Cochem Castle

Yesterday was the "not air show" aka "Open House" on base.  In the 80's, there was a devastating mid-air colision at the Ramstein Air Show, and since then, Germany has not allowed air shows.  So an open house is an opportunity to view planes on the ground and see an f-16 and a-10 demo.  We got on base just in time to see the f-16 demo and then headed toward the other planes.  There were so many people and cars, that we decided to head to the Mosel, to check out the Cochem Castle.  Wes and I have been there before, when the Vrabecs came to visit.  However, due to cold temps and rainy conditions, we opted to not walk the 20 mins up the hill.  In 80 degrees, I'm sure it's better, although to the other extreme!  We were quite sweaty.    The views were magnificent and it was so nice, we opted to take the scenic drive home along the river.  We talked about how we only have a year left and are very excited to move to Virginia.  We also realized that we will always miss many aspects of Germany.  The slower lifestyle, traveling opportunities and beautiful country will be missed foremost!  We truly enjoyed our spur of the moment "not air show" day!

Peek a Boo!!

Wes learned how to play peek-a-boo when we were in Cochem yesterday.  We had stopped for some wine and he was bored...so we made it into a game.  He decided to join in on the fun!  This was the first time he used his hands to hide his face.  He has used a blanket in the past, but this is very cute too!

More Birthday Fun!

Wes had lots of presents to open that had been sent from Gammi and Grandpa in Washington...as well as gifts from Auntie Kristi and Auntie Katie!!  He was a little into the paper, alot into his toys, and loves his new "WESLEY" stool!  He uses it to climb on the couch and ottoman! Thank you so much for all of these great gifts!  He sure is entertained by all of them!

And he's off....

Last night, Wes took it upon himself to push his toy across the room, while walking!  At first he was just walking on his knees, and them he figured out he could stand and push it.  He was so proud and we were so proud of him!  Kristen and Jed had come over for dinner and we were about leave for a movie...thank goodness we didn't miss this first!  The sitter said he was all over the room with it after we left!

A Little Dog Food Won't Hurt Him, Right??

Wes' favorite spot in the Vrabec's house was the laundry room...because it had dog food that was perfectly bite-sized for his precious mouth.  We couldn't keep him out of there.  When he heard the door open, he'd drop what he was doing and head for the treats.  Even the water was just too tempting!  

4th of July

Fourth of July was lots of fun!!  We partied at the Vrabec's, in Crestview, Florida.  Annis was in town from DC with Angela, as well as the elder Vrabes, Andy's parents.  We had a wonderful meal (thanks Pete!) and some nice fireworks.  Wes enjoyed the pool and watching dad play beer pong.  He even taught himself how to drink out of a cup at the party!  I don't know why I don't have any pics of Cheyna, but the one of Andy is a beaut!

Annis and Angela

Lovely, Andy

Brian teaching the children how to play washers.

Grammi Susan and Wes

Gotta start em out young!

 

 

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Wes

Well, our little Wesley is a year old now!  We had a fun little party for him at our friend's in Florida...The Vrabecs.  Wes was not a happy camper and was very tired until the cake was placed in front of him!  When opening his firetruck, he fell forward and bumped his head.  He only wore his hat when he was eating cake and in the tub!  New friends by way of Andy and Cheyna, Sam and Nolan were there to celebrate with us.  Nolan and Abby had fun singing to Baby Wes several times, which he liked...although not as much as the cake!

Home, Germany, Home

We have just returned from spending over a month in the states...many pictures to share...once the jet-lag and unpacking is complete!  Here is a pic of Wes the day we returned! He's a year old now, and looking more like a toddler than a baby!  He isn't toddling yet, but is quite a quick crawler!!

11 Months Old

Imagine my surprise when I walked in the room to find Wes standing at his toy!  Thanks Gram!!  I guess since you kept asking if he was pulling up on furniture that you knew it was coming soon!  

Edwin McCain Concert

See, it's real!  I met Edwin!  Even got a free, autographed CD!

Nattenheim

Notice the dogs are wet...and the only water is our landlord's pond...

She made it through the wilderness...

I've been told they use this to make mustard.  It is so beautiful this time of year!

Rock Band

Well, I think I've seen it all now...Last weekend was full of rock and what have you.  On Friday, Edwin McCain (I'll be, your crying shoulder) was in the house as part of his USO tour.  He sounds great live and it was fun for us to get out for the evening.  Sounding not as good, but live from my living room, we had our very own rock band.  Thanks to Play Station, are able to fulfill John's dream of being a drummer!  James and Ryan were also playing along...it really was like having DMB right here in Nattenheim!  I guess the ball pit and Barney video didn't do it for them!  Needless to say, after the photo shoot, I sat at the computer with a BOTTLE of vino and watched Grey's Anatomy!

My First Mother's Day!!

My first Mother's Day was pretty special and I sure had a wonderful day!  John probably thinks that I went back to sleep when he and Wes went downstairs, but I actually finished reading my book and enjoyed listening to my boys!!  We went to brunch at the club and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Hope our mommy friends and family enjoyed their day as much as I did!

10 Months Old!!!

Our pride and joy!!  Wes is doing new things almost everyday and making new sounds...da, ma, ba, ca.  He claps his hands and bounces to music with a smile on his face!  He has 2 bottom teeth that are quite camera shy, but sure enjoys brushing them and chewing on his toothbrush.  We got him a swing over the weekend and he loves to watch the dogs play and look all around.  His separation anxiety has begun and it is sometimes hard to leave the room, depending on how tired he is.  Usually if Daddy is in the room he is ok though.  We had to lower his crib last night since he tried to get as close to us as he could and fell out.  That gives a whole new meaning to "tough love", as we were letting him try and cry himself to sleep.  Our plan failed miserably and he won himself a ticket into our bed.  We felt awful, but he is just fine.  Just another trip to the German ER...He didn't even have a bump or bruise.  We were very lucky.