Tuesday, May 31, 2011

R.I.P. Cassandra

...and welcome to the family, Tom (aka TT).

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HE'S HOME!!

Well, as you all know, A made it home safely yesterday!! Of course things were delayed and changed throughout the ordeal, but he FINALLY MADE IT!!! Things are back to normal again :) We head on "waycation" (as the Germans say!) tonight. But for now, we both must pack (packing is NOT my forte --- this will be an all day affair). Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers and I am JUST SO HAPPY HE'S HOME!!! Expect LOTS of pictures upon our return (and cross your fingers the Iceland volcano doesn't interrupt our trip!).



(My grandparents upon Gdad's return from WWII)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

first weekend back!

What a great first weekend back in Germany. Thankfully, an old friend picked me up from the airport and took me home. Immediately I got to meet up with friends and German neighbors. Day 2: Laura arrived to visit! That night, we went to Sarah's going away party - a wein probe in Osann-Monzel with good food, good wine, and good friends. Day 3: I attempted to fix the Maxima (FYI don't leave your car unattended for 7 months) & Laura and I lounged on the porch in the 80F full sun weather and walked to get gelato. That night, last night, the whole gang came over for a welcome home/farewell cookout. Again, good food, good drinks, and good friends. They stayed over til late, a full night of drinks and games, the usual! We have made some great friends while here and most are PCSing within the month. I am so very sad to see them go :(










What a life! Only thing missing is A and the dogs! As for me today, I'll be getting the house ready for A's return and relaxing. Cosa Nova (our fav restaurant) tonight for dinner with Sarah & Eric!! Ravioli al tartufo nero. DELICIOUSNESS!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

German Version of Words with Friends?

So of course, right when I show up in my house, the two 16 year old girls that live by me IMMEDIATELY came over to talk, hang out, catch up, see if I have any green soda, etc. Now they both have iPhones or iPod touches, so I had them download 'Words with Friends,' aka pass it back and forth Scrabble (LOVE that game!). It is absolutely hilarious to play with two people whose second language is English. They were whispering back and forth, trying to come up with a good word, so funny. During this game, they kept talking about 'chefs.' I was like wow, you know a lot of chefs. Turns out, chef = boss. Good to know. Also, they tried to play the word "played" and spelled it "plaid." They started CRACKING up because they forgot how to spell 'played' and then thought they had invented the word 'plaid.' Try explaining to 2 ESL 16 year old girls what plaid is... funny. Seeing them play English Scrabble, even funnier!

I forgot how much I missed...

...my house, my view, Trier, my neighbors, my porch, daylight until 10pm, no bugs, and quiet Kasel. However, still missing my dogs, husband, and fam.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

bye bye boring blog...

... it's travel time!

I can't believe it's tomorrow... I leave tomorrow.. wow.

Well, the 7 months (for me) have flown by. Today was my last day at work... and my gym membership ran out... and I finally started to pack. I am SO excited to see Alex and travel again. However, I am super super sad about leaving Brett and Ali, again. It has been so awesome to see them play sports, be here when they get home from school, and just be involved again. I will really really really miss that. I will also miss my dogs for the 3 months that I have to leave them in America.

After living in Germany for two years and coming back to America for 7 months, I have found very few American things I miss besides people. Living in Germany cured me of Target, Wal-Mart, big crowds, fat people, fast food, slow speed limits, and more. I will, however, really miss my American friends and family.

BUT I do have some awesome things to look forward to, including a 10 day trip to Ireland, a 5 day trip to Portugal, an anniversary trip (to Croatia, Greece, or Southern France?), and lots of visitors (Emily & james in August, Hannah & John in September, Ethan & Kathryn in October/November, Jesse & Shannon in December)!!!!

I have a good life. No complaints (other than I wish I could transport everyone I love in America to Germany!).





Reunited so very soon!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

love my nieces



Charlotte's 6 month Birthday









Who knew a 50 cent red balloon could be so fun?!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Boston & Riva love the Compound!










Monday, May 2, 2011

oldies but goodies

Found these old pictures while at my Aunt Bet's last week :)



















cheery cherry blossoms


the beautiful tree in the backyard






Shea on all the fallen petals