Unpacking (and life) Continues...

Declan and Abigial helped me get their rooms completed this morning. Both rooms are devoid of boxes, have clothes in their closets and dressers, and all the toys are organized according to Declan. He says the rooms look "nice." After we finished their rooms, we took a break.

Declan spent about an hour playing in his "new" room with his "new" toys. Then, it was off to the Commissary, Declan's new favorite place to go. We hit the post office first and then attacked the food shopping list. Declan and Abigail drove the red racecar double cart up and down the aisles efficiently. When we were done, we had to wait in line for 25 minutes. The line was so long! The kids were excellent, of course.

Now its nap time and Declan fell asleep very quickly and Abigail is protesting naptime by sitting up in her crib and reading a book. She is so my daughter.

Boxes Boxes Everywhere!

Well, the moving truck rolled in Friday morning and through the snow flurries they unloaded our 6 crates! (Remember, only two crates going to Germany.) We had pawned Declan off on Memere, well, really don't think she minded for a few days so I only had one baby to chase. Three hours later the moving truck rolled out of the neighborhood and we were inundated with boxes!

Stay tuned as we tackle the boxes and produce a house!

Home, Sweet Home (again)

Well, our move is now about 25% complete. We received our small shipment of basic necessities yesterday and (finally!) got our internet installed! Both of the kids' rooms are painted and we are slowly finding the right place for things.

Next on our agenda is to paint the dining room and put up some shelving. We were so spoiled with all the built in shelving in Germany that we forgot most houses don't come with it. Hopefully, my brother John can come visit soon and help with the light construction.
More to come soon as we continue in this saga....

2010 in Review

2010 brought a lot of challenges and triumps to the Alwine household. We had our share of ups and more than our share of downs. Here's a quick review.

January
Steven's hernia surgery
Venice/Verona/Vicenza adventure
Declan's first steps!

February
Declan started full-time daycare
Bed rest with Abigail

March
Abigail's Birth!

April
Icelandic Volcano
Mom's Visit
Deployment

May
Trip to USA

June
Rhode Island Trip with all the Alwine Babies

July
My Birthday
North Carolina Trip

August
Declan turns 2
NJ Trip in Maggie's new car
VA Beach Trip

September
Josh Turner Concert
Back to Germany with Dad
Steven Returns!

October
Maggie, Mom & Dad, Carrie & David Visit
Nurnburg/Munich Trip
Mainz/Rudesheim Trip

November
Opera
Thanksgiving Extravaganza

December
Steven gets promoted
Packing for move to USA
Steven breaks his leg
Back to the USA

As you can see, 2010 was very busy for us. We hope that 2011 brings us as much joy and even more time to spend with our kids as they grow. Stay tuned as the Alwines experience 2011. And to keep us on our toes as we strive to keep our resolutions!