New England Summer

In August we headed home for the first time in 2 years. It was so wonderful to catch up with so many friends and family members and introduce many to Bria for the first time. Our schedule was busy with a wedding, a baptism, a visit to the shore and many parties in between, but since we normally miss out on all these festivities, it was great to be able to attend. We want to thank everyone who took the time to come see us. I think Jake summed up the trip best when he said, "Mama, I am sooooo happy." We agree, Jake!

Be forewarned, there are a lot of pictures, but we have many events to document from the trip...

To begin our adventure, the kids and I took our our first military flight to the US. Following in his Daddy's footsteps, Jake has a fascination with airplanes, and whenever we go on a plane he always says, "wow, thank you!" Bria enjoyed trying to run into the cockpit on numerous occasions. They didn't sleep, but they had a lot of fun!

 

 

We were so lucky to be in Connecticut the same time as my college roommate, Erin. The visit was too short, but it was so fun to be able to get the kids together to play. It's too bad we live so far away, Jake and Jackson make a great pair. Thanks Duds for a fun day!  

Jake and Jackson

Bria and the boys

Next was a visit from another very important Erin. Erin and I have known each other for over 20 years, and have been through many milestones together. It was so fun having her stay, and it was no surprise that Bria took an instant liking to her. 

The first weekend we celebrated the wedding of another life-long friend. Bill and I grew up with the bride and the groom so the wedding was a big high school reunion. What a beautiful bride and wedding and we wish the couple a lifetime of happiness!

Erin, Becky and I hosting a party for the bride.

Sar diz-Alger and a few of the girls in town for her nuptials.

Mazel Tov!

Next stop was the Connecticut shore to show Jake and Bria what the beach is all about. They were very happy to spend hours digging in the sand and go sailing on "grandpa's boat." Thanks Nana and Grandpa for hosting us and for gathering all the family together for a party to welcome us home.

 

 All the Keleher cousins together for the first time. Can you tell which 2 don't live around these parts?

 Every ship needs a Pirate.

 "Lobsta"

"Sunglasses-check, SPF 75-check...ready for the beach."

Next we headed back to West Hartford to celebrate Bria's Baptism. Bria's personality is definitely developing and I think the entire congregation was entertained by her strong-willed independence and curiosity. I was fortunate enough to have the same minister confirm me, marry me, baptize Jake and now also baptize Bria. Thankfully he has a good sense of humor and didn't take offense every time Bria swatted his hand away as he tried to bless her with the baptismal water. She also decided she did not want to be carried down the aisle during "Jesus Loves Me," she was going to walk by herself. His final sentiments were, "Good luck!" Thank you, I think we might need it! And a big thank you to my parents for hosting the family for a wonderful brunch and to all our siblings for making the trip to be there. 

 It's my baptism!

 Best attempt at a family photo.

The Trumble girls...loving Bella's silly face.

 Brothers O'Keleher

Hanging with Uncle Ted

 The Trumble Family

 The Keleher Clan

 Yummy looking lipstick Bella.

Back to the beach for a few more days of sunshine before it's time to leave.  

 

 Walking on the beach with Nana and Grandpa.

 Morning kayak ride with Daddy and Grandpa.

 "Get me off this thing!"

 Sure do miss this view.

 Time for a sail.

"We're sailing!"



 

And finally a pit stop in Oklahoma to catch a flight back. We had just enough time to see some very special people.

 Jake and Wyatt- Visiting our old neighbors and good friends, the Hagues.

 Bria and Ella- Ella is already a great babysitter.

Miss seeing this girl everyday, but can't wait to meet baby Harrington.

 

Thank you again to everyone that made our visit so special. Hopefully the memories and sunshine will sustain us through a dark and cold winter! 

Cochem

On Saturday we spent the day in Cochem, Germany, right on the Mosel River. We loved the quaint little town and streets lined with half-timbered houses. Unfortunately, the temps were in the mid to upper 90's that day, so we didn't last all day. Nevertheless, it was a nice little Saturday.
 

View of the Cochem Castle.

Within 10 mins of the visit the kids discovered a playground.

Not going to let the heat hold me back.

Mosel River

Twins

Shopping Street in Cochem.

Street along the river.

Add caption

Quick stop at the fountain to cool off.

Ha, had to include this. Not sure what Bill was going for here.

Our Visit with Auntie Lindsay and Uncle Tim

Since we moved to Germany we have been so fortunate to have so many great visitors. The beginning of July was no different as Uncle Tim and Auntie Lindsay traveled from Ohio to see us. Despite cancelled flights and a long 24 hours of traveling, they jumped right in. First on their list was a pit-stop in Amsterdam for a belated birthday celebration for Linds. Second stop-Heinsberg! Normally Jake is slow to warm to visitors, but this time was different. He either thought Lindsay was me (Bria did call her "mama") or he remembered her. Although it was a quick week, we had so much fun showing them around "our hood," as well as Bruges, Belgium (one of our favorites). Sadly, Bill was gone for most of the week, but he made it back just in time for a little 4th of July Celebration. Thanks Linds and Tim for chasing Jake and Bria around and for a week full of love and laughter!

Bonding with Uncle Timmy

Sisters at the Lake

Refueling in Heinsberg

Checking out the horses in Bruges, Belgium.

Uncle Tim teaching Jake to jump.

"I did it!"

In Bruges

Reading goodnight books with Auntie Lindsay.

Trying to be a little patriotic on the 4th.

Bill got home from Norway just in time to check the status of the food.

Happy 4th of July!

Captain Jake and his crew.

A little different from the ambulance that Uncle Tim normally drives.

Having fun at the park.

We love all the fun toys they have at European playgrounds.

Final dinner with Linds and Tim in Sittard.

Thanks for a wonderful visit Lockards, we miss you!

Oh, to be 2.5

Last month marked a 2 year old becoming a 2 1/2 year old in the Keleher house. It's been such a fun (read: exhausting, hilarious, trying, entertaining and special) time that we had to share a little bit of life through the eyes of a toddler...

A few of my (Jake's) favorite things-
*Mommy, Daddy, Baby (still only calls her Baby) and Casey
* Trucks, tractors, trains, basically anything with wheels
*Airplanes and flying
*Books
*George (Curious, that is)
*Climbing
*Germany
*Waffles
*Being silly and laughing
*Playing independently
*cleanliness and organization
*Barnoons (balloons)
*The sandbox (after going through a period of a major sand aversion)
*A,B,C's

Eh, I could do without-
- a mess (on me, near me, or on anyone else)
-Time out
-potty training

The best part has been witnessing his growing vocabulary, particularly since being immersed in more than one language. He still speaks Germlish and we are counting on him to teach mom and dad some German one of these days. Here are some of Jacob's go-to phrases (keep in mind they are said with redundancy, which might get to you if not for the adorable 2 year-old voice):

Jake's favorite word these days is NEIN, so anything you ask him he will repeat back and preface with the word. E.g "Jacob, put your shoes on," "Nein, shoes on." "Jacob, do you have poopies? "Nein poopies!" you get the idea.....
"Baby, Mess!" (said with a horrible look when Bria has made a mess)
"It's broken, kind of."
"I like fan."
"Not working mama!"
"Okay, Daddy?" when he thinks he is in trouble or that you are upset he will ask "okay?"
"Trucks, big truck, mail truck, tractor, red truck, garbage truck, trucks, trucks, trucks."

We could go on and on, there is never a dull moment. It might change tomorrow, but for the moment, he is really good about sharing with Bria and making sure she is happy, he doesn't like it when she is upset.

He keeps us laughing, and reminds us to appreciate the little things in life. We love you to the moon and back Jacob!