Veteran's Day

I've always been a proud and patriotic American. However I never realized the sacrifices our military members and their families make every day until I married a Soldier. In my nearly 4 years as an army wife, I have met some of the most amazing and strong people in the world. Families who go months without seeing their soldiers, children who rely on teddy bears and Skype to see their parents, service members who spend multiple birthdays, anniversaries, holidays in the desert; thousands of miles away from their loved ones.

These selfless men and women are willing to give their lives for the United States of America and for you. Remember that every day, every time you see the flag flying, every time you vote, every time you enjoy one of the many freedoms Americans take for granted.

Today's message is simple: Thank a Veteran.

Halloween 2010

Halloween doesn't exist in Germany, unless you live close to a military base. Then, it is a cross-cultural event. I will never forget last year, hordes of people seeking candy! This year was a little more subdued, however, because we tricked them! (Pun intended). Due to daylight savings and the 31st falling on a Sunday, the army in Wiesbaden decided Halloween would be on Saturday. Two hours of Trick Or Treating and then a full day for the kids to run off their sugar highs before going back to school.


This year was Steven's first Halloween at home since we had Declan. I couldn't wait to get the kids in their costumes and start snapping pictures. Those of you who saw Trinette's pictures of Declan last year will understand when I say I didn't get as many pictures as she did but I enjoyed the evening immensely.

Being the Old Navy shopper that I am, the kids had Halloween shirts/outfits to wear during the day and under their costume. Here they are playing in the laundry basket and with Steven prior to getting dressed up.

We headed out Trick or Treating and were lucky to have Memere and Pepere with us. (Think extra hands to chase kids, take pictures, and push the stroller. Also, more people trying to sneak Declan candy!) Declan made it two houses before we loaded him in the double stroller. He got tons of candy since most people wanted to give some for Abi too (how silly!) and didn't scare very easily. When he was done, or more accurately, I was done pushing the stroller, we ended up at Karin's house. There Declan helped hand out candy from the comfort of Dana's arms.

Mainz

Steven and I frequent Mainz regularly, but we haven't taken pictures or done the tourist thing there since we moved here. We took his parents (and Abigail) to see the sights. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we took full advantage of the sun when taking many, many pictures.

Our first stop was the Gutenberg Museum, to see one of the Bibles. Sorry, no pictures allowed of that museum, but trust me, it is well worth the 5 Euros! After the museum, we went to our favorite Italian restaurant, Da Vitos. Oh, the Lambrusco alone is worth going to this place.

After lunch, we walked around downtown, seeing sights like the Gutenberg Statue (which is no where near the Museum), the Dom, Steven's old hangout, which is now a Thai Express, and the Fashing Fountain. Here are a few of our pics:

Rudesheim

Our Trip in Pictures

At the top of the Bromsburg Castle/Wine Museum, looking out over the Rhein.

The beautiful stain-glass on the inside of the Evangelical Church.

My first Rudesheimer Coffee in Rudesheim (lots of booze, little coffee).

Apple Picking

Memere, Declan, Abigail, and I headed out to Mainz-Marienborg, home of the Appel Happel (Happy Apple).
Declan learned all about trees:
*they grow on trees
*they can be red or green
*they are a fruit
*we can eat them
*they start with "A"

I taught Declan how to pick apples. Each time he chose one, he would say "turn" and then "pull." Sometimes he would say "pull hard." Our next lesson was to place the apples in the bag, instead of throwing them.

We spent about half an hour picking apples. It was a wonderful outing for Declan and he learned a lot. Anyone have suggestions for our next "field trip?"

Ice Cream Scoop

My sister Maggie, the writer/college student/world traveler, has recently started her own blog. Read it here.
In an effort to update the picture of her and our younger brother John ....

Isn't that cute? I cannot wait to be closer to them both, and the rest of our family.
Oh, and since we're talking cute, let's add a picture of our other sister and her adorable daughter....

Munich

What trip to Munich is complete with out a beer at the Hofbrauhuas? Delicious German food, festive polka music, and phenomenal beer made for a wonderful evening.

Wednesday morning brought some rain, but we brushed it aside for a view of the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz. This is the oldest Cukoo clock in Germany and still has moving parts. After the music, we whisked off to the BMW World and Olympic Park. We saw the Olympic Swimming Pool where Mark Spitz won his 1972 medals. After a quick bite at the Munich Hard Rock, we explored some more of the Marienplatz and Pedestrian Zone. We visited the oldest church in Munich, St. Peter's.



Steven's favorite piece: Thursday was spent in the Residenz and Treasurery. Jewels, jewels, jewels! I could not believe the wealth that was housed here. Declan was a champ throughout this museum, which also included a tour of the Residenz, where the royal family would live when in Munich. The tour of the house was astonishing. It's hard to believe that so many decades ago such intricate things were crafted, entirely by hand!