Sportsmanship

I don't condone this type of poor sportsmanship, but if you're gonna talk trash to a player whom you just beat you better be prepared to pay the price.

This makes me remember something I once heard: "If you're gonna be stupid, you better be tough."

We're Moving!

On Friday, we got an assignment to Misawa Air Base, Japan with a report date of 20 Mar 2010.  We'll be sad to leave Germany and Europe but are excited for the opportunity to learn about a new culture and explore another country.

Amsterdam

Yes, we are still alive. I know it's been awhile since we've posted and I'll spare everyone the "we've been busy" excuse. Anyway, we took a trip to Amsterdam in July and had a blast. The kids got bored halfway through the second day but we took them to a really cool science exploration center and their moods quickly improved. We did all the typical tourist stuff: Anne Frank House, Hard Rock Cafe, and a canal cruise. We also went and visited Zaanse Schans to see the old windmills. It was a great trip that I recommend for anyone spending time in Europe.

The kids and Anne Frank

A tribute to the King of Pop. He's huge in the Netherlands.

Ryan's Basketball Team Photo

More Snow

The kids have been enjoying the unusually cold winter this year. The locals have been saying that this is the coldest and snowiest winter in 25 years.

Merry Christmas!

Evidently, Santa figured that the boys were, indeed, good boys this year. They woke up to some new surprises under the tree.

We moved the wrapped presents into the living room to open. Brandon was a little overwhelmed.

After opening all the gifts, the kids had a chance to play the Wii.

Brandon was finally able to settle down and play with his new toys.

And Ryan has now officially become a Nintendo DS "Zombie."

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We enjoyed the Holiday by seeing it all through Ryan and Brandon's eyes. Their excitement was contagious!

After we had dinner, the kids began the Christmas Eve ritual of tracking Santa's progress on the computer. At this point, I think he was in Australia.

Our family tradition is to let the kids open one present on Christmas Eve. They picked this one, which was a gift from our landlords.

After a little while, Chris finished the race track for the kids to play with.

Here are the kids out on our upstairs patio putting out carrots for the reindeer.

And, putting out milk and cookies for Santa.

Getting ready for Santa

Yesterday, the boys and I spent the afternoon in the kitchen making their favorite Christmas goodies. After a few hours, we ended up with decorated sugar cookies, Rice Crispy Houses, butterscotch haystacks, and white chocolate-covered pretzels. I think Santa is going to enjoy stopping by this year!

Breakfast with Santa Claus

The teenagers from the base youth center set up an opportunity for the kids to have breakfast with Santa. We enjoyed breakfast while Santa came around and talked with each of the children.

Brandon, Ryan, and Dylan

First Snow

We had our first snow of the season already. Maybe we'll have a real winter this year.