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13 Feb -- Ghent, Belgium

2012-02-13T21:08:00.000+01:00

On our drive back to Deutschland, we stopped in Ghent to check out a castle and to pick up some french fries!

Let the exploring begin.

We chose not use this as a "time out" teachable moment like we do with red cards in soccer.

He looks dead, says Jane. He is reflecting.

Quite possibly the highlight for today (at least for me!)--a bathroom with a view. Still feels like public urination to me.

Anna had to check it out for herself.

12 Feb -- Whisper Time!

2012-02-13T21:02:00.000+01:00

We love whispering in Henry's ears and telling him to pass on the secret.

Henry anxiously awaits for a message from Jane.

Jane gives Anna a few too many details in her last whisper.

We saw the penguins earlier in the day and we learned how they talk--this is Henry recreating their speech.

12 Feb -- Sea Life Park in Blackenberge, Belgium

2012-02-13T20:09:00.000+01:00

On our second day we went to the Sea Life Aquarium in Blackenberge.

We are going to a need a lot of butter for these legs!

It looks like Anna and I will have to stay on our toes here.

Pretty sweet tunnel.

There was an outside area with seal, penguins, and otters.

I can walk like a penguin!

Jane literally ran over and dove into the purple and pink stuffed animal pile.

Henry was beat after the aquarium.

11 Feb -- Brugge, Belgium

2012-02-13T19:17:00.001+01:00

We just spent in a long weekend in Belgium. On the first day we went to Brugge. The train ride into Brugge was fun.

In case you cannot tell, it is freezing!

The Church of the Holy Blood.

Charlie and Jane warm up with lolypops.

I guess no boat cruises today!

Interesting.

Horse drawn carriages ruled the cobble stone streets.

Here they brewed "Straffe Hendrik," a beer you will see again later.

This is how we kept Henry happy--french fries!

See--Henry is happy.

Later we walked to the shore from our place. Holy moly it was cold!

Henry drinks some "Straffe Hendrik," or Strong Henry.

Our place we got through Armed Forces Vacation Club (www.afvclub.com). So nice!

5 Feb -- Super Bowl Commercials

2012-02-05T22:38:00.002+01:00

Here are our 3 Super Bowl Commercials that we sent to AFN. Enjoy!

This was filmed at the park in Place de Jeux, Luxembourg. We posted pics from our last trip on 8 May.

One of my favorite soap boxes--the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

22 Jan -- Charlie's New Haircut

2012-01-22T21:18:00.004+01:00

Charlie had a request for his haircut tonight. It was a first, but Dan gave him what he asked for.

Hello, Mohawk!

21 Jan -- Garmisch Ski Trip, Day 2

2012-01-22T20:56:00.000+01:00

We continued our outdoor adventure in the snow.

Get him!

Jane loves lying in the snow.

After playing in front of Edelweiss, we walked over to a hill to do some sledding.

Henry enjoyed the view.

Henry liked sledding but definitely led out some nervous laughter when they got to the bottom.

What camera?

Jane liked rolling down the hill.

HOT CHOCOLATE!

I put this on Henry's head and he said, "Robot Henry."

20 Jan -- Garmisch Ski Trip, Day 2

2012-01-22T20:22:00.001+01:00

On the second day, Charlie went to a ski school and Jane and Henry went to day care. Anna and I enjoyed a nice coffee and wandered around downtown Garmisch. It rained all morning and as we drove into town, Anna said, "I swear this place is gorgeous when it snows." 1 minute later the heavy rain turned into a snow squall. It was a winter wonderland in no time!

Let it snow!

Now are you sure you already went to the bathroom?

The kids did great playing in the snow.

All together now.

We had a nice dinner with the Dwyers at the restaurant downstairs.

Henry may have had too many french fries.

19 Jan -- Garmisch Ski Trip, Day 1

2012-01-22T19:59:00.001+01:00

We went to Garmisch for a ski trip with my squadron. It was a blast.

On the first night, the Briner's daughters sang some karaoke for us.

Then Kyle was not to be left out of the spotlight.

"One upping" continued with Zachary as he danced on stage during another duet.

Nothing beats little kids dancing!

15 Jan -- Bittburg Cascade

2012-01-16T21:11:00.004+01:00

It has been cold, wet, and windy in Germany for the past few weeks. There is little motivation to go play outside because there is no snow. So on Sunday we went to the Bitburg Cascade and enjoyed some fun at the pool.

Don't hurt yourself!

These floaties rock!

Henry turned more and more blue ("I have a blueberry for a daughter...") throughout the morning and had had enough of pool time, but Jane on the other hand could have stayed the whole day.

14 Jan -- Nothing New, But Here's Henry :)

2012-01-14T14:29:00.002+01:00

Henry and Jane have taken a liking to my old teddy bear, Molly. Henry was watching TV using Molly as a floor pillow.

3 Jan -- Charlie's First Day of Kindergarten

2012-01-04T16:49:00.003+01:00

Charlie started at the elementary school on base after Christmas break. He says he loves it and even rode the bus home today by himself. We're so excited for him!

His teacher Ms. Ellison made him feel so welcome

He found his desk

After school, one happy kid :)

He made it to the right stop!

25 Dec -- Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:25:00.003+01:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Zzzzzz....

Zzzzzzz.....

Drool....

Santa visited

On our way to see what we got.

Charlie's face says it all

Hello Kitty watch

I foresee many battles in our future

The aftermath!

Building some legos

24 Dec -- Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T21:52:00.002+01:00

We started our Christmas Eve Day in potty training session. A timer every 30 minutes and only 2 accidents the whole day. I'll take it! Skittles are good motivation for anyone with the name Edgar.

Henry's an enthusiastic learner

Jumping for Oma and Joepa

A little holiday skyping

Henry loves him some hats. Or whatever he can make into a hat.

Spreading some reindeer food on our lawn

Henry found some areas we'd missed

Jane was just along for the ride

Some Christmas Eve bedtime reading

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Setting out the cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer. Henry does a taste test...

Darn, I meant to grab a cookie...

They can have this carrot back.

17 Dec -- Visiting the Fogwells in Brussels, Belgium

2011-12-18T15:40:00.001+01:00

We went to Brussels, Belgium, on Saturday. We met up with Clinton and Sandra (and Gabriella!) Fogwell and had a great visit. We went to the Christmas Market in Brussels--it was huge!

Charlie had the patience to wait in line for the special rocket ship on the merry-go-round.

Jane loved the hot air balloon.

Charlie ready for liftoff!

The rocket ship went up through the top of the merry-go-round. Charlie said the view was pretty nice.

Charlie, Jane, and I went on the ferris wheel.

The view of the Christmas Market was impressive.

Wave!

No comment.

Of all the Christmas Markets we have been to, this was probably the biggest.

Sea urchins?

The boys with the girls.

Sandra and Jane have a good heart to heart.

16 Dec -- Christmas Cookies

2011-12-16T19:36:00.000+01:00

We made Christmas cookies today. Whoosh, who'd have though cookies would be so exhausting. The kids seemed to enjoy it and I "let it ride" so much more than I usually do. Sugar cookies and gingersnap bars are giving our house a wonderful holiday smell. At least they're holding their own against the diaper pail ;)

This is where I tried to keep Henry during the cookie making.

This is where Henry ended up during the cookie making.

He's not one to be left out. Jane analyzes Henry's rolling skills.

Taste test

Success!

10 Dec -- An Early Christmas!

2011-12-10T16:49:00.001+01:00

So I, Dan, got a little impatient. My parents bought a cool Razor big wheel for the kids and I figured we should give it to them early before the weather turns to sour...or at least that was my excuse.

Ready to hit the streets!

Anna tried it out for a bit as well.

She wiped out pretty nicely, but I missed the shot!

Charlie all focused.

Watch out!

3 Dec -- Panther Christmas Party, Rittersdorf, Germany

2011-12-04T12:41:00.001+01:00

Last night we went to our Christmas Party at Rittersdorf Castle. It was a ton of fun!

The shirt and tie look is simply too predictable. Anna gave me the moose glass as an early Christmas present.

The Moores and Cosdens were farewelled.

What are you lookin at?!

4 Dec -- Christmas tree and the Polar Express

2011-12-04T11:02:00.001+01:00

We jumped right into Christmas when we got home from the Netherlands. We managed to decorate the tree and house before sending Dan off on his own little vacation in the Bitburg Hospital to recover from a nasty bout of Pneumonia. The all expenses paid 5 day/4 night stay was just what the doctor ordered.

Charlie took on the tree decorating like it was a mission.

Henry required several reminders not to remove the ornaments or shake the tree. Many reminders.

The final touch

There goes the final touch.

Picking the "final touch" off the ground

Complete!

We have a really nice train set that the kids love, but with Henry being at a bit of a tricky stage we bought this Lionel Little Lines Polar Express train set for the young years. It's much more kid friendly.

Henry attempts to clock Charlie with the caboose

25 Nov -- Valkenburg Christmas Markt, Netherlands then Home!

2011-12-04T10:31:00.001+01:00

This is where we stayed in Zandvoort, Netherlands (near the coastline) at a Center Parcs water park. It worked out really well and was so nice to have the space.

We stopped in Valkenburg to see their cave Christmas market. It was so neat to walk around inside the caves. We didn't love the stands there, but the experience far outweighed the lack of shopping.

Eating bratwurst, reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and fish before we head inside

It was pretty warm inside the caves

The kids liked the polar bears

Charlie and Jane picked out something small before we left.

Jane's Santa earmuffs and gash/bruise over her eyebrow are her souvenirs from our trip

Charlie the red-nosed reindeer

24 Nov -- Delft and Leiden, Netherlands

2011-12-03T16:16:00.001+01:00

On Thanksgiving we drove to Delft and Leiden.

Oh, Jane.

Ordering waffles

Jane likes to talk...a lot...

New Church, built in 1396. Brand spankin' new!

They were having a market.

Where the Dutch royals are buried

Another climb to the top of the tower for Dan and Charlie

Anna, Jane and Henry stayed on the ground level and fed the birds.

How many cars have been towed out of these canals, do you think?

In Leiden, on Thanksgiving, we visited the pilgrim's museum where the pilgrims lived for 11 years before setting sail on the Mayflower

It was a small museum and our family took up half the room.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Poor Dan and the camera's timer didn't blend so we had to ask the help of a nice gentleman.

Walking around the Citadel in Leiden

I quickly grabbed Henry cause he was starting to fuss and said, "You will NOT cry at this girl's wedding!"

Nothing like going to a Pilgrim Museum on Thanksgiving Day.

Must...keep...pigeons...fit!

For dinner we had Chinese food...but at least we went to the Pilgrim Museum!

Jane eating up the delicious dinner.

23 Nov -- Haarlem, Netherlands

2011-12-03T15:39:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday, we went to Haarlem. We liked the size of Haarlem better than Amsterdam.

It is good to see the graffiti artists in the Netherlands have a good sense of humor.

Thankfully Jane didn't jump into the water--you juts never know.

Checkout the guy in the background who truly completed this pic.

This is a cool bridge that rotates so the barges can go by.

Charlie was a bit concerned with how close we were to the water without a railing.

Amen!

Good times.

Henry wasn't having the cardboard hats.

22 Nov -- Amsterdam, Netherlands

2011-12-03T15:14:00.001+01:00

We had a great time on our day trip to Amsterdam.

We rode the train in, and as you can see from Henry's arched back, he liked to bounce around from seat to seat.

The train station was picture worthy in unto itself.

One of a hundred canals.

Charlie and I were the only two who went into the Anne Frank House--Anna had been when she was in high school and was nice enough to hangout with Jane and Henry.

Outside the Van Gogh Museum.

Ice Cream!

Street performers.

Man can Jane make some good mugs.

After we got back from Amsterdam, Jane and I went to the water park and had a blast.

21 Nov -- Gouda and Zanvoort, Netherlands

2011-12-03T14:23:00.001+01:00

On our way to Zandvoort, we stopped at Dordrecht, Netherlands, where a guy is building a full scale reproduction of Noah's Ark. Pretty cool.

Unfortunately, the fog was so thick it covered the far side of the ark.

But the fog did make for some cool pics.

We had to use a ferry to get across one of the canals. The ferry truly appeared out of nowhere. The ferry moved so smooth crossed the canal, that we didn't think that we were moving! We thought a boat was going by us and then we realized we were approaching the other shoreline. Crazy stuff.

We then stopped in Gouda, Netherlands, where Anna used her knowledge from her Penn State days of working at a cheese shop, and she did some cheese shopping.

The rest of us wondered around the center of the town.

Jane kind of looks like the Fratellis' mom from "The Goonies" in the picture. You can almost hear her snorting.

This is where we parked in Gouda. Anna parallel parked it! Gotta love it!

We had a 3 bedroom/2 bath apt.

After a family meeting, Henry votes we should extend our stay in the Netherlands.

21 - 25 Nov -- Center Parcs, Netherlands!

2011-12-03T14:20:00.001+01:00

From November 21-25, we stayed at a Center Parcs in Zandvoort, Netherlands. It is a small water park just a 25 minute train ride outside of Amsterdam!

20 Nov -- Random Update

2011-11-20T19:59:00.001+01:00

Bath time!

Yummy breakfast!

Our hutch that we bought at this year's Spangdahlem Fall Bazaar. The lady made it just for me after I'd emailed her a month or so ago about what I was looking for. She uses reclaimed wood and so the bottom half is actually a desk. There are blue Dutch tiles along the backsplash that show pictures of butter making and cheese making. (Note Charlie in action on the big wheel!)

These are the newest purchase trend and my friend, Tessie, and I went to a flea market in Belgium this weekend and I decided to jump on the bandwagon. It was used to hold wine/vinegar. Now it's currently holding two of Henry's matchbox cars and a half eaten cracker.

12 Nov -- Fort Kleber in Strasbourg, France

2011-11-12T17:33:00.001+01:00

On our last day we went to Fort Kleber and then drove home.

Here is the apartment we stayed at--3 bedroom for 75 euros a night. Not too shabby.

Fort Kleber is about 3 miles northwest of Strasbourg. It was built in the 1870s.

To our surprise, there was a petting zoo inside, and Henry could not have been more excited--the ducks not so much.

The zookeeper was super helpful and accommodating with out little kids.

Bunny!

No joke--the goat's name was Henry...

...but he wanted nothing to do with our Henry.

Such volume!

Jane liked the slide...

...Henry did not...

...at ALL!

Mmmm...salty.

This strange contraption was along the highway in France, but we have no idea what it is. It didn't look like a part of the irrigation system. Any thoughts?

I swear this photo is not staged.

11 Nov -- The Vaisseau in Strasbourg, France

2011-11-12T17:28:00.001+01:00

We went to the Vaisseau, a science-centre in Strasbourg which is for children between 3 and 15 years old. It was blast and a must for anybody traveling to Strasbourg with kids.

As you can see from Charlie, there was no time for walking!

The construction site was quite extensive.

Henry was mesmerized with the green screen and "flying carpet."

Henry could have stood there all day.

So what is in the bottom of a kangaroo's pouch?

11 Nov -- Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, France

2011-11-12T16:09:00.001+01:00

We headed over to the Notre Dame Cathedral and were amazed at it's size as we come around the corner of the alley we were walking through. It's ginormous (as Charlie would say).

Charlie attempts his street performing skills

The astronomical clock

Charlie and Dan climbed to the top of the tower, all 15,432 steps (well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration)

Charlie was proud of his "strong legs" for getting him to the top.

No amount of fancy camera angling could fit the cathedral completely in the picture.

Tarte Flambee Baguette. Yes, please.

Jane's drunk on sleep here. We always are amused by her.

11 Nov -- Petite France in Strasbourg, France

2011-11-12T15:40:00.001+01:00

On Friday morning we walked all around Petitie France in Strasbourg. We walked along the canal and saw the locks--Charlie loved them!

What a cutie!

Charlie could not have been happier when we "found" the locks.

A boat approaches the lock.

It took about five minutes to raise the boat 2 meters.

Jump!

We then waited for boats to pass so we could wave to them.

Dan feeding the birds in the park.

Sugar pretzels--aka donuts.

10 Nov -- Strasbourg, France

2011-11-12T15:06:00.001+01:00

After visiting the Lorraine Military Cemetery, we continued to Strasbourg. We went downtown to the Museum of History, which had lots of history on the city of Strasbourg. Then we went to the Alsacien Museum, which detailed the everyday life of rural Alsace (the Strasbourg area). Afterwards, we went on a boat tour--what a busy day!

The History Museum had some good stuff for the kids as well...

...and me, too!

Anna and Jane picking out our dinner.

Boat ride!

So nice it almost looks fake.

10 Nov -- Lorraine American Cemetery, France

2011-11-12T14:43:00.001+01:00

On our drive to Strasbourg, France, we stopped at the Lorraine American Cemetery. The Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in France covers 113.5 acres and contains the largest number of graves of our military dead of World War II in Europe, a total of 10,489.

Here is Anna, as always, asking questions. Got to love it!

This was taken inside the chapel.

Since it was the day before Veteran's Day, there were many wreaths and flowers around the grounds.

Some people in the States purchased flowers--

...and the caretakers placed them in front of the graves...

...and filled in the names with sand. They then took pictures of the graves and sent them to the family. Pretty nice.

31 Oct -- Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:56:00.001+01:00

We had a great time Trick or Treating on base tonight.

We started at one of our friend's house on base.

Our Squadron Commander all dressed up!

Jane was so excited every time she got candy.

The first piece of Halloween is opened!

The loot! Jane wants to watch the candy as she eats it.

29 Oct - Adult Halloween Party

2011-10-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

Winds in the east, mist coming in,

Like somethin' is brewin' and bout to begin.

Can't put me finger on what lies in store,

But I fear what's to happen all happened before.

On Saturday we went to a friend's Halloween Party in Wittlich. It was a great time. Everybody's costumes looked great!

My date arrived as usual.

Ummm...

Man they nailed the faces!

Strike up the music!

10 Oct -- Last full day in Germany

2011-10-30T10:15:00.002+01:00

We had a great visit with my parents. They left on 11 Oct on a Air Force C-17 flying from Ramstein to Andrews Air Force Base in DC, then caught a bus from Andrews Air Force Base to BWI, flew Jet Blue to Boston, then took a bus to Portsmouth, then finally back home! What an adventure!

All together now!

9 Oct -- Manderscheid Castle, Germany

2011-10-30T10:07:00.003+01:00

I took my parents to Manderscheid Castle. It was a great time. We parked in the town and then hiked through the woods to get to the two castles. It was a beautiful fall day.

Charge!

Cheese!

You just got to love the foliage.

Jane doesn't need to be in this picture...

Ice cream anyone?

We surprised Dad with an early birthday cake.

Now let's show some excitement for the cake!

7 Oct -- Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg

2011-10-30T09:28:00.000+01:00

In the afternoon we went to the Luxembourg American Cemetery. There are 5,076 American soldiers buried here, many from the Battle of the Bulge.

What a nice mug!

4 Oct -- A-10 Sim, Spangdahlem AB, Germany

2011-10-30T09:13:00.002+01:00

We went to the A-10 simulator and "flew" around Germany. We saw our house in Dudeldorf and flew up and down the Mosel river. Best of all, mom didn't throw up!

2-11 Oct -- Dan's Parents Visit Germany!

2011-10-30T09:06:00.001+01:00

Dan's parents visited us from October 2-11. It was great having them visit and the kids loved it, too.

1 Oct -- Eibsee, Garmisch, Germany (Last Day!)

2011-10-24T19:53:00.003+02:00

On our last full day in Garmisch, we walked around Eibsee, a lake just a couple minutes west of Garmisch. It was a great walk, and Anna was psyched that we could make it all the way around with our munchkins.

Henry was off to the races!

Charlie cannot resist striking a pose.

So serene--even with our rug rats running around.

Charlie's eyes say "ENERGY!"

There were some grateful ducks...

...and some tall trees.

Of course we ate lunch there and had to tie Henry to the bench, which he did not like at first.

Jane's sees a raccoon eyeing her juice box.

You could almost hear John Denver music in the distance.

Charlie made friends with a stick...

...and Jane battled the voices from the camera case.

Almost done with our 5 mile jaunt around the lake.

Jane's shirt is true.

30 Sep -- Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany!

2011-10-14T22:34:00.001+02:00

So we got a babysitter again on Friday and boarded a train in Garmisch at 9am. At 10:30 we were in Munich. Anna then changed into her dirndl

At the arch to enter the Oktoberfest area.

Cheese!

This is Anna's mom's dirndl from when she lived in Germany. It is a bit less "provocative" than those currently worn, and as we walked to our tent, an octogenarian passed and admired Anna's outfit...of course she had on the same one and I regret not getting a picture of them together. (Anna doesn't like this picture, but I think she looks cute eating her pretzel!)

Standing by the Bavarian Statue.

Our tent, considered a "medium sized" tent, sits 4,400 people! Our reservation started at noon.

Let the shenanigans begin!

One of our friends establishes communication with a German girl at the table next to us.

Photon organized the table--danke!

All together now.

Now for some locals.

Anna started "Feats of Strength Competition" and kicked some butt.

Not sure if this is cheating or just awkward.

Photon!

Good thing we worked out before this trip.

Anna's game was catching on.

Big ups to Munich.

We walked out at 3:30pm--kind of strange to walk out "slightly inebriated" at 3:30! Something like a Penn State tailgate.

Thank God we made it out of there alive!

Anna probably doesn't like this picture, but I think she looks sweet.

Back in Garmisch at 6pm!

29 Sep -- Wankbahn/Playground/Alpine Slides, Garmish, Germany

2011-10-14T21:37:00.004+02:00

In the morning, we rode our bikes from the apartment to the base of one of the mountains. Then we rode the cable car (Wankbahn) up to the top of Wank. At the top we ate lunch, explored, then went back to the bottom and rode our bikes home. In the afternoon we walked to a playground and had a great time.

Let's go!

The ride in the cable car was fun.

Anna showed me how she felt inside when she looked at the ground.

Quite the view.

Henry has got some sweet eyes.

Anna hides her inner feelings.

Janie takes a picture.

Not a bad place for lunch! Not a cloud in the sky!

Charlie and Jane scare away the Austrian hiker about to steal our camera.

Energy!

Jane wanted a better view.

Garmisch in the background below.

Too sweet.

Whoa!

The park in the afternoon was fun.

Jane showing off her red hair.

Our mini-Brawny man.

The Alpine slides were a blast. They went pretty fast.

Once you got to the top, the cart didn't ride on rails--it just rode on wheels in a half-pipe...crazy!

Good times.

28 Sep -- Partnach Gorge, Germany

2011-10-14T20:39:00.002+02:00

The first full day in Garmisch we ditched the kids (got a babysitter for half the day and went to the Partnach Gorge. We got back to the apartment after lunch. In the afternoon we went for a bike ride around Garmisch. Such a beautiful day.

Can you tell we are psyched to explore without kids?

The gorge was huge.

This is just outside the gorge. We then turned around and walked back thru the gorge.

The rushing water was super loud.

I think we would have lost at least a couple kids had we brought them.

Sandwiches! Enjoy each kids unique face in this pic.
Charlie--just bit his tongue.
Henry--happy to have a bite of a roll.
Jane--sees an alien invasion above my head.

Will there be drinks on this ride?

Not a bad place to bike...

...unless a cow gets in your way! Charlie showed no fear (or little awareness) and rode his back in the grass right passed the cow.

Mooo!

Charlie is quite the little biker.

Anna's pretty good at it, too.

27 Sep to 2 Oct--Garmisch!

2011-10-14T20:10:00.001+02:00

We spent another vacation in Garmisch, but this time during beautiful fall weather! It was great--we rode our bikes, walked around lakes, took a cable car to the top of a mountain...and went to OKTOBERFEST! Pictures to follow...

18 Sep -- Fog Machine!

2011-09-25T19:57:00.001+02:00

This post is from last Sunday...but it was quite the memorable one! I (Dan) got a super sweet fog machine (because I wanted one).

Jane loves it!

Maybe we will use this for practice fire drills.

I only ran it for just five minutes but it lasted for about an hour.

24 Sep -- Biking Along the Mosel, Germany

2011-09-24T18:45:00.005+02:00

Today we had lunch and biked along the Mosel. It was a beautifully warm and sunny day.

First, let's get dizzy!

All together now! Charlie was quite the trooper on his bike during the one hour ride.

Why have only one kid attached to your bike when you can have two!

Of course, the day ended with ice cream!

10 Sep -- Charlie's First Soccer Game

2011-09-10T20:29:00.000+02:00

Charlie had his first soccer game today and it was a blast!

Judging from Charlie's face, the coach's plan may be a bit complex.

The goal looks a bit bigger with a 5 year old in the net.

Charlie's intimidating nature caused his opponent to lose track of the ball.

Jane loved the game...or at least the snacks.

Thumbs up for sure.

Charlie was a bit confused about how to eat an orange.

Emma!

What a cutie!

Best friends "eber" (as Jane says).

Let's get out of here!

The kids loved the tunnel.

Henry and Garrett share a laugh over some unknown subject

Go Blue Lightning!

5 Sep -- More Biking around the Eifel, Germany

2011-09-05T18:22:00.001+02:00

Charlie and Jane were in school, but I had the day off...so off we went on a bike ride.

We only had one rider who didn't pull his own weight, but he was cute enough so we brought him along.

No rain today!

That's enough Dad, focus on the trail...

...and watch out for the ginormous slugs!

4 Sep -- Biking in the Eifel, Germany

2011-09-04T20:16:00.003+02:00

We put our plans to go to Koblenz due to the weather, but in the afternoon we braved the cloudy skies (with a 70% chance of precip) and packed up our bikes for the bike trails in Phillipsheim.

Charlie was ready!

Great trails.

The skies were holding just fine...

...until it started to rain.

Jane then told Henry to scoot over and road back in the trailer.

Here is Jane's Wicked Witch impersonation.

3 Sep -- Bernkastel Wine Fest

2011-09-03T18:30:00.000+02:00

We headed over to Bernkastel-Kues for their wine fest this morning. We arrived early and beat the rush and fight for parking. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful town to walk around in.

Just below me was a Bernese Mountain Dog that I just wanted to grab and run away with.

I believe Jane said this one smelled like pink lemonade

These guys were enthusiastic musicians that the crowd was loving.

Henry means business when it comes to juice boxes

One of our first outdoor lunches in a long time that we were not attacked by bees

And this was before I bought her a Hello Kitty balloon (see next pic)

I swear she was nearly drunk with happiness about this balloon. She couldn't stop giggling and cooing over it.

Charlie's jet plane selection

Hello Kitty was very rude and kept floating into passerby's faces

That's a lot of personality in one small car...and a lot of balloons.

31 Aug -- The Post Dan Didn't Want You To See :)

2011-08-31T15:02:00.001+02:00

So I realized after the past weekend's posts that Dan casually let a few critical photos sneak out of the post. Here they are for your viewing pleasure :)

The girl made this trip up and down the hill on her roller skis several times. Dan wasn't sure where to look, towards the cars or towards the girl! As you can see in the second picture, Henry was intrigued by the girl as well.

28 Aug -- Manderscheid Medieval Festival, Germany

2011-08-28T18:49:00.002+02:00

After Nurburg, we went to Manderscheid Castle for their medieval festival. It was a great time and we ran into some friends there. We went to the festival two years ago and are glad we went again.

They had a station where you they had a small fire and they gave you bread dough on the end of a stick to cook.

It was pretty cool.

There were minstrels EVERYWHERE!

The cameras have turned!

After reaching the top, Jane utters, "I have to go potty..." This was Anna's response.

Charlie and I made it to the top. There was a jousting tournament going on below.

Charlie's buddy Dylan.

Emma!

When you are fresh out of horses, your dad will do.

Minstrels and their stalkers. What does that make me?

Lots and lots of cars.

Cheese!

28 Aug -- Nürburgring and Castle, Germany

2011-08-28T18:18:00.001+02:00

This morning we drove to Nürburg to see the castle and race track (Nurburgring Race Track).

We got there at 10:30 and decided to have an early lunch. Unfortunately, a bunch of bees had the same plan so we...

...retreated to the van!

Unleash the Henry!

It was dark inside the castle, but fortunately Charlie brought his camping light...

...and was happy to lead the way.

The view from the top was great. The grandstands for the race track are in the background.

We have a few self portraits like this one with us all scrunched together and with Henry looking off at an airplane or something.

Nice eye, Henry.

Hey ladies!

Anna with her accessory.

Beautiful day!

After the castle we drove down the hill to the race track. Henry wanted in on the action.

Jane was psyched!

27 Aug -- A Camping We Will Go

2011-08-27T19:02:00.001+02:00

Due to poor weather conditions, we set up camp in the dry playroom. There was even room for a lounge area in the tent.

The stars were out in full force and the kids are ready to do some serious camping. Hopefully they'll remember that there is a bathroom close by and they do not need to completely follow camp rules.

24 Aug -- 1 Year Since Henry's Head Hacking

2011-08-24T19:59:00.001+02:00

It has been one year since Henry's head surgery so we celebrated. (Click here to see the post from last summer.) I had to post this quickly before Anna could change the title. This cake shall forever be evidence that I am not the only crazy person in the house...nice cake, Anna!

Oh yeah...Anna went for realism.

The marshmallows are supposed to be the head bandage he wore for 2 months after the surgery.

A scar/scab never tasted so sweet!

Henry cannot get over the likeness.

Yes, Anna made it to scale.

Cutting the cake was very odd.

21 Aug -- Tractor Parade, Dudeldorf, Germany

2011-08-21T17:14:00.000+02:00

I went out back to call my parents and heard a ton of tractors going by, which can only mean one thing: Tractor Parade!

There was no shortage of tractors in Dudeldorf today!

Jane hams it up.

Charlie and Jane enjoy a delicious Fanta.

Gotta love the shade.

20 Aug -- Pig Fest, Wittlich, Germany

2011-08-20T22:55:00.000+02:00

The parade started at 2:30 and was very entertaining with...

...horses...

...men with cool green German hats...

...dead pigs...

...and firemen from the "Curious George" era.

We ran into Dan's squadron commander from Pope AFB, "Donk" Strasburger.

Charlie and Jane enjoyed the water area.

Jane enjoyed it maybe a bit too much!

Of course we ate some pretzels!

Henry got his "fair share."

19 Aug -- Date Night

2011-08-19T21:27:00.000+02:00

After being gone for 6 of the last 7 weeks, it was nice for just the two of us to go out and get some dinner in Wittlich.

On the far left you can see the hospital where Henry was born.

15 Aug -- Charlie's Camera

2011-08-15T21:49:00.000+02:00

(can't figure out how to rotate, sorry!)

This is what happens when you give your 5 year old a camera for his birthday and don't have a door on your bathroom. Thank goodness for a late charging flash or this would have been unpostable!

13 Aug -- Horse Show

2011-08-13T19:41:00.001+02:00

Charlie performs a daring stunt over the brave Jane

11 Aug -- Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2011-08-11T08:26:00.001+02:00

We love you!

6 Aug -- Henry's Hats

2011-08-06T20:20:00.000+02:00

Henry loves himself some hats. I found him this morning with his pajama bottoms on his head. Then later he wanted to wear Charlie's vacation bible school candy box on his head as well.

He likes his hats just a little off center, for the suave look of it.

Don't you dare laugh at me. I am expressing myself.

Leftover yogurt and this makeshift hat make for a really good look.

6 Aug -- Henry Dances

2011-08-06T07:58:00.000+02:00

We made a So You Think You Can Dance playlist with all our favorite music from the show. The kids like to try out their dance skills as a result. Do we have America's next top dancer in our future? Maybe.

5 Aug -- Henry Eating

2011-08-05T23:38:00.000+02:00

I couldn't pick between the two videos, so you get a double dose of Henry in one of his quirkier moods. Love him!