindeer left a mess with the carrots we left out and Santa forgot to close the window.

We stayed in our p.j.'s all day and watched movies.

It was heaven!!

We hope you all had a day as peaceful as ours.

A little help from my friends

2010-12-15T09:43:00.001-08:00

Shannon
Andrea

Around this time of year I look back on everything that has happened during the year. This was a crazy year for us. Trav was gone for more then half of it. During deployments you form a special bond with people around you. I had 2 very special people in my life that walked everystep of the way with me. Yes we had full support from family back home and I love them for it but I just wanted to give a special thanks to Shannon and Andrea. They kept me sane. I love you both!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!

orders

2010-12-15T09:42:00.001-08:00

We have orders to stay till 2013.

We are very happy. Trav will be amazing at his new job and we get a lot more time for traveling.

We love and miss you all back home but hey this gives you more time to come visit us so we can show you just what we have fallen in love with.

Gala

2010-12-15T09:39:00.003-08:00

2010 Military Gala

cheerleading

2010-12-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

Daddy and Parker watching the show
Cheer chat

Worlds cutest cheerleader

Happy birthday

2010-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

Opening gifts from Grandma :)

A whole lotta candles...........

Sarriah is now 10!!!!! I cant believe how fast time rushes by.

Happy Birthday Princess.

A weekend for us.

2010-11-15T06:21:00.001-08:00

We stopped at Dachau but....... it was closed!
The pool. We had to learn to swim without the kids.

Dumpfnudle

Hofbrau haus. Where the first Nazi meeting was held.

Marienplatz

A walk in the park

Our lunch at the china park.

The China house

Our hotel room

My friend Shannon took our kids for a weekend so Trav and I could get away together.

Munich!!!!!!!

It was wonderful to spend time just the 2 of us.

halloween 2010

2010-11-15T06:20:00.001-08:00

Shannon and I all dressed up.
Trav

Me and my kiddos.

Pumpkin carving.

wolfman.

Sarriah as Mortisha Adams.

We took the kids to haunted houses and trick or treating.

I am going to be so sad when they are to old for this stuff!!!!!!!

Welcome home BBQ

2010-09-11T10:06:00.001-07:00

boys playin cards

Me and my newest friend Waheeda

Novo and the Thompson's

foooooood!!

Trav wanted to have a BBQ with all his favorite friends.

So we filled our house with people and have a blast.

Welcome home guys!!!!

Let me explain.........................

2010-08-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have gotten way behind on my blogging. Over the next few days/weeks you will all be seeing a bunch of posts pop up. I need to get caught up so I can keep up with the rest of the year. So they will date back pretty far but you will kinda get a recap of what we did during the deployment. I promise to stay on top of it now that my life will slow down(I stayed soooooo busy while Trav was gone to keep from going insane). Love you all!!!

2 weeks in Spain

2010-08-28T06:03:00.003-07:00

Going to Morocco
Lots of beaches

Last summer we went to Spain!!!! Here (finally) are some of our photos. I will post more soon(ish)

WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!

2010-08-28T05:54:00.001-07:00

Finally home pic.

YAY!!!!!

I dont think they were excited to see him AT ALL!!!!!!

Waiting........

The kids made a bunch of posters.

Our hero is finally home safe and sound!!!!!!!

We are so happy to be under the same roof again and I feel as though he never left, WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!

We are on day 2 and doing great. I just cant tell you how happy we all are right now. :)

My darling daughter

2010-06-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful princess!!!! She is awesome!!!!!!!

fun day at rainbow

2010-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Kids had a blast at the end of the year fun day!!!!

Family photos 2010

2010-06-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

My angels

MY tough thinkers

Self explanitory

I love this one

Volvo

2010-06-07T10:17:00.001-07:00

So here she is............ isnt she pretty?

I am in love!!!!!!

Spouses combat day!!!!!!!!

2010-05-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

My muddy shoes.....

we are bad!!!!!!!!!!!

battle wound

one of the obsticles.........................

uniforms

the team
Battle force 5

Soooooo very much fun!!!!! I was so pleased to be a part of this again.

Spouses combat day 2010.

Count down begins

2010-05-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

Not much longer till my hubby will be here!!!!

I know its only 2 weeks but oh I cant wait!!!!!!!

guitar lessons!!!!

2010-04-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sarriah playing!

Adventure Quest

2010-04-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Our post puts on fest's for the kids a few times a year.

This was a fun one!!!!!!

betty banana

2010-04-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you meet a friend that you can be just plain ole silly with. Andrea is that friend!!! We found a banana in her car one day and being the silly ladies that we are we dressed it up and made it decor for her rear view mirror. We named her Betty!!!! It was just a silly day.

Baseball

2010-04-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

Sarriah has started baseball and she is loving it!!!! They won their first game. Sarriah hit the ball both times she was up to bat, whoop whoop!!!

This is Parker hating baseball!!!!

Hey number 19

Swing batta batta swing!!!

Chattin with coach Knigi

Sarriah and some of her team.

Easter

2010-04-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

We spent the day with Andrea, Wyatt, Andrea 3, Paola, and Michel.
BBQ gone wild!!

Parker

Sarriah

We drove to Abenburg for a quick visit. Beautiful town.

We missed daddy!!!!!

End of season wrestling party

2010-04-15T11:20:00.001-07:00

We met at the Speil oase jola. Its pretty much a huge indoor park where kids can go crazy. Not all of the boys were able to make it but we had fun.

We promised the boys before the last meet that anyone who won one match got to put a pie in my face, 2 matches they got to put a pie in Coach Samuels face, and 3 matches for Andrea.

I forgot the pie stuff so instead they put cupcakes in our face which turned into a huge food fight.

Coach Samuel and Tony gave the boys their medals. They told each boy individually what was great about them. It was really sweet!

Those of us that made it!!

Rollar skating....... or rollar falling?!

2010-03-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Parker was filthy by the time we left

My skates

Cool dude

Go Sarriah go!!!!

We went roller skating at the roller night on post.

We had a blast. We fell down alot, oh well memories right?!

Once you've wrestled.... everything else in life is easy...

2010-03-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

We had such a great season. I am so very proud of all the boys. Its amazing how you can love kids you work with even though they are not yours. I might not have showed them the moves but I let them practice on me, I sat in their corners and screamed until my voice was gone, and win or lose I felt proud of each one of them. Parker is stoked to do it again next year. He came along way. He might not be the toughest yet but he is working on it. Now that the season is over I am happy and sad at the same time. Happy to have my nights and weekends back but sad to think its done, all the people I have met, everything I learned, is in the past. I had so much fun playin coach!! So this post will be a big picture show. Enjoy.

Jen and Andrea in our awesome hospitality room!!

Warmin up with Coach John

Crazy coaches

Ansbach Cougers

Get loose P!

Bein silly

A special thanks to Tony and Coach Samuel for working so hard with the boys, you guys rock!!! A Thank you to coach John even though you quit, you tought the boys alot. Thanks to our deployed coaches for getting us started. Andrea 3.... you rock!!!!! Last but not least all the boys and their wonderful parents.

There are more pics to be added but for now this will do.....

Nurnberg zoo

2010-03-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

Kids watchin the dolphines

Sarriah posing, parker being tickled

Cute kiddos

Pretty tigers

I think this is a cool pics

We love zoo's. They never seem to get old. Sometimes I feel so bad for the animals but we have the best time when we go see them. I hope my kids never get to old to go to the zoo with me.

Here is a few shots from the Nurnberg Zoo.

Parker got baptized!!!!!

2010-01-31T22:39:00.001-08:00

Parker and his plate of cookies.

All of us together.

My bishop and his cute wife.

Pete, Su ah, and baby Michelle.

Parker and grandpa.

This is a little late......

Parker was baptised on Jan 31st by Grandpa Jack.

I love my dad!

2010-01-30T02:28:00.000-08:00

So he has been here 2 days and we have already done ALOT!!!!!!! I am just really enjoying having him here. Thanks again Kar!!!

Day 1..... picked him up from Frankfurt, gave him the grand tour of our place, Doners.... YUM!! Wrestling practice, watched Zacks wrestling video's and some old family videos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 2...... up early, drove to schloss neuschwanstein, took the tour, walked the shops below, drove through Austria to Garmisch, had a very yummy dinner, drove through Munich to get home. Dad and I stayed up and watched pathfinder, I couldnt hang I went to bed before he did.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 3....... we slept in!!!! It was great. We are headed to Nurnberg. We toured the castle walked the town and ate at this yummy restaurant before braving the snow in the drive home.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 4....... Went to church. Andrea came over for a quick lunch before heading off to the baptism. The baptism was really special. We had a great turn out. I am so happy my dad was able to come and baptize my lil man. Words just cant explain how proud I was!!!

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Day 5........ We wondered around Rothenberg, walked the wall. I almost fell on my butt every 5 mins because my boots have no traction. We had lunch at an Italian place in Ansbach. Picked the kids up from school, stopped by the store then headed home to have a family home evening. We watched Samuel the lamenite. Very good show.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 6...... we left at 7am to drive to the airport, we arrived at 9:40am. We had a hot coco and a donut. I was so sad to see my dad go. I enjoyed having him here!!!

My dad was so much fun. He talked to everyone he met, it was cool that the people here actually talked back. I miss you already dad!!

8 is great! Happy Birthday Parker.

2010-01-25T23:43:00.000-08:00

I cant believe my little man is 8!!!!! where did the time go?

Pics of P man through the years..... these are random!

Happy Birthday Parker.

My lil wrestler.

2010-01-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

Waiting................ lots of waiting.

Parker chillin with his team.

Our good friend Pete giving Parker a few pointers.

I was so proud of Parker yesterday. He gave it his all, he never quit!!!! He lost his first match by a few points, he was pinned in his second match. Both kids had been wrestling for 2-3 yrs but Parker put up a fight in both. He won his 3rd match. He were excited about that. I didn't care so much about the loses or the win I was just so proud that he put his whole heart into it. It made for a long day but we are looking forward to next week and practicing with grandpa!!!

Match 1 Match 2 wouldn't download!!!! GRRRRR.

Match 3

Snow snow snow snow and more snow.

2010-01-11T02:02:00.000-08:00

So pretty much it has been snowing non-stop for over a week. At first it was all pretty and peaceful and now I just want it to stop!!! Post is closed again today, School was sent home early AGAIN and I don't dare to drive anywhere. CRAZY SNOW. The kids and I have been enjoying movie days......... The dogs are loving the snow. They frolic when they go outside. I have to go out and shovel the walks again just so they can be covered back up. I am complaining even though I know our earth needs the moisture.

On a happier note....... My dad is coming at the end of the month and staying for 6 days(or so). I am so excited to have him come. He will be baptising Parker. I just wish Trav could be here and also that we could share that special day with the rest of our family. I just get really excited knowing I will get lots of one on one time with my dad. I have plans to to run him ragged again. In a good way. HE HE!!

Trav is doing well. As well as you can do when one is away from family living in craziness. We miss him dearly. Parker still wont talk to him much on the web cam but then again he doesn't talk to anyone on the web cam. Its just not his thing I guess.

Sarriah had her first big girl phone call last week. One of her friends called and they chatted for about 20 Min's. I sat back watching her....... my young lady, and wondering how she grew up so fast. My next thought was oh crap........... its starting already, she is still a baby!!!!

Parker turns 8 soon. How did that happen?

I am now a primary teacher at church. I am doing the best I can but Parker says(I am his teacher) that I am boring and I have ruined his life. He says it in teasing but I really think he hates it because he has to be on his best behavior.

Sorry there wont be any pictures with this post. Its just an update and I haven't really taken any pictures in over a week. We are all healthy and well. In fact we get our second H1N1 shot this week. YAY!!!!!!

I also just finished a really good book. From the moment I started it I couldnt put it down. I love books that keep me interested. The book is called "Left to Tell". It was really inspiring. Thank you Laura. It was a great book.

Happy New Year's....................2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-26T14:22:00.001-08:00

I cant believe another year has started. 2010 here we go!!!!!

I hope this year brings happiness, health and at least a little wealth to you all.

The kids and I celebrated with my friend Shannon at her home. We stayed up way to late, but we had a blast!!!!! Thanks Shannon!!!!!

I love you all and cant wait to see you this year.

Going back......................

2009-12-26T14:01:00.001-08:00

Bath time.

SPRINKLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Parker was in to dinosaurs, he was always growling and showing his teeth.

Harry Potter book release.

Harry Potter Jr.

I found this old Walmart photo disc today. I love going back and looking at my kids. They are so cute!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

Look, Trav was in our Christmas morning pics!!!!

New ward robes for the kids!!!!

Let me just say...... Christmas was not nearly as fun this year because Trav wasnt here!!!!!

Now having said that, we had a great day. The kids got up at 2am and stayed up till 5:30am when they were pursting at the seems to get to their gifts. They both said they woke up because they heard his sleigh bells. Trav called at 6am and the unwrapping started...... took all of 10 mins, but at the end of it I didnt hear a sigle "Thats it". Success, they were both totally satisfied.

I got a snuggie from Laura and it is the coolest thing ever. Dad and Kar gave me a beautiful painting of the Sacred Grove. The kids got one of everything..... No joke!!!!

Now that Christmas is over, what next?????

Even though the kids were so very excited about their gifts we all know the true meaning of Christmas cannot be found under a tree. We enjoyed Christ's birthday very much.

MERRY

Christmas!!!!!!

IRAQ

2009-12-19T13:28:00.001-08:00

Look at me cute hubby!

He celebrated Christmas in IRAQ.

snowy days

2009-12-19T13:27:00.001-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, LET IT SNOW!!!!!!!!

So fun we have a backyard the kids can enjoy it in.

Christmas gatherings.

2009-12-16T11:13:00.003-08:00

The kids saw Santa 3 times.

Parkers class Christmas party..... Food, crafts, movies, and games. Parkers teacher knows how to make the kid's happy.

HHC Christmas party........

Ward Christmas party......... No pics taken, but it was beautiful!

Movies night at Andrea's...............

This is Andrea.

Pics of the kids

2009-12-16T11:13:00.001-08:00

I took these shots of the kids the other day. Thought they were cute.

H1N1

2009-12-16T11:12:00.002-08:00

We got our shots. Here is the proof.

We get the second dose around Jan 15th.

Weihnacht markts

2009-12-16T11:12:00.001-08:00

Andrea and I (upside down) at the Rothenburg Markt

Ansbach Markt

Nurnburg Markt

Ansbach

We have been to ALOT of Christmas markets this year. YAY! Nurnberg, Wurzburg, Ansbach, Windsbach, Rothenburg. I plan on going to more. These markets have really pushed me into the holiday spirit. The food and the atmosphere are just amazing. We were to cold to take pics in Wurzburg.

Wrestling.

2009-12-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

Parker started Wrestling last week. I forgot how much I love this sport!! Parker is having so much fun. He hates leaving practice. Here are a few video clips I took of him during practice.

The coaches have promised to teach him all they know and Parker is eager to learn.

I think this is going to be an awesome sport for Parker!! win or lose we are going to have alot of fun.

Slumber party...... why do I do this you ask?!

2009-12-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Sarriah after the lipstick blindfold

Lipstick blind fold

Opening gifts

Pretty glasses

The goodies

For the smile it brings to those little faces when they can just let loose and be wild and crazy kids. I dont like for the kids to sleep at others houses but I will invite all their besties to come ravage my house. Tonight I have 6 screaming girls running around. We play games, eat junk, pillow fights, stay up late and even bring out the pretty glasses to make them feel special. Tonight we are having apple cider. YUMMY!! Poor Parker has locked himself up in my room to stay away from the girls. His "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" sign is taped up on the door.

All the girls will leave early in the morning, then we are off to church for a little peace. :)

P.S. We miss you Trav!!

Kuwait

2009-12-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Trav sent me a few pics from Kuwait...... here they are.

This one came out small.....

He is no longer in Kuwait and I am waiting on pics. I will share them when I have them.

Happy Birthday Sarriah.

2009-11-29T02:54:00.000-08:00

Blowing out her candles

In front of the Gluhwine stand

Brats at the Ansbach weinhacht markt(Christmas Market)

Princess Sarriah

Birthday cake

Sarriah turns nine today.

I cant believe how fast time goes by.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

We were invited to one of the spouses for dinner. We had a great time and filled our bellies to the brink! Thanks Leslie!!!!!

Deployed

2009-11-18T07:32:00.001-08:00

No one looks beautiful when they wake up at 4 am

Daddy in uniform.

Yup that's right everybody, Trav has deployed :( . He will be gone for the next 12 months.

When we dropped him off Parker got very upset that his daddy didn't get a machine gun, or missiles. Sarriah came home and started writing letters. The stack is getting crazy. Both the kids are doing really well. Not a single tear. I wish I could say the same for me but I have a very active water works! We are so proud of him.

We are a strong family and we will make it through this year without a hitch.

Its just crazy to spend so much time apart.

We are so THANKFUL for SKYPE!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone wants to keep in touch with Trav while he is gone please let me know and I can get you his info. They can get pretty bored over there.

Support our troops!!!!!! HOOAH :)

Wurzberg

2009-11-15T22:42:00.001-08:00

Wyatt, Sarriah, and Parker on the old bridge.

Statue on the old bridge with schloss behind

In the market

In front of the Residence

We went to Wurzberg with all the guys and girls from Trav's shop.

We came here a long time ago. Once on our own and once with Steve and Laura.

This city is HUGE!!!!!!!!!

It was fun getting to know the other wives, and the guys Trav will be down range with.

New addition

2009-11-10T01:02:00.000-08:00

We picked out this cute little guy for an early Christmas present for tthe kids.

His name is Patches Bob!

Donuts for deploying soldiers.

2009-11-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

I helped the PTSA put on a donuts for deploying soldiers at the school.

It gave all the parenst who are getting ready to deploy a chance to come hang out

with their kids, walk the school, and sit in the class rooms.

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T02:07:00.000-07:00

Parker's pumkin

Sarriahs pumkin

Wonder woman

Darth

This year we had to stay home because the FLU fairy came to visit Parker, so we had our own little party here at home. Costumes included!

We carved pumkins, ate lots of candy, made cookies, and pizza, watched movies, and cuddled up on the couch.

Block leave

2009-10-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Parnach Gorge

Trav took a week off so we went to Garmisch to stay at the lovely Edelweiss Lodge and do a little hiking.

Leutascher Geisterklamm(Spirit Gorge) Leutasch Austria

The falls colors were so beautiful and we were able to spend good quality time together with out TV's, video games or any other distractions. It was so nice!!!

The pics are small but if you click on them you should be able to get a bigger view.

Exploring Ansbach.

2009-10-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Church(Kirche)

Rathaus

We took a short self guided tour of Ansbach. It really is a beautiful town.

They have a few festivals every year so I am sure you will see more of this place.

Come inside!

2009-10-21T02:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pic's of the inside of our house.....more to come very very soon.

The Family room

Kitchen

View out kitchen the window

Lean your head to the left..... 2nd half of Parkers room..... The man cave.

1st half of Parkers room

Ok so for the most part I have the house in pretty good working order. We are having a blast in this big ol creeky house. You cant take a simple step with out creeking.

Welcome home to us!

2009-10-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

We have successfully moved! YAY!

We have had a few hitches but for the most part we love

Love love our new home.

We live on a beautiful busy little street.

Our in house doctor is so wonderful!

The landlord is so very nice but we dont speak

each others language very well.

I am promising to really try working on my

Deutch.

The kids are in school, they moved almost seemlessly.

They have new friends, lovely teachers.

I dont think they really miss Mannheim at all.

They adore riding the bus to school!

Our only pain in the neck at the moment is ...... we

dont have a stove/oven yet,

and we dont know yet when we will get it

so I am putting my crock pot to some good use!!!!!

Good crock pot recipes needed!!!!!

I will be posting videos of our house as soon as I complete the decor.

Hopefully I will be done by this weekend.

I love and miss you all!!!

Our castle.

2009-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

A few photos of our new house.

Our Beer cellar...... we will use it for motorcycle storage.

from the back

The side yard

Our street

The house!

More photos to come.........

Wine fest in Bad Durkheim

2009-09-12T12:20:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhh. They won a game and got new teeth.

Tatter's and sour krout. Pretty good.

Dumpfelnudle(I'm sure that is spelled very wrong)

End of first trip.
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2nd Trip

Kim, Jamey, and I.

Trav and Sean

We went twice this year. Once with Laura and the kids and once with Kim and Sean. Our 2 great friends who we miss dearly.......

The fest's here are so much fun. The second time we went it was to EAT. Yum!!!! The best food is always at the fest's!

Amsterdam, Bruges, brussels.

2009-09-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Back to Amsterdam and I have to say I enjoyed it just as much this time as I did the first time!

Oh the things you can find in Amsterdam.......

Yes this is a urinal..... yes it is outside, and yes everyone uses them.

Do you see how crooked the houses are?!

Its a fun relaxing place to go. Its not that there is alot to do and see here, its just fun to be there and be a part of the city.

I had never heard of Bruges until Laura planned a trip there. I love Europe for this reason..... everycity is filled with beauty and everycity is different. Bruges was a beautiful city with great stuff to see and wonderful Chocolate to eat! Yummy. I'm so happy you do your research Laura. I would have hated to miss Bruges.

The main square

This is a michelangelo piece. Modona and child.

Pictures dont do it justice.

This was a very active swan. Watch out.... he bites!!!!

The clock tower.

Brussels is a BIG city! Our hotel was in perfect walking distance to see all the sites.

Its the capital of Belgium, and the home of the European Union. We saw as much as we could but after we got home and I really researched it, I would like to go back and hit the things we missed. We didnt have a lot of time to spend here.

Cathedral Saint Michel

Snails!!!!! YUMMY!

Manneken Pis

Grand Place

Wonderful, beautiful places!!!!!!

Painting and moving.

2009-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Trav, Laura, and I had the task of painting this apartment back to white. Thank goodness Laura was here...... She was a huge help(and she also had very fashionable attire)! It took a few coats on a few walls but we really got it done pretty quick. Good bye strips!!!

Movers....... Almost died when they saw how much stuff we had.

Cleaning............ wasnt to bad, we had a pretty relaxed inspector. YAY!

Leaving Mannheim............. We left pretty quick so I didnt have to cry. We loved Mannheim, it was good to us but like all military families we are moving on and not looking back.

Entering Ansbach.............. The city itself is beautiful. We are not missing much in the way of shopping etc. The post however. Yes it truely does SUCK!!!!! I'm so happy I dont live on it.

Orders..........

2009-08-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's official. We have orders and we will be moving very soon.

I will keep you all up to date.

Ansbach is our next destination. Well almost Ansbach.

Somewhere around that area.

Wish us luck, lots to do!

First day of school.

2009-08-28T13:26:00.003-07:00

Can you see her little face?

A ball of nerves.

Walking.......

Bumble bee shirt and new Heeleys.

Sweety pie!

Can you believe I have a 2nd and 3rd grader? Time flies way to fast. I cant believe how much they have grown. I was just noticing today how tall they have gotten and then I have flashes of the future......teenagers, college and more. I realize that tomorrow they will be grown ups and living their own lives so, TODAY....... I have to enjoy them as much as I can. It is such an honor being their mother. I'm sad you guys dont get to see and talk to them everyday. They are such amazing little angels!!!!

Poor Parker looked so nervous as we left him in his line, while Sarriah was stoked to be back at school. They both came home happy and excited to be back.

Back to Cheb

2009-08-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

We stopped at Mcdonalds for lunch.

The loot!

We did another girls trip to my fav shopping spot. CHEB. Laura, Teri, Kim, and I all shopped till our hearts were content. I thought I would post a few pics of my beautiful new purses. We had a good time, and it was fun having Laura get to know Teri and Kim.

Berlin and Dresden

2009-08-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

---------------------------------------------Dresden-------------------------------------------

Trav and Laura in Dresden

Dessert

Yummy!

So much detail at every angle

This mural shows all the "fashion" throughout history.

-----------------------------------------Berlin--------------------------------------------------

A mural at out hotels train stop.

Polar bear at the zoo. He was so active a really played with his audience.

Cathedral that was damaged in the war and never restored.

The Berlin TV tower.

Isnt she beautiflu?!

The bust of Nefertiti

Check Point Charlie

Sarriah at the Jewsis memorial

Parker at the jewish memorial

Trav and I in front of the reichstag

All of us at the Jewsih memorial

Kids at Check Point Charlie

Remains of Belin Wall

Jewish memorial

Brandenberg gate

Inside the reichstags glass dome

We spent a few hours at the Berlin Zoo. We loved it!

Schloss Sanssouci

Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

We caught all these bee's at lunch.

A beautiful square with 2 churches.

We took a flight through Ryan air to Berlin. 21st -27th. We enjoyed seeing the sights and all the history that is there. So much has happened there in the last 20yrs.

We saw all the sights you could imagine. Check point Charlie, Reichstag, whats left of the wall(we even brought home a small piece of it), the Jewish memorials, and Sachsenhausen concentration camp, Palace. We even went to visit one of Laura's Friends and go to a celebration for Uruguay's Independence day. We enjoyed Berlin very much. We took a very long train ride to Dresden to spend a day before we went back to Berlin to fly home. Dresden was beautiful. The architecture was amazing. It started to pour down rain around 4pm so our sight seeing was cut short. We had fortunately made it to 99.9% of everything we wanted to see. We just had to miss the new town. The long train ride was worth the trip. Dresden is a city I recommend to everyone. We loaded the train and then rushed to our plane. We are now home and kicking up our feet. We have walked and seen so much. I hope you enjoy the pics.

A funny little video. My daughter and her awesome imagination!

We saw so much more then I was able to post here. Sorry it took soooooo long.

A little late but worth the wait!

2009-08-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 9 year anniversary today. It actually happened on the 10th but since Trav was training and I was away on vacation, we did it today. We went out for a tasty dinner at Die Kartoffel. YUMMY!!!!!!! And now we are having an evening of Wii fit. He he! So YAY for nine years and here is to the next 9. I hope they are just as eventful and wonderful!

Rothenburg, Trier, more castles, and monkeys.

2009-08-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics of some of the places we have taken Laura to. ENJOY!

Castle along the Rhine river

Cave under one of the castle ruins.

Castle along the Rhine.

Rothenburg

Castle ruin along Rhine.

Outside a castle ruin(Rhine)

Rothenburg.

I will post Trier pics here later...........

Its all Greek to me!

2009-08-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

This whole blog does not have a ton of explanation. I will add more text later but to get it out to you ASAP. This is what you get. I will resend it out once I have finished. I hope this is ok for now.

We are home from our WONDERFUL vacation in Greece. We saw so much and did so much this blog is going to take awhile..... I am only going to put the best pics I took. I have 1500 to choose from so if you want to see them all I will have to send them to you.

We left on August 8th for Athens. After checking into our hotel (Adonis Hotel right in the Plaka) we walked the Plaka and the base of the Acropolis. We took a little train ride around town just to get a feel for the area, had dinner and settled in for the night.

Aug 9th we woke up EARLY and hiked up to the Acropolis archaeological site. To sum it up in one word...... AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! This site goes all the way back to 580 B.C. Then we walked over to the Parliament and watched the changing of the guard at the unknown soldier memorial. Lunch in the Plaka. Next we went over to the Archaeological Museum. We visited the site of Zeus's temple. Then the Roman Agora, walked and shopped in the Plaka. Dinner...... KEBAB. Yummy!!!! We did a lot this day. We were tired, but no sleeping in for us.....

Change of the guard at the unknown soldier memorial.

Isn't he handsome?!

Roman agora

Aug 10th. Up early again. Loaded our boat the "Aquamarine" from Piraeus. We went swimming on board first thing, the water was flowing out of the pool due to high winds and choppy water. The kids almost flowed out with it. The pool water was ocean water.... nice and salty. Our first stop was the Island of Mykonos, we enjoyed our time here. We walked everywhere. All of the homes and buildings are white. The kids were were petting this cute little puppy who turned out to be a real snot! He tore their clothes. walking along the street we saw a huge pelican. We loaded the boat after dark and went to dinner. Then to SLEEP!!!!!

Aug 11th, Early morning. Kusadasi Turkey..... we took a guided tour of ancient Ephesus. Our guides name was George. Sarriah and Parker got to sit on a camel right outside the site. There was this weird guy outside that I think fell in love with Sarriah, he kept touching her. Uhg! After the tour we went to a Turkish carpet demo, these carpets are so beautiful, they are all done by hand. We walked the town and then headed back to our boat where we had lunch. Patmos was our second stop of the day. we went to the cave where John wrote the book of Revelations and visited the monastery around it. Note to self..... Taxi services on this island is CRAZY!!!!! We went to the beach but didnt stay long. The water was really cold! We had dinner(Country club casual) on the boat Parker slept through it. Off to our cabins to sleep!

Aug 12th Rhodes. Oh Rhodes. This was my Favorite island we visited. It was so beautiful. We took a guided tour to Lindos to see the town and its ruins. We took donkeys up to the top. I thought my poor donkey was going to die under my weight! Lindos ruins stand on top of Mt Philerimos. The views were incredible! We walked down the mountain. To save the poor donkeys backs. The bus took us back to the best preserved midevil city in the world. We walked the old ally ways and stopped in a few shops before heading to the BEACH. This beach was beautiful. The water in the mediteranian is the brightest blue, its so salty you literally have to try not to float..... and best of all no sharks or any other crazy life forms. after the beach we walked the old wall back to the boat where we got dressed for the Formal night (we were pretty much the only ones who dressed up!). Then again off to bed because we are so tired and have to be up EARLY again in the morning.

Aug 13th First stop of the day, Crete. We arrived early in the morning and loaded a bus to the Knossos ruins dating back to 2000 B.C. amazing to think they had running water going directly back to their homes way back then. After the tour we went to the city of Heraklion. We didnt see much here seeing how we were so excited to finally find an internet cafe. Again we loaded the boat and had lunch. Second stop of the day was Santorini. This is where they say the lost city of Atlanis was. We decided to take the tram up to the top and safe the donkeys. This city was beautiful. It sat right up at the top of the mountain over looking the sea on all sides. Again all the buildings were brilliant white. We had to wait in a huge line to get back down and were a little late getting back to our boat where we had dinner. Then to SLEEP. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Tug boat pulling us out to sea.

Aug 14th Left our faithful cruise ship, went back to hotel Adonis, then took a 2hr bus ride to Cape Sounon where we saw the Temple of Posiedon you can see the ocean from every angle at the site. We took the bus to a near by beach, the water was really shallow so the kids and I could walk out forever, the water was very salty and I got a sunburn, the kids just tanned. We loaded the bus back to Athens. We had dinner in the Plaka.

Aug 15th, slept in till 7am. Took George's taxi service to Delphi ruins, went to the Delphi museum at site, had lunch (stuffed cabbage in lemon sauce ) in a pretty mountain town with incredible views. drove to St luke monastary. BEAUTIFUL!!! Drove back to Athens. Dinner in the Plaka. Kebab again. It never gets old. This day was great because it was a holiday and we got free entrance into everything!!! Greek's do it right..... kids are ALWAYS free.

My lunch. Stuffed cabbage (rice and seasoned hamburger) in lemon sauce. It was sooooooo good!

Parker and our tour guide. (George's cab comp.)

Aug 16th. Woke up at 5am, loaded our taxi and headed to the airport to come home. Good bye Greece!!!!!! Greece was beautiful even though the people were always friendly and we often walked up hill both ways in the blistering heat. This was probably my all time favorite vacation of all time. You just cant describe it in words. You just need to go and experience it all for your self!

This was just cute! Parker was worried about his teddy on our plane home so he buckled him in.

Greece

2009-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for Greece this morning and since I havent talked to most of my fam in a min or 2...... Just wanted to tell you all I love you and will send pics when I get home. Be safe!!!!!

Adventures with the Tooth Fairy.

2009-08-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Sarriah lost another tooth last week. Silly girl freaked out when it came out while she was brushing her teeth. :) So we put it in a baggie and placed it under her pillow....... or so I thought. When the tooth fairy came to take her tooth away and leave her money, there was no tooth to be found. That Tooth Fairy looked high and low but no tooth. The next morning Sarriah was so disappointed, I asked her where she had put her tooth because maybe the Tooth Fairy couldn't find it and she said she put it under her blanket at the foot of her bed. SILLY GIRL!!!! I told her it had to be under her pillow. She laughed and said she would. Round 2. Tooth Fairy comes the second night............. AGAIN no tooth. Not wanting to disappoint 2 nights in a row that clever Tooth Fairy left Mrs. Sarriah a letter(it even had glitter in it) along with her money asking her to please leave her tooth in a visible spot so she could pick it up the next night. Sarriah was thrilled(because she truly believes in all that is pretty and good in this crazy world). So as she was told she left her tooth out last night, but this time the Tooth Fairy got a surprise in return..... Sarriah left a note for the her.... along with a piece of her cookie she saved for her.

Sometimes kids can just touch you so deeply. It might be a funny little thing but it brought tears to my eyes. My daughter believes in the things we cant see. From the Tooth Fairy to the Holy Ghost. She has faith they are real. She believes them not because she has been told to or because she is afraid not to. She just believes. From the top of her head to the tip of her toes. I love her innocence. I am so lucky to have the worlds greatest little girl!!!!

Giggling in a tent.

2009-07-24T12:25:00.001-07:00

Why is it when you put kids in tents they giggle. Well at least my 2 do. They giggled deep into the night on our camp out last night. We had a great time and daddy even came out with us. Poor guy had a rough day today after sleeping on the hard ground. Around 2a.m. some kind of animal attacked our cookie plate that I set out side the tent door. The scary thing about that is we set the tent up right below our bedroom window. YICKS!!!! Strange animals on post. I just hope it wasnt RATS. We didnt dare look out the tent window.

My wild ones

The kids enjoyed doing something different and I got yet another chance to giggle with

My kids

Upside down!

Sleeping daddy... SHHHHHHHHHH! Yeah right!

Luisenpark

2009-07-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today we explored Luisenpark. We had a few laughs and as always with my 2 a few tears.

They are so much fun! Before I know it they will be to grown up to play at a silly psrk with mom all day. I'm getting my fill now. ;)

We took the boat ride with the fish that chase your boat with their mouths open. Sarriah was freaking out. She thought they were going to tip the boat.

FEED ME!!!!!!!!

We touched bunnies with one finger because the kids were convinced they would bite our fingers off. We wondered about the penguins. Where they came from, why they have spots, how come some are brown and some are black...... my response was "I don't know but we will google it when we get home". I love GOOGLE!!!! We saw all kinds of birds. One thing I have to say is Germany really knows how to do parks for kids.

We had a picnic, and the kids rolled them selves down hills.

We played at the park. Parker Smashed his finger, I thought it was broken..... NOPE!

Thank goodness!!!!!

We walked. (my poor children's feet were hurting..... mean mom makes them walk!)

We crossed wooden and rock bridges.

Look at me soak my feet in this filthy water.

This is a bee hive. Those bee's are bigger then quarters!!!!

EEEEEEEK!!!!

Then we found our way to our car and drove home. I love summer. I love being able to do fun things with the kids.

I couldnt help myself...... I scared Sarriah.....

WATCH!!!!!!

Last day of summer school.

2009-07-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

The kids really enjoyed it, and were sad to see it end. I went in to help dish ice cream. STICKY!!!!!

The school puts a theam to summer school so this years was all about mysteries. The kids were detectives.

Now we are on to the fun stuff. Grandma is coming soon, and we will be doing a lot of traveling.

Parker, Andrew and their planes.

Messy, melty ice cream.

See the spot on Sarriah's arm? A bug bit her. Nasty bite.

Kids flying their paper airplanes.

Back to the fest and fun at the park.

2009-07-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

So we took daddy back to the fest. Thankfully the kids new what to expect from the rides this time and no tears were shed. Then we ran into the karaoke booth. Trav called me a chicken for about 15 mins until I signed up. I swear, the things we do for the people we love.

Trav took a little video clip. Dad I hope you enjoy it.

Next day.......

We drove to Ramstein to the new Macaroni Grill restaurant. YUM!!!!!!

And to see the new Transformers movie. After we ate we had 2 hrs to kill till the movie started.

in that 2 hrs............

we decided we should have been Airforce!!!!!!

They have better housing and better parks. Not fair!!!! We spent our 2 hours running around at a really cool park. We played so hard the kids didnt even make it through half the movie.

Another great day for us. :)

I need a little help.

2009-07-08T08:17:00.001-07:00

So Trav and I will be celebrating out 9th anniversary soon. The traditional gift is Willow or pottery. So what I am wondering is if any of you have a good idea's that are based on willow or potter? I am at a loss!

Trav's 4th of July motorcycle trip.

2009-07-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

They left early on Friday and got back late on Sunday. It poured down rain on them, but they say they had a great time. They sure got some great pics! 4 countries in 3 days.

I'm glad they had a great time and that they made it back safe and sound.

4th of July weekend.

2009-07-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Friday- Parker and I had a "Mommy Son Day". We got to spend a whole day and one whole night together. Just the 2 of us. Our day went like this. (Trav left this morning for his boys motorcycle trip.)

Dropped Sarriah off at her slumber party.

Went to lunch.

Bike ride.

Ward BBQ.

Played at the park.

Made creation pizzas.

Went for one last bike ride.

Watched Kung fu panda, and went to sleep.

We had a blast and decided to do at least once a month.

Saturday the 4th of July!

We went to the German-American Fest.

Parker hit his head on every ride he went on and spent 1/2 the time crying or sick to his stomach. Poor kid!

Then we had a BBQ with Kim and Sean, her mom Rose and her brother Ingo, oh and of coarse all the kids. Yummy yummy!!!!!!! Sean played football with the kids.

We came in and relaxed for a bit before going to FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHH AHHHH!!!!!!!!! We had a pretty great show. good thing I learned how to walk when I was young!!!!! I stumbled on a big rock and really hurt my ankle. Those of you who really know me. STOP LAUGHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know how accident prone I am.

The big pic

The close up. Yeah....... he is not laughing!

Sunday. Ok....................... we skipped church and drove to Cheb. I needed to find a backpack for Sarriah, and my friend Elena really wanted to go and since our husbands were away, we said what the heck. We took her convertable! :) Trav got home around 11pm.

Monday. Trav is home and we are just relaxing.

In the month of June.............

2009-07-01T03:33:00.001-07:00

So we have had another busy month and as always I am doing one post for all of it(with a little extra for the last part of May).

Cup scouts. Movin on up.

He graduated from TIGERS!!!! Go Parker!

Schools out for SUMMER!!!!!!

Flowers for the teachers

Mrs Dolan

Mrs Datz

Bike ride.

Trav laughs at my bike because I have a big ol seat and a big ol basket on a mountain bike. Sporty huh?!

Summer school

Water park

These are their boats!?

Castle hoping......again

This is one of the 3 castles in this city.

Slip n slide

Ok so long story short, Sarriah was trying to use Parker as the board..........

It was cool for about 2 seconds when parker got slip n slide burn all over his chest. OUCH!

Farwells

This month we have said our good bye's To Pam Kring and Jerilyn White. Best wishes to both!

And another thing I have farwelled is the FRG. Thats right I quit on Tues.

A night to ourselves

This is the beautiful JAMIE!!!!!! She belongs to Kim and Sean but I would claim her!

Ok so it was just without the kids. I went to my friend Su-ah's babyshower and then out to dinner with a bunch of our friends(Trav too). Congrats Su-ah and Pete!

After dinner we had a night to ourselves. :)

Its raining!

It has been pouring down rain here! We have even had flood warnings. The kids and the dogs get nervous when the thunder starts up.

Cheb, yet again!

Teri, Me :), Sunni.

Teri and I.

Purses are becoming an obsession for me. I just love them!!!!!!! I got 3 new ones. A Vuitton, and 2 Chanel. Happiness is...........

Haircut

Sarriah likes her hair cut every summer so here it is.

This is the shortest it has ever been, she loves it. It looks really cute on her.

Accidents.

So there was a pretty bad accident in my family...... luckily the made it out just fine

So to my 3 favorite little siblings, We love you and stay SAFE!!!!!!!

Dad drive SAFE! I worry about you!

I will try to do next months in multiple posts.

A few.....ok well a whole bunch of stuff.

2009-06-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

OK so I made Hermann...... and he was oh so yummy!!!!!!

The scouts were supposed to be in the Memorial day parade here on post....... Well some one forgot to tell us the parade was cancelled. We didn't want the boys to be disappointed so we had our own parade. When we got to the wreath ceremony location Parker was the Tiger scout chosen to place the wreath on the memorial. It was pretty cool!

Parker had his raingutter regatta, his boat was pretty cool but he had a hard time blowing so his boat spent a good bit of time crashing into the wall. He did win one round but its not about winning or losing its about the fun you have along the way.

We went to one of the many kids play lands to help our good friend sebastian celebrate his 7th birthday. Happy Birthday buddy!

Our last stairwell ladies night. All my neighbors are moving away. :( so we had one last goofy night. We ate, chated, and played Wii Fit. I am really gonna miss these ladies. They made our stairwell the BEST. Hopefully the new neighbors who move in will be just as great.

Trav had a trip to AZ for a really cool coarse. He is home now. :)

The kids last day of school is just a few short days away.

I miss and love you all back home. I hope you are all well!!!!!!

Harmann....... well almost

2009-05-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm sure you got my earlier post about my cake mix Hermann. Well we are starting over thanks to my brand new bag of flour that had weevels in it. I was very sad but our new Hermann will arrive tomorrow. If it works out this time I am hoping to bring his offspring to the states so you can all have a taste.

Wish me luck.

2009-05-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Parker has been working so hard this year in school and we are so very proud of all the progress he has made. At the last parent teacher conf. his teacher said he had'nt been doing very well on his spelling test and she wanted to alter them and make them easier so he could get higher scores. To me that seemed like we wouldnt be challenging him and it wouldnt help him in the long run. So I asked his teacher to please let us try again. So we have been working our tails off practicing his spelling words. I am so proud of my little guy I wanted you all to know........... I found out today that Parker got a 100% 2 weeks in a row!!!!!!

Parker is now excited to get his next set of words because he knows he can pull a 100% everytime.

Field Day

2009-05-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah for field day. No school work, just a fun day OUTSIDE! They turn fun music on

all the teachers get really into it. Sarriah and Parker were both outside at the same time so I had to rotate so I spent equal time with each of them.

It was a warm, cloudy day. We only had a few spinkles of rain.

Push ball relay

Fill the water and knock out the ball

Sack race

Bouncy ball relay

I caught her dancing

Sarriah, Arianna, and Falicity.

Parker and his class.

Parker and his boys.

I'm so sad this school year is almost over. The kids have the worlds greatest teachers!!!!!!!

Hermann

2009-05-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ok so we were just given our first baby Hermann. My friend Tiffanie delivered him to us today. I am very excited to start the 6 day journey which will result in my Hermann having 2 babies of his own.

This is Hermann day 1. I will give another update on day 3 when we feed him.

So..... as you can see, Hermann is a cake mix. He will grow over the next 6 days then we will give his babies away to good friends and our little Hermann will be baked.

Its a German thing and I am so excited about doing it.

Lets just hope I dont do it wrong.

So it's been awhile.........

2009-05-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

So, it's been awhile since I have posted anything and I have been questioned as to why...... Well it has been a busy month for us over here.

My friend Nadine and I threw a baby shower for our great friend Kim.

We have been doing alot with the scouts. I am the new Den Leader. YIPPY!!!!! This pic was taken on our nature scavanger hunt.

Look how big the dandy lions get on the river bank.

We spent alot of time together. This was our picninc on the Rhine. We took the dogs and had a blast.

I went to AWAG again this year. SOOOOOOO much fun. It was at the Edelweiss lodge and resort again this year. Here is the view from my room.

This is my favorite AWAG class. Taste the exotic. They bring a whole bunch of weird fruits and they teach you what they are and how to use them. I took a whole mess of classes this week but this was a great one.

These are 2 of the wonderful ladies I met at AWAG.

We went for a German car show. Pretty cool!

A few great shots.

2009-04-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

I took the kids down to the river the other day for a little photo shoot. Not only did they cooperate...... the pics turned out really great.

I really do have beautiful children!!!!!

I love his dimples!

Look at those eyes!

This pic is very Parker...... What can I do with this rock????

My little model!

There are alot more but these are my fav's.

Starving with out gas in Italy????!!!!! Yeah thats right. ITALY!!!!!!!

2009-04-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

We are home from Italy! Yes we was there. (jumping up and down!)

We drove to Pisa on Sunday. It was a 9hr drive but oh so very worth it.

After we arrived we got our gas coupons, checked into our CAMP site, and asked about the commissary. HA HA the commissary is closed Sun & Mon. So no groceries to fill our empty cooler. GREAT! So our next question was where in the closest restaurant because we were starving..................... well it was around 4pm and the restaurants dont open till 7pm! Hence the starving. We though we would go get gas while we were waiting for FOOD. We were on E. Yup not open! Hence the NO GAS. So we went to set up our tent, it went up with out a problem. Thank goodness! By this time we were all hungry/ravished and awnry! So we went down town to walk around. We ran into a little pizza bakery and downed a small pizza in about 2 seconds just to hold us over till we could get a real dinner. We found a quiet little place right off post with wonderful service and lots of PIZZA.

I am sure of 3 things.

1. Italians love pizza.

2. Italians cant drive to save their lives.

3. Between the hours of 1pm and 7pm, they DONT eat!

Day 2

We got up early (finally got gas) and headed to PISA. The city itself is nothing to write home about. Its beautiful yes. But a city non the less. Then you see it....... and you cant look away. It rises above everything else. The leaning Tower of Pisa. The whole plaza of miracles is just breath taking. They almost dont look real. It is true, no matter how many pictures you see it never can compare to the real thing.

WOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

We spent a good deal of time here before we stopped for lunch. PASTA. Very yummy.

We then did what the travel book said to do.................we left it all behind and headed to destination #2 CARRERA! Home of the marble quarries. Michelangelo used these quarries. The mountain is so scared but still in use. AMAZING!

The mountain.

The city. Look @ the water.

Ok so after CARRERA we had to go back to Pisa one last time to see the tower in the dark........

Day 3

FIRENZE AKA FLORENCE

I LOVE FLORENCE!!!!!! Trav hated driving in florence. CRAZY! We spent like 8hrs walking the city seeing as much as we possible could which was alot. Our feet hurt. We had a great lunch right beside the cathedral. LASAGNA. :)

We saw as much as our feet would allow.

See all the pics below. We saw ALOT!!!!!!!!!

DAVID was so beautiful. Truely amazing.

P.S. Ice cream in Italy is mind blowingly AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Visiting teaching

2009-03-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

The cities seal

The old clock tower

Chris and I in front of the church door.

The oldest house in town

The markt
Houses built on the old wall. The castle.

Here in Germany we do visiting teaching a little different. We have a group of ladies and we all get together once a month, share a message and chat. Its actually a really great set up. Well this month one of my ladies had a great idea for our March visiting teaching. DAY TRIP!!!!!

Nancy is missing from this pic.

We decided to go to Hirshhorn Germany.

The town.

I didnt want to buy the post card so I just took this pic.

FISH TANK

2009-03-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

So, a friend of mine is moving back to the states on Thursday. While packing her house she decided she was not going to take her fish tank and asked me and Trav if we wanted to have it. Since I broke Trav's last fish tank....... we said sure. It came with everything including 6 fish which have been named as follows. Biggest fish is butthead, Fred, Maya, Sarah, Jack, Turtle.

So we got it home, moved it into place and started filling it up. While we were filling Trav brought the fish in the house. They were in a plastic tub. Trav tripped. Yup you guessed it........... fish floppin on the floor and water everywhere. I was more worried about the water all over our crappy hard wood floors then the fish so I grabbed every towl we had and started cleaning up. SQUISH!!!!!!! I stepped on a fish. I thought it was a goner for sure but the little guy pulled through (at least so far). Then we put the poor flopping half squished fish in the tub to play until the tank was ready.

Next we put in the filtration system.......that doesnt work AT ALL plus it squirted Trav in the face several times. The kids and I laughed....... Trav didnt!!!!!! So we are now on the look out for

a filtration system and more bubbles. We will also add more fish eventually. As for now we are shocked that the fish we have have not gone belly up.

Bobcat badge

2009-03-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

So my little man got his Bobcat badge on Saturday!

He also received several belt loops for ice skating, bicycling, bowling, music, astronomy, language and culture, and flag football.

He has been working really hard in scouts.

We are so very proud of him!!!!!!

Happy 31st Travis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday honey!

Trav is 25........(31) today!

We woke hime up early to open his gifts.

Laura..... the pants FIT!!!!! Yeah! He also likes them alot.

Now we are heading out for a few hours of birthday adventures.......

DONERS!!!!!

DIE KARTOFFEL!!!!!!

YUM!!!!!!

Happy Birthday honey.

I love you and am so happy I was able to spend another year with you. I'm looking forward to 100 more.

I love you!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Franfurt Zoo

2009-03-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

We have always loved going to the zoo. So since we have so many zoo's so close to us we can go to, we never hit the same one twice. This time we went to the Frankfurt Zoo. It is a very small zoo. They dont have elephants, or tigers. They did however have all of our favorite animals so we are not complaining.

We saw the reptiles for Parker.

The flamingos, penguines and zebras for Sarriah.

The lions and monkeys for daddy.

Hippos and flamingos for mommy!!!!! I love hippos!

This bird kinda followed us around.

They started fighting right as I took this pic.

After the zoo, we made a quick stop at the Frankfurter Kaiserdom.

Another GREAT day!!!!!

To St Goar to explore........

2009-03-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

This was our second trip to St Goar. The first time we went it was Summer, even without all the green it was breath taking! We didnt come to see the castle this time....... we came to explore the under ground mines. We packed our lunch and our flash lights (and chalk to mark the floor in the mines so we didnt get lost) for our adventure. We did a quick tour of the ruins just as a reminder and to see the amazing views, then we set off for the mines. Trav and I had to crouch down and in some areas almost crawl through the tiny damp spaces. Sarriah and Parker thought they were so neat because all they had to do was slighly tilt their heads forward.

We had to go in a certain order..... Trav first, then Parker, mommy and last Sarriah. Sarriah was holding my jeans so tight I thought she might rip them off. She was scared but so excited to be in the mines. We asked Parker to check one of the hall ways with the flash light to see if it was a dead end or if we could continue, (Trav would have had to literally crawl to check it) We told him we would watch him he looked around the corner and ran as fast as he could back to us. He told us it was a dead end but when we were back in the sunlight he said he was just to scared and that it really wasnt a dead end but he swears he saw something moving. We went through as many as we could handle. Crouching down like that can do a real number on your legs and back. OUCH!!!!

We drove down the Rhine aways and found a lovely park for our picnic. It was right below a great gothic cathedral and a castle. It was perfect!

Cat and mouse.......

Katz Schloss

Mouse schloss

A church along the Rhine river

The park where we had lunch.

How many schlosses can we see in a day?????????

2009-03-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

So lets go down our list of castles we saw today..........

We just followed the Rhine River.......

1. Burg Dilsberg in Neckargemund Germany.

We saw a real, live, wild, BAT!!!!

2. Hirschhorn schloss in Hirschhorn Germany.

All the houses in this town are the old half timbered houses. Really beautiful!

3. Zwingenberg schloss in Zwingenberg Germany.

You have to call well in advance to tour this castle...... since we didnt

do that we just walked the grounds. It was a beautiful hike

up to the grounds.

4. Minnesanger schloss in Neckargerach Germany.

The book told us it was a nice 20 min walk through the woods.....

Ha Ha yeah right! It was like a 45 min hike through the mud.

by the time we left I had fallen twice, and all of us were covered

in mud!!!!!!!!! Oh but we had sooooooo much fun!

5. Schloss Hornberg in Neckarzimmer Germany.

This was a really cool castle. It felt like we had gone back in time.

6. Schloss Horneck in Gundelsheim Germany.

This castle has a mideivel base and a new age tower.

7. Burg Guttenberg in Heinsheim Germany.

We just drove close enough to get a good pic of this one.

We were just done with hiking for one day.

I love it when Trav has a 4 day weekend where we can actually get out and about.

We have so much fun touring this beautiful country.

The actual Pine wood durby race.

2009-03-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I havent posted anything in awhile. We have been busy!

Parker's car won the first race and came second in the 2nd race. He was sooooooo proud!!!!

His car won the "ghoustliest car" award.

All the Durby contestants.

Parkers drivers license. LOOK OUT!!!!!!

Troop 137 Tigers cubs.

Parkers car is the one on the far right.

Amsterdam

2009-02-18T00:36:00.001-08:00

Amsterdam is beautiful!!!!!!!

This is just one of the many canal's we crossed.

All the houses are crooked, and the people are so friendly!!!!

We visited the tulip district........

Travis and Parker bought Sarriah and I beautiful roses.

This was Sarriah's first rose.

We found this outside the Van Gogh museum.

The line to get into the museum was soooooo long,

but we enjoyed it once we got inside.

The Dam Square.

Still in the Dam Square.

The square was amazing.

Yes we even got to see a little of the "Red Light District".

All I can say is cover your eyes and walk quickly.....

Especially when your kids are with you!!!!!!!

We visited the Anne Frank house.

These places are always filled with emotion for me.

Its so sad.

The Franks tried so hard to keep their family safe,

and the only one to survive was Mr, Frank.

People always talk about Amsterdam for the "drugs" and the "ladies"....

(I didnt see any drugs, and we ignored the ladies)

I will always remember the beauty of the city, and a

weekend well spent with my family.

Sweethearts Dance!

2009-02-18T00:34:00.000-08:00

On Friday the 13th, our ward threw a sweethearts dance for all of us sweethearts. It was hard picking a date, and I paced back and forth all day hoping he would say "YES". Of coarse he did!!!! I got to go to the dance with my hottie hubby. I got him to dance 2 slow songs, SIGH. The rest of the songs it was up to the girls to fill the dance floor.

They had karaoke.......... You know I had to do it. I LOVE karaoke!!!!!

We wore matching shirts........ "Love machine"

Durby time!!!!!!!

2009-02-07T06:04:00.001-08:00

Parker designed his car for the Pine Wood Durby.

We just need paint and wheels and then we are off to the race.

Stay tuned, the race in coming soon.