Christmas 2014

We had a lovely, and quiet, Christmas 2014 in Kempen. The entire holiday season we thought it would be our last in Germany so we were trying to take full advantage of the Christmas markets, the food, the culture and all that makes Christmas in Europe magical. It was only after Christmas that we found out we will actually have one more here. Christmas was pretty special this year as we were able to experience it through the eyes of a 4 and 2 year old. Jacob was especially excited and it showed with his constant decorating, singing and talking about Christmas. To sum up the season Jacob told us everyday, "sometimes it's Christmas." Here is our favorite picture from Xmas 2014 of the kids on Christmas Eve:

And one of our tree after Santa departed...

And Christmas morning of Bria in her new hat and scarf....

Looking forward to one more Christmas season in Europe next year! 

Jacob turns 4

To Jacob on his Fourth Birthday,

          Words can't express how we feel watching you grow and becoming such a big boy. We remember the day you were born as if it was yesterday, and here you are turning 4. At the same time, when we watch how empathetic you are to others, it's hard to believe that you are actually only 4.  You are our sweet, caring, compassionate little boy and you make us proud every single day. We will never tire of your need to stop everything you are doing to tell us,"Mommy (and Daddy), Jacob loves you, " or "Mommy you are my heart!" You are the boy who wants to sing Christmas songs all year long, genuinely loves making his little sister happy, and wants to be a superhero...we hope you never lose your special spark.  We had our reservations when we threw you into German school when you didn't speak the language, but we have been so impressed at how you have handled the situation.

Happy Birthday Jacob, you are my (our) sunshine! Love, Mommy and Daddy

A Very Sunny Thanksgiving

At some point I decided that I was just crazy enough to fly 10.5 hours solo with two toddlers to be with my family for Thanksgiving. Despite not getting a minute of sleep the whole flight, the kids did exceptionally well. It was obvious that they are pretty accustomed to travel these days, and they were great helpers.

As is tradition, my entire family gathered in Naples, FL to celebrate the holiday. The long trip was completely worth it. We had a wonderful visit with everyone, and the sunshine definitely didn't hurt!

In addition to all the family time, we were so excited to meet up with my college roommate and her family and meet adorable baby Grace. It's a given that Duds and I always have a great time together, but the highlight was seeing how much fun our kids had together as well.

Here's a recap of the visit:

This is the result of not sleeping on the flight.

 

 Ignoring the jet lag and having fun at the Children's Museum. 

 Fishing with Grandpa at the Museum,

 Beach baby.

 Having fun with our friend Jackson. 

 Baby Grace and her beautiful mama. 

 "I didn't travel all this way for nothing, let's go swimming!"

"I could get used to this view, what do you think Jacob?" 

Beautiful sunset on my birthday. 

Bill and Casey sending birthday wishes from Germany.

All ready for our Thanksgiving Day Race.

Sisters on Thanksgiving

Cousins and 2nd Cousins

We passed the torch to the next generation of babysitters. Thanks Jack and Spencer! 

Cousins heading to the beach.

Thanks for swimming with us for hours and hours Grammy and Grandpa! 

"Is there something on my face?"

Enjoying our last sunset before heading home.

It was such a fantastic visit and worth every minute of that long flight. A huge thank you goes out to Grammy and Grandpa for opening their house to us and letting 2 toddlers take over. This last picture sums up the week perfectly- family, fun and sun!