Shane - 8 Months..... really, so soon??

Shane is really going to be 8 months.  I just wanted to take the time and write down a few things before I forget them.  I looked back at some of Nick's old photos and realized you don't remember things as clearly as you would like too.  Some sort of journal - or blog (these days) will help with that sort of thing.  Just seeing a few words or a photo will help to bring back those sweet baby feelings.

- when I pick him up first thing in the morning (which has now changed from 5:30 to 7:30, thanks Shane for the wonderful Mother's day gift!) you always take your arm and wrap it around my neck.  Your fingers always send sweet chills of love up my spine.

- You chat at the dinner table as if you were part of the conversation.  Nick seems to be the only one to understand

- any time we put a toy in front of you it immediately commands all of your attention as you decend on it.

- You love your toes - even Nick enjoys taking your shoes off so you can play with them

- It feels like you are always eating.  A bottle at 7,11,3,7 food at 8:30, 1, 6 - Every time I turn around I am putting something in your mouth.  You love food and thankfully that spitting it out phase is over.  The german concotions are awesome.  Even I could devour a jar of plum/pear.  YUM!

- pretzels are the best teethers ever!

- when we smile at your and come real close to your face - you smile back and grab our face for a slobbery kiss!

- you are up for anything and we love you!

- The jumperoo rocks your world - until you fall asleep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbtEeo0eXcI

Strasbourg Saturday...

Its Memorial day weekend and surely we must be traveling right? Chris was dying to get out of the house for a day. We had a few hurdles in the departure catagory. Mainly the fact that the truck of our station wago will not unlock.... taking it to the shop wasn't the quick fix we hoped for - so there is sits and thankfully we ahve two cars. So our 10am start changed to 11:30 - but Chris is never one to back down - so off we went! Its only 1.15 hours from us, so the perfect day trip.

Chris wanted me to take this photo - check out the guy in the purple shirt with the pink sweater tied around his neck. This is the perfect french man stereo type! Needless to say, I didn't go shopping for Chris here.

Chess anyone?

Strasbourg has the Rhine running through it. There are some beautiful cafe's as well as some working watermills. Shane missed a few of the hot spots. It was time for a snooze

This one is for you Alaine Foster Bollinger

If only we had THAT organ at the wedding

The Beautiful Strasbourg Notre Dame Church

Not a bad place for a wedding - but really, does it have anything on Highland falls?

Shane and I chatting it up at the cafe. Check out the church behind us.

My father in law stated - Shane's personality might be a lot like Sara's - he always has something to say!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuHLl87G5vk

Nick's Spring break

Nick spent the week with me on spring break. For some reason the idea of entertaining him and Shane for an entire week straight sounded exhausting. But not having to keep up with his kindergarden schedule actually provided for a bit of relaxation. I wasnt rushing to grab him at 12:30. It wasn't too bad. Here's just a few of our 'experiences'

- Monday morning he crawled in bed with me - it was rather early and he normally heads straight to Dad's side. So I was savoring the moment of cuddle time. He woke up to find the Ferrari next to the bed that I purchased for him in Italy. He was silently thrilled (difficult for a 3 year old) and asked me to open it for him. He proceeded to mis-place it 2 hours later - but we have since found it again and again, and again

- That morning we took the train to downtown Stuttgart, fed the ducks and enjoyed some time with Natalie and her girls. Nothing beats a picnic and ice cream with friends.

- We woke up Tuesday morning and the sun was still out! One of the important lessons in German is to GO OUTSIDE when the sun is out! So we soaked it up at Filderado. I had BOTH boys in the big pool at the same time. If only I had a 4th arm with which to take a picture=) Nick was chasing his little toy boat while Shane (who I thought would cry due to the chilly water) opted to take a snooze while floating.

- Wednesday was raining with nothing to note - we survived

- Thursday - rain again - but time to hit the IKEA! I love that place. Nick even opted to try their kid playground. I signed him in and he ran straight to the ball playground.  Looking good so far.  30 minutes into my 'shopping spree' I heard an anouncement - in german of course, but I was able to recognize the 'Nicholas' portion.  I kept shopping thinking "I gave them my cell number, surely they will call that"  10 minutes later, the 'Nicholas' announcement comes over the loud speaker again.  Guess I better check it out.  I head back to the playground and there sits little Nick.  Small tears in his eyes, but not currently crying.  He told me he was sad I left him and that he wished Tate was there with him.  Ah, if only. 

This missing of Tate actually spurred on 2 days worth of imagining Tate was with him.  Eating with him, swimming with him - gotta love imaginary play.  He is even telling me to imagine that Farrah is here too.  Matter of fact I think Shane is thinking of Macy.  When we left for the pool today he said Brian was staying back with Dad helping to sweep out the garage =)  McCulloughs we miss you!

32 Hours of solo time

Landed in Venice and hopped the bus to PorDenone realizing I was the only one that spoke English and wound up getting dropped off 1 hour later here (yes, I felt like a kid on their first day on the bus having no idea where I lived and being too scared to pipe up...) 

Judging by the photo - the gate was CLEARLY closed and probably had been for months if not years....

So I started walking...  along what I hoped to be the Aviano AFB

No Italian dinner for me - Saturday night dinner- Peanuts, Cheez-its and a Bud Light in my AF room at lodging - Transportation for that day.....  bus-train-plane-plane-bus-foot-bus-foot-sweat lady's car to post

Ah, the next morning.  I am totally prepared to concur the indoor cycling course.  Wait, what a VIEW!  The course was amazing and totally worth the travel expenses and frustrations.  At the end of the course the instructor offered to take me to the airport!!  PRIMO!!  Did I mention I LOVE the sound of Italian?!

Not only did I have lunch at Taco Bell, but I finally enjoyed my Italian cusine and high end shopping.  Both were done at the Venice Airport.

These shots are obviously from within the airplane - this shows my water taxi option =)

I was enthralled in my book and glass of (included) red wine when I glanced up to see this view.  Absolutely amazing.  Everyone had their cameras out.

The best part of the evening.....  Upon departure, the Stewart (who spoke Italian, German and English) throughout the flight - says good bye to everyone in what he believes to be their native tongue.  He said "auf wiedersehen" to me - while the bubba behind me got a 'Goodbye, have a nice evening'  Yippee!!

Trip home - car-plane-plane-train-bus ah....  midnight at home.  Loved it and thanks to my husband for supporting my desire to complete this course.  He traveled to the Maginot Line with the boys on Sunday.  I know there are plenty of you that would like to see photos of his travels.  For that, you need to view his blog.  Oh, that's right, he doesn't have one and forgot the camera =)

Enriched by the talent of friends

Monday night Diane and I got dressed up and hit the streets of Stuttgart on a mission to hear readings from American writers and most famously - our buddy Lindsey (the most famour of all).  At the beginning of the readings - the host mentioned 'there will be a lot of english being spoken - so bear with us'.  Gosh, sounds like a little bit of heaven to me - that and the cup of starbucks I was savoring. 

Lindsey was about 5th in the line up.  She hopped up, shedded her reservations about speaking in public and shared 'Pieces of me' or 'me in pieces'  She has an amazing ability of using words to express feelings and conjur images.  The dialogue amoung the brain lungs and stomach was impressive.  Some how just sharing the night with Lindsey and her talented group of writers made us (me)  feel smarter and truly enriched our evening.  Again - I am so thankful for wonderful friends who's talents truly open my eyes.

German's love to have a drink or two - heck so do the American's

Today was Sunday - and the wonderful thing was - it didn't rain.  I can't say it was sunny as there were still quite a bit of clouds in the sky.  We did have a few sun sightings - just not for long.  But the town of Esslingen hosted a HUGE wine walk.  It was several (I say that because I don't remember how many) wine stops with their local concoction.  A 10k walk and I am not sure how much we accomplished.  But it was FUN and it didn't RAIN!

The photo as at this stop was to note, they had totaly run out of food.  Looking at the menu with the crosses through the missing items was totaly hysterical.  However, bread with butter and chives was still available - yum!!  Good thing Chris is easy to please

Kids - as long as they are together - are always entertaining - even in the wine vinyards.

A Man, a dog and a cigar

So this is what we got for all the money we had left?!?!

Posing for a vinyard photo

How lucky we are to have good friends

Chris Cole as both a rock star and a budding father.

What beats a little public transportation and an enjoyable German afternoon.  We surely enjoy thier ability to find an oppurtunity to drink at any time =)  Cheers to the wandering Wine fest!

Sometimes its the little things

I love to include photos so here is Shane and I taking breakfast on the go....  We ate in the square in Downtown Neuhausen - Posh, I know.

Another reason for keeping this blog is a place to record moments.  I don't have a scrapbooking talent.  I wish I took more photos or wrote down more things.  I spoke with a lady last night who recorded the first time her daughter slept through the night.  This happened 30+ years ago as her daughter was 2 months old at the time.  I never wrote that down for Nick or Shane as I assumed (rightfully so) that it would jinx me. 

Last night we had a 17 lady Bunco - all I can say is look how far we have come.  What a testiment to women who enjoy the company of others.  We are all VERY different - military and non-military backgrounds, just moving to Europe & fluent speakers of the german language.  Its wonderful to spend an evening with different people.  A year ago there were 4 of us at a table discussing how we would get more folks to join our group.  Kudos to Diane, Lindsey and Farrah.  I am forever greatful!

On another quick note - being with Nick so much during the day I start to wonder if he appreciates the fact that I am with him.  Granted I am not stimulating him 24/7.  I often cannot play ball at the drop of a hat or find his favorite race car when he wants to take it to bed.  However, after his nap today - he told me his blanket was dirty.  Now I try to wash his blanket frentquetnly - however, it takes over 2 hours from start to finish for a load of laundry and that is IF I remember to switch it from washer to dryer on time.  Well, I put the blanket in the wash.  By the time bed time rolled around, the blanket was rolling around in the dryer.  I read his two stories tonight (Ferdinand being one of them - my favorite book) and went downstairs in hopes of the blanket being dry.  It was!  By the time I brought it back upstairs Nick's head was swaying from side to side and I could tell he was sleepy.  I brought in the blanket and he instantly squeezed it and breathed in the clean smell.  His smile instantly said 'thank you'.   - Now those are moments I want to remember.

Happy Mother's Day

Nick's Kindergarden put on a service today at the Cathloic Church in our town of Neuhausen.  The Church is huge and a little intimidating for both Nick (and my husband).  When we showed up, Nick decided he didn't want to join his buddies.  He ended up sitting in the pews with us. 

At the slightest look of agitation from Shane, Chris offered to take him outside as to not disturb the service - and get himself a little time out.  So I was with Nick.  As any 3.5 year old, he wiggled around during the service.  There has never been a time when I felt more like my own mother.   As Nick was squirming, I grabbed the back of his arm and slowly DUG my nails into his skin saying rather sternly 'sit still'.  I cannot tell you how many times I have been on the receiving end of both the arm grab and solid whisper of my mother's voice.  For a second there, I was Sue Carlson.  But it wasn't scary - Maybe I felt as if I have finally arrived as a mother of kids and thankful for having a wonderful mother to learn from.  Thanks mom! (and yes, it does get his attention)

Here is our family photo after the service.  We all survived.

After the service, Nick's Kindergarden hosted a little luncheon - with mimosa's for the mom's!  It was great hanging out in Nick's playground.  You could tell he felt at home there.  Even so much as to grab the biggest skooter to run around.

At the kindergarden, all the kids grabbed a rose for their mom and sand the cutest little song.  I have it recorded, but was unable to load it up right now.

There they all are.  Nick is the little dude in front

It rained later that day - but that's just fine as we enjoyed the sunshine of the morning.  We ended the evening with a wonderful dinner out at a favorite local restaraunt.  My wish of no cooking was granted!  Wonderful weekend. 

It can be a Date DAY too right??

Who wants to leave these cuties with a babysitter???  O.k. for a few hours!  Of course I didn't leave them in the bath.  I took this photo this week for Chris as he was in the London area for work and its fun to get photos from home.  Nick does a great job of entertaining his brother in the bath.

During Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Nick insists that Shane sit right next to him.  He even moves the chair himself.  Is it the picture angle or does Shane already look bigger than Nick?

This morning Chris and I enjoyed an amazing date morning.  Our babysitter popped over at 11am.  Chris and I hit the rode 10 minutes later.  He planned a 27 mile GPS.  I love my man and his techincal knowledge (honestly, I do believe his GPS has issues) but the ride did not download and we fended for ourselves the old fashioned way.  Follow the signs!  Thankfully his sense of direction is very good!

It had been raining for 5 days straight in Germany (and COLD) therefore since today was rainless and rather pretty there were tons of folks out on their bikes.  We caught up to a pair of older men cycling.  We motored passed them to say hi and actually ended up riding with them for a few miles.  We both wished we continued with them as they appeared to know the roads.  We got along just fine.  Chris took us along the river (which was rather FULL) as well a by a few beer gardens.  He ended the ride up a significant hill which he proceeded to leave me in the dust.  I complained that i was stuck behind cars etc....  But next time I will not let that happen! 

Of course as all rides do, this ended with a yummy beer in our town square. 

Chris is currently napping as I right this....

I am onto making some soon to be famous Leadbetter Strawberry Rhurbarb pie. The Rhubarb is from a plant in our yard and the strawberries from a farm down the road. However, Nicole told me that I am not Martha Stewart until I start making my own pie crust! Why bother when the store bought stuff is too easy?!

Last year at this same time I baked the pie, not being totally certiain the plant was rhurbarb.  I brought it to a lunch at our than "new friends", Brian and Farrah, ah the memories..

The kid friendly fest day

It was a rather dreary day in Germany - and if we opt not to go out when the clouds rolled in, we would miss quite a bit.  So we headed out on the bus and train.  Shannon's family joined us for the ride.  Chris and I reminisced about the Friday night antics as it was all too familiar =)  No beer for me today!

Here's the first photo of the happy pilot - This one is for you Wyland!.  The helicopter had 4 steering wheels - so who is in charge?

Next to the Ferris Wheel

Finally onto the food - Meat on a stick was Nick's choice

Look at the beautiful ladies.  I loved shopping for the drindl as I thought it was such a reflection of personality.  It was even more fun shopping with my buddy.  Remember the days of running to the same dress as you felt you had to like the same thing?  It felt - gosh whats the word.... mature? no, comforting?  Maybe as Diane and I each tried on very different dressed that reflected us and looked perfect on us seperately.

So, what do you think - spirited & loud, Lavish & dramatic, Sweet & bright

So are we German or American?  Great question.  As we were walking through the fest dressed in traditional German - Bavarian style, I walked right by an obvious german sporting a New Jersey sweatshirt and a NY Yankees hat.  How odd.

What a colorful crew!

Nice men!

We were abiding by the 'don't wake the baby rule'.  Shane was dressed and ready to hit the fest too!

Thanks to Margaret - Shane is looking the part!

Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend