Never A Permanent Address, But Permanent Family And Friends....

Randomness

2012-02-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

The other day we watched our cute little neighbor boy Fin. I had saved some of our old baby stuff just for this reason, friends babies! It was fun to take it out again. Claire must have had flash backs from when she was a baby and crawled right under there with Fin! (Fin is also her baby doll, so she needed to be close to him..)!

Ready to go to ballet!

This photo I just think is cute of Claire working at her table outside:)

THANK YOU Alicia Geiger and Aunt Allison!!

2012-02-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

The other day we were so excited to have a package in the mail and from two of our favorite people Alicia and Allison! The kiddos had the box open before I could even grab my camera!

Claire found a new tutu that Alicia and Allison made together for her! She was thrilled and needed it on right away!

Drew found TWO new airplanes in the box. If someone today asked me what I thought Drew would be when he was older I would say a piolet. So he was thrilled to see the airplanes!

Claire told Drew since their were two, she thought one was for her....

In complete awe that Drew actually let her hold one.. for a little bit....

THANK YOU ALICIA AND ALLISON!!!!

Scooter Fun!!

2012-01-21T23:37:00.000-08:00

This winter in southern Spain has been AMAZING!!! The weather really couldn't be any better with only one day of rain so far! The temps have been near 70 and everyone is outside! Yesterday we headed into Rota and hit the board walk with a group of friends. The kiddos had a blat and we ened up saying out on our scooters for over three hours!!

Claire has watched Drew on his Razor for the past year. As soon as Drew would put his razor down Claire would grab it and did really well on it. So last week we turned in her Radio Flyer scooter and she is now an owner of a Razor! She loves being able to keep up with Drew!

And Drew found a perfect size ramp!

Can our scooter area have a better view!!!

We needed a little fuel...so a little ice cream hit the spot!!

After ice cream we hit the board walk. We notied these boyzzz doing flips on the beach, so we stopped to watch.

Clarie taking a photo of us:)

The kiddos were staying SO busy in the sand. So the two other mom's and I stood on the board walk and just visited. It was really nice to visit as they were SO busy!

So come to find out (parents of the year) they kiddos were finding TRASH on the beach , picking it up and burying it!!!! We cleaned everyone's hands and if anything it will build their immune system!

Photo Shoot!

We were trying to do the jump on three, kind of worked.... We had fun with it!

I kind of liked this photo with the wash out of the sun

Claire and her friend Catalina

Ship Tour

2012-01-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

This past week we had three amphibious ships pulll into our port. A freind of ours knew one of the men on the ship and hooked Drew and his friend Zeppelin up with a tour! Drew was SOOOOOOOO excited and had his childhood dream come true! The ship has close to 4,000 troops on it and has been deployed for ten moths and is headed home after this port. Needless to say our base is VERY busy, however the energy with the troops almost home is really neat.

On the tour the boys ate cookies given out by "navy guys" that they met on the ship, climed all the narrow ladders on the ship, sat on top of tanks, and were in awe with all the air craft!

The boys thought they may have spotted a shark!

Drew in total AWE!

Sitting in the captains chair!

You can't really see it, however behind them are tanks!

So what did they do next... took a photo on top of a tank!

What an amazing day for the boys!

Claire's First Ballet Practice!!

2012-01-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Claire had her first practice for ballet!! This is very exciting for Claire as she is now in the three year old class!! Claire can listen, follow directions, is potty trained, and she made the cut!

The classes are on Monday and Wednesday for an hour.

There will be thirteen little girls from 3-5 in this dance class and the big performance is in May! She loved her first day and can't wait for Wednesday! Heopfully she will be able to teach this mom some dance moves!

New Years In Espana

2012-01-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

For the first time since Drew has been born, we had a sitter for New Years!! We went out with a group of friends and hit New Years Spanish style! The spanish have a tradition of eating a grape every twelve seconds up to midnight. Each bell ring indicates eat a grape and a month is represented. If the grape is sour on that second then it means that month might be a bad month! We had a lot of laughs and 2012 is looking good!

So at the grocery store here they sell the grapes in a can! Just pop it open at go!!

My good freind and neighbor, Trisitn

The town square was also handing out "real" grapes, not in a can...

Here's Andy and our neighbor Matt, trying to eat all of the grapes!

SANTA CAME!!!

2012-01-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas day we decorated all of the cookies for Santa!

Picking out which cookies they wanted to leave out for Santa

Ready for Santa (and the reindeer/!!

Um... Andy holding up Drew's new pajama pants and 3D glasses that go with them. Andy was very thrilled with them!

After opening a few gifts they took a break and what did they play with... bubble wrap!

Concentrating VERY hard with her new dolly and hair accessories! Thank you grandma and grandpa!

A bow and arrow and target!!

Claire's big gift was a doll house! It was so cute as she screamed when she saw it!

Soooo Claire loves babies and where does she carry her babies.. under her shirt! Santa was able to bring Claire a baby bjorn!! Mom and dad were very excited about this as we would be walking in stores and Claire would always have a baby under her shirt!

The bow and arrow was a HUGE hit and he caught right on

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas With Papa and Mimi!

2011-12-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

One of our traditions we have at Christmas time is on Christmas Eve we open the presents from the grandparents. This way the children know it's from the grandparents and not Santa on Christmas day. This year with the time difference and our schedule here with parties we had our Christmas with my parents a little early. The children didn't mind at all!

Kind of sad, however thank goodness for technology! Skype RULES! Papa and Mimi wathcing Drew and Claire opening their gifts.

Um.. so those are Drew's "new" glasses that he says he has to wear all the time..

The first thing he opened was a complete Vikings football uniform!!

Perfect... Drew was busy with his uniform and Claire then could opend everyone's gifts!

A purse FULL of chap stick! Heaven!

Testing it.....

TONS of new bracelets!

Yap, they all fit!

Drew now even has a mouth guard! We're never getting this off of him!

Wait... nail polish!

And this is where I found her. Claire went to the table alone and started to put on nail polish!

Thank you Papa and Mimi for the wonderful gifts. Drew and Claire loved them all and we look forward to being back in the states next year for the holidays!

Spanish Holiday Churros!

2011-12-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

Drew's cute class hosted the parents this year for churros and chocolate. Drew was so excited to have both Andy and I there. Oh, and of course Claire;)

The Spanish churro is not like the american kind covered in greece, cinamon and sugar. It's very plain, however with some chocolate= AMAZING!

Yap.. that's our Claire.. she not only used the rich, thick, dark chocolate for dipping... as a drink also. That's my girl!

Garmisch Germany!

2011-12-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Last week we spent an amazing week in Garmisch, Germany. What made this EXTRA amazing... having my mom fly in and spend the entire week with us! I think this is the longest amount of time that I've been able to spend with her in the three years we've been in Spain. The kiddos were in heaven, I was in heaven, and Andy loved all the date nights we were able to have!

We also were able to meet up with our great friend Patrick who is stationed a few hours away from Garmisch. We were stationed with him while in San Diego and has remained a close friend of ours. The children loved him and all of his sillyness what came with him!

We took advantage of the wonderful weather and did an beautiful hike along a river.

Our neighbors from Spain were also vacationing in Garmish and we ment up with them on the hike. The kiddos had a blast playing in the snow!

At night we relaxed in the outdoor huge hot tub!

One day we took the train to Austria and hit up their Christmas markets as well. Holiday cheer EVERYWHERE!

We stopped at one of the cute stands and had a famous brautwurst! Claire ended up taking mine and eyed Andy's as well..

More of Austria!

Another day we went to Zugspitze, Germany's highest point (10,000 ft). We made a day of it playing in the snow and sledding!

Andy almost falling off of the mountain...... (it was a snow bank..)

Drew made his first snow angel with Mimi!

Ahhhh and the good German beer!

Another day we drove to Neuschwanstein castle, we were able to take a tour of the castle as well. This casle was the inspiration for Disneylands castle!

While shopping at the markets we were able to stay warm with all the wonderful Gluhwein (warm wine). Did I mention what an awesome vacation this was!!

Thank you Mimi and Papa!

2011-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

My mom sent me a box of some stuff from HS and in it was a purse and flip flops that my mom wore to our wedding! Claire loved them and they are now hers! (We're pakcing for Germany and Claire was my BIG helper)!!

Base Tree Lighting

2011-12-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we had our annual base tree lighting. It is something that the entire base looks forward to. With palm trees everywhere and family not close it can be hard to get in the Christmas spirit. However, not for the Olsen's!! We are so excited this year and that's all because we are seeing Christmas through our children's eyes. It's so cute.

The festivities consisted of hot chocoloate, cookies, santa and the elves arriving in style, and a concert. The kiddos and I (Andy had a poker night) then all went to Aurther's Christmas and stayed out way to late!! They did awesome though!

Claire and Andy amazed at the arrival of the elves and santa!

Only in the military would the elves and santa arrive like this! Drew and Claire have high expectations now!

Santa then came onto the stage and the children were able to meet him

Claire and me (Drew was running around with friends..)

On Sunday the base had breakfast with Santa. This is the first year that Claire even stood by the big man! Maybe next year we'll get a smile from her!

Almost a smile..a goody bag!!

(Drew was home sick for this) :(

Espana Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

So living here in Spain it's a little different when it comes to Christmas trees.... we have to buy our tree at the local department store!! (we could go out in town at a gardening store, however you pay more). When we return to the states we will for sure be cutting down our own tree!!

Something else here we have to do, is pot the tree!!

Drew and Claire help un wraping it!!

And now for the decorations!! We don't have a lot of storage in our house and only brought a shoe box of tree decorations. What is the best part of this you may ask... this is all Drew and Claire know and when Drew saw the tree when it was finished he told us, "Thank you so much for this tree, it's the best tree we've ever had"! It really is the simple things.

It's Fall

2011-11-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more photos that I liked of the kiddos playing in the leaves in Greece. Here in Spain we don't have a lot of options to have the kid's play in the leaves. The price one pays for palm trees!

Eastern Med Cruise

2011-11-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago we left on a dream vacation out of Venice on a eastern med cruise. We went with another military family stationed in Italy and had the times of our life. I told Andy that, "I am a cruiser"! we left out of Venice and traveld to Bari, Italy--Rhodes, Greece--Athens, Greece--Izmir, Turkey--Olympia, Greece, and Debrovink, Croatia. The cruise was a relaxing 9 days and three days to explore in Venice!

I find going on a cruise SO relaxing. You unpack once, have no stress finding a new hotel, where to eat, where to get a drink, what to do at night, and to top if off EVERYONE has a blast!!! Drew and Claire did beyond awesome and also love the cruise life. We had an amazing experice and was able to see what I once read about in Jr. High. We had over 500 photos...so here are a few random!

Venice really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Hello gondole boys!

Claire walking the streets (with us)! at night in Italy!

One of the many gorgeous canals

Clarie and Drew both love the Urgo baby!

Our ship!!

The ship at many pools and hot tubs on the top deck, this was one of many!

Setting sail!

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes

Athens, Greece

Rhodes, Greece

Ephesis, Turkey

Athens, Greece

Dancing the night away on the ship! And can I say... can Drew look anymore like Andy!!

Claire and I needed to relax our musles after all of the walking!

Olympia, Greece

Family Photo Shoot!

2011-11-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our friend Maureen went with us on a family photo shoot in Puerto Sherry. Puerto Sherry is our favorite beach spot five minutes from our house. The kiddos did great and I even had my eyes open for the photos! I can now order the Christmas cards!

Halloween Baloooooza

2011-11-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we celebrated halloween and all it had to offer four times! The kiddos loved it though, and so did our tummys!

Claire doing her "new" smile with her halloween shirt on before school

And it's costume time! I wasn't sure if she would wear all of the pieces to the costume, however she LOVED it and now plays dress up in it!

Drew was the big Super Man!

Our base here does a "little tots" trick-or-treat where just the children of the base (vs. all of the spanish children) can go around to a blocked off parking lot and get candy. It's set up really cute with different departments throughtout the base all dress up and music playing. Drew and Clarie loved it!

Drew did his own super hero hair that night---full of gel :)

So, this is Ava (who is wearing fake hair in this photo) a really cute nice girl. She asked Drew a few weeks ago if he would be her boy friend!!! Drew said, "sure" not knowing what it was!! Or maybe by his smile in this photo he does know what that means???

Drew with some more ladies.. our cute neighbor girls!

Man Time

2011-11-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Our swing set is used EVERY DAY! When Drew has his buds over they stay so busy in it! My dad sent Drew a few shirts of his from when he was a littl boy adn Drew LOVES wearing them for dress up!

Claire Starts School!

2011-10-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

In September the base started a wonderful spanish imerssion prgram here for two year olds. I did not sign Claire up for it as she was already in a gym prgram twice a week and gymnastics and I enjoyed having her home with mommy:) HOWEVER, the gym prgram is now ending and there was an opening in the spanish prgram just two days a week for a few hours in the morning and it was perfect. Claire was SO excited to be with her friends! Mommy is doing okay. .however, looks forward to picking her silly goose up everyday!

When Claire was born I bought her this Roxy back pack and used it carry all of her stuff in. I loved is when I bought it as I thought she could use it then for school sometime. WHERE DID THE TIME GO!! Schools here!!!

Daddy taking Claire on her big first day!

Gymnastics

2011-10-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

FINALLY there is a program on base for JUST two year olds!!! Gymnastics started up once a week and Claire loves it! She is with eight other two year olds and is a social animal in the class!!! It couldn't be any more cute!

Bounce stations!

The gym is set up into stations, Claire seems to skip 6 of the 8 stations and always goes to her favorites! This is her favorite doing flips with Mrs. Nicole.

balence... balence...

Mr. Fashion

2011-10-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

Drew is four going on sixteen! He loves to do EVERYTHING by him self, and this includes picking out clothes! This is his new phase... Puma jacket (always) and knee high socks! Andy had Drew at the park the other day and a man ran by with his socks also pulled up and Drew said, "Daaaaaaad where did that man buy those at"!!!! We're in trouble...

Paris

2011-10-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Andy and I celebrated both of our birthday's. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate then a trip to Paris! Our good friend Amparo watched the kiddos for us and Andy and I, were off ALONE to Paris!

Andy ready with is money pack.. not to be robbed!

We left Spain in the 90's, it was so nice to dress in fall clothes!

People put locks with names along the fence

We spent half of a day in the Lourve

Right under the eiffel tower was a gorgeous park. Everyone was having a picnic and relaxing. We decided to have a picnic as well and enjoy some good french wine.

And some more good wine...

How I love Paris!

Camping Huelva

2011-10-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took our 5th camping trip while being stationed here in Spain. We love to camp in October and May. The weather is great and the sites are empty!

Drew and Claire really are "true campers"! Drew is at the age now where Andy can give him jobs to help set up camp. AND with all the fresh air everyday they sleep till AFTER 8am!!

Camping in Spain is really different compared to the states. A few are: you can't have a fire at night, your neighbor is about 10ft from you, and people here love crowds when they camp! There are a lot of plusses though.. the sites are beyond clean, usually there's an awesome pool, and their is a resturant on the camp site! We still bring all of our food and cook at our site:)

Home sweet home! This year I packed some decorative red lights. Andy said it made our camp site look like a chinese bazar. I thought it was FUN and probably our new tradition! It also kept any new neighbors away!

Our pool:)

One day we traveled a little over and hour away to Aracena. The town is known for it's cave that has several lakes inside it! We were'nt alwoed to take photos, however it was awesome. Many movies have actually been filmed in it.

In the town center there is a water way that circulates water down a small hill.

Here the children make boats and float them down the stream!

Drew picked up his first sling shot at a small store. Andy had to test it out to make sure it worked..

Quick learner...

Meanwhile... Claire was busy applying chap stick...

A little bit more..

BEAUTIFUL!

We then jumped on a train and road to the top of the town to see a castle!

Evening were great. Spanish cheese, fresh bread, and some spanish wine.

Way more fun then going to bed!

The mornings were relaxing.. no laundry, dishes..cleaning...

We had a great time and look forward to our next adventure camping in May!

Paint Time

2011-09-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just a random photo... another hot fall day here so mommy took out the paint! We painted fall place mats that I laminated for the kids to eat on. They thought it was pretty cool and mom hopes it will bring fall here soon!

Setenil Day Trip

2011-09-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we took advantage of lower temps (low 80's...) and drove two hours away to Setenil. The town was just gorgeous filled with small streets and fun resturants.

Walking through the town some of the streets were covered with stone.

Um.. this photo doesn't do justice.. this street here is what we came in on wiht our seven passenger vehicle. I actually had to get out of the car and walk infront of it to make sure the car would fit. I guess, another reason was I thought I was going to throw up as I was so nervous. I would like to go with just helping Andy...

Randomness

2011-09-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

I really could write a book on Claire. Claire is a great child, hasn't hit terrible two's, easy going... However she always does the most random thigs! When I walked by her in the bathroom she was sitting in the toilet to go potty like this. I had time to get the camera and she hadn't moved. Nor was she thrilled with the photo of her on the potty!! Most children at her age would be screaming if they were sitting in the toilet like this!!

Claire likes her baby to sleep just like her, pacifier in

Claire had the door closed to my room and when I opened it this is how I found her! I guess Violet her bear wasn't feeling the best!

My little man

If Drew and Claire could they would be doing this all day!! Claire started to ride a bike with training wheels in July and is a pro!!! It's a blast having two kid's that can ride a bike alone. And their basket's are always full:)

2nd Annual Triathalon

2011-09-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Drew competed in his second annual Rota, triathlon. Last week they had a trial run for it and he was ready for his big day!! The race consisted of swimming, biking, and running.

I think that every child on base participated in this event. This picture doesn't do justice as it wraps around the corner!

Having his daddy a triathlete Drew was in good hands with everything staged and ready.

Can we get some knuckles for good luck!

Um.. this was Claire's look she gave me the entire time we were in the pool part as she wanted to be in her suit!

Drew did amazing in the swimming, with NO HELP!!

After the transition we were ready for the bike part.

A little far away.. but here comes Drew!!

Drew getting ready to drop his bike and start the running!

The BIG finish!!!!

The race was broken down into three age catagories, Drew's name being called...

We were THRILLED for Drew. He ended up getting 3rd out of age 4-6 for boys!!! The best part of the race was Drew did EVERTHING all by himself.

He ended up with an awesome trophy and we couldn't be more proud of out little tri-athlete!

More of Ash!!

2011-09-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Having a few tapas with a castle right behind us... I LOVE SPAIN!!!

Out on the boat with our spanish friends in Rota

On our night out Claire made friends with another spanish girl while we ate some tapas. They had a blast running around together

One of our favorite beaches in Puerto Shery

Drew called it before we even left the house, "I sit by Ashleigh"!!

The last ten minutes of the train ride they thought it would be a good idea to take a nap

Claire went right to bed..

The view of the water walk way

I was a little jealous of Claire as she road in her stroller in her undies! Her dress felt heavy in the hot heat so her dream came true and I told her she could take it off! (she would choose to be in her undies all day and everyday... I hope this phase doesn't last long)!

First Day of School!

2011-09-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today Drew started his first day of Pre-K here on base. Last week Drew and I attended an in-doc where he met his teachers and saw his class room. When today FINALLY came he couldn't have been more excited! His class only has thirteen other children in it (which I LOVE).

Claire also thought it was her first day of school as well!

2nd year of our airplane back pack!

"Don't worry Claire, I'll be home in three hours..."

And then Drew picked Claire up and started swining her around...

And then fell.. in the dirt and grass.. with their school clothes on...

And a pyramid was built....

Just a normal photo shoot.... I really don't have just a normal photo.. EVER!!!

When one first walks into the school there is a water fountain. I did not miss school all summer long.. why.. right when we enter the bulding Claire needs a drink for ten minutes... the stairs are always wet... tons of kiddos are on it... and so it begins again...

In front of his new room!

Mommy was more sad then Drew, he was ready to PLAY!!!

It was really nice to have a morning with just Claire and for me to only keep up with one on their bike!!

Ashleigh Visit's Spain

2011-09-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago my AWESOME friend since first grade came to Spain to visit us! Hat's off to Ashleigh as has visited the Olsen's at every duty station so far, INCLUDING ICELAND!!! I had to fight for her attention though as Drew and Claire loved her!

One of the nights we went to a bull fight in Puerto

Our seats were great and right next to the judges. Sitting in the seats that we had, the matador was always facing us!

Drew showing his muscles as we were at the top of Gibraltar!

I took Ash to my favorite salon, where she had her hair done!

Ashleigh was able to spend close to two weeks with us here! Andy and I said how relaxing it was to have a guest that long as we were able to have down days as well. It truly was awesome to have Ashleigh here and never a dull moment!

Missing Brian

2011-08-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today in the car Drew, Claire, and I were talking about how their will be a hurricane near Brian’s house this weekend. Drew says, “Mom, I miss Brain. Do you know what I do though.. I close my eyes and I can see him.” I then looked in my mirror and he had his eyes shut really tight in his car seat. Drew then says with his eyes closed, “Look theirs Brian and he’s throwing a frisbee to Jack (Brain’s dog)”. Drew has always just been in love with uncle Brain and this melted my heart!

Pool Days

2011-08-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Naval base here in Rota, has a lot of great features one of them being the awesome pool and we've taken advantage of it! Drew now can swim alone and of course Claire seeing Drew in the big pool is now also finished with the "baby" pool.

Kiddos and friends making silly faces and jumping in

Drew and Claire LOVE holding hands and then jumping. Everytime they come up from the water their both laughing so hard! SO cute!

Claire we have to say really does amaze us with her swimming ability for just turning two! Claire can now swim ALONE for a good distance in the pool!!

El Palmar Beach

2011-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we went with our fun friends on a beach surfing outing. Both Andy and our friend Jeff are big surfers, so they were in heaven. Maureen and I were in heaven as the kiddos played all day so well just running in the waves and playing in the sand. I'm not sure how many times I've said it this summer.. beach days are getting easier (with two small kiddos) and actually RELAXING!!!! I heart summer!

2011-08-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Claire loves her pirate table and has learned it's so much easier and cooler to sit in the ship!

I don't even need to write anything for this....

So I seriously went outside for two seconds to grab something out of the car. When I came in I heard Drew yelling.. "MOM come look at Claire". Claire had reached the sunscreen (which she loves to help put on..) and nicely applied it all over her face and then the floor. This was one of the moments when the parent has to be "serious" and then I turned my head to laugh!

Zahara de la Sierra‏

2011-07-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we traveld to Zahara de la Sierra a beautiful white washed mountain town a few hours away. At the top of the village was an awesome castle. The kiddos did AWESOME and hiked more than three miles UP HILL! Drew and Claire do a great job hanging tough with our outdoor activites and really enjoy them.

Claire is now in UNDERWEAR!!! Here in Europe toilets are sometimes hard to find. So we've been traveling with one! She picked a great view to do her buisness!

We reached the top of the Moorish castle!

The view from the castle

Inside the caslte

We told the kiddos to stay close as their were some openings in the castle. Thisis how they looked the entire time!

And a potty break on the way home. This one took a bit longer as she had sticks and rocks to play with as she sat there....

Sizzzzzzling Summer!!!

2011-07-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Where has the summer gone???? One more week and August will already be here! Our summer has been a blast filled with visitors and play dates! The first week of Augsut my great friend since frist grade will be here for two weeks!!! Then we're off to Portugal and then summer is over:( Luckly living in Spain every day is a holiday! Here are a few photos from the past few weeks.

Tub time is never dull....Claire usually starts to undress during dinner as she so excited for what comes next!

I can officially say that our life is getting easier at the pool! Claire and Drew both LOVE the water!! Claire is an animal in the pool and probably should be in level two for swim lessons already!

Drew can now swim on his own! He can swim the entire length of the pool and swim in the 11ft (above photo).

Drew swimming across the deep end

And what makes this year a blast, he goes off the board. We're always with him in the deep end, however he does it all alone!

With the perfect weather we've had a lot of BBQ's. The other night the kiddos were "cheersing" on their own! I guess they also want to recongize a good time!

Um... so while the adults were outside we noticed it was quiet inside. Andy went in to check on Drew and Rorey and Drew said they were playing doctor. He said, "Dad I'm a family doctor". How could one argue with that!

Daddies with the little ones on the swings

This is how we found Claire in her room about ten minutes after we put her to bed...

The book was straight up and she was out!

Okay.. so this photo cracks me up...Drew's cute friend Peter and him were having a blast. I told them to put their arms around each other and Peter rapped his arms around Drew! I love both of their expressions in the photo!

A little popsicle time!

Drew and Dominic

Randomness

2011-07-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

The other day I blew up Drew's sleeping bag air matress to watch a movie one night. Claire had to squeeeeeze in with him! Of course fell right "asleep"!

Drew and Claire were all dresses in their "fishing" gear

So, Claire and I were watching Sesame Street on the computer and I ran to switch out the laundry. I came back and found that she found some new "viewing" glasses!

Sista and Hubs Come To SPAIN!!!

2011-07-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday evening I traveled to Jerez to pick up my sister, Allison and her husband Jeremy for five days. We have been looking forward to this since the day they told us they were just thinking of coming out! The only problem was that time went by WAY to fast. I truely am blessed to have such a great sister and brother-in-law.

The big test we have with our guests is.. will Claire warm up to you! Ali and Jer passed with flying colors and Claire grabbed her hand before she could sit down!

Jer Bear just really LOVED the ocean!!

We thought it would be fun to barry Jeremy in the sand...

We jsust left a small hole for him to drink some Tinto when needed:)

Yah... so Ali and I took Drew to swim lessons and Andy and Jeremy stayed home to "work out"..

Night out in Rota

On Friday we took the ferry over to Cadiz. The market over there is just amazing full of fresh, fruits, meats..etc..

Ali and I thought we should buy all of our fish from this man.......need I say more...

So.. one night we went out to dinner late. We hd a great idea to walk there and the kiddos would fall asleep in the stroller when we would get there. NOPE this is Claire having a GREAT time at 11:30pm! The restuarant has an awesome play ground outside for the kiddos to play on. Drew was sound asleep.. of course!

On the 4th we had an entire beach day. Equipped with some new rafts!

Um yah.. so this WAS going to be our Christmas card....

We had an AMAZING time with Ali and Jer. When we dropped them off at the airport Ali waved good-bye to Claire and Drew and Claire SCREAMED "NOOOOOO" and started to cry!!! Less then a year and we will be together again.. I can make it.. I can make it....

Spanish Immersion Graduation

2011-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

This past school year Drew attended Spanish Immersion pre-school on base. The program ran

M-F from 9-12pm. I wasn't sure what to do with Drew at first as he was only three at the time the prgram started, however I couldn't have been happier with my choice! In the class room they speak only Spanish and Drew has become Andy and I's little translator! At Drew's conference in May his teachers said that "Drew translates the spanish to the english for his friends and he has really done well". He even knows when speaking Spanish to say the noun first then the adjective. We're so proud of him.

Drew was a little nervous at first and sat with is gown up!

And.. he's already giving us the look of that's enough photos!

The big hat toss!

Drew and his buddy Peter

Thank U Papa & Mimi

2011-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mimi and Papa have been so good about sending random fun things for the kiddos. Claire just received a new purse and Drew an airplane. Claire went right to her closet and grabbed her boots to dress up her purse!

Zoo Field Trip

2011-06-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Drew's Spanish Immersion class went to the Jerez Zoo for a field trip. I'm not sure if Drew was more excited for the zoo or the bus ride!! I also went on the field trip, and loved being involved with Drew's special day.

Drew's class

Thank You, Mimi & Papa

2011-06-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Papa and Mimi know how much Drew and Claire LOVE anything with water! For their birthday they sent them a fun water pirate ship. This will be great for our looooong hot summer!!

Smart Start Baseball

2011-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Drew just finished on Tuesday his first season of tee-ball. Drew had a great time and loved being with his friends. The parents were involved as well and practiced with their child.

Some in-field action

And Drew's #1 fan, Claire. She would yell. "GO DREW" over and over and over.. and over! It was really cute!!

Camping In Jean Spain

2011-05-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took our annual Memorial Day camping trip. We traveled five hours west into the Siera Nevadas and had a blast! Camping to us is so relaxing. The kiddos can be as loud and get as dirty as they want!

And our guide..

Playing in a stream

Drew taking a breather during a hike!

The views were just gorgeous. If you look close in the grass area there are a lot of deer!

When we asked Drew what his favorite part of camping is, he said eating all meals outside!

One of the many reasons why I love camping is, everyone plays ALL DAY long!

After Claire was born we came to realize that it will be a while before we can back pack in to a campsite. SO we bought a new and larger tent for the family. It has two separate rooms which is nice for us to store all of our gear in the extra room.

Happy Birthday Claire!!

2011-05-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Monday we celebrated Claire's second birthday. I know everyone says how time flies by, and it really does. The other day I was thinking how Drew was the exact same age as Claire is now when Claire was born! We are so lucky though to have such a happy little girl that just loves the little things out of everyday.

Some of Claire's favorites are having a dance party, playing dolls, playing with purses, swinging, and playing in water. Everyone says look out for the two's however so far with Claire (yes week one..) It's so much fun!!

Her reaction to her gifts were SO cute as she would yell "WOW" on the items that she opened.

This photo made me so happy as she like her mama is in awe on how acccessories really are just so great!

So busy with all her new accessories

Claire was SOOOOO excited for her cake! After seeing Drew's birthday the week earlier and how he had his own cake with candles, she was PUMPED to have her own!

And time for tub-tub!

Oh Claire!

2011-05-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

How to describe Claire... busy! In a good way also. From the moment she wakes up, she is such a busy little girl. The other day she needed to get her stroller into "her" house. So we found her with Drew's shoes on, chocoate still on her face, and trying to throw her stroller into the play house!

A close shot of our dirty little girl

Claire LOVES..LOVES.. LOVES music! Her new thing is sitting on the edge of the table and jams out! It's hilarious!

As you can see, Claire brings in her little stool for some help to her dancing table!

2011-05-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

My great friend Laura and her husband Dave sent the kiddos the cutest Hawaiian outfits this past spring. We have been waiting for the summer weather to arrive for our Hawaiian photo shoot! The kiddos were more about playing in the sand then having their photos taken!

The photographers, if you want to hire us..;)

Birthday Bash

2011-05-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sat. we had a combined birthday party for Drew and Claire at a local indoor play area in Rota. It went AWESOME and it couldn't have been more relaxing!! Drew and Claire ran around with their friends and played so hard!

The kiddos took about a five minute break to eat and straight back to playing!

It's so crazy to think that Drew is already four and Claire is two. We are so lucky to have two great kiddos!

Jerez Feria

2011-05-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last Friday there was a trip through the base that took passengers to Jerez Feria. I decided to jump on the opportunity for a free ride and not to have to mess with parking! It was an awesome day with just the kiddos.

The fair had a huge area with rides. I told the kiddos that they could pick two

Drew loved the bumber cars and was so serious when he drove them!

Claire watched Drew on the rides and wanted nothing to do with them!

Drew and Claire watching all of the horses (and Claire with a wave to the passengers)!

Jerez feris is known for their gorgeous horses. There's a continuous line of horses going through the fair grounds

Women of all ages wear feria dresses like above

I love this photo. If you look close you see the little boy that couldn't be more than one on a horse ALONE!!

Happy Brithday Drew!

2011-05-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 9th, Drew turned the big 4!! Drew has been asking when his birthday is since May 10th of last year.. after he had his 3rd birthday! My sister does a really cute idea and gives her children breakfast in bed on their birthday. Drew LOVED this idea when he saw photos of cousin Cade eating breakfast in bed. So this year we started the tradition as well. Drew though wanted to eat in our bed vs. his. I told him that was fine as long as he ate on dad's side of the bed (ha)!

At school that day we brought in a cake and all the children sang happy birthday to Drew in spanish!

Yum Yum!

Oh Claire... Claire already thinks Drew school can't get any cooler, however when she saw that she also was able to eat with the BIG kids and have cake.. she was in heaven!

Yes.. were still dog sitting....

Andy came home early that day and we had a great day outside ALL DAY and opened some gifts throuh out the day!

The blog wouldn't let me up load the photos of us making home made pizza that night?? The kid's loved putting on their own toppings and finished with more cake and candles! We had a great 4th BiRtHdAy!

SuMMeR Is HeRe!!

2011-05-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

This past week the temps have been in the mid 80's and it's been GREAT! While back in the states I picked up a plastic pool. It came in a med size box, however when I opened it, it was HUGE! It seriously has to be 12ft long!! The kid's LOVE it and I love it as well as I'm usually in the pool with them!

Of course we had to cool off with a cold treat!

And Drew.. getting every last drop of juice out of it. I love this photo as I can actually see his shirt getting stained with the juice...

Dog Sitting

2011-05-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our friends were leaving for Germany for a week and we jumped on the chance to watch their three year old lab, Lola. Lola couldn't be more chill if she tried and is AMAZING with the children. As you know Claire HATES animals...not Lola. Claire now wakes up yelling, "Pup-Pup" vs. Ma Ma! As soon as the dog loys down she runs to her room to try and cover Lola up or lines her babies next to Lola. Next week will be a sad day to see Lola go:(

"Napping" with Lola

Claire trying yet again to cover the doggy and pit him night-night!

As soon as the kiddos head out the door Lola is right behind them. The kid's opend bottom door to the play set and Lola goes right in a lays down!

This is how they could both spend their entire day!

Easter

2011-04-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Easter in Virginia Beach with my brother Brian as we were trying to catch a flight back to Spain. It was so great though to be with Brian and the kiddos had a blast. Seriouly holidays only become more and more fun as each year they become older! (I guess until they become bossy and demand certain items at Christmas)!!

The Easter bunny came in the morning, we then hit the trails at the state park, and finished with a Tides game in the afternoon.

Above is Drew singing to Claire with his hair brush guitar!

I had to make an emergency Easter bunny run to Target as I wasn't planning on being in the states for Easter. It all worked out though:)

The kiddos were thrilled! It was really cute, Drew yelled "Mom, the Easter bunny AND Santa came together"!!!! They each had two small baskets and ten eggs to find.

Claire was amazed how each egg she opened there was candy!!

The Tides game was great (minus the 90' sun).

Hunt Club Farm

2011-04-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

What do I love besides seeing family when I'm back in Virginia.. is the great friends we had while stationed there. One weekend we met up with our good friend Aya and her two cute litlte kiddos. Kai and Drew met each other when they were just a year old (check old blog posts) and we had playdates with the boys at least twice a week during our tour in Virgnia. Then we both ended up having girls about a month apart. When the boys get together they act as if we had never moved and jump in and played!

We had a great time at the Hunt Club Farm Easter PaRtY!

It didn't take Drew and Kai less then two minues and they were back to holding hands like they did when they were only a year!

The farm had little chicks that you could hold.

Claire also hates all characters that are dressed up!

And nothing has changed with Claire and he fear of animals!

Brian was able to relax his arms Claire was hanging on so tight!

Claire watching Drew close to see how one fill's their bag full of candy...

Claire finally got the hang of this whole candy in the egg thing and loved it! Until she saw the bunny sitting on a chair watching the kid's find eggs....

Drew didn't even want to stop for photos, on a mission!

Papa's Birthday In Virginia!

2011-04-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

The other week the kiddos and I jumped on a C-5 and headed to Virginia Beach! We had this arranged for months to surprise my dad for his 60th birthday. My mom bought airline tickets and didn't tell him where they were going until they were at the airport and then the bonus surprise when they landed was that we were here to join in with the festivities!

The kiddos with uNcLe BrIan who they worship!

The weather couldn't have been better during my parents stay. We went to one of my favorite places the Botanical Gardens where the kiddos had a blast in the fountains.

It was pretty neat to see a bald eagle had made a nest in the park!

So I'm not sure who wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese more... Brian or Drew???? Drew giving his "pimp" look!

Claire and Mimi checking out the dancing characters

I wish I had taken video of this SOOOO bad. This was a truck that went side to side, front to back, and then would shake. It had a steering wheel, gas peddle, and a brake. So the truck started and I started to tell Drew " Go left.. left Drew...no right...hit the brake... Drew" Drew's eyes couldn't have been any larger and was yelling "Get me out of here". I'm lol as I write this thinking back on it! Yes, I'm a mean mom!

Brian and Drew counting all of their tickets!

Papa and Claire

No More Training Wheels!

2011-04-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks Drew has taken off and then put back on his training wheels and they are now officially off!!! Now if WE can just keep up!! GREAT JOB DREW!!!!!

SWING SET!!!!

2011-04-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

In January Andy and I ordered a swing set for the kiddos and it just arrived. We went with a Stetp Two and couldn't be happier! With the help of great friends we had the swing set up in no time! And I really don't know who was more excited the kid's or mom!

Ok, so maybe a few pieces to start..

Drew was glad to help, wearing his working gloves of course!

Claire was in shock!!

Ireland

2011-04-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last week we returned home from a RELAXING week in Ireland. When I met Andy in Iceland we tried to make it to Ireland from Iceland and it just never worked out. It didn't work out for a reason as we went a few years later with our kiddos!! We flew into Dublin and then drove three hours to the west side of Ireland and stayed in Killarney. We spent five days there and our last two in Dublin.

Killarney had Ireland largets national park. It was just gorgeous and we couldn't even cover it all!

Andy and I talked so much about how Ireland really reminded us of Iceland, just beautiful.

There were so many castles!

Us acting like teenagers having a photo shoot!

This is the house we rented in Killarney. It was great three bedrooms, fire place, and a HUGE fenced in yard for the kiddos to run in after our daily road trips.

Seabee Ball

2011-03-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

The other weekend we had our Seabee Ball at a beautiful venue about twenty minutes away. This year our ball was held at a local bodega in Jerez.

Not sure what setting I had my camera on for some of these photos!

Just a little bright!

ChIcA photo!

A typical dinner setting here with appetizers. Compared to the states there isn't a lot of color. But there is good flavor!

One of the appetizers was gambas (above). You eat the little guys like crab legs and they are actually really good. Don't worry they weren't sitting on our plate like this. I just thought this made it look extra delicuous!

So Proud

2011-03-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Claire could do this all day.. play in my jewelry! I think it's cute now.. but I may be in trouble when she's older!

2011-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Mimi, thank you for the great idea with my army men! As soon as I had my friend Ethan over, the army men were built tall on a tower!

The Drewster and Claire Bear

2011-03-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

We will soon have a two year old and a four year old and life is only getting easier. Everyday we love even more the kiddos being close in age and playing together. (Yes we still hear screaming...) but for the most part, they really get along well and have become great playmates!

Just finished raining and now it's time for the boots!

Firemen in the house!

The past few days we've had rain day after rain day. The kiddos actually love it as we get silly in the house (or mom will go nuts). So we made an awesome fort the other day and the kiddos loved it! However.. now they demand a fort at 7am when they wake up!

And a little snack of course in the fort

The kiddos LOVE tub time together and it's hilarious. The photos I will be able to use when they're older are so great!

Spa Day

2011-03-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

I think I should start "photo of the day" with Drew and Claire as they're always doing something funny! Today I found Drew painting Claire's toes with nail polish! She was sitting there totally perfect and holding still! I even jumped on the spa day chance and had my hads and toes painted by Drew!

I love this photo as he's holding her foot for the detailed polish finish!

Kiddo Update

2011-02-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Drew and Claire are at the age where every day is something new and never a dull moment! Here's a quick update on what's new..

Drew continues to attend Spanish Immersion five days a week for three hours. Drew is doing GREAT at school and comes home ready to practice his new Spanish vocabulary. He just finished up football and will start basketball this next weekend! Drew continues to be a little Andy not only looking more like him every day, but engineering new projects to build between legos and tinkertoys!

Tinkertoy airplane!

Drew pretneded to have a campout and built his own "campfire" out or toys around the yard!

And then there is Claire.. Claire cracks us up all day and also keeps us on our toes. At twenty one month's Claire can climb anything, floats on her back in water, & and enjoys playing in anything that has a drip of water in it! Where ever Drew is we will find Claire... Claire loves Drew SO much and always wants to be in the action!

One of the many things that I'm going to miss about her young age is how she still LOVES to be held. If it were up to Claire she would be held ALL DAY! The hugs and kisses still come all day long, it's the best!

This is how I found Claire in the living room after I was in the bedroom for no more than a few minutes.. She had torn her diaper off and checking out the action in the street! Claire now uses the toilet at least twice a day! After we return from vacation in April, potty training here we come!

OuCh!!!

2011-02-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to the zoo with our good friends and Claire had her first of I'm sure many, BIG falls. Claire was holding hands with her friends, feet became tangled, and her hands weren't there to catch her! I heard her head hit and it sounded awful!!! She came away with a big bump on her head, bloody nose, and a black eye! It's been a week and it's already SOOO much better, she's a strong little girl:)

Pointing to where she got hurt

Claire just drank water, so it's all over her chin!

Friendship Day At School

2011-02-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Drew celebrated "Friendship Day" at his school. Drew was tasked on Monday of last week to have 24 "friendship" cards for his classmates, and all signed by him. So I went to our base store and of course there was NO Valentine cards already made, so we had arts and crafts. I would have to say it was way better then the pre-made cards, as we had a blast making them. Drew also learned how to cut out a heart!!

Claire was also a big helper!

Drew was SO proud of himself for making the cards and he wrote his name 24 times ALL BY HIM SELF!!! Knowing how excited he was, I asked the teacher if I could sneak into his classroom and take some photos of the card exchange. Drew's teachers are great and have an open door policy, so it was no problem! Above is their "circle time" they do this everyday and sing song during this time. Today it was time to exchange cards!

Drew being his happy self when his name was called to hand out his friendship cards to his friends!

I love this photo as he's so excited to hand out his cards and to his TWO favorite ladies Mia and Olivia!

Super Drew And Claire!!

2011-02-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

On Monday a package for Drew and Claire came in the mail from my sisiter's mother-in-law (who we love). The kiddos were so excited!!!

Alicia couldn't have done better, she made the kiddos super hero capes!!

Claire was in shock with how many photos I was taking, and Drew was ready to fly!!

The capes couldn't have more of a hit!! WE LOVE THEM!!! Thank you Alicia and I know these capes will appear in more blog photos!!

Outdoor Fun

2011-02-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

At last spring is here! I mean our winter hasn't been bad, but we can be outside now with out a coat in the afternoon! With four plus hours in the afternoon and desperate for activities, this is our new one! We paint the fence in the backyard! I went out and got Crayola finger paint and our fence is plastic so it washes right off! This keeps the kiddos busy FOREVER! Above is Drew and Claire "mixing their paint".

Claire dove right in with the finger paint concept!

Our little detailed artist went with hand prints on the fence

A littlle paint on the head...

While Claire created the art, Drew stayed busy making more...

OK.. now a little on the nose, eyes, lips, and hair...

Pants and then shirt.. needless to say we were off to tub-tub!!

Marrakech, Morocco

2011-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I went for a girls weekend to Marrakech, Morocco. We had a nice long weekend there with a half marathon included in our relaxing weekend!

The hotel that we stayed at. The inside was beautiful with all tile and modern decor.

For the race over 5,000 runners participated and near the start line they fly the flags of the runners that are participating in the run.

The expo, the day before the race had a Moroccan band playing!

O.K so the "bag" drop isn't exactly like it is in the US where it's safe to leave a bag! Needless to say I had my long sleeves on and took it off before the race started. I was so surprised to see that someone had taken my shirt!

The marrakech is known for great markets. One of they things that Africa in general is known for is their rugs. Above is a rug shop and how they are thrown out for everyone to view.

O.K so this looks like we are probably ready to get killed.. nope this is the alley that we had to take to get to our friends hotel!

BUT when you walk inside it looks like this!! It's soooo CrAzY!

Having green tea served to us

The streets of Marrakech

We went into a scarf shop and the guy working there gave us turbans

Kind of looked like a ninja!

Still in smiles after the half marathon and shoes filled with water from all of the rain puddles!

Cabin in El Charro

2011-01-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we drove south about three hours to an area called El Charro. It was breath taking! We rented a four person cabin (it's to cold for camping, as they don't let you have fires here in Spain). We had such a relaxing time!

Drew enjoying some marshmallow's over our charcoal grill!!

Claire checking the temp outside in the morning!

Drew LOVED having bunk beds in the cabin!!

The area was full of hikes! Andy and Drew reading about the area and where to hike to next!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

I can't remember the last time that Andy and I were out at a bar or something for New Years, and I'm totally fine with that!! We've always been at a friends house, with family, and the past few years have hosted it at our house. It's so relaxing and the kids have a blast as well!

Andy and Drew having one of their MANY dance parties in the house before our friends arrive! They had some sweet air!!

Don't worry Claire found something to do as well.. swing from the table since all of the chairs were moved out!

Drew and his "ladies" enjoying some good food

And then they hurried off to the toy room. This picture is shadowed as Drew told me, "Don't come in and keep the door closed"! Really this is already happening at the age three!!!

The boyzzzz enjoying their time at the kids table as well as using kids chairs....

We then broke into teams and played a game like Pictionary that was TOTALLY hilarious!! This was our neighbor Matt's drawing of a tail... no one guessed it.. shocking...

We had a great new years and the kids even stayed up till after 11pm!!!

Homemade Bread

2011-01-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

One of my new year resolutions is to make all of my bread from scratch!! Now with my new Kitchen Aid mixer... this can be possible! My sister, Allison makes all of her bread and it turns out great. So here's to two weeks without buying bread so far!

My two big helpers making bread. This is an awesome phase when their together they refuse to smile nicely at the camera.... (by the way Claire is in her pajamas... that explains her crazy outfit!)

Ut oh... Claire caught someone not cleaning up their shoes.....

(ever since Christmas and making Christmas cookies she loves to wear an apron)!

She did manage to put on one of the pair of shoes she was cleaning up and put them over her pajamas to check on the bread..

What a BIG helper!

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Based on today, 2011 is going to be a GREAT year! We woke up to wonderful weather and kiddos that slept in (yes we did have them running wild with their friends until after 11pm..) The weather today was 70 and perfect. We took full advantage of it and went to a wonderful park here about 20min away. The park has awesome running/walking trails and the kiddos lucked out with some great puddles to jump in!

Ahhhh a tank top in Jan 1st!!

Going for a puddle (yes I took my crazy pill and said go for it)!

Needless to say their clothes are still soaking in the washer! The video below shows it all!!

2011-01-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

SaNtA!!!!!!

2010-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know who was more excited Christmas morning the kiddos or me!! I think I woke up four times that night to look at the clock! When the kid's woke up Drew went running to the living room and was amazed at the mess Santa made with the cookies, and how he helped himself;)

One of the items Santa brought was a new table and chairs for the kid's the kid's LOVED it. They spend seriously ten minutes looking through the baskets under the table before they even noticed there was presents!

Drew opened up a new left handed baseball glove!

I wish you could hear Claire's voice when she saw her Go Go My Walking Dog. She was pretending to cry and was cooing at the puppy with excitement!

The chap stick in the stocking is always a hit...

Our Christmas morning was complete with our awesome friends Matt and Tristin coming over for a huge brunch!

Cooking Time!!

2010-12-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve day we took out the aprons and started to bake cookies for Santa!

Drew had a plan with his cookies...

And then their was Claire that didn't want to cut one cookies, but eat the dough...

CAUGHT! SO, this is how I found her.. I left her in her chair while I went to clear the table and when I came back she took the ONLY cookies she decorated and was eating it while standing... dangerously...;)

One of our traditions since I've known Andy is to make homemade pizza on Christmas Eve. The kiddos love it and it's so much fun!

Christmas Eve From The Grandparents

2010-12-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Another tradition for Christmas is opening the gifts from the grandparents on Christmas Eve! We have done this now since Drew has been born and we really enjoy it. Christmas day then is only Santa. It's also nice as the kiddos then hear and know that these are not from Santa, but the grandparents. When Claire opened her gifts every piece of paper she would look at us so serious and say, "thank you"!

Drew was in Toy Story heaven thank you Mimi and Papa!!

I dont' know who was more excited Andy or Drew with a race track from grandpa and grandma!

This cleaning cart will come on great as I actually filled it up with water and had the kiddos go wild cleaning the windows!!

Potty Time!

2010-12-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

So Claire LOVES the bathroom! She loves to play in the sink, tub time, and yes the toilet. So I figured she's now eighteen months so why not get her a little toilet. Thinking that she would just play with it, I went out and bought her this cheap $2.00 toilet. Andy took it to the bathroom and told her sit and go potty (not thinking she would) She sat.. and went potty!!! It was a GREAT day in our house to think we're that much closer to being done with diapers FOREVER!!!

She really didn't like us bringing the camera in while she sat on the potty enjoying her raisins by her facial expression!

Drew's Sleeping Phase

2010-12-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well I hope this is a phase by Drew...the past few weeks Drew has not slept in his bed as a normal three year old would. Drew has stayed very busy with the time leading up to bedtime to prepare for the night. Andy and I are being good sports with this "phase" and seeing where his imagination takes him! All of the photos below we had nothing to do with.....

Night One:.. all babies are tucked in (earlier EACH "baby" was reading a book)

Night Two: When we came in to kiss Drew good night he had put a flannel shirt on over his pajamas and a hat on. He told us he needed to be ready for his soccer game early in the morning. (He really didn't have a game)!

Night Three: We went in again and found him laying on the floor. He told us he was sleeping on the bottom bunk!

Night Four: Yap.. you guessed it.. camp out. Yes he's sleeping inside his tent. Which he picked up off of his floor and moved onto his bed.

Thank you Papa and Mimi you may have inspired him for his campout as the gloves you mailed him he would not take off!

Night Five: Sleeping at the airport on the way to his football game!

We never know how were going to find him when we go in his room.. however we do move him back into his bed after he's sleeping:)

Fall Hike

2010-11-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we had a break throughh of sunshine from the past three days of straight rain. We jumped in the car and headed a little over an hour away to Benaojan for a two hour hike. The hike was beautiful and we followed a bank of a river. The kiddos did GREAT the entire time and the fresh air was greatly needed after being trapped inside the past few days.

Drew loves to be the "navigator" he carried the book most of the way and would "tell" us where to go!

Andy had a carrier for Claire (which she loves being up high)

Earlier this spring we bought another carrier, which is AWESOME. It goes up to over 60lbs (I don't know who would use it that long...) any who... you can wear it on the front, as a side carrier, and on your back. It has a flap as well that folds up to hold the child's head in place if they fall asleep. I mostly use it for Claire, however this was a good work out for me:)

On our journey we came upon this lizard that played dead I'm sure as soon as he heard the kiddos voices a mile away. Andy is doing his research on the lizard as I for sure thought it was poisonous!!

Um notice the guys not with smiles on their face...

Yap.. that's because this is who they were waiting on.. Claire loved to explore everything her foot would touch!

Andy and Drew practicing throwing rocks into the river

Half was through our walk we saw a dog come running at us!!! I FREAK out at loose dogs... Andy picked up a rock just in case and the dog ran to us and then walked by us.. Andy checked it's tags and it had identification and was the NICEST dog ever. Drew kept asking if it was our new dog.... The dog hiked with us the rest of the way and then it was the funniest thing when we returned back to the original town where we started the owners called it's name for it to come home!!! I tell you that's true Spanish culture:)

We had a great day and look forward to many more fall hikes

Cinderella Ball

2010-11-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the base held a Cinderella Ball, the ball was for dad's and daughters ONLY. The daughters could be of any age from birth and on up. The military had the option of wearing a suit or their uniform and the daughters could dress up as formal as they wanted. It was so cute seeing all of the little girls so excited and proud with their dads. We're excited to begin the tradition of the Cinderella Ball.

Claire and dad already to go to the ball! Claire is OBSESSED with purses right now...

Claire wasn't the happiest when we were in the back yard taking photos and we didn't let her in the sand box!

Our neighbor girls came over before the ball for a group photo! Claire couldn't get over her sparkle shoes!

The daddies TRYING to take a photo with their daughters before... I don't know who was worse the men or the girls to get their attention!

Take two...

And take fourty...., I think the dad's were harder to get their attention then the girls!

Clarie watching Drew wanting to play so bad!

Claire still has all of her purses...

Outside the ball were horse drawn carriage rides. Well kind of a horse... donkey??

Claire was in ah and didn't know what to think!

And then they were off! Once Andy and Clarie reached the room where the ball was held the mom's were not allowed in. Claire danced the night away and had a blast!

Trip To Minnesota!

2010-11-17T02:05:00.000-08:00

The first of November we traveled back to Minnesota for a quick trip home. Andy was extra excited as we timed out trip home for the opening weekend of deer season as well!

Andy's parents live out in the country and it's non-stop fun from the moment the kiddos wake up (which is early...). It reminded me of when I was little and how one could spend hours outside playing with the dog, rocks, sticks, bikes, and using their imagination.

Andy's parents have a lab named Kai. Kai is a VERY well behaved dog, the kiddos loved it as Kai followed every command they said. Ahhhh the power Drew and Claire had that week....

Drew was ecstatic to go on his first pheasant hunting trip with dad, grandpa, and Kai. Drew was in a back pack on Andy's back.

They came home with pheasants. Drew was a little concerned when he learned they couldn't fly anymore though!

Thank you Mimi and Papa for the Iowa sweat shirts!

Claire the master of Kai!

Andy teaching Drew how to shoot a bow

Drew had so many firsts this week! They also took the boat out and went fishing! He was entertained the entire time and spend four hours out on the lake with the boyzzzz!

Andy so proud of one of the pheasants!

Claire stayed so busy with the cat, Julie and dog Kai. Claire would follow them around ALL DAY!

We also scored awesome dress up costumed the day after Halloween for $2.00!!!

We had a great time back home and were also able to spend time with my brother Brain in Virgina. Uncle Brain is like a trip to Disney Land for the kids, non stop fun!

2010-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today we had a play date with two of Drew's buddies, Andrew and Ethan from school. It was SO cute seeing the boys use their imagination playing everything from pirates to pilots. I LOVE this age!

While Andy was at work the other morning I thought it would be nice to make him a birthday card from the kids. I left Claire with a marker for 2.2 seconds to get tape and this is what I found.....

To back track... I LOVE chap stick.. and so does Claire. When I put it on she always wants some on her. So I pretend to outline her lips with it. AND this is what she did perfect with her marker!! Slowly putting on her chap stick with her marker!

We took out Andy's guitar on Sat morning and had a jam out. It was Andy's from when he was in college. Drew thought it was awesome and ran and took his guitar out right away!

Navy Ball

This past weekend we had our Navy Ball held at a beautiful venue here in Puerto. Out of all of the balls that we have to go to, the Navy Ball I would say is my favorite!

The chicas

Each table had a different theme to it. Colby was thrilled to be at the nurses table (he's a nurse on base).

The chico's!

Ahhh Molly on the bus ride home after the ball!

Oktoberfest

2010-10-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Andy and I headed to Munich Germany for Oktoberfest! The best part was that my sister Allison and her husband Jeremy were meeting us there for a long weekend. Neighbors of the year Matt and Tristin watched the kiddos for us so we could have a weekend away!

It was sooooo great to see Allison. Allison is just so much fun and always up beat.

So we thought if we tried to get into a tent by 10am it wouldn' be a problem at all. I mean really who wants to drink beet at 10am? Well about 20,000 people want to I guess!! Below is what the tents looked like at 10am! It was CrAzY!!!! A little too crazy for us! We couldn't find a seat anywhere and tried about five different tents!

This picture doesn't even do justice... the tents had an up stairs in them! Did I mention how crazy it was in there?

We did manage to find giant sausages though (it was a half meter dog)!

On to plan B.... This was better than a tent to me and Allison. The guys were good sports and went along with it.. it was a bike with a bar in the middle.. you had to peddle the bike (while you drank beer) and then you were given a tour of the city! What a fabulous idea!! While you peddle to your next stop music was being played, it was a blast!

This is what the bike looked like to give you a good idea

The restaurants were so cute and would have a live band playing at them!

One of the days we came along an awesome park. Allison and I kept saying how cool this park was and how big it was. Come to find out it is the WORLDS largest park!!! We were in heaven and rented bikes ASAP! I can truly say it was the best park we have ever been to and there were even beer gardens along the way. The Germans really know how to stay hydrated!

The boyzzz trying to lock up four bikes with one small bike lock!

One of the lakes at the park where you could even rent boats!