Willkommen: February 2014

Woche Zwei (Week 2)

Once Josh was able to get his driver's license, he picked up our car which was already waiting for us, and we got right to seeing houses. I have been looking online for months, so it was great to actually get into some of them. Even better to finally get off of the AFB!

This is the view from one of the houses we saw. I wish so badly that I could insert a smell with the image. It was a big cow barn in the middle of this residential street. There were no fields directly nearby, but just an old, terribly stinky barn. The house we looked at was wonderful, but it only took me stepping out of the car to realize that I could never live there!

This was my lunch the other day, a delicious Nutella crepe! I love Germany!

Going for a walk has proven to be a mostly effective way of getting the boys to sleep. It will be nice to get settled so we can get back on a regular routine.

The best news is: We found a house!! We had some that we liked, some that we thought we could make work, and then we happened upon this little gem. It is perfect for our family, in a village that is close to Josh's work, that has a German kindergarten that Brigham can attend, and has an Aldi! We are thrilled to get our contract taken care of so we can be there sometime soon.

And yes, there is plenty of room for visitors!!

Germany, week 1

We had a long week of late nights (and by late nights I mean long ones that lasted all night) with this little guy and his brother.

We spent many days with this being our only vehicle. We almost didn't bring it, but I am soooo grateful that we did. We have had many walks to the BX and Commissary, and around the base for entertainment.

Benny takes a pretty good spill at least every day, it just so happened he had matching bonks on each side of his head.

Briggs, being a photographer. His favorite subject: himself!

Our sweet boys, finally sound asleep!

Journey

We had to take two cars to the airport, one for our luggage, one for us.

The boys on the plane to BWI. They were so good, which gave me high hopes for the next long flight.

Goodbye, Utah!

We got to meet up in Baltimore for dinner with old friends. It was great, but this was the first of many nights of Benny's messed up schedule. (Sorry for the creepy picture of Josh. I don't want to edit it, upload it again, etc.)

Josh, in line with all of our stuff at BWI. Luckily, we left the kitchen sink, but we got everything else!

Each of the boys got a carry-on bag to push through the airport. It was wonderful to watch, and so helpful!

The airport wasn't very busy and the boys had plenty of time to run and play.

With the exception of a 2-hour delay before take-off, the flight was easy and uneventful. They boys were great and slept through most of it. I wasn't, however, ready for the adventure of adjusting two little boys and their sleep schedules to Germany. It has been a rough week and half, but I would say the worst of it is behind us.

Utah

Josh's dad helped us move to Utah, so we could have some time with family and friends before the big day. Benny was happy as a clam, despite his cramped quarters.

Brig had the iPad, so he was also happy.

Brig got to go to his first day of Joy School with his cousin, Bella.

I don't often feel bad about not living at home, but it hurt my heart a little to know that my kids won't get many times like these with their cousins.

Or these with Grandma.

Benny, playing in the pantry.

And zonked after a cold walk.

Grandma and Grandpa Petie got a new table, and lots of fun boxes.

Bath-time picture for Dad. (We left a few weeks before Josh.)

Briggs and Grandma in their footy pj's.

Benny with some mint ice cream.

I loved the way Brig was kneeling on his ankle...I remember sitting like this as a kid.

Best buddies.

We went tubing at Soldier Hollow!

Benny was too little, and Brigham 'needed a rest' after a couple of rides.

Ice castles in Midway.

We found a cow to feed next to the cheese factory, too!

Hanging out with McKayla at City Creek!

and Boondocks!

Tractor rides with Uncle Barry...

And lots of good time with Grandpa John.

The Petie's, dropping us at the airport.

We had a wonderful trip! It went by too fast and I didn't take enough pictures; a mistake that won't be made in Europe.

Goodbye, Kansas!

I'd like to jump right to things in Germany, but first, some pictures of our moving experience. It's quite an ordeal moving overseas. Thank goodness for the Army.

We had to sell our truck...