Girls need a weekend away

What girl doesn't need a weekend away?!?!  Well we enjoyed every second of a ladies weekend in Garmisch.  it was so simple packing just for yourself, no diapers, no naps (unless we wanted them....) no real schedules.... Looking forward to this weekend made my life as a SAHM worth it!!  Also knowing that Chris had life totally under control for the weekend felt great too - but really, was I doing to mind if my kids ran around in their PJs al weekend while I wasn't there - nope....

Those with munkins dropped them off at 8:45 sharp and gathered in cars for a quick stop at a crystal outlet.  Imagine a crystal outlet with kids - we didn't have too!!

 

We got to the hotel, opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed the scenery (view from our room), girl chatter and some tunes on Natalies Iphone.  Since there wasn't a big schedule, we decided to head out shopping (at the PX)  Its amazing the things that fall into your basket after a glass of wine or two...

 

Now, lets get ready and head downstairs for dinner!  Its the traditional American steak, fish, salad dinner.  Water is on the table and the waitress tells us she is there to make our night wonderful =)  Now that is a treat (since we all know German customer service often leave a little to be desired)

The next morning we hit the shops again.... 

Or should I say schnapps..... 

Now the above photo is funny because this cute store was FULL of these little schnapps bins.  Farrah and I didn't hestitate to want this photo and quickly got in position (you would think everyone would want this photo in a schnapps store right?)  WRONG!  The store owner was mortified and asked us to leave imediately!  Thankfully Lindsey's quick fingers captured this photo.  I do feel bad for the older man - not only for being 'uptight' but for the sale he missed out on....  bummer sir!

Later that evening we hit Happy hour downstairs - Cheers ladies 

Nice cocktails 

For those of you reading this that know me too well, know my extreme love of wings and the proper way to inhale them...  Well, they had wings on the apps menu (of course, its an American place)  so I ordered some and almost bit off Lundy's finger as she lunged for another carrot or wing!!  Guess her 'eating wings with Sara' learning curve got pretty steep =)

With full bellies we boarded the bus for a Gorge tour.  It was the perfect chilly night with a beautiful layer of snow on the ground.  We were the rouady bunch, so we managed to lay claim to the back of the bus.  The 24 year old tour guides thought we were pretty enertaining too - so they joined us for the dinner portion! 

Before we set out on our walk, we stopped at the ski jump sight for the 1936 Olymipcs.  With a fascinating history lesson under our belts (with regards to Hitler and how he forced Garmisch-Partenkirchen to join together to host - they weren't thrilled, but who questioned Hitler than?) 

The carriers of the light 

Bundle up its chilly out there 

This is Lundy doing her best Ansel Adams in the Gorge 

Swimming anyone? 

A little break for some warm tea 

Sunday morning we woke up to some wonderful spa treatments and than packed our bags for home.  Its so hard to have a fun trip like this in the rear view mirror.  But we will always remember feeling like adults - at least for a weekend. 

By the time we made it home, the guys had already departed for a Soccer game (babysitters were filling in  the 'between' time)  So we had to hit the ground running.  Shane came running to me with tears of excitement in his eyes.  Of course I had my hands full wanting just 20 more minutes to put away clothes and start dinner.  Shane did not understand this request...  Such is life right?  Guess we were missed.

Thanks ladies for a wonderful weekend.  Angela we are lucky you put this together!  Love ya,

Boooooo to PCS season.........

And so its begun, the inevitable departure of our family here in Europe. This morning we heard the Wisneski’s are headed to Florida, the Roberts will split – Rick will deploy while Amy and the kids head home to Michigan, the BonDurants to Arizona. Ashley and Farrah still anticipate leaving this summer but have yet to solidity their new home location. Nothing replaces friends – our hearts only gets bigger as we try to fill the void they will leave. I know its months away, but now our chatter will be filled with timelines, packing, new homes, cancelling services here etc… So different – but a fact of life here.


Something I wanted to remember. On Saturday night in Austria when the Leadbetters were sequestered in our room, Farrah knocked on the door saying they were headed for a walk. From under my muffled pillow – I said, ‘o.k., have fun’. She told me the next day that she as she stood outside my door, she felt like Tate when Nick says we can’t come over…. So sad…

I have a feeling these next few months will be times filled with treasuring every moment. We plan to jump at every chance that our buddies want to travel in hopes of making memories that will make saying goodbye a little less painful. But we are truly lucky!

And Yes, with every family departure here. I know my best buddy Chelcy believes that is one more dollar saved in the coming home direction. We hope it will only be that easy to fall right back into the welcoming arms of wonderful friends.  We just wonder when....

A beautiful ski weekend with buddies in Mayrhofen Austria

 We just came back from a wonderful weekend in Mayrhofen Austria (actually know for its 'cow coming home' party in October). Brian found a wonderful house for the 4 families that was walking distance from the slopes. The owner spoiled us with breakfast, cakes and dinner each day and we loved the 45 degree weather.

On Saturday (our travel day) we had a minor speed bump - this virus you all have heard of (10 hours worth of queasiness and puking) hit Chris, Nick and me on our 6 hour trek there. Chris started the day sick so I stuffed him in the car with everyone else and headed out. Nick joined the ranks at our lunch stop (requiring minor clean up - at the moment I wished for American bus boys!!).  I concluded the family once we finally arrived at the home. Needless to say, the Leadbetters sequestered ourselves for the first evening in hopes of containing it. We were thankful that our buddies still wanted us to join them. We were also thankful that it lasted only 10 hours. We all woke up Sunday morning ready to ski and explore!

Here is our first event Sunday morning.  The ladies had the munchkins while the men hit the slopes.  We were all searching out a speilplatz and stumbled on a helicopter rescue.  These photos are for Deakon as I tried to capture this kick ass helicopter that amazed our kids!  Of course, once they picked the skier up and danged him by the rope they were a bit terrified and none wanted to perform the same antics!

This is the speilplatz – it was in the woods, with an odd looking camper parked next to it – yes, this is the beginning of every horror movie.  But hey, we finally found it, let’s slide!!   Afterwards we enjoyed some warm onion soup and took the munchkins home for nap time.  That evening we tagged out with the guys and treated ourselves to a bottle of champagne at happy hour.

The next day might go down in history as one of our more expensive for we took advantage of every second!!  Shane and Macy stayed home with a babysitter that lived in the home.  Nick and Tate joined a ski class.  The class started at 9 – with 2 hours of skiing, a lunch break, than two more hours in the afternoon.  We had to pick them up at the top of the mountain at 3:30 – so time to purchase our equipment and hit the slopes!!  The weather was BEAUTIFUL.  Blue skies, warm weather, made for some slushy skiing, but I will take slush in t-shirts over ice and face masks any day!!

How lucky they are to be together!

Ski school 

Farrah wanted to join the boys ski school, but we convinced her to join us.  She hadn't skied since she was 13, but honestly, you couldn't tell!  She was such a trooper. 

Wait, too bright... 

from camera lessons - a better shot, wait 'til I post the ones from Brian's camera!! 

Imagine our surprise when we went to pick up Nick and found a TIGER!!

We showed up at 3 in hopes of catching a glimpse of the dudes skiing.  Here is Tate.  I loved how the instructor asked us if he would be better in German or English.  Guess we are lucky that they understand both!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8vkMrdgGVk

Now, Nick the tiger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH6TmozFBMk

I know this video is short, but everytime I watch it the scenery just takes my breathe away.  What a beautiful place!

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

Grrrrrrrr 

Off to the both with you Tiger! 

Is Shane really 15 months?

Our boy Shane is growing up right before our eyes - seriously!  Especailly with Diane having a new born any day now - its fun to remmeber back to the days when Farrah and I were the pregnant ones.....  now we have these toddlers running around.

Shane has quite the personalitiy - mostly smilely and loves to follow his brother around.  His brother however doesn't really appreciate this aspect....

Ready to hit the court 

Brother do make for soft pillows. 

Check out the double cawlic - it was passed along from my father.  I am sure he could take a very similar photo =)  But this will make hair cutting a bit tricky...  either that of he will forever have this little spike in the center.  Of coruse he is climbing up the ladder to help change our light bulb....  And since inquiring minds want to know - yes, he made it to the top! 

Snowmen....  hahahah! 

One of our favorite Shane traits is his ability to SLEEP!  He logs in SEVERAL hours and has been know to sleep in until 9AM.  Go Shane!  He loves his crib and two little tag blankets (his and Nick's) that he carries throughout the house.  He looks like he is dusting - but doesn't do the most through job.... 

This is Shane's Harry Potter photo - or just an example of his relationship to Evan Carson (they will be good buddies soon!)  He has a hard head and uses it!  Can you see the purple stripe that starts in the upper right and goes to the center of his head.  That was achieved while trying to walk down the stone stairs...  Now look at the upper left round one.  I am pretty sure that was the door.  He is building up some good scar tissue. 

Shane LOVES his dog and tackles, snuggles, feeds and loves on her every chance he gets.  She returns his love with toe and face licks - sweet right?  He helps Pauli by putting her food in her water bowl (softens it up for her)  But he will also go back and do a 'bobbing for dog food' as he putts his hands behind his back and uses his face - yes, this is messy...

Shane loves to give out hugs and we are trying to teach kissing - but he is quite slobbery.....  Nose and mouth - yikes....  But still sweet!  7 teeth and counting!

Nick the sporting guy - skier and basketball - but most of all - enthusiastic!!

Lets start on the slopes.  We explored a small little ski slope 40 minutes from our home.  You can pay by the trip up (perfect as the day pass might be a stretch)  There are a few runs down, a little sledding area, and most importantly, a smally warming hut.  We met Brian, Tate, Lundy and Bradyen there for some snow sports.

Think he is ready?

The rope tow is BY FAR the most difficult aspect of the training.  I am basically holding Nick and clinging to the line with every remaining ounce of strength.  We are thrilled (and sweating) by the time we reach the top.  Sometimes we don't make it all the way to the top. 

Here is a little video of the simple learning technique.  I was holding Nick with the poles in front.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y17KL99LEao

Next video is SUPER quick, but it was the last run of the day and we branched out to the 'nick holds the poles' portion to see how is balance was.  He did Great!!  However at the final spot, he caught and edge and fell right on his face.  Instant tears!  Chris ran over and told him how awesome he looked and that it was cool to fall on your face!  Sweet turn around and for weeks he told everyone that the scratch on his face was from skiing on his face... 

But back to the video. You can hear Nick wailing - but seeing Tate ski by with an intense look of worry on his face with regards to his best bud....  So sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM-_VcFhIvU

After about 5 runs, we decided to move over to the sledding portion.  it was quite the hill.  Nick and Tate went down solo first.  They enjoyed the speed, but Nick preferred to have someone in the back helping out.

Of coruse we are in Germany - so what would they sell at the warming hut - you guessed it, beer.  And snow is the perfect 'cooler'!

Nick and Mom 

Is that a smile or fear?  Can you see his face skiing scrapes? 

That sled is surely working hard 

In Germany, the wood sleds are more than decoration - they are the best ones on the moutain!  Here is Lundy and Brayden 

Love this photo, Know no evil, hear no evil, and see no evil 

Onto Basketball - We started this week.  Nick and I were walking into the gym for the first time.  He had NO IDEA what to expect, but he told me, 'mom, I am SO EXCITED'  The hoop is rather tall for these 4-5 year olds - but some of them can find the basket!  I am impressed.  Nick was again the shortest - but soaking it up like a sponge 

Can white boys jump.....  Yes, but not very high quite yet 

One practice and now its game time!  Love this video.  Not only does the black team try to score on the blue teams basket.  But I love how Nick rushes back to the defensive postion.  (also, yes, I admit, I hemmed his shorts a little too short.  He looks like a soccer placer on the basketball court.  rest assured, they are fixed back to a long length for the next game.  However, Nick did tell me that he liked his jersey shorter so we will keep that!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5MgTCkZlvU

Its fun to watch him listen to EVERYTHING the coach tells him.  He retains it all - but doesn't necessarily act on it.  So where to put a hoop inside for pratice?

Gus and Gertie

My mother-in-law Barbara has a flare for classic books and finds the treasured ones with meaningful messages. Yesterday we received Gus and Gertie in the mail from her. It was one she treasured reading to her children and she was thrilled to find it on Amazon to send to us (it was singed inside from 1978!).


Nick and I got to read it that night. It’s a sweet story about Gus who enjoys catching one fish each day, Gerite cooks it up for dinner and they live a simple life… Until Gertie buys him a bigger net for more fish, than a boat……. It keeps getting bigger…. Gus finally realizes he missed the simple life with simple times and the one he loves. He leaves it all behind. It was a sad part in the book seeing Gus sitting at home by himself – until he hears a knock on the door. I look over to Nick and say – who do you think that is?? He looks at me and says…. His mom.

How sweet to think that the one person Gus wanted back was his mom.

Now, in 20 (or less) years I know that will change and Nick will have other important folks in his life that will take my place. But hearing him interpret that story like that brought tears to my eyes and a warm hug in my heart.

Thank you again Barbara for sending such a sweet book. We all need to treasure the simple things – our family.

New Year's Rocking Eve

Why spend hundreds of $$ (or Euro here...) on a night out when you can have a festive night in! We filled our home with some of our most treasured friends and rang in the new year together. Everyone brought a yummy Mexican themed dish to share and some even brought their PJs. Kids were flexible and loved every second of a unique evening together. Our house was filled with 17 adults and countless little munchkins.




Just some things I wanted to remember as someday this will be my scrap book..... (hopefully pictures will come since I didn't see any on my camera the next day and recapping through photos is my favorite way to remember the night!)



Kids don't like that fake champagne - at least not any of ours who are quite used to drinking bubbly water. We kept the rest for our two pregnant ladies



Adults like champagne



Diane always follows the rules (she was the 1st one to put 3 resolutions in the mug)



Cribs are easily moved from a bedroom to the office =)



Kids really don't mind how big the dvd screen is. Nick, Tate, Eve and Anna enjoyed a late night movie in

Nick's bed while they waited for the fireworks (we figured it was pointless to put them to bed, knowing the mini explosions would wake them back up (and they would be rested, yikes!)



8 ladies sitting around the table managed to build the perfect woman with all our parts and pieces! Inside and out. Does anyone want the list of who gave what??



Sometimes couples really are craving a game night - two rounds of taboo took us right up to midnight - sad to say, the boys won both rounds!



Chris put together 2 rounds of name that tune so I could FINALLY play. I tied Sean for one round and he toasted me on the second round - but I loved every second of being able to participate.



Its ‘gotta let go’ not ‘Galileo’…. Thanks Todd. I will never forget that!



People magazine doesn't have the most 'accurate' top ten list... at least not according to my buddies



back yard fireworks are a true tradition for German’s on new year’s.



yes, you can still make it til 4:30 - but someone has to call it quits and go to bed since kids will be up!



Thank you all for spending the evening with us - we are truly blessed to have you all in our lives. I hope that ringing in the New Year with such wonderful friends keeps us feeling the love all year round. Hugs and happy New Year!