Canary Islands

 *Note* Nick was in charge of the camera, and these were the pictures that he took in the Canary Islands. 

 The Canary Island just might have been my favorite stop.  It was warm and lovely.  Hot beach weather always makes me happy.  After getting off the boat we jumped on a city bus to a beach in another town.  The drive was scenic and beautiful.

 We spent a lovely day lounging and playing at thebeach.  Afterwards we found a little restaurant to have lunch.  It was a good day.  I am definitely hoping to come back to the Canary Islands again!

Madeira

 We stopped at the island of Madeira, which belongs to Portugal.  It was somewhat comforting to be back to an island of Portugal.  The island was beautiful and had a lot of comforts that we are missing on our little island.  Maybe they should move the Air Base to Madeira!

 We took a tram ride up the mountain to a village at the top.  It was a spectacular view.  Portuguese architecture is unique, and I am going to miss it when we leave. 

 At the top of the mountain they have an old church.  It was quite fancy for this little island.  Sorry about the pictures.  We forgot the cameras and had to rely on kid's taking pictures on ipods.

 Caleb took this picture.  He thought it was important to document the cute little cats at the old lighthouse.

The weather started out warm and beautiful but by afternoon it was cloudy and chilly.  This island is just like ours.  Weather changes quickly when you are in the middle of the ocean.

Malaga, Spain

We went to Malaga, Spain on Nick's birthday.  He got to pick what we did for the day.  We first took a horse-pulled carriage on a tour through the highlights of the city.  Malaga is a beautiful, unknown gem.  It was so clean and beautiful.  It was a delightful last stop on our cruise.

 We climbed up to a castle and overlooked the city.  Here is their bull-fighting ring.  Too bad there were no fights going on.

 The castle we walked around was the Castle of Gibralfaro.  It was huge.  It was also quite a hike to get up there.  We took a rest break for an opportunity for a photo.

Malaga was a beautiful city.  I would definitely revisit it if I were given the opportunity.



Football Game

Curtis rounded up some Military Branch members and missionaries to play in a football game over Christmas break.  It may have been a rematch from Thanksgiving, but they may not admit that!! The weather wasn't fabulous but that didn't stop them.  It looks fun except guess who had to do the laundry!!

Trip to Germany

  During our Winter Break from school, we had the opportunity to jump on a C-130 headed to Germany.  Sadly, Curtis did not get his leave in time, so we took this adventure without him.  The boys were able to sit up in the cockpit during takeoff.  I was SOOOOO jealous.  I wanted to sit up there.  Moms never get any of the fun.

We had a cozy flight.  All of the kids are such good travellers, so it was actually quite relaxing for me.

During our time in Germany we drove down to the border of Austria, along the Alps.  We stopped to see the Neuschwanstein Castle.  It has also been called the "Sleeping Beauty Castle."  It was gorgeous.  The boys were less impressed than us girls but they appreciately being in the snow.

 We stopped for some lunch at a Germany restuarant.  It was delicious.  The children quickly fell in love with German food.  Jake and Nick ate a pork chop dish, Megan ordered potato soup and a dumpling, I had potato pancakes and soup, and Caleb ordered spaghetti.  All the way to Germany to order spaghetti!!

 Here is another castle nearby.  It belonged to the same king.  I guess one gigantic castle isn't enough?

The incredible view from the castle.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  Germany is beautiful.  I hope to go back to the castle again in the fall sometime.  I can always dream, can't I?

Football/Cheerleading Season

Merry Christmas!!

There comes a point when you just have to give up on getting the perfect Christmas picture! Merry Christmas anyways!

Caleb's Performace

A few weeks ago, Caleb participated in the school choir concert as part of the percussion ensemble.  He played some fancy name for a version of a xylophone.  His class practiced for a long time to have their parts completely memorized and perfect.  They did great.  I, however, am slacker mom of the year and only have a short clip of his performance!!

Crazy, Busy October

October was extremely busy but some great thing happened too.  Curtis was reconized as the USAFE Firefighter of the Year.  It is a huge accomplishment, and we are so proud of him and everything he does for our family.

 

Megan turned 6.  She got a 6 cupcake "cake"  before we rushed out to go trick-or-treating!

 

As PTO vp I was busy supporting our school for the Homecoming activities.  One of Caleb's favorite activities was the Car Spray Paint. The weather was rainy and windy for part of the evening, but that doesn't stop a little boy with spray paint.

The boys went off with their Dad on the Father/Son Campout.  It was nice to have a quite house for an evening.  I am sure that they had fun, and Megan and I got to watch a Barbie movie without complaints.

 

 

 

Happy Halloween

 

We had a great Halloween.  It was the year of the recycled costume because I did not get orders in on time from this middle of nowhere place.  However, they got creative, and their costumes were great. 

(Just in case you couldn't tell, Nick and Caleb are hobbits, Jake is a hobo, and Megan is Rapunzel.)