Friday in Germany

Remember the heavy winds I blogged about on Thursday, well this is what we woke up to on Friday morning. Of course we headed right out after breakfast to enjoy it a bit.

Uncle Stefan wasn't really interested in playing in the snow with us....

Time to get to work....

Gerd and Ava

Omi set up the egg coloring station, and Ava got busy....

The day stayed in the 30's all day so we had no problem staying inmost of the day. Omi cooked a fabulous lunch for Good Friday, Fish and the works. Then at 5pm Omi, Matthias, Ava, Max and I loaded up and went to The Atlantis. It's a huge indoor swimming park which at one point was the largest pool complex in the south of Germay. It has 8 huge indoor and out door pools, slides and more. Ava was super excited and screamed for 2 1\2 hours...Max on the other hand cried for 2 1\2 hours. It was fun and a great way to end the snowy day.

Today(Saturday) is Omi's birthday...Hanspeter and his family will join us for a celebration here tonight.....U know it...pictures to come!!!

Happy Birthday Omi!!!!

Thursday in Germany...

Weather: In the 40's all day, a winter hurricane hit at about 1am on Thursday night....big time winds and snow...It was FREEZING going home from our night out on the town! But i'm liking it....

Ava went to kindergarten all morning from 9-1pm, and of course was not ready to go when we stopped in to pick her up. The teacher said she did much better and was not so shy with everyone...next week she will go again...

During the day I played with the camera some more...pictures below....


Outside view around the house....




my live models....




Germany has off Friday and Monday for the Easter Holiday's so we went out with friends for a long night. Ended up a the trendy Enchilada restaurant and bar...it was packed. Had some chips and salsa....felt like home(kinda, but not really)






Ulm is such a cool city...lots of young college students around because of the University here. The city went through a big renovation in the downtown area....new parking garages and buildings. We parked the new modern parking garage last night it's like an art gallery with art on all the walls, yes in the parking garage....really cool. A history marker showed the buildings and land where it stood had first been developed in the 1100's.

Some of my favorite from today....

Germany 2008- Week 1 Day 3

Weather report: A lot like West Texas I've decided....cloudy and snowy in the morning and then sunny and breezy in the afternoon, but on a much colder scale. In the 40's all day...

Finally babies are in bed(Matthias too) so I have time to update and download a few pictures before I hit the sack.

Today, Ava went to a little Kindergarten here in Thalfingen. Omi called last week to set it up. It's from 9-12am for all kids ages 2-6. The school is set up in Montessori style with all ages blended, and get this its free....part of the paid education which all Germans get.(note to self) Ava bonded with another girl who just moved here from Australia, she is 6 years old and in one year has learned to speak German fluently. I think she may have been a little shy and quite today, but wants to go back tomorrow so thats a good thing.

While she was in school the dudes and I played some more tennis and Max hung out with Omi.

For the afternoon, Stefan, Matthias, Ava and I drove into the city for a few hours then ended the night at the local pub here in Thalfingen with Matthias' BFF Loreno....so great to see him!!!

Pictures from today, my battery died so I only got a few!

Night Night!!!

Note:::Get to see my cousins Joseph and Amanda next weekend, they are stationed here in Germany and will drive to see us next weekend!! Yipeeee, I promise to kiss and hug him big Aunt Susan!!! Jeanette too!

Ava told us today "it's different here....the houses are all red and in Plano they are all brown" love her simple observation of the red roof tops here.....

Want to also say Happy Belated Birthday to Papaw Hugo!! Hope you got our message! and also to Kendra!!!

Germany 2008-part 1 tidbits...

Check out these crisp shots from the Cannon....


Windmills along the drive from Frankfurt...


Ready to fly....


Before our first family dinner here in Germany, I decided to put some makeup on and fix my hair a little, as it had been 24 hours since I had done either. As I sat down at the dinner table Ava looked up at me and said, "Hey, I like your face." Two seconds later she was out for the first nap since we arrived at Omi's. I'm pretty sure she was a little delirious at the time...she cracks me up!


Off to the pub with mommy and daddy....



This is the walkway from the house, I love this picture....


Lisa and I out by the Danube River after lunch...


Ava at the park along the Daube...

Germany 2008-part 1

Well we made it, and when they say "it'll get worse before it gets any better," they're right.

2:40pm Sunday we take off for Germany--The first 5 hours of the plane ride we're manageable. Ava watched a few videos and did a few activities from her magical suitcase; (thanks to Robin). Max played and entertained everyone in the back of the airplane and we all had snacks and dinner. There were few tears, just very busy babies....busy making laps around the airplane, busy going from mommy to daddy, busy busy busy. Time seemed to fly... Then at one point I asked Matthias "how many more hours?" and he replied "4", then again I said....they're right...

Both of them finally slept for 1 1\2 hours in two seats, Ava's and mine. Then 1 1\2 hours through customs, baggage claim and getting our rental car.....we were TOAST!!!

7:30am in Germany, 1:30am for our bodies....and Omi 3 1\2 hours away....we hit the road. Or should I say, Matthias hit the road running through Frankfurt morning traffic, snow and rain, while Ava, Max and I slept. Finally to arrive to an excited Omi, Uncle Stefan and Gerd....then I knew in my heart....we had done just fine, it all was much better now!!!

Max and I went straight for a nap while Ava destroyed Omi's living room with all the toys and Matthias ran to Ulm with Stefan. Then we had a wonderful dinner with the family and Gerd's son Thomas and his friend Johnathan.

Then we met a friend at a local pub, had one more short nap and played with the kids till 12am(Germany time)---then much to my surprise we all slept through the night...

Long Long Long day, but oh so worth it!!

Today, we played tennis with Stefan. Had lunch and visited with my UK girlfriend Lisa. This afternoon Matthias and Stefan played golf at Matthias' old golf club. While the kids and I hung out with Omi and relaxed.

It's really cold here, a different cold....its about 40 and feels WONDERFUL and fresh, not sure why I guess its the air coming down from the Alps, I LOVE it!! Absolutely Love it!

Now you know the story of our journey, check out the pictures from my new camera....still figuring it out, but so much better.

Today is Wed, not sure what we'll do....Ava may go to a little school for the morning, we'll see!
Tchsuess!!

Finally!!!!!

I got a new camera today!!

Cannon Power Shot SD 1100....debuting in a few days!!
Off to read the manual.....
So long Sony!!!

Max and his daddy!

I took me a few minutes to fire up my camera, so the laughter died a little. But this had been going on for at least 3 minutes!!

15 Day Challenge---What happened??

I'm still doing it just not posting...oops!!! So I've forgot where I was but have stayed very busy since my down fall of Saturday.
Sunday-Tennis for 1 1/2 hours and Yoga too
Monday-Gym for 1 1/2 hours Cardio and Weights
Tuesday-Tennis 2 hours
Wednesday-Gym/weights for 30 min, park walk 30 min
Thursday- Tennis tonight-1 1/2-2 hours

Eating has been great, water intake great, vitamins-great!

Packing and preparing for Germany has taken over this week, so I at least happy I've maintained everything! And the best news today!!

Went to my Weight Watchers meeting this morning and I'm 4.3lbs under my goal weight, which makes me very Happy! Maintaining is so freaking hard and so far so good!

Happy Thursday Everyone!!

Uncle Stefan!!!

Uncle Stefan we can't wait to see you!! Please make sure we get to ski the Alps....I'm putting it all in your hands--------No pressure!!!

Harvey House of Slaton Texas

Sometime I surprise myself!! Mom asked me to do a website for her and finally after working on it for a week and half we feel like its ready for the eyes of others! Check it out and help spread the word!!

Maybe we should have a girls weekend in Slaton!!

Harvey House of Slaton Tx.

www.harveyhouseofslatontx.com

My European Vacations!

Four days until we leave for Germany!! I never imagined in a million years my vacations would be spent over seas. I'm super excited this year and can't wait to get these grand babies to their Omi!!

These are pictures from the past 3 trips....Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy

We'll be leaving in 4 days, make sure to check back to see what we've been up to!!

Isabella had a princess birthday party!!

Then we had to come home and play birthday party all night long...

Happy Birthday Jen!!!

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!
Hope you have a beautiful day!!
We'll have to celebrate next time your in my city!

15 Day Challenge-Day 10 and 11

15-Day Fitness Challenge Checklist
Day 10-11

Exercise Challenge:
30 min of Cardio or 45-1 hour cardio/weights___yes___no

Nutritional Challenge:
Only Healthy Food today! No junk!
_______ YES _______ NO

Mind Challenge:
One to two minutes of silence_______ YES _______ NO

Body Challenge:
Take multi-vitamins_____Yes_____No

Hydration Challenge
5-6 glasses of water_____yes_____no

Personal Challenge:
Begin preparing for Germany
Work on Editing website

Go Whit, Fresh, Jen, Britta, Kerry and Robin!!!!

15 Day Challenge-Day Nine

Sunday!
15 Day Challenge
Day 9

Active Challenge:Busy all day didn't stop to watch TV until 9:30pm

Exercise Challenge:YES!
1 1/2 hour Birkham Yoga---kicked my bootie!
1 1/2 hour singles Tennis!! 6-1/6-3
Nutritional Challenge:
Start the Day with a very nutritional breakfast
Eat fruit or veggie with every meal-Went to store and stocked back up! Ate healthy all day long....made up for yesterday....
Mind Challenge:
1-2 minutes silent___yes!!!!!
Body Challenge:
Multi vitamin____yes!!!!!
Hydration Challenge:
5-6 glasses of Water____yes!!!!!
Personal Challenge:Have a better day than Saturday---won't have to be to hard!

Go Whit, Fresh, Jen, Britta, Kerry and Robin!!!!

15 Day Challenge-Day Seven and Eight

Day 7-Friday
Exercise Challenge: 1 hour 15 min cardio and weights
Ate good all day
Took multi
Drake my water

Rushed day with kids---But overall a great day
15 Day Challenge

Day 8-Saturday

Active Challenge:NADA
Exercise Challenge:NADA
Nutritional Challenge:NADA
Mind Challenge:NADA
Body Challenge:
Multi vitamin____yes--woooopie!!!
Hydration Challenge:
5-6 glasses of Water____yes--and then some!!!
Personal Challenge:NADA
Record your progress !

Go Whit, Fresh, Jen, Britta, Kerry and Robin!!!!

Happy Birthday Stacy!!!

Glad you had a great day, I had to get this in before YOUR day ended!! LoveloveLove!

If you must know this was the end of the famous wedding dress shopping day....NEVER AGAIN!!

Winter Weather Day!

Took this video before we left for Ava's school. She cracks me up!!!


Max and his tricks! He's so much fun right now....I know his Omi will be so impressed!

Today started out in the 40's and by 2pm it was snowing and 31. Horrible weather for my 15 day challenge as I plan on staying in. Although I did go outside for a few minutes with the babes! My poor kids have no snow clothes.....Ava played for about 5 minutes in a raincoat that's suppose to be for Max. While Max lasted about 1 minute in a little red get-up......Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW STEVEN!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Andrew!!! We remember the day you were born, just like it was yesterday!! WE LOVE YOU BIG!!! Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!

15 Day Challenge-Day Six

15 Day Challenge
Day 6

Active Challenge:
While watching tv take this time to strech/get ab workout in....___yes and no, played with kids on the floor....
Exercise Challenge
30 min of Cardio or 45-1 hour cardio/weights: see post below: freezing weather and snow wins everytime, its a good thing I don't live in the north.......no(although I worked today and walked around for 2 1/2 hours--does that count for cardio?
Nutritional Challenge:
Start the Day with a very nutritional breakfast
Eat fruit or veggie with every meal--possible salad day___yes, need to go to the store to stock back up..
Mind Challenge:
1-2 minutes silent___yes
Body Challenge:
Multi vitamin____yes
Hydration Challenge:
5-6 glasses of Water____yes
Personal Challenge:
Plan out Singles and Doubles make ups
Finish Website
Take Ava's pictures back to School-yes
Work on Planning for Summer trips

Go Whit, Fresh, Jen, Britta, Kerry and Robin!!!!

15 Day Challenge-Day Five

15-Day Fitness Challenge
Day 5(wed)

Active Challenge:
Park in the furthest parking space from the door where ever you go today....
_______ YES at the Mall and Tennis
Exercise Challenge:
45min-1hour of Cardio/weights(3 days)==YES-Tennis for 2 hours
50-75 Crunches, 30 pushups=No, stayed out a little late with Jessica, should have got em in earlier
Nutritional Challenge:
You pick today__make healthy choices at ever meal-Yes and No, I didn't really eat today, not hungry----not so good, I still need to eat!
Mind Challenge:
1-2 minutes being silent and focusing on your Breathing, YES!
Record your accomplishments during the day _______ YES
Body Challenge:Take a multivitamin Yes, plus drugs from Dr. for virus,sinus,allergy whatever.
Hydration Challenge: 4-5 glasses of water ___Yes
Personal Challenge:
Finish website-----not yet!

Good Luck, Whit, Fresh, Jennifer, Kerry Britta and Robin

Happy 6th Birthday Adrian Anne!!!

6 already??? We cannot believe it!! You are growing up so quickly!
We love you and glad we got our Happy Birthday Song in right before you walked into school!!
Hope you had a great day!!!

15 Day Challenge-Day Four and Five

15-Day Fitness Challenge Checklist
Day 4 and 5(tue and wed)
Active Challenge:
Park in the furthest parking space from the door where ever you go today....
_______ YES for work and tennis
Exercise Challenge:
45min-1hour of Cardio/weights(3 days) _______ YES-Tennis for 2 hours
50-75 Crunches, 30 pushups _______Yes, right b 4 bed
Nutritional Challenge:
You pick today__make healthy choices at ever meal!!!_____________Yes
Mind Challenge:
1-2 minutes being silent and focusing on your Breathing, running all day, oops_ NO
Record your accomplishments during the day _______ YES
Body Challenge:Take a multivitamin Yes, plus drugs from Dr. for virus,sinus,allergy whatever.
Hydration Challenge: 4-5 glasses of water ___Yes
Personal Challenge:
______________mail presents____ YES

Good Luck, Whit, Fresh, Jennifer, Kerry and Britta!!!

Day 3 of Challenge was a CoLd one!

Day Three

Active Challenge:
Park in the furthest parking space from the door where ever you go today....
Never left the house, close to freezing all day_______ NO
Exercise Challenge:
30 min of Cardio(4 days)
or
45min-1hour of Cardio/weights(3 days)-- organized and cleaned out drawers, vacuumed the entire house, chased two around all day, that's the closest I got today, feel like I may have strep throat, going to DR. tomorrow _______ NO
50-75 Crunches, 30 pushups _got it in right before I hopped in bed to read!!!___Yes
Nutritional Challenge:
You pick today__flat out veggie pizza, salad, a few cracker, and rye bread with cream cheese, orange_____________Yes
Mind Challenge:
1-2 minutes being silent and focusing on your Breathing_______ YES, but not till in bed
Record your accomplishments during the day _______ YES
Body Challenge: Take a multivitamin ______Yes, Vitamin, Echinacea
Hydration Challenge: 4-5 glasses of water ___Yes, on top of it!
Personal Challenge:
_____________________Clean out drawers for everyone_________ _______ YES
_____________Get A and A's gift ready to mail_________________ _______ YES
______________________________ _____Cook healthy dinnner__ YES
_____________Finish Website_______________ _______ NO
______________________________ _______ YES _______ NO

Salado Sleepover with Aunt Annette! Silent Music...

Annette and Ava, enjoying the morning outside! We LOVE their place in Salado.

No Acorns Max!!!

Hanging on the Hammock

Practicing our walking with Max
Getting ready for the big perfomance
Ava put on a show and I mean a big one! "Could I get a volunteer from the audience," it was so cute! And Max just follows her around.