The strength of those around me.

Just a little mom blurb from me.  This week I was drudgingly solo as Chris headed to Molsworth working on a rather large project out there.  On my way to Diane's I quickly snapped myself out of it.  Amy would be there who has the strength to endure a year long separation, she is packing her family for Michigan while her sole mate, Rick heads to Kazakhstan for his command.  Natalie is juggling her two young girls solo for the next three months as Steve is taking classes in the states.  Shannon prepped a wonderful salad and a birthday cake for her daughter solo as her husband deployed in March to Afganistan for a year.  That is just to name a few of the wonderful military families that endure separation as part of their chosen live and devotion to a career.  They do it and still continue on with their lives, raising their children, bringing food, coordinating events and exploring Europe - solo.  While we are no longer military, we are thankful to be surrounded by the strength of conviction of these truly wonderful families and hope they remain strong and blessed.  I am glad to be strengthened by them every day.

While I was solo - I was actually not terribly bothered as Shane woke up with a nightmare at 4:30 Thursday morning.  He is an amazing sleeper and never wakes up.  But I heard in crying for mama and I, bleared eyed walked downstairs to comfort him.  He curled back up in my arms and I enjoyed holding his 18 month old body that night.  It wasn't so fun when everyone woke up at 6:15 - but I promised myself to treasure this time with him.  I am fortunate.

A Royal Tea Lunch Bunch

In honor of the Royal Wedding, Melody planned a beautiful lunch bunch at a Tea house over looking downtown Stuttgart.  It turned out to be the most perfect afternoon for a beautiful ladies brunch out.  The Tea house was even hosting a wedding of their own that day so we were pampered with beautiful table decorations and cakes to gaulk at.  The famous (to us) cupcake store was supplying the cake and treats - yum yum!  Farrah even asked to snag one.  Not sure if the 'sweet' guy caught onto her tricks, but we left with our mouths watering for something sweet - I will have something baking in 5 minutes!

Like the 'wind blwon effect - just be thankful that none of our dresses got caught =) 

I want to super-impose Ms. Ashley in this photo (and open Ms. Lindseys beautiful eyes!).  She meet up with us today with her sweet 10 day old baby peter (who was an angel during our lunch!)  It was her first real outing and we are fortunate she spent it with us.  Although she missed the photo, she got out before the raindrops fell

Thanks ladies for a great day!

Easter Brunch Sunday and the brunch that continued.....

Nick snuck downstairs early in the morning and was thrilled to report that the Easter bunny visited last night.  He discovered his cute little basket on the table and eyed the eggs outside for hunting.

Sadly, before the hunting began, Nick was toying with his new sunglasses - actually they were Shane's - and broke them.  I was instantly crushed as I had searched all over for kids glasses and finally found some reasonable pairs and had them shipped through Amazon.  Nick learned a more difficult tale - although he broke Shane's sunglasses, Nick would now have to offer Shane his own pair in forgiveness.

Now, onto the leadbetter egg search

Shane was offering some direction

After our festivites we got gussied up and headed out to the Wisneski's for an Easter family brunch

Wayne and Diane hosting a beautiful and relaxing afternoon.  There was so much food.  We had enough for lunch, dinner and for everyone to come back again on Monday to eat the leftovers!!  Comfortable chatting was heard everywhere and no one wanted to leave.  The weather was perfect (even melted the chocolate surprises in the eggs a bit)  Funny note - as Nick collected up his eggs, he told me it was trying harder to find eggs for Tate since he couldn't be there.

Darion and Elise mapped out a little egg hunt for the munchkins and later we were even entertained by a sweet play directed by Ms. Vivian

Here is Shane demonstrating the true relaxation he feels at Ms. Diane's house.  Blake doesn't mind sharing the seat right now...  This is when we came back for leftovers on Monday (I really wasn't kidding about that!) so Shane is not in his Sunday best anymore...

Thanks for being part of our 'chosen' family

Little slugger and a biker??

This weekend was a chill sporting weekend.  Nick's first T-ball game (sport #3 if you are all counting)  He is part of the NY Mets (I am impressed with the rather professional uniforms!)  Nick loves the orange, but their coach is a HUGE Yankee's fan and our entire family loves the Redsoxs, so we hope this 'Mets' thing doesn't stick...  Here's our little slugger as the lead off batter.

They basically let everyone bat (no outs).  Once we run through the line up we switch teams.  Wonder at what age this all changes?

There were almost as many adults on the field as yound ones.  Here is Chris coaching Nick's base running.

Onto our other little one.  Shane would LOVE to be able to ride this bike!!  Almost, Almost!!

Later that afternoon - Nick got a hold of the camera.  It was interesting viewing life through his eyes.  He took about 100 photos, stairs, Shane, Dad's legs, Mom, bed, himself.  These are two of my favorites.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Yup, that makes 3!!

Monday was our appointment with Dr. P our OBGYN. We are 16 weeks pregnant and able to find out if its a boy or girl. We didn't seize this opportunity with either Nick or Shane as the surprise was rather thrilling. However with #3 being our last little one, we thought it would be fun to enjoy the surprise at about the 1/2 way marker. Plus, I figured I was either going to have to stock up on little girl stuff or get used to the idea that I will be the only girl in the house (unless of course you count Pauli and Cayman).

As we went into the ultra sound room - (the entire family!) Dr. P was instructed that we were having a girl unless he was able to confirm otherwise...... He happily went to looking at all the sweet little baby parts. The hands, the fingers, measuring everything along the way confirming the October 2 due date. Than he caught our little baby in a cute position laying on its back. You could see two little circles for the knee caps and than in between those circles was.... another little circle.... hmmmm.. at that point Dr. P looked at us and said 'here is the part where I may not be able to confirm this is a little girl' He went onto other measurements =) We got to see the profile of the little one and that erased all doubt - it would be rather impossible to confirm a little girl when you see the profile! Chris and i were actually quite shocked that we never saw those little parts during either Shane's or Nick's ultra sound appointment - guess we were just blissfully ignorant!

So its 3 boys for the Leadbetters! We are happily getting used to the idea and keeping everything blue. He is a healthy little boy and Nick cannot wait for an addition to his soccer team. And I will get everything pink=)

I recently changed Cayman's name, figured I need to start using my girl names....  Meet - Carly!

The best travel buddies

Last weekend we enjoyed some family time with one of our favorite families (the McCulloughs) in one of the most beautiful spots in Germany (Garmisch).  They reserved a suite at Edleweiss Hotel (the american resort) so we could all stay together.  Not many families can stand staying with their own kids in a hotel - much less another families children - I am forever thankful for how we all just make it work (and made it enjoyable!)  The McCulloughs bunked in the loft portion (macy even enjoyed a night peacfully in the bathroom) While The Leadbetters bunked in the downstairs room together. 

Farrah coordinated for a babysitter on Saturday night and Brian reserved time at a wonderful restaraunt for Saturday night.  We even tested out some Indian food on Sunday. 

Here is my caveat - when we travel with the McCulloughs, I often forget to pull out my camera as Brian has a MUCH better camera and a more talented eye.  They are currently vacationing in England visiting his family - so stay posted as i will have more photos coming =)  Here are just a few.

On Saturday, we visited Neuschwanstein castle.  The McCulloughs toured the castle while our boys played on the beautiful grassy field below.

Anyone see the similiarities in these boys?  I love them all!!

Farrah, the munchkins and I opted for the horse drawn carriage ride on the way back down the hill - beautiful horses!

We had a wonderful weekend and thank the McCulloughs for including us as family.  I drifted off a bit during the drive home - and when I woke up I felt a familiar pit in my stomach.  It was the realization that weekends like this are truly numbered.   We are not strangers to moving on in life - but the idea of losing the McCulloughs and 5 other wonderful families is surely starting to take its toll. 

Every moment until than is a treasure!

Here are some more photos from the McCulloughs

Farrah's idea to bring swords up to the castle - kids loved it!!

The view on Sunday from our Indian restaraunt 

Here is the whole crew 

What a great family

Post card shots curtosey of Brian McCullough.  If only there was snow on that castle 

Chris always manages to find a beer =)  Another reason why I love him so much! 

Ture sword fighting 

The view from our hotel 

Farrah spotted this on her way home (rather close to their house)  I love how 'normal this is out here.  Yet another postcard photo - just of a different genre 

Beautiful weekend - thank you again!

School Pictures

I picked up Nick's First session of School photos - remember those days, the awful haircuts, the plastic combs they would pass out to everyone.  I remember hoping that I would smile just right and it always came out all wrong (but my mom continually kept them framed and handed them to relatives.....) 

Here's our first round - Shane, can you smile?  Seriously, will that piece of lay down?  Nick  - perfect!  (yes, Nick and Shane signed up for a special session together - Nick was pumped to have his brother there - who only looked at the camera guy with skeptisism....)

Hysterical pose (but when we came home that evening, Nick was trying to demonstrate the pose - now I get it) 

Really, no smile? 

Nick informed me that the Camera guy asked him not to smile...  I am hoping something was lost in translation - don't you want to just poke his bellie??

And the whole crew 

I picked these photos up today in total German style.  There was a packet, it had my name on it and I paid 35 Euro - DONE -

I didn't get to pick a pose from the 1 million photos taken.  I didn't get to say I want 10 8X10s, 52 wallets etc...  it was here are your photos take it or leave it.  This would surely be a great study on social economics - meaning, does the photo guy make more $$ on less time by just packing and sending or would they profit more by taking a bit more time and offering up a tad more customer service?

Either way - I have learned the Germans are not terribly flexible - I am thankfully becoming more flexible...

Now I am off to Ikea to pick out frames for their walls - some that will hang for the next 15 years!

Spring time Visitors

Seriously, I cannot think of a more beautiful time to visit Germany - so if you want to pack your bags come one out. 
     We recently were excited to host Liz - Chris's sister for a few days.  She flew from NY into Zurich and managed to hop a train to Stuttgart.  Without any communication - we found her in the Stuttgart main train station!!  Impressive (it took about 15 minutes as she was most likely the first one off the train and we were still wondering around looking for the track at that time....  so if you have a cell phone, bring it!!)
     Liz enjoyed life in the big city and experienced culture shock twice.  Once being in a foriegn country and the other having shopping at every corner (life in Saranac Lake is simple and quite - beautiful for vacationing - but lengthy stays might make you a little stir crazy - especially since while she was enjoying the bright sunshine, Tam was at home with the kids still shoveling snow!)
     We toured her through Stuttgart, Neuhausen, Tubigen etc..  It was wonderful having her and great for our kids to get to know their Aunt.
Can you believe we didn't take a single picture?!?!  Geesh!

Spring weekend

Another beautiful weekend without a cloud in the sky.  (I vow to look back at these photos when the clouds come in and the rain doesn't stop) We are doing everything we can to take advantage of the time outside!  Saturday morning Chris treated us with Steak and Eggs outside.  Our is just beautiful  WE wish you were all here to enjoy a glass of prosecco outside with us.

After a few minor home projects we hopped the train downtown for a little big city strolling.  Its amazing how small the city can feel.  During out walk to a playground/beirgarden we ran into Lenka (a co-worker family of Chris's) and ran into Josh, Kristen and Cayman at the park.  Looks like we all had the same idea!  The McCulloughs met up with us for a few beers and a sunburn - seriously, the sun is that serious these days.

That evening we sat outside with our best buddies grilling, polishing off bottles of yummy drinks and keeping an eye on the munchkins.  A few times we poked our head in to see what they were up to and decided there is no more need for babysitters are the 4 kids just play so well together.  The night ended with a few memory lane muppet show episodes and a late bedtime for everyone. 

Some folks in Stuttgart are protesting a large train construction project that will apparently take down several old trees in the city.  Some folks are living in the trees as part of the protest.  Really a sign to me that you don't need to much to sustain a living..... 

Farrah is almost always able to get Shane to smile.  We thinking Shane is singing in this song in his head..... 'macy's mom has got it going on....' hahah! 

Someone sure if smiling!! 

Sunday we enjoyed a birthday party for Madelyn and some time with our friends.  Lundy and Bob excitedly discussed their upcoming move to Being China - WOW - and we thought living in Germany was an adjustment.  I cannot imaigne not being able to read the letters on a traffic sign....  WE are thrilled to have someone there to visit!!

Later that evening we dug into the Leadbetter Fun box and enjoyed one of our favorite activities - riding to the airport for a picinic.  This was Nick's first time riding the distance on his own.  He did a great job getting there, but wanted to discuss a different route home (too many uphills in his book)  Its fun to remember how big some hills were in your childhood and revisit them now...  All about perspective right??

Shane enjoyed watching the big planes come in and pointed every time.  However the planes were VERY loud and it started to bother him.  We realized this as every time one took off, he stopped what he was doing (normally running across the sidewalk after Nick)  Found me, and ran into my lap pressing his little ears against my chest.  So sweet.  I wanted to stay longer just to feel the 'protection' time with Shane.

So we had a few projects Saturday and one of them was rearranging the furniture in the boys room.  I helped Chris with the beds and a few dressers but left the real HEAVY lifting to Brian and Chris.  The boys room is HUGE so the bunk beds we recently found on Stuttgart Yard sales don't need to be stacked (thankfully as the idea of Shane climbing the ladder after Nick is something I might lose sleep over)  They are side by side with PLENTY of room leftover.  Shane won't be sleeping upstiars yet as we have plenty of room for that.  But its fun to have everything laid out and ready!  The 'TOP' bunk has rails all around - so makes for the perfect training bed for our little bugger =) 

The boys are doing great and playing together more and more.  I find Nick is often the one in tears as Shane will grab a toy and squack when Nick tries to grab it back.  He is so conflicted with not being able to be forceful with Shane!  Shane is talking a bunch, but we still can't figure out all the words.  Plus, I am betting some of them are German based on the 2 mornings he spends with his mutter tutter while I teach. 

I am about 15 weeks along and feeling great!  Limited nausea and my energy is back.  Matter of fact, I just signed on to help a co-worker tomorrow.  So I will be teaching my 6AM spin, a 9:30 Pump and a spin again at 11:30 - Now after that I will be tired, but I am guessing anyone would be =)

Hope you all had a great weekend - love ya

Spring really is beautiful here

These are really the beautiful days of spring here.  We start off in a light weigh jacket and by lunch time its T-shirts with shorts or pants.  EVERYTHING is in bloom and smells great (as long as you don't have allergies)  The boys are loving time outside and riding bikes (Shane's feet still can't touch on the run bike, but he really tries!!) 

Here are the boys before school on Tuesday morning.  I think Shane was dressed like a gym coach and Nick a football coach.  Oh the wonderful days of wearing comfy pants to school =)

Wednesday is our MOPs day.  We normally spend it at the playground in the bowling alley (which we still did) but Diane and I had an extended playdate at the soccer fields.  At one point, everyone was barefoot (not just the Mississippi girl!)

Here is sweet Blake Patterson Wisneski - already almost 3 months old!  Beautiful eyes - look out ladies!

I have a photo from about this time last year of Nick and Anna after an ice cream snack.  They love posing together (especially Anna)  I just wish I could snap this picture every year!

How do we like the bubbly water Shane?

Nice Kick Nick!

Enjoying the outdoors and making mothering look so natural

Shane is SUPER smiley, but turns it off everytime we turn on the camera.  I am FINALLY getting his grin captured

5 minutes later.....  sleepy shane.... time to go home.

Even my yard looks beautiful now - the weeds haven't take it over yet and everything is blooming!

Seriously, what ad is he posing for??

Later this afternoon we had lunch at the cafe in the square with Shannon and her girls.  It was a bit chilly to be soaked by the fountains, but the kids loved the idea that spring really is here!

Every morning the sun is shining and its beautiful to be outside I am reminded that life really is easier with sunshine.  We live in a truly beautiful place with beautiful friends.  Tonight we are sharing in Macy's dedication and headed to a Mexican Dinner with everyone afterwards.  Last night our home was filled with 14 ladies rolling the bunco dice and polishing off margarittas.  Farrah was my co-host and truly examplifies that life is better with friends - even if you are just cutting up tomatoes together =)  I hope to read back on this blog and feel the same warmth of hapiness that I feel at the moment I am typing this!