Italy

On the way to school this morning, Samuel asked if we could take a holiday in Italy. I said I would love to, but we would just have to see. He said "I really want to go to Pompeii and visit Mount Vesuvius". Then Owen added, "if we are going to Italy, I want to go to Rome and see the Colosseum." I added that both would be great, but if we were going to see all the places in Italy that each one of us wanted to see, then we would have to do a lot of driving. Owen says "Mom, I have the perfect idea, when we get to Italy, we can get a Ferrari, because they are Italian and we can get everywhere really fast"!

If Only!!

World Book Day

Today was world book day, and the boys had to dress up as a storybook character. Owen chose Robin Hood and Samuel chose Peter Pan. Both were up bright and early this morning very excited to dress up for school!

In Search of Robin Hood

Unfortunately Mike has had to work away a lot the last several weeks. But we did have the opportunity to go with him over the boys half term break. We stayed in Nottingham. It was pretty relaxing, we had a very nice pool at the hotel, so we hung out there quite a bit, but we did do some exploring as well. And the boys were totally obsessed with everything Robin Hood.

swimming then an afternoon at the park

Statue of Robin Hood, outside the walls of Nottingham Castle

Exploring Sherwood Forest

Major Oak

The boys have found Robin Hood's hideout

We found Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest!

Space Musuem

Jonathan Metzger

The first month of 2012 brought tragedy to a friend of mine. Erica Metzger lost her husband, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Metzger, on January 6th. He died serving his country in Afghanistan. I had the privilege of attending his funeral and spending time with those who knew him best, and although I didn't know him well, I came away knowing that without a doubt he was a true American Hero.

Home for the Holidays

We got to spend two wonderful weeks back in Indiana for Christmas and New Years. It was great seeing all of our friends and family, and the boys especially loved seeing their sister and cousins. It was a very busy two weeks, but there is nothing quite like being home.

Exploring at the Children Musuem

A very Mexican Christmas

Cookie decorating at Aunt Brenda's

Santa ate the cookies!!!

Getting ready for Swimming at the hotel, after all the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped!

crafts at Grandma Sandie's

Visit at the Capen's

3D Movie at the Bennett's

Happy New Year!!

Who let Mike get a hold of Sully?

middle of the night at Schipol airport, Amsterdam

Christmas prep and a visitor from the North Pole

One day after returning from getting the boys from school, we found a package that appeared to have been sent from the North Pole. Upon opening it, we discovered that Santa had sent the boys and Elf on the Shelf. The boys named him Rojer and had so much fun searching for him every morning. Miraculously Rojer showed up on Grandpa and Bette's mantel the day we arrived back in the Untied States! On Christmas morning the boys were sad to see that Rojer went back with Santa, but are looking forward to seeing him again next year.

Owen Turns 6!

Happy Birthday to Owen - He had a fabulous party with his friends at Adventurelands. And then just had a little family birthday at home after his swimming lesson.