continued...

I said I would post more pictures at the parks, so here they are. We still haven't gone back to some of the more amazing ones on base. The kids don't seem to care which park we are at they enjoy themselves no matter what.
Yesterday was really nice so I gathered all the kids and we headed to the park. Of course when we got there these big black clouds started rolling in, then the thunder started, then a few sprinkles. At this point all parents started gathering their kids, not me, it was us and other family. The sprinkles started to get a little heavy so I started gathering the kids; they said they like the rain, I said i would be waiting in the car. About 30 seconds later torrential down poor. The kids scatter and run to the car, mean while I've been under a tree next to the car frantically looking for the keys in my over sized traveling back pack with to many pockets. Aaron is over at the car telling me to "open the door, open the door!" "I thought you like the rain?" "Not this much rain!" I finely find the keys and we hurry into the car only to discover the sun roof had been left open and I don't know which button to push to close it. Aaron declared it was a good afternoon for movies. I agree but when we got home the storm hadn't even hit at the house, still dry. Hmm, just one of those things.

The Best Parks

They have the best parks here in Germany, I will have to post more pictures of some of the other ones we have been to. A lot of them have been on the air force base but the ones around the towns are all the old wooden and rope toys like we had as kids but don't anymore because of the whole sue happy times we live in. At any rate no matter the danger level we are enjoying our freedom on the playgrounds.

Germany

Thatcher and I made it to Germany. It was a very long day as you can imagine. I have had an easier time adjusting to the time change but pore goobo's he has been up at 1-3 in the morning and is still sleeping, well it's only 9:30 am. His internal clock is very hard wired.
So I have very much enjoyed the baker already, Kristen has brought home yummy stuff everyday. I think Thatch might end up living off of fruit and fresh pretzels the whole time we are here. No matter, it's vacation, eat what you will!
We are so excited to be here with family. Thatch is very much enjoying his cousins and all there toys. I had to drive yesterday, what an experience. I'm sure I annoyed many German's perhaps by the end of the trip I'll be up to speed LOL. I'm grateful for Kristen's GPS otherwise I would still be looking for her, everything looks the same.
Well wish me luck Kris is with me one more day then it is just me and the kids, I hope they can get me where we need to go. HA ha But I hope Kris and Gary enjoy their cruise and don't think about us at home getting lost for one minute:)

Gretchen & Me

After the Triathlon, we were able to stay with my secondary childhood parents, the Jensen's, they moved down to Buhl after Gretchen graduated from High school to take care of Pat's mother. They are both so wonderful and I just loved our time together. While I was there I took a snap shot of a picture of Gretchen and I. We had such great times together. A lot of, well I should say most. Most of the toy's Thatcher was playing with were the exact same ones I played with at the Jensen's as a kid. So it was a pretty nostalgic visit. You gotta love the ol' hippity hops.

How quickly the summer goes

Summer has been just sort-of jam packed, but aren't they always? It definitely hasn't been very relaxing just go go go. It has been enjoyable just busy.
I think it will reach 100 today, it's been very warm and dry this past month only to get more so for Aug. I hope it cools off for the week of the fair and that is looming and very soon.
Remember those uncomplicated days of summer...Ah to be 10 again:) Those were great times, I really had such a wonderful childhood.
Thatcher is sure enjoying time outside...like almost all of his time. He just can't get enough of it. He loves being with all of his grandpa's even those adopted ones:) He loves riding the tractor and the lawnmower and he thinks whatever they are doing is so interesting. He love to follow his "dada" around as well and "help out" as much as he can, he tries so very hard...sweet thing.
My baby is growing up and says so many things, he is picking up so much so quickly. He will try and say everything it may not sound like much but he knows exactly what he means. It's a pity i don't always know what he means but i am learning quickly that a "pady pady pady" said in a whining voice means he's tried and want his pacifier. He is actually doing very well at communicating and knows well over 20 words.








He is becoming a great camper a week in Montana for our Lee family reunion (he doesn't like fireworks yet) and last week, if you can call it camping for our Triathlon Down in Burley Idaho. He cheered his little heart out for mommy and daddy. My sister Brie was a sweetheart and came down to help out with the little man while we raced. Landon finished about an hour a head of me but for not training AT ALL I think I did great and surprisingly wasn't that soar. My friend Drashell did it as well and since she runs 10 plus miles on almost a daily bases...ok she trains for all events. She beat us both, not really a shocker.
Thatcher was also the ring-bearer at his Uncle Tyrels wedding, he looked so cute and kept clean for long enough:)
I also survived girls camp away from him and he and daddy bonded some more.

My Wish for you

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life."

Grandpa Leo's 85th Birthday

It has been awhile since a lot of the family has gathered together and it was wonderful to be with them all again. We gathered at Uncle Jim & Aunt Paula's house to sing and celebrate grandpa's 85th birthday. Crazy that he use to drive a horse and buggy to school and use hot rocks to keep warm in the winter. Amazing how quickly techknowlogy took off. We love you grandpa you are a great example as well as a Great Grandpa to about 80 of us...WOW!

Big Bertha!

Thatcher has discovered Big Bertha. He loves to climb on her, play with her gadgets & steer her big wheel. I am talking about great grandpa Leo's old tractor, so named Big Bertha. He is such a boy born with an innate sense of all things, well boy. He instinctively knows to hang on to the steering wheel and shift the gears...how does he know that!?
Well anyway, with his summer hair cut he sure looks cute up there on Big Bertha...don't you think?







“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. (or the Big Bertha) Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams."

Happy Fathers Day!

Wow, I am just on top of my blogging. Summer just is what it is. It always goes by to fast and there is always so much going on and I just do what I can. We have wonderful fun memory packed events happening this summer i hope I get some of them posted. If not, um, oh well. The moments will be enjoyed.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Happy Mothers Day!