Shane the stomper

In the recent weeks, Shane has tranformed himself into a true 'upright' toddler.  He stumbles all over the house often toting his favorite tag blanket or a toy Nick was playing with.  Every time you catch him, he offers up this super cute 'pursed lip' grin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbGQZvM8_Os

We went to MOPS on Wednesday and that was the first time his girlfriend Macy noticed the change in him. 

I just missed the moment when Macy grabbed Shane's hand and walked him into the playroom for his first time.  Precious!  He was at her level again and I loved watching her figure that out. 

Shane had no idea the excitement he had been missing in the big kid playroom. 

He even joins us at the big boy table - heart melting grin =) 

Our Good Shepard

This year Nick was at the age to participate in a Christmas pagent that was put on by some wonderful ladies at the church on post.  For Nick, anything is better with Tate - even a Christmas pagent. 

I treasured how much he learned during rehersals.  I about cried watching him shout out the words to Silent Night, Oh come all ye faithful and of course Joy to the World which he still loves to sing in the car!

Chelcy, are you still looking for that tacky Christmas sweater?  This one is for you =)

Trimming the Christmas Tree

Reently a landscaper came by upon my landlords request to remove some trees that she beleived were too big.  He didn't speak english, but some how I managed to ask him to keep this portion for a tannenbaum. 

So on Saturday after the Leadbetters arrived we told Wyland we needed to go cut down our Christmas tree.  Having no idea where we were headed, he bundled up and walked out the door.  At that point Nick stopped and pointed to our future Christmas tree.  From our own yard!  Truly a tree to remember!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PtA3cx3Lvk

Nice decorating little Nicholas 

A Christmas Party

The company christmas party, another reason to celebrate!  Chris was just about finished with his major project for 2010 - so he was feeling ready to celebrate the hardwork he has invested. 

The band was playing, the buffet line filled and conversation everywhere.  Great night!

Part of the MC Dean Brain trust 

The reason we all had a head ache the next day - never try to keep up with the McDonoughs! 

Camera malfunction or operator error? 

There is the lovely couple 

Farrah - remember that sparkel purse?  Yup, I was still carrying it the next day =) 

Celebrating with cherished friends

Having wonderful friends in your life gives you so many oppurtunities to celebrate life's landmarks with them. 

Here is a treasured photo of Farrah and I celebrating her birthday in downtown Stuttgart.  It was a snowy fairytale day where we got to start the early afternoon with a glass of gluvine.  I managed to surprise her with her birthday location (she asked me if she needed to pack a bathing suit - knowing I love swimming and she hates it, I couldn't imagine a worse idea)  So instead to chose a hip cafe at the top of a glass building in the downtown of our wonderful city.

Two is better than one right? 

Not only were we celebrating Farrah's birthday, but also hosting an early celebration for Angela too - another wonderful reason to celebrate.  She was thrilled to find this cupcake shop downtown and enjoyed every morsel!

Here are the lovely ladies at our posh lunch location

Onto our next treasure celebration - Diane is having baby #3 - wow missy!! 

It was tricky to plan a shower for her as she was convinced she had everything she needed (that and the fact that I mistakenly sent the evite to her - it was erased quick enough that she had no idea when it was coming...)

We enjoyed a lovely dinner that night in Times Square, toasting the new baby. 

After dinner we watched our super star friend Amy in her role in Chalres Dickens Christmas Carol.  Thankful to have talented friends as well!!

This morning we transformed the Wisneski office into a beloved baby room.  It was an act of love from some wonderful ladies.  We know Diane and the new baby will feel the love everytime they walk into the room.

To get us in the holiday spirit - we also enjoy a night of wreath making - check out these crafty ladies

With these celebrations I get to say thanks to these cherished ladies that have truly enhanced my life.  Thanks ladies - I love you all!!

Let it snow

We returned from Rome to a winter wonderland in Stuttgart.  Nick (who was sick upon his return) took a few moments out of his sick day to construct a snowman.  I know there are snowman kits out there - but who can resist some walnut shells and sticks.

 

Are you warm in there?

This was the night that Chris invited us to see the final stage of his all consuming project.  We all jumped at the chance to drive in the pouring snow to share some time with dad.  It was an impressive project (no photos as it was a secure area) but here is Shane in our festive hat with two super dads!

Saturday night we strolled through the beautiful college town of Tubingen.

Nick is totally hip to snowball fights

Snow angels made by my little angel

Final day in Rome

Our final days in Rome before all this information totally leaves my brain (which I am thankful its captured on this blog!)  Saturday morning we got up and decided to explore some of the unbeaten plans of Rome.  Rick Steve’s had mentioned a beautiful area called Trastevere.    It is title ‘across the Tiber’ because literally it is just across the river.  It was a cute little area with an open market square.  We enjoyed the beautifully simple streets.  I imagined it was where the people actually live.   We strolled a bit and then realized, we wanted to go back to the touristy stuff, can why, because we are tourists!!

Chris and Nick checking out the 'fish' portion of the market, can you smell it?

Ah, back to the Pathenon.  All kinds of folks were taking photos of Shane stretching his legs and arms on the floor! 

So back we strolled to the Pantheon.  We had an AMAZING lunch at Enoteca Corsi , via del Gesu 87-88.  It rumored that Rachel Ray ate there and loved the eggplant and gnocchi.  They were open only for lunch.  We were at their doors at 12:30 (they were just opening) and the tables were empty.  Buy 12:45, they were busting at the seams.  We loved every bite!!

A boy in a basket! 

The last morning we said goodbye to Rome at Trevi fountain – a truly beautiful place.  Nick and I tossed a few more coins in the fountain in hopes that Rome would bring us back to enjoy her beautiful sights.



We had some friends touring Rome over the same weekend.  Some we ran into and some we didn’t (amazing in such a HUGE city as American’s we can be magnets!)  but here is an example of some AMAZING photos that you can take when you have the eye for it and an awesome camera!!  Thanks Melody for capturing Rome so beautifully!

On top of St. Peter's Bascillica

 I adore this photo of the Pantenon

 Striking and formitable photo from within the Roman Forum

 This should really be a postcard

 I am not sure how they managed to get everyone out of the picture for Trevi fountain, but its just a beautiful shot!