Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July and lots of Watermelon!

NEW ALUM UPLOADED: 4th OF JULY

We had such a nice four day weekend just hanging around the local area and spending some peaceful family time. It has been raining here everyday, but we still managed to find something to do outside the house throughout the weekend. It all ranged from swimming in a pool, taking a long bike ride and seeing a town down the road.

Friday we decided to take a quick trip to downtown Heidelberg to see some of the sites and to eat lunch. There was a little market and Shelby bought herself a little postcard. Lunch was at Imbis counter, but they had some delicious gyros, or doner kabobs. Of course it sprinkled on us while we were eating outside, but we just tucked under the umbrella and it soon stopped. Afterwards we cruised the side roads and up to the bridge. Wish I could tell you the bridge's name, but I can't, all I can ttell you is that it looked like one of the older ones. It did give us a lovely view of the castle though. In our meandering we did find a quaint little courtyard. I'm sure it was a private one, but the door was open, so we went in. We soon came home and to see the opening ceremony of the fest that is here on post. We didn't stay long as it was time for Mikey's nap, but Shelby got to go on a ride. Afterwards, Shelby got to play in her brand new pool and Jay did a little organizing around the carport. Around dinner we decided to take a bike ride up to the restaurant in the woods to get dessert. We weren't really hungry for dinner since lunch was so late and big. So why not? Dessert for dinner. It was YUMMY. Shelby, Jay and Mikey all had ice cream and I had Tiramisu. We learned that Mikey can now drink out of straw....though very messy, he still can do it. Shelby got to play on the play ground while we waited for our food. She was having so much fun, she didn't notice when all the ice cream came. Finally at the end of the night, we put the kids to bed and watched a movie together.

Saturday we decided to buy a new bike trailer. The old one we had dry rotted at the seat area, and we borrowed our friends the night before, the kids were leaning all over each other. We found a really nice one with semi-bucket seat style so they each have their own little area. When we got home, we took a nice long bike ride and took the kids to the playground in the preserve in the backyard. The weather was perfect as it wasn't too hot and the sun wasn't blazing on us. The kids had so much fun on the playground. Of course, we took the camera, but never pulled it out. Shelby has finally learned how to swing herself so we can concentrate on Mikey. Speaking of...he loved the little bouncy animals and the swing. Then the whole family went on the teeter-totter. Jay had Mikey and I had Shelby. In the end, the weight was all evened out and we all had fun on it. After a couple of hours we came home so that we could send a Skype call to Jay's Grandma. It was nice to see her and his parents and I know she loved seeing the kids. She has never seen Mikey and it's been over a year since she last saw Shelby. So I know it was a real treat for her.

Soon it was time to go to the fest. We promised Shelby we would go on Saturday and decided to go in the evening since we were staying for the fireworks. We never made it. As we started walking to the fest, we were pulled into three different parties. Well, I can't say pulled in, because it was short visits to all three and it was nice to see everyone having fun. Shelby got to play with most of her friends that night. We never had dinner that night as we were going to eat dinner at the fest. We did have light snacks at our neighbors ,dessert at the next house and almost another dessert and the last house. The kids were fed, so that is was is important. By the time we reached the actual fest, the line was so long that we turned around and found a place to watch the fireworks. I might say, not a bad show either. We had the perfect view without a lot of people around and right in front of the playground so shelby had something to do while waiting. One firework did run away, but I think they put it out just fine. I was impressed of the show and glad we stayed for it. Mikey never cried. He just watched in amazement. THey were pretty loud too! Shelby, of course, was very excited and had a great time. We were all pretty tired at the end of it.

Sunday was our time to hang around the house. Shelby played in her pool, Jay grilled and we both had a drink by our "pool". We did make it to the fair for a short while, though. We ate cotton candy, fries and Jay and I had a beer. Shelby rode a couple of rides and we talked her into going on the bumper cars with Jay and the fun house with me. She had a lot of fun. I think Mikey just enjoyed the sights. All he did was just look around, constantly. Shelby shared her cotton candy with all of us and even Mikey. Nothing like giving pure sugar to a baby. He of course loved it. Shelby bought herself a huge unicorn balloon and won this helicopter toy fishing for ducks. I think we only really stayed for maybe just over and hour, but that was all we needed. Shelby had a friend over for dinner and her little pool party. Jay grilled this awesome rib-eye that was SO delicious. I could have had three of them; but there wasn't anymore. Mikey learned how to crawl in and out of his car and just had a nice time playing in the grass. We had our Fourth of July Watermelon, and even Jay ate a piece (even if it was with a fork!). There is a good video of Mikey trying to eat a piece. We had cut up one into lots of little pieces, but he was having problems with it, so I gave him the whole corner of one. I made that boys day. I tell you , he will eat us out of house and home, that boy will. More of Shelby's friends came over that night to play in the pool. but she did get to say Hi to Haley via Skype and I talked to my family. i got to talk to my aunt and her daughter who haven't talk to in quite a while. I can't wait until she and my Dad get out here in less than two weeks. It's always good to call home.

Yesterday was just a PX, errand day. We did run in a friend from Fort Benning though. She was our Brigade FRSA and it was so fun to see her again. She was always so helpful to me while I was the FRG leader and she is the one who gave us the name to the Realtor that sold our house. We went to the PX to find a ride on toy for Mikey for his Birthday, but they didn't have a single one. Man, I was so irritated with that. We will go to the German Toys R us, but we shouldn't have to do that. THey should have these things at the PX. It's supposed to be a privilege to shop there, but it is so frustrating that they never have what you need....and I won't even talked about their fashion. Well, I guess the German Economy will get our money seeing as they have what we are looking for. Shelby did get to Skype with her best friend in Texas from Benning. One would never think either of these girls are at the tender age of 5/6...it was more like listening too two 15 year olds. They were both eating hot dogs and drawing pictures for each other. Tt was neat to watch. My goodness, how they grow.

As for the rest of the two weeks, the kids and I have Vacation Bible Study coming up for a week and I need to get this house organized before our visitors come. We are planning our trips to both Berlin and Paris and enjoying the weather and each other.

As for those who give all and everything so that we may do this, let me say thank you and I pray ya'll had a wonderful Fourth of July!

Good-Bye's and the Arrival of Summer

One of the sad parts about being a part of the military community is the good-bye's one has to say. Last night we said good-bye to one of our dear friends. She is part of our Tuesday Morning Crafting Club and has been know to throw everyone's Birthday party in her backyard. We saw her daughter before we even met her and couldn't believe how much she reminded us of Shelby. SHe was one of the first people we met here at the first back yard get together we ever went to. She was well loved in this community and just plain fun. We will miss you and the saying of good-byes does not get easier. However, it is a small world and I have already been able to see friends over here that I had to say good-bye to back in Georgia and some friends I had to say good-bye to in Germany the last time I was here. I guess that is what Facebook is for...and yes, Jason and I have both joined the revolution of Facebook just recently...if not a tad bit late.

Last night the neighborhood had a BBQ for her and her family. Her Husband just got back and now they are on their way to Fort Sill, OK. It was a fun party though. It's the way this sad parties ought to be...a celebration of homecomings and renewal. I know they are ready to get back to the states and to be closer to home. I did take note on one thing at the party though. It was like watching a middle school dance. Immediately, the guys went to one side and the girls went to the other for the majority of the night and stayed that way. Once quests started to leave and the numbers dwindled, then the two parties mixed. Shelby and I were their until about 1130, while Jason went home with Mikey around 9 or so. There is nothing like a circle of friends in the back yard, some good spirits to drink and good spirits around. All the children of course where in the house while the adults were outside. It was so quite.

Speaking of Children...Shelby was the princess in the Tiara running around with an M1 telling everybody to stick it up, we were all on her side now. Her and her girlfriend looked like the Charlies Angels. I wish I had a picture. Maybe someone took one last night and I will be able to post it. It was funny. SHe was mad when the boys took her gun away and she wanted it back!

The weather here is getting warmer and the kids have started to get in the pools. We bought one a few days ago, as well as my friend, and they have been going back and forth. Here is a picture of the babies in the mushroom pool and shelby and Gracie in matching bathing suits. (it's and old one of Gracie's). It's getting hot and humid, but I'm not complaining...I welcome it. It's the way summer ought to be and it's come to be expected. So it's off to the pool we go!!

At Long Last

Yes, I have been off the net for some while now...but I have found another way (well I should say, I really didn't find, but was highly urged to try) to stay in contact with everyone. Check out the new facebook page.

All is well here and there is new pics of the kids (June Pics of Kids) on the account.

We have been pretty busy and traveling everywhere. The pictures tell all. the Ball is over and I have some time to breath now. The summer has arrived and so have all the kids. Apparently, we have one of the more popular houses. It's a mixed blessing. At least I know where Shelby is at all times..but. I'm not going to complain though. It only gets bad if Mikey is taking a nap. SO I have learned to limit the number of kids at that time or send them all outside. The weather is still iffy here, so it's not always sunshine here. I finally inflated the pool for all the kids...usually this is done by the end of May. Oh well.

Mikey is already 11 months old. It is so hard to imagine that he will be one next month. No more baby. The cool thing is that Pah-Pah and Aunt Sandi will be here to celebrate. I can't wait. WE are planning a trip to Berlin (Jay and I are going to the U2 concert) and I trip to Paris. We will also be going to Zell and Ramstein to see the old homesteads. Shane will be joining us in a trip to Berlin. So it's like having one of each of Grandpa and Grandma's kids there. I'm pretty excited.

It's still going to be a busy summer but hopefully I will find more time to actually write something...until then..

short but sweet

i forgot

I did forget to mention one thing...I signed up Shelby for Kindergarden yesterday. It's 0830 until 230 everyday. It's right next to preschool and she already knows where it is and is pretty excited. She's growing up.....am I ready? I'm sure I am.

Easter, Pics and Little Girls

Before I begin, I hope everyone had a Happy Easter. Considering our family was together, it was a very good one for us. Since the weather has been so nice here, it felt like we were home for Easter. Shelby and I were even bare foot outside Easter morning! LOVED IT!!

It has been a good week here. We have been on more and more bike rides and the kids love it, it's good for us adults as well!! Mikey seems to understand the word "bike ride" as he gets all excited when we say it to him. Getting excited, meaning, he smiles big and gets a sparkle in his eye, he is however, only eight months. We rode up to the Italian restaurant this past Friday and had the usual pizza, but split a tirimisu that Shelby really wanted. Mikey just sat in the high chair and had applesauce and drooled over our dinner. That place is really great though. We go more for the atmosphere then the food (hence we always get pizza), but it's so nice to eat outside and Shelby can play on the play ground. WE also usually head off to the bigger park next to it after dinner so SHelby can ride the zip cord. Jay had taken both the kids over the four day while I went to a ladies night in and she loves it. It goes pretty fast and it hits the stop pretty hard, but she just holds on and laughs laughs laughs!! So the restaurant and the park have become our normal weekend thing to do now.

It was Spring Break here last week, but Shelby spent most of it lying on the couch as she was sick for a few days into it. We had a nice long weekend going into the break and she was fine. Shelby, Mikey and I even got a chance to go have a wonderful visit with and old friend up in Ramstein at this British Cafe there. Her kids and Shelby just played while we handled lunch and the two babies. As a parting gift, the boys wanted to make sure that Shelby got a lollipop like they did and they made her day. It is always so nice to see them. And if your reading...I still have your plate here and it will get back to you soon!! (maybe...its a cool plate..hehe) It was the last night that Shelby got sick. WE were out around the fire pit (cause I will go out there now since it's not so cold anymore) and she was eating popcorn....next thing we know, we are seeing the popcorn again. She got sick once more the next day, but for two and a half days her temp kept going up to 102 then down, back and forth. She did make it to a birthday party of one of her good friends, and mine, and had some fun. She brought home a nice painted flower pot and a pretty African Violet. She was tired, but she had a nice time. She was recovered by Wednesday and Thursday is when we went to Ramstein.

That Friday (of Easter weekend) was supposed to be my day to clean; however, it did not turn out the way I planned. Shelby and three of her friends eventually decided to stay over here to hang out. They tend to pop in between houses and it was our turn. They had a good time though. For lunch they took a blanket outside and had themselves a picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, strawberries with whipped cream and lemonade. They were all dressed up in their fancy little outfits and I handed them a camera. I had no idea what the pictures would look like. Oh my goodness...they all seem to love the camera!! Their poses were so cute. They looked like they were modeling for Pretty Pretty Princess is now a Mommy. Shelby's little boy friend who has a crush on her must have seen it because next thing I know, he's now in the mix with his buddy and now there are six kids upstairs. I remember this when I was growing up but I wasn't prepared to have my daughter old enough to just hang out with her friends. I did enjoying watching it all. Eventually I kicked them all out...I really needed to clean...and the boys took off (I think the friend of the boy who has the crush really did not want to play with girls) and the girls decided to put their bathing suits on and play in the sprinkler. They laid out all their towels all in a circle and decided to "stretch" out first. It was like watching a bunch of teenagers. But then the hose came out and the little girls were appearing again. I just kept thinking to myself...is she really old enough for this yet? But I guess she is, and I'm very happy for her. It seems as if I started a little trend. I was at the stores Saturday with my friend looking for Easter stuff when I called Jay to see how everything was. The same girls brought two more in and now they were going to have a picnic over at another friends house. Again the hose and the slide came out and so did the towels. I guess they wanted to come in and play, but Jay made them stay outside. It was WAY to nice to be inside. I did nothing but errands that day and Jay handled the girls. I think he was happy to see me come home though.

Easter Sunday, Shelby was the first to wake up. I heard her go down the stairs, so I followed her to see what her reaction would be. By the time I got back down, she was asleep on the chair. She must have heard me turn the TV on, because all of a sudden she was awake. She says in a very sleepy voice.."mommy, the Easter bunny took the eggs we dyed (which was at 930 the night before) because they aren't in the fridge anymore." I asked her if he let something behind, but she didn't even see the basket! She walked right past it!! I had to point it out to her! Then her eyes got big!!! She was all awake and happy after that. She was pretty excited about Mikey's big stuffed tonka truck basket. By this time Jay got up and all she wanted to do was find Easter eggs (which we still hadn't hidden yet). Jay and I just wanted a cup of coffee first. As he was trying to make breakfast (eggs) she went out to find them anyways. She told us she just wanted to put her basket on her bike, but she seemed to find some eggs along the way. I think Jay went out and hid them very quickly while I had her distracted by taking pictures of the kids. Oh yeah, Mikey liked his big truck basket too. So we went ahead and did the Easter egg hunt. IT took maybe five minutes, but she had fun and that's all that counts. I still haven't done anything with the eggs! After the kids got cleaned up and bathed, Shelby wanted to put on her new Easter dress that her good friend gave her, so Jay decided to take her out (he had to run out and get something) so she could parade around. I thought it was so sweet. They had lunch together and went to a few stores. I just had quite time here at home. By the time they came back, he had cheap plastic furniture for outside and we ate dinner alfresco that evening. Some of her friends came over for another Easter egg hunt (pre-filled candy eggs..yeah!) and then off on a another bike ride with our friends and the zip cord park. Mikey even sat in a booster seat outside and looked every bit a little man. As we ate and just kept his arms on top of the table and chatted away like he was the king of conversation. Well I hate to tell him, he has competition with his sister. We had a nice, light, healthy dinner and I think Jay is really enjoying grilling again. AT the end of the evening we got to Skype with both sides of the family and it really rounded out a perfect day.

Days like this past Easter have been so few and far between for this family. When we do get one, it is so very cherished and it brings this family closer together. We have become so thankful for the time we do get together. Easter and Spring are all about rebirth and renewing. The past two weeks of really reminded me of my younger childhood and now I am reliving it through my family. This family is finally started to get it's groove and now we are on the road to just living and being just that, a family. Yes, it does make me sad to think of those who have lost, but ever so thankful for the love that was brought home. If it wasn't for both of our families, and the friends we made along the way, the road would have been so much harder and we may not have to peace that we have now. I know it is hard for our families not being able to see us as often as we would all like (and hard for us as well), but this family is what you gave us in return. So thank you very much. PS- you will all find four new albums.."March Pics", "Spring Pics", "Pretty Girls", and "Easter pics"....enjoy..I'm trying to put video on as well..so stay tuned

Can it be..? Really..? SPRING IS HERE!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen!! Spring has arrived, and none to soon as we were all very close to a nuclear meltdown!! The weather has been in the high 60's to low 70's and the sunshine has helped heal up some of the homesickness that has been running rampant in the long, cold, dark months that lead up to this past weekend. I can't tell how glorious it was, and still is, to see the sun and FEEL the warmth.

It was a four day weekend for us and we spent it celebrating Spring. Friday we drove about and hour west to visit a good friend of mine from Georgia and Jay took the baby and went shopping through the PX areas looking for a bike. Shelby and I had a wonderful time with our friend and she fed us well. MMMM, those cookies.....YYUUMM!! Shelby played with her little ones while we got to sit, knit and just hang out. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to sit with a friend and knit again. It really has been so long. When we were in Columbus, I would go to her Mom's group and her knitting group, and I would always have such a wonderful time. (Shelby loves her (she let her spin on her wheel)). After what seemed to be such a short visit, Jay came to pick us up and we went back to our town to look for bikes for both him and Shelby. We found both, at the same store, and both on sale. Shelby got a regular blue bike with training wheels (yes, no pink as we want to be able to pass this bike down) and cheaper than we have seen anywhere. We were worried that she would be upset that it wasn't pink, but since it had penguins on it, it was all good. We took them home and Jay put all the bikes together and fixed mine. By dinner time we had both kids in the bike trailer and we went for a ride in the Wald and up to the Italian restaurant. The cutest sight ever was seeing the two of them cuddled in the trailer. We tried to put a helmet on Mikey, but that didn't work. So Shelby had one on and Mikey just sat there smiling. HE LOVED IT! He would look around and smile. Whenever Jay would look back on him, he would giggle. That's good news for us because we plan on using the bikes alot. I think he was just happy being so close to his Sissy! Shelby felt like a great big sister. She kept her arm around him the whole time and kept talking to him, explaining everything they saw.

Since we lost our bearings a bit going there, it took longer getting there than coming home, but it isn't far, so it wasn't bad. They have a playground at the restaurant, so while we waited for food, Shelby played and Mikey hung out with us. We sat out on the patio and it actually felt like a date., even with Mikey there. We had a wonderful dinner. We all had pizza and jay and I had a secret dessert of flambéed ice cream while Shelby played again. She never found out!! We had a wonderful waiter who showed Shelby the treat bag and let her come back with four lollipops!! As you can imagine, she was a little happy camper. After we rode home, the kids were both pretty tired. This meant that we could get them to bed early, and fast, and we could spend some time together ourselves.

The next day was spent running errands together, which isn't as bad as it sounds. We went down to the local hardware store and Shelby and I picked out some flowers for our garden. Shelby's flowers filled out the whole window box while I just got some lavender plants. We both have really been looking forward to planting some f lowers as it has become a tradition for us every spring. Shelby had been asking me about it for weeks now. It finally got warm enough to do something about it. She really likes to help me take care of the flowers and plants. Jay and I dug up the flower beds and put weed stop paper and mulch down. It looks so much better. Now it's ready to find little things for our flower garden. We also got a Little Tikes slid and swing from the neighbors for only $60. The swing on it is an infant swing and the slide is big enough for Shelby. It took Jay and friend to tear it down and bring it back here. It's quite a big piece. Though there are playgrounds all around here, it's nice to have something just in the back yard for the kids as Shelby is still too young to go to the playground by herself. As soon as she saw it set up, she couldn't wait to play on it. It needs some cleaning and so do the small clamshell sand boxes and the little tikes car that I found. All this stuff people are giving away!! Crazy!!

Later that night, I went to hang out with some friends as Jay made hamburgers for the kids and biked them out to the big park in the Wald. They have a zip line there and Shelby is all about it. The last time she fell off face first so that was the first thing she told me when she saw me the next morning. She was so proud because she didn't fall off this time. Having the Wald right behind us is a big plus. When we were in Columbus, we had to drive to the park and now we can either walk or bike it out there. If we get hungry, there is an imbiss and a restaurant.

However, by Sunday, both kids were sick and we spent alot of time messing around with Jay's new toy. We got and Apple TV because we were so tired of the programs on AFN. This way we can download what we want to watch and the movies we want to rent and we are much happier. We still had a nice time Sunday even if they were sick. During the weekend, Shelby did get outside on her bike with her friends alot and had a good time. Jay made fajitas and we had a fire out at the pit. That's when Shelby got really sick. We thought maybe she just had too much popcorn, but she threw up the next morning as well. Her temp has been high, but comes down with medicine. Mikey has a bad head cold is draining snot everywhere. But we did get to talk to family Sunday and Shelby and Mikey Skyped with Grammy and PopPop. Grammy hasn't seen the kids since Mikey was first born. As a matter of fact, my side of the family hasn't either. we are looking forward to both their visits this year. I have to admit, it is very sad that both of our families will not get to see Mikey grow like they got to see Shelby grow and Shelby got so used to seeing her cousins and all her aunts, uncles and grandparents. I will miss that most of all.

Yesterday was the day to nurse the kids, but at least we had such lovely days at the beginning of the weekend. It was so relaxing, I may have energy to clean my house! HA!! Even Trysta had a good weekend as we let her outside without a leash with us and she did fine. She never ran off. She would come back as soon as we called her name and she knew her boundaries.

Weekends like this past one is the reason we came to Germany. It helped cure a bit of the homesickness I have really been feeling, and I think Shelby has as well. We decided not to do any traveling this month so hopefully there will be more weekends like this one.

I LOVE WARM WEATHER!!!

Until next time! Pics coming soon!

Old Friends, Old Places

These past two weekends have been filled with memories from twenty to nine years ago. We have gotten the chance to meet old friends and visit places that brought back memories long forgotten.

Last weekend we packed up the family, to include Trysta, and drove out to Zell/Mosel. When my dad was stationed at Hahn Air Base, this is the little town we used to live in. There were so many things I had forgotten about that little town, but with the help of my friend, Sonja, it all came back to me in waves. The apartment, on top of the Gasthaus, was still there and so was the same owner. Sonja went in to explain to him who I was and he was more than happy to let us look around. We didn't get a chance to go into the actual apartment, but that was OK. It was nice to see the house anyways.

After that we just walked around the town and eventually met up with her Mom, Linda. She seemed really excited to see us and made us feel quite welcome. I hadn't seen her, or Sonja in twenty years. We just told stories back in forth while our kids played and our husbands talked about life. We stopped in the middle of the town and had ice cream in a sidewalk cafe. Shelby got the Bug Ice Cream and I got the spaghetti ice (yummm!!) and it was coffee all around. We eventually made it down to the park where the kids had a great time on the merry-go-round.

There were many aspects of the town that hadn't changed, but the river front is more touristy now, while it was a nice sleepy town when I lived there. I still was the charming town that I remember. I will say, that the ice cream and coffee were pretty tasty an d Jay found some wine and a very reasonable price. Shelby was all excited about seeing a place where I used to live as a teenager. I will say that it really made me appreciate the experience that I had there the short time I did live there.

We had a nice visit with Sonja as well. She was actually closer to my sister than me, but hopefully I will get to know her more while I'm here. She put us up in her house for the night and treated us to a wonderful dinner and a tasteful german breakfast. She even let us take Trysta to her house. We walked around her town, Reil, that night and just hung out. Our kids got along fabulous. It proved to us that kids don't need a common language to get along. Wouldn't it be nice to apply that theory to all humankind. It was so nice to see Sonja again. I couldn't believe it had been twenty years, two kids each and a little age on both of us. I promised her I would try to see her at least once a month. She is only an hour and a half away, so it's really not that far. I also told her Mom, Linda that I would bring Dad when him and Sandi come in July (which a I can't wait to see both of them). Sonja really has such a nice family and I can't thank them enough for letting us stay for the night. It was also Mikey's first time in a german crib with a duvet and a pillow. He seemed to really like it and looked so comfy. I think he really enjoyed the cartoons on the crib itself.

This past weekend we took the kids down to Ansbach and Rothenburg to show them wher e Jay and I used to live and work. We were also going to meet a family we knew while stationed in Georgia. We stayed in the night in the actual old part of the town Rothenburg with the old wall right outside our hotel window. As you can guess, Shelby got a huge kick out of that. Since we got down there so late, all we really had time for was to eat dinner and go back to the hotel. We were hoping to eat at place we had our first date call "Le Rustica". It's this great steak place in Ansbach. After we drove twenty minutes to get there and travelled around a bit in Ansbach remembering how to get there, it turns out, it was closed. WE were quite disappointed as we were really looking forward to eating there. So we thought we would go to the next place that was a mark on memory lane for us. When I told him I was pregnant, we were having a date at this chinese place downtown. We remember it being really good and started to drool at the thought of it. Would you believe it, but was closed as well!!! Man, two and zero. If this were a baseball game, we would really be in trouble. It really put our spirits in a damper and our tummies in high alert for food (it was 8pm by this time). We just thought it was so sad that the two places that meant something to us were both closed down. SO next on the list a place we knew was open because we saw it on the way in. So we moved on to the town of Lerberg and ate at the Kern. It's a popular place for Americans and I had eaten there a few times, and Jay once, while living in Ansbach. SHelby was happy because she got dessert for dinner. IT was a fruit tray with some ice cream and whipped cream, and she ate all her fruit and gave the ice cream to us. At that point, we weren't sure if she was our daughter. Mikey was happy as he got to sit in a highchair and eat rice. Feed the boy and he is a happy camper. Got to love that!

The next day, we got up early, went downstairs to eat and learned that Mikey is Mr. Popularity. Twice this has happened to him while we have been out touring. Asian women LOVE him. They just swoon, take pictures and want to hold him. THey even went out of their way, while we ate to take some pics of him together with the ladies like he was some kind of rock star. I don't really mind it, but I'm stunned by it. I guess this is what it feels like to be a star. Mikey didn't seem to mind it as he just smiled and smiled.

Anyways, we got up and drove down to Ansbach. We went out to Daddy's "Castle" and to my old apartment with the "Castle" next to it. Both Jay and I realized that we really missed Bavaria and Ansbach. It really is a great town that is just big enough to have what you want without getting lost. It's a great place to raise kids and so very pretty. We did go down to Katterbach to see what had changed. Another place we used to eat was gone. It was too much!! We used to walk down to an Imbiss by the Mail room and get currywurst and gryros. Now there is some other building there. Katterbach is still under construction (as it was when we left in 2003), but other than that, it hasn't changed much. Shelby loved seeing our "Castles" and where we worked. IT was such a beautiful day as well. The sun was shining and it cool in the shade and warm in the sun. I have to give it to Jay, he remembered all the back roads and drove us around without getting us lost.

By lunch it was time to head back to Rothenburg as we were meeting the Reed's. As we were leaving Ansbach, they called said they were in Rothenburg early thinking we were there since we stayed the night there. However, we were in Katterbach (where they live) and wouldn't be there for 30 minutes. So we both changed plans in the morning and just missed the other. WE knew the Reeds in Columbus as we were the same Company. Lex and Jay Deployed together (he was the battalion Chaplain) and Shelly and I hung out with the Ladies from BSTB. They have a little three year old girl, Zoe and a boy on the way. As soon as we met them we all went to lunch in a typical German restaurant. It seems that they still hadn't eaten a true German meal yet. Well, here is the place to do it. They hadn't been to Rothenburg either, so it was perfect, and of course we all wanted to see each other. The lunch was great and the beer was better. I finally had the beer we have been craving. WE can't seem to find it anywhere up here as it is the local Rothenburg brew. Lex really enjoyed it was well, as was on the hunt for it was well. (we did find it at the town drink market...two cases later).. We stayed at the restaurant for quite a while and just talked and had a good time. Eventually the girls ventured into the Kathe Wolfarte Christmas store and were just in awe. The little girls did so well in there and they both wanted clothes pins with felt butterflies glued to them. They deserved them though as they both kept their hands to themselves (as that store is kinda pricey with ALOT of glass). We got dessert afterwards and then it was time to bid farewell. Both Shelly and I thought it was so weird just hanging out in Germany. We were just hanging out with the girls in Georgia. THe world is very small. We had a very pleasant visit with them and can't wait to see them again. Just like Sonja, they are only and hour and a half away, so it's an easy days visit.

I thought it would be so sad to leave all my friends once we came here (and for those I can't see, it is) but I have already met up with three friends who are now over here. Faith is in K-town (from Georgia, knitting) Sonja and now Shelly. Jay and I both have family comin this year and we are looking forward to their visits. It's always wonderful to see new places and meet new people, but something of the past can be so comforting.

well, i now have a baby on my lap so i better go. the pics are on the albums..so until the next adventure....

What's on the needles and budding Picasso's

I was saving this project for a rainy day to give the kids something to do, but since it rains almost everyday..what were we waiting for?  Shelby, of course, had a blast, but I'm not so sure about Mikey.  I have a picture of Shelby the same age (7 months) making her first finger paint, so now I have a picture of both kids at the same age making finger paints.  Shelby was smiling in hers though, Mikey not so much.  I may have waited to close to nap time to plan this little escapade.  I put him down for a nap right after and he went right out.  Maybe next time he will be more in the mood.   Shelby loves to paint, draw and do all the artsy stuff and had been bugging me for weeks to do finger paints.  Watching these two together is why I stay at home now.  I think Mikey was more interested in what Shelby was doing.  He kept looking at her project and ignoring his.  Oh well.    I would really like to make a habit of us doing some kind of project together once a week (Thursday's are the best).  I have a ton of art work from when Shelby was small, and I don't want to miss out on Mikey's abilities (as silly as they may be).  SO wish us luck.  It was fun though.  Shelby's is the pink and the white paper and Mikey has the tan one.  They look the same,  don't they?  Shelby had some cool rainbow handprints until she smeared them all together.  

I actually have two projects on the needles right now.  I finally got back on the sock kick I was on before I got pregnant.  I found a skein of TOFUtsies from the South West Trading Company that I bought a year ago.  It's an orange, yellow and red colorway and easy to work with.  The sock is knitting up nice and easy and there is a lot of elastic in the yarn..great for socks.  The Lace Cuff Anklets from Ann Budd is a nice easy sock to get back in the groove.  I'm knitting it toe up on a circular to make it faster.  

The second project is the Moss Grid Towel from Mason-Dixon using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in orange.  (2 skeins a dear, sweet friend gave me, even with her utter distaste for orange) I had another project that I actually used this yarn for, but I frogged it the whole thing and now decided to make something for my coffee table.   Again, very easy knit and should go pretty fast.   All I want to do is sit and knit right now so the projects are coming along pretty fast.  However, opening the new Knitty Spring this morning, I found a delicious Shawl that I want to sit down and take the time to do.  My fingers are itching for a project a little more complicated.  I think I'm finally getting out of my comfort zone of socks, hats and scarfs (thought they are all important) and see what else I can accomplish.  I so very much want to conquer a lace project and the Aeolian Shawl may the one that I do.  I have to get some lace weight yarn first.  Most of my stash is sock, so I will be looking for something scrumptious! 

Well hubby is on his way home for lunch, so I better get some dishes done before little buddy wakes up.  enjoy the pics!

"Oh Where, Oh Where Can My Sunshine Be...?"

     So the weather here, lousy.   It has become an eternal gray, damp, wet season and the temptation of the sun only every once in a while.  I've even tried to will the summer to come sooner by wearing summer clothes.  Needless to say, that only angered the Dismal Gods and it got worse.   Since I am from the "Sunshine State", you can only guess how depressing it really can be without some natural vitamin D.  Someday the sun will come and I will enjoy every minute of it.  At least if it's going to be a long winter, it could snow.  All we have is rain and more rain.  Soon..Soon.

     As for my other "Son"...he is on a roll with development.  Last week was quite a busy week for him.   He is starting to get further and further off of his nice, safe blanket and rolling to new, more adventurous regions in the house.   It's time to bring the pack and play down and do some major baby-proofing.  Right now his favorite thing is to find the magazines and tear the pages out of them.  Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so messy.   He also has sprouted a new bottom tooth and the second one is right behind it.   My toothless grin is officially gone now.  I had forgotten how those sharp those little baby teeth are.  He has learned how to give kisses, wet and messy as they are..they are SO SWEET!  We will tell him to give kisses and he will gently grab our head to pull close to his mouth and plants a lovely big open mouth kiss on our cheeks.  I  LOVE IT!!!  We are learning that he is a Chatty Baby like his sister.  He is starting to mimic the sounds we make to him.  Today it was "La-La".    I can't wait to hear "Ma-Ma" and "Da-Da".   SO now I have one more person to talk to.  Seems they have inherited the "gab" gene from me.  

    Both kids had Dentist appointment last week.  Yes, you read right...BOTH kids.  I know what your saying.  What in the world is a 7 month old doing at the dentist?  Don't worry I said the same thing.  However, when I made an appointment for SHelby they asked if I wanted to  make one for him as well. 

"Really?"

"Oh yeah.  There is a class and we will check his teeth."

"He doesn't have any teeth yet."

"That's OK."

SO it was, Buddy has a dentist appointment.  Both kids were excellent patients.  They both giggled through their exams.  This is Shelby's third one, so she goes for the new toothbrush.   I'm so thankful that the two of them are so good at both the Dentist and the Doctors.   I can't believe Mikey just laughed through the whole thing.  Both have nice healthy teeth, I am proud to announce.  I'm very blessed with these two kids. 

Shelby is just counting the days to when she starts Kindergarten.  They get out of 2:30, so it will be very quite without her.  Though I am looking forward to it, it's going to be so strange not having my little pumpkin here with me.  It will be so good for both of us.  She is starting to become more independent and wants to spend time with her friends and not so much with her Mommy.  I guess the day was bound to happen.   I still will cry.  

Speaking of which...she scared the snot out of us yesterday.  We were downstairs watching a movie and she was upstairs looking for the DVD we borrowed from the library.  I told her that if she couldn't find it, we wouldn't be able to get anymore if she can't take care of them.   Well she took it to heart.  Sometimes movies get stuck behind the TV and she decided to look behind it.  Yes, what you are thinking really happened.  We heard a loud crash and a horrifying scream.  When Jay reached her, the TV was on top of her.  We were so lucky that Pop-Pop was sleeping in the room and the pull out bed is right in front of the TV armoire, because she was resting on the bed while the 27 inch TV was lying on her.  Besides her childhood flashing before her eyes, all that came from it was a lovely bruise on her leg.   She was so lucky, and so were we.   She tries to be so independent and she forgets how young and small she really is.  

So that was the drama for the past week or two.   Now if someone could please send some sunshine down this way..that would be great!!  Until then..

Hello, it's me again

Ok, Ok, it's been awhile since I have blogged, but there is two new albums loaded, so that should appease for awhile.. It has been pretty busy here and I haven't had time to check email, write everyone back or make albums or update the blog.   So I'm finally here and with lots to say...haha...poor people.

     First off, My Grandma, Aunt and her Son actually jumped out of an airplane the past weekend.  They were the only ones on the plane so it was a like VIP trip.  Grandma loved it, Sandi checked her block and Nathan really didn't have much to say (he IS a Rudd Male).  I think they all had fun and how I wish I could have been there to see it all.  I guess they did a flat spin on the free fall and Grandma was the only one that liked it.  They all got a little sick from it and they did not realize how cold it was way up in the atmosphere.   We guessed it was about 25 degrees or so at altitude.  I think it was all pretty cool and I'm glad they were able to have such an adventure.

     Jason got promoted last week and I couldn't be prouder.  It was a nice ceremony and a great spread.   So now he is Major Nagy and it's still weird to see the rank on his uniform.  The kids were good during the whole event.  I thought Shelby was going to have a meltdown after she saw the food, but with the promise of a huge piece of cake after wards, she straightened right up.  Mikey was just passed around during the whole thing.  Jay's Dad came down for the ceremony and he pinned one side, while I pinned the other.  I did have to give Jay a little pinch from his new rank before I put the backs on, and as you can imagine, that took him by surprise.  Shelby threw his old rank, and with great gusto.   Jay was his green uniform (as was his Dad) and was happy to take it off as soon as it was all over, as it was a little tight.  I of course cried but not too much.  I was very proud of him.  It has been a long six years and a well deserved promotion.  We were just happy that we could celebrate the event together.  Afterwards, there was food for everybody, and everybody ate.

    Jay's Dad has been here since last Wednesday and will leave tomorrow.  It was a short trip, but a full one.   We got to go to  a little town call Willingen for a quick getaway.   We were in a great two bedroom apartment and had a busy Saturday.  We got there Friday evening in time for dinner, so that's all we really had time to do then.   Saturday was the big day.  We went sledding in the morning, swimming in the afternoon and ice skating right before dinner.   They  have snow machines in the town, so the snow wasn't great, but at least there was some.  We even put Mikey on the sled and he went down with me three times.  I'm not sure he was all thrilled about it (as he had two quick cries during it) but he was a trooper.  Shelby went down with Jason and Pop-Pop went crashing all on his own.  The Swimming pool was a mini indoor water park.  It had three good slides and several pools.  The water was nice and warm and we had currywurst all around for lunch.   The ice skating wasn't as great as the time before with Shelby, but she didn't seem to mind.  Us adults weren't too happy with the skates as they all hurt our feet.  Oh well, Shelby had fun and that's all that counts.  Mikey used the time to nap,(he did alot of swimming as well)  lucky guy....  We drove home the next day and recovered.  Seems as if we brought something back with us.  I was sick yesterday with a small stomach thing and Jay has it today.  He's laying in bed as we speak.   I'm all better today so hopefully his will only last for today.  It was a good trip and a place we will go back to again.

   Jay's dad leaves for home tomorrow, so we will back to our regular schedule then.  Hopefully more posts and more pics.  Here are some pics of the aerobats as they enjoy the silence of the sky.  Enjoy and until next time!!  OK, I tried to get the pics rotated, but it didn't work.  the other pics are in the albums and hopefully we will have some pics of Jay's promotion soon.  There were other people taking pics of it so I will get them to you as soon as I get it.

PICS from skiing

Here are a few pictures from the ski trip.   AT the end of the month, I will publish the Feb folder in our Albums.  Enjoy

Shelby's hat

Shelby loved my Nomad hat (and it was quite warm during the ski weekend) that she wanted one of hers.  On size fine needles and Peru DX Luxury yarn in maroon, and cast one on for her right before the ski trip.  I was midway through the first scarf by the time we got there and and only got the point of casting on for the second scarf when we left.  However, it was done as soon as we got home and she was able to wear it (on crazy hat day of all things) today in school.  Very easy knit and it brought lots of smiles.

Memories

There is nothing as surreal as when memories come flooding back by watching your own child learn what you learned as a child and at the very same place.   It was a true life cycle moment.   Shelby was learning to ski at the very same ski school our Dad took us too many, many years ago.  

We went to St Johann, Kitzbuhl, Austria, and got to ski the same mountain I skied as a child.  Three families from this area went together and we all stayed in an apartment style hotel.  There is no other way to go.  It was snowing big, beautiful flakes when we arrived, and it continued for two days after that.  It was the softest powder I have seen in many, many years.  It's the most snow Shelby had seen and she had a blast playing in snow drifts that were almost taller than her!  

The first evening we all went sledding.  Shelby had the old fashioned European wood sled that we rented from outdoor-rec.  I think it was the fastest.   I went on it once with her and I got a little nervous (as there were a few little ones around).   Not fearless Shelby though.  She wanted to go higher and higher and not share her sled.  She was convinced otherwise on both accounts.  

After about and hour we all went back to the apartments for dinner.  It worked out perfectly, as the parents sat in one room around the table and the kids went to another room (with a door) and ate.   The arrangement was that one family would cook for all the families one night and then rotate to the next.   Since the kids were in a separate room, the adults had some REAL conversation.  We even had time for a short game of Trivial Pursuit...girls against guys, of course.   Let's not go into who was losing before the kids dictated the nights end.

The next day, Jay and another Dad took Shelby and his son for the first trip on skis.  One family took their two kids sledding while myself and the other Mom, with the two smallest kids planned a shopping trip.  Well we didn't get far when on the bus to the local town, I got a phone call from Jay.  In a very desperate voice he informed me that I would have to come get Shelby.   Since I wasn't able to ski that day, as I had Mikey.  Now I will have both kids to shop with while Jay would be able to ski the mountain all day with out me or the kids.   It seems that they took the kids up a regular hill, and Jay, who hadn't been been on skis in a long while,  and now with his daughter hanging on to him, was a little nervous.  I'm sure a whole lot more nervous than Shelby was.  Well in trying to remember how to turn, fell over and Shelby had a nice face plant in the snow.  Needless to say, my fearless little girl, who just the night  before was happily barreling down the mountain, was not getting back on those skis that day.  So with both sets of skis and all the rest of the gear, the two proceeded to walk all the way down the slope.  Neither were happy with the either and I got my phone call about then.   You can say I was a bit miffed.  I know Jay felt bad as he strongly urged Shelby to be on her best behavior or Daddy wasn't going to let her hear the end of it.   In the end, it all turned out well.  Mikey slept all the way through lunch and both Shelby and my friend's little girl were so very good during the entire lunch.  Renee and I had a full course lunch, to include a very tall glass of beer, and dessert.  Mikey woke up to eat as the check came, so I was able to feed him fast and we were on our way.  We didn't get much shopping done, but it was still a very nice day.  WE picked up the guys and headed back to the apartment.  I got a little piece and quiet then as Jay took Shelby to the pool for a short while.    

As we were preparing for the next day, I took some time out to talk to Shelby about getting back up on skis.  I let her know that she would be in an actual ski school where the teachers are trained to teach kids.  They will teach her how to fall, get back up and have fun skiing.  I explained to her that if she ever really wanted to learn how to ski, she had to get back up when she fell down.  If she didn't, she would be scarred of it for a long time.  It seemed to work as she was quite excited about going to a special school just for kids.  All her friends would be in the same class as well.  I had my own lecture from both Jay and my friend.  I was quite apprehensive about putting Mikey in the daycare offered there.  However, they both said that I have no room to pout about not skiing if I didn't do anything about it.  They were right.  So I put on my big girl panties and took Mikey to the local day care along with her daughter.  I'm so glad I did.  When we got there, the Nannies were English, so right of the bat, there wasn't a language barrier.  They were excited to  have both Mikey and Lily and I felt so comfortable with them.  The one that would be taking care of Mikey also had her little girl in there as well.  From 0900 to 4:30, it cost us 60 euros, which we didn't think was bad at all.

Jay and I finally had a date.  As soon as we dropped off the kids (he dropped off Shelby at the school) we met up and went straight up the lift.  I was amazed how easily I remembered how to ski.  To my surprise, I didn't fall all morning.  It felt so good to be back on the slopes.  Just think, the last time I was on that particular slope, I was about 10 years old.  That is just amazing to me.  I skied some while I was stationed here before,  so it made it that much easier to pick back up again.  We did a few runs together before we went to check on Shelby.  We were worried that she would see us and want to leave (and we weren't done skiing yet); but she didn't.   She got all excited when she saw us (we were trying to hide, but she found us) and just wanted to show off what she learned already.  She told us that she could ski backwards and when she fell down, she just got back up.  She even yelled that that when she told the instructor "Bathroom", she took her.   I can't begin to tell you how proud Jay and I were of her.   She wanted to stay and ski some more, so off we went with our friends....all the way to the top for lunch.   

The lift ride was pretty long going up (we took three different lifts, to include a gondola), but so worth it for the view.  We got a table right away and four beers right off the bat.  After we ordered them , three out of four of us realized that may not have been the smartest thing since the same three had not really been on skis in quite a awhile.  Oh well, there was food coming.  As we were eating, this Irish group of adults sat down next to us and we just all starting talking.    One Irish guy in particular talked and talked a lot.  When you could understand him, he was pretty darn funny.  However, you had to get past him dropping the "F" bomb literally, every other word.  SO after good food, good beer and very good company, we decided to head off.  Renee and I decided not to finish our beers, but not so for the guys.  We all still had half a beer left when it was time to go, so they decided to down theirs.   That probably would have been fine had the waiter not brought a round of pink Schnapps for all of us.  We were a bit surprised on that aspect of it, but what could we do?  Down it went...and down the hill we went.  the first half was a Red line (intermediate) and I was on my bottom half the time.  Nothing like a hill to humble ones self.  Renee stayed with us and had to talk me out of untangling myself on one fall and some guys had to help me after another when my skis came off.  The funny thing was, Jay did great on that hill, but when we got on the blue line hill (easy) he had a hard time, and I did much better.  Either way, it was fun and we only had time to go down that one time before it was time to get Shelby.  It was just as well as I was tired my then.  

We got to see Shelby finish the end of her school and ski down this very small hill.  She came up to me and said that the instructor said she could go up the big hill all by herself tomorrow.   She was disappointed when I told her that we had to go home the next day.  That meant she could ski some more that day.  So Jay went up the hill again, and Shelby showed off everything she learned that day.  I really couldn't have been more proud of her and was so happy that she had so much fun.  She wants to go again.

By now, it was the end of the day and we needed to pick up the kids.  They said Mikey was such a good and happy baby.  They asked me if Shelby was the same way..I told them I was blessed.   We both survived his first time in day care.  They said he had fun playing and talking to all the other kids.  I'm glad I did it.

That night, Jay and Shelby went to the pool again while I fed Mikey and had some more quiet time.  It was our turn to cook for everyone and Jay helped me out with taking the food over...two out of three stoves worked and the couple across from us had theirs full.    It was another pleasant evening with good company and adult conversation and we hated to see it end.  All in all, we had such a good time and got some good exercise as well.  We were all pretty tired the next day, but since we didn't have anything planned, it was a nice rest day.  Jay did have to work though.  

The other good news is that Jay will be getting pinned Major in March and we are all excited about that.  His Dad will be coming to see it.  Tomorrow, Shelby and I will be going to the Knitting Group in K-town for the first time and I'm really looking forward to that.  Jay will be having some bonding time with Mikey.   Jay and I will actually be having a date next Friday as the community club is going on a brewery tour.  My Grandma, Aunt and cousins should be jumping out of the plane this weekend.  My grandma is funny.  WE laugh at our lives.   I did all the daring, fun stuff when I was young, and now that I have kids to raise, I haven't really done anything since.  She is the opposite.  She had kids to raise at the beginning, but now that her kids have kids with their own kids, she is finally doing all the fun daring stuff that she has been wanting to do.  She has been pretty busy the last ten years,  flying ultra-lights, helicopter rides and jumping out of planes.  Did I mention she is 72?  Well I at least know where my spirit comes from.  Her daughter, my Aunt, and the one that will be skydiving with her is the same.   I'm sure Sandi and I hope to be doing the same when we are 72, and maybe my daughter.

Until the next time..

Slow Week

What a slow, but relaxing week it has been.  It's nice to lay around every once in awhile.   We are finally back on or normal schedules and nobody is sick.  Yeah!!!  The kids and I finally ventured off our street to go visit a friend from Georgia who lives about an hour west of us.  It's the first time since being here that I got in the car by myself and drove off post.   Yes, I know, sad isn't it?  When I was over here before, it was no big deal to get in the car and get lost...now I'm so worried about it.  I'm sure it has something to do with two kids in the back.  So it was a big step for me, and all I have to say is...I LOVE GPS!!!  I will have to say, that I never dove in Atlanta by myself either.  

Jay and I are starting to step out as well.  There is a Real super close to us and we are starting to shop there more often.  Real is like a Wal-mart with a little of everything and cheap prices.  THe PX and Commissary are so limited here, that it's nice to go somewhere else to shop.  Now all I have to do is find a LYS (local yarn store) and I'll be happy.  There is a good mall here and the kids and I will go during the week if it's nasty weather to walk around in.  It also seems that alot of friends from Columbus are moving to Germany as well.  I'm super excited about that, as it will be nice to see old faces again.  However, as one friend said. bookstores are missed over here.  Jay and I used to go to the local bookstore on a date just so we can wander aimlessly and get lost.   I miss the bookstore.  Good news is that another friend of mine introduced me to a restaurant that delivers Chinese food!!  IT's not bad either, and pretty cheap.   We went over to friends house last night and ordered it.   Instead of us cooking, we all wanted take out.   It didn't take long for it to be gone.   mmmmm, tasty!

Now on to knitting.....I gave up on the Nomad hat with sock weight yarn for Shelby.  I now am using Peru DK Luxury and it's coming out alot faster.   It's actually looking better than mine!!  It shouldn't take long to finish.  Hopefully it will be done in time for our skiing trip next week.  As I said earlier, we went over to an good friends house that I knew in Columbus.  She actually is the one that started the Knitting Group there and really furthered my knitting skills.  It was so nice to see her again.  She had Spinning day with the local knitting group she started there.   Shelby remembers her because she let Shelby spin a little on her machine two years ago.  I couldn't believe she remembered.  So of course she kept asking Faith if she can spin again.  Poor Faith didn't even get to spin that day.  I will say that her and her Mom made some yummy treats for everyone.   Shelby learned to card roving as well.  Faith's sister took Shelby (at one point she had three preschoolers in there at one time...we were all in wonder) into the knitting room and let her pick colors to put together and let her turn the crank.   Later, right before we left, Faith made sure that Shelby got to spin a little since she was so patient.  I thought it was so sweet of her.  Needless to say, Shelby had a full day learning.  She did get alot of play time as well though as there were lots of kids there to play with.  She held her own with the boys and they played alot of Monkey in the Middle.   

Mikey was really good as well.  He just sat on the floor and played for three hours.  I found out that I could just sit by him while he plays and knit.  YEAH!!  He didn't cry one time we were there.  I even fed him cereal while he sat on the floor.  Faith's Mom held for for a good bit of time as well so I could sit on the couch and knit and eat some scrumptious food.  it was a very good visit, but I will see them all again in two weeks at the regular knitting group.

The last two nights we have spent at some of our neighbors house's.  We had good wine, beer and food and some wonderful company.   It will fun around here in the summer as it is popular here for everyone to gather at someone's else for happy hour and hang out.   We had a taste of that this weekend.  

Next weekend is the big ski trip.  We are going with a couple of families and Shelby will try skiing for the first time.  It brings back memories of when my Dad took us while we were kids.  We are headed down to a town in Austria and we are really looking forward to it.  I'll tell ya'll all about it then.

I guess that is it for this week.  Here are a few pictures of Shelby carding and spinning.   Enjoyand have a good week if I don't talk to ya'll sooner!

Finished a Project!!!

I finally finished a project!!!  The Nomad Hat/Scarf combo from Interweave was such an easy knit, but for some reason it took me two months to finish.   IT was a bit expensive, as it took 3 skeins of Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grand which cost $16.00 each. (Green)  However; it should keep me warm and Shelby looks pretty darn cute in it!! (though it's for me)  It felt good to bind off though; and now on to the next project....

Shelby liked it so much she wanted a hat of her own.  So I told her to go down and pick whatever yarn she wanted and I would knit it.   Well, would you know, she picked a $20 skein of Pagewood Farm hand dyed sock yarn.    Since it is a lighter weight, it will take me longer and a five year old will constantly ask me if I'm done yet.....For some reason, I went ahead and cast on with it.  Guess I love her!!  I'm also happy to see her interest in knitting.  I guess if she doesn't wear it, I could always frog it and use it for something else.   So we will see.  She really wanted to be involved so after letting her pick it out, she helped me wind it into a ball.  I had to redo it, but it was the thought that counts.  So the pic is of her winding it..and yes she is in her bathing suit in 30 degree weather.   She is on this mermaid kick and when she is the mermaid, she has the bathing suit on and puts a princess dress on when she is on land.   MMMM....wonder why that sounds familiar?  (She also tried to color her hair red with marker)

Her and Daddy had a nice day out yesterday.  Since Mikey and I were still sick, he took her, with some friends, to a place where there is inflatables to jump on.   It's supposed to be better than Monkey Joes in Columbus, so it must have been good.  Then he took her to a couple of stores and just had her out all day.  She had a blast, Jay got out of the house and I got some much needed quiet and rest.   Jay and Shelby needed some Good Father/Daughter time.  It's been awhile since they went out together.  He used to take her all the time in Columbus and they would always go for ice cream later.  There are some things we will miss about the States.  Then we all went downtown to to dinner.   This is the outfit that she decided to wear.  She was so excited when I told her that Rachel picked out the jacket for her.  It's totally Shelby's style. SO I guess keep picking out her clothes RayRay.  Hey why not..the outfit was warm.   She definitely has her own style and I don't want to crush it, but there are limits.  This wasn't it.  Cute though.

Anyways, tonight is the Super Bowl and though we are usually really into it...we are both wondering if we will actually stay up to watch it.  It will start at midnight here.  The last Super bowl I saw in Germany was when the BUCS whipped on the Raiders!!  Tell me that wasn't awesome.  Now the game is in Tampa and again, I'm not home.  That's alright, I'll see them in London (and the Pats) come October.  We are SO excited about it.  SO who are we rooting for?  The underdogs....Arizona.  Don't really care who wins as neither of our teams are playing.   I guess that's about it for now.  Mikey and I are getting a lot better and feel 75% better today.  Now some of our friends have it.  It's going around fast here!!  But I found the magic pill if it ever comes back around here again!!!

Enjoy the game!!

The winter bug

Well, it's here, the winter bug.  Shelby brought it home, and now we all have it.   She has been the only one that had a slight fever, the rest of us have more of a head cold.  I feel bad for Mikey.   He coughs so much, he can't keep a whole lot down.  He just happened to have his 6th month well baby appointment this week, but they said there is nothing we can do for him unless he starts having trouble breathing or gets a fever.  Hopefully, none of that will happen.  It took Shelby a week to get rid of it, so I hope it's the same with all of us.

Speaking of Mikey.  What a big boy he is becoming.  His stats at 6mths are good.  He is 26.5 inches long, he weighs 15.5 lbs and his head circumference is 16.5 inches.   To compare, Shelby was about 23 inches and 18 pounds at one year.  So we think he is huge....relatively speaking.   He is now in a big boy tub seat and sits well on his own.   His sister already likes to dress him up.   I just can't believe that he is 6mths already.  Jason says he looks like my Grandpa Rudd.  I have to agree...which means he looks like my Dad and like me.  I think it's the ears...hehe.  Poor kid.  

I'm finally picking up my knitting again and trying to finish a very basic project that should have taken me no more than a week, but has taken me two months.   It's the Nomad hat/scarf combo from Interweave.  Shelby wants me to make one for her now.  So today we will be winding her a ball to start on it.  I also got back in contact with a friend from Columbus who was one of two people who taught me to knit.   I thought she was farther from us, but it turns out that she is less than an hour away with a knitting group she set up here.  It was her knitting group I was gong to when I finally started to truly knit.  My Mother-in-law taught me the basics and my friend enhanced and brought me further.  So I am quite excited and it will be so much fun to be in another knitting group, and to see her again.  I really miss the one in Columbus.   

More good news is that many of my friends from Columbus are finding their way here.   Two are here already and at three are on their way.   How exciting is that?  It really is such a small world.  

So here are a few pics (I hope) to share with you.  It's Shelby and Mikey taking a bath; Mikey sitting on his own; and Shelby dressing him up.   Enjoy!!