Nuremberg

Lane Switzerland

Switzerland

Linderhof Palace

Germany, Switzerland, Austria

On May 25Th we left for Garmish Germany. Dan had the US Army MPEP conference, and the kids were on half term break, so we all went along. This was our third stay in the military resort the Edelweiss. It is a fantastic hotel, and would highly recommend it to anyone!! The first half of the week the kids and I spent our days at the pool, while Dan was involved in the conference. We did manage to go to the Linderhof Palace to see the beautiful gardens one evening after Dan was done with work. We had toured the Palace when we were there in the winter, but it was great to see how the gardens looked without snow!!
May 29Th we took a driving tour of Austria, and Switzerland. BEAUTIFUL!!! I could not get over how clean Switzerlandwas. We had a picnic in St Moritz and just enjoyed the views. On the way back that evening we of course had to make another stop off at the Swarovski Crystal factory for a bit of shopping. (Thanks Dan!!)
On the 30Th, we took the kids to Dachau concentration camp. Dan had been before, so he basically was our tour guide. Lane had read "The Boy in Stripped Pajamas" and we felt that it would be good for him to see how life was at the concentration camp. It was quite a sad yet moving experience. Something that I really did not want to see, yet was glad that I did. After Dachau we went on more of a drive around Germany and ended up in Nuremberg. What a treat. It was a beautiful town that had the Nuremberg fortress, old churches and a market going on as well. This was probably or last big trip before the move, so quite bittersweet!

Easter Break 2009

Erice

Filippo's family having pizza with us

Good Friday parade of Saints

On April 5Th the boys returned from their ski trip, and on April 6Th we were out the door to start another holiday. We went to Windsor Castle on Monday to show Dan around, and then headed to our hotel to be able to catch an early flight the next morning.

Tuesday we took a flight to Trapani Sicily. Dan has become good friend with Filippo, the Italian Exchange Officer that he works with, and Filippo's home town is Trapani. He flew out with us, and was an essential part of making the trip truly wonderful. Sicily is unlike many of the other stops in Italy due to very few people speak English....thank goodness we had Filippo with us. We stayed in one of Filippo's flats that had amazing views of the ocean. Tuesday after unpacking and enjoying an authentic Sicilian lunch, we headed to the beach. The water was brilliant blue and the sand was white...perfect!!

Wednesday we went to Erice. Erice is the beautiful town located on top of the mountain. From the base you would never imagine that there is a town on the top. Stunning church and fantastic views!! That afternoon we walked around Trapani. Filippo took us to his jewelers where Dan surprised me with a gorgeous coral and diamond ring for my birthday!! Wednesday night we had dinner at Filippo's house. His parents, brother, sister and her family all joined us for the yummy meal. His family does not speak English, but it really did not matter. His mother made a fantastic meal, but it was just so great to share the evening with them. They are a wonderful family!!!

Thursday we went out to explore 3 towns that Filippo recommended. We saw fantastic Greek ruins, and went on a hike up to an old amphitheater. That evening Filippo and his family joined us at the pizzeria for dinner. Thanks to his mother we managed to get a table in one of the most popular pizzeria's in the town. We ended the evening by walking the town and enjoying a Gelato!!!

Friday we met up with one of Filippo's friends Billy who took all of us to see the remains of a ship from 200 BC!!! Then we took the boat to an island to see more Greek ruins, and enjoy the museum. That evening we went into the town to see the Parade of Saints. Trapani is famous for this parade that is held every Good Friday. It starts in the middle of the afternoon, and goes on until early morning. The parade is very somber and the bands play music that reminds me of funeral music. The parade follows a loop and the men carry these quite heavy platforms that depict the Easter Story. This was one of my favorites! The streets were filled with people watching the parade, and visiting with each other.

After the parade, Filippo's brother set up a fantastic meal at the local restaurant.

This trip was fantastic!!!

Easter Break 2009

On Saturday March 28th Dan and Lane went on the Warminster Prep School Ski Trip. (this is Lane's school.) They took a coach to Pila Italy to ski in the Alps. This was the first time either of them had skied, and they both Loved it!! Dan actually won an award for fastest learner! They stayed there for 8 days, and enjoyed the trip. We plan on taking many family ski trips in the future.

Ash and I were here in Warminster having a girlie week. Ash had her hair done at Roland Johns, and followed by a shopping trip into Salisbury. We had manicure, and pedicures, bike rides, dinner with close friends, movie with good friends, and movie night at home every night. It was a great week, but we were glad to have the boys back home!!!

Ancient Greek Day

Bit blurry, but Lane in assembly

Ashlyn talking about what they did that day.

This week at the children's school it is International Week. They have had a great time, and been learning loads. Thursday was Ancient Greek Day, and all of the children came to school dressed as ancient Greeks. Thanks to my friend Nicola who helped with the sewing of the costumes....I know I'm hopeless!!

Ashlyn's School Projects

Pen Pal

Toast and Cheese

Ashlyn is learning about following directions in class, so to follow up, she has been given a few "homework" tasks to do at home. She really enjoys this!! She has had to make a "penpal" out of an old pen, and toast and cheese on the grill. (And teach mummy how to do it too.)

DISCO

Ashlyn with her best "mates" Katie and Hattie

Year 3 girls
The Warminster Prep school had a Disco last night (school dance.) Both Lane and Ashlyn went, but Lane took off with his friends the second we got there, so sadly no pics of Lane. They had a great time!!

Hockey

Lane on the schools new Astro

Lane had a great hockey match this week, and they WON!!! Way to go Lane!!

Netball Warminster Prep v Bruton school for Girls

Getting warm

Hattie enjoying match tea

Katie

Ashlyn and Jacquelyn

Ashlyn LOVES sports, and seems to be blessed with a natural talent. (Did not get this from Jen!!) She is the Center for the girls netball team, and they were undefeated until this match against Bruton. It was a great game, and Bruton has a reputation of being a good team. At least we held our own and only lost 4 to 5. The girls had such a good time, and really that is all that matters!!

Cornwall

Ashlyn, Lane, Katie, and Emily

Dan and Lane

Ashlyn and her best friend Katie

Katie teaching her dad (Mike) ballet

This weekend we went to stay with our dearest British friends the Griffiths at their "holiday home" in Cornwall. (South West tip of the UK.) Katie is Ashlyn's best friend, and Emily is Lane's age and they get along quite well. (Of course Kirsty and I are dear friends). We had a fantastic breakfast at Jamie Oliver's restaurant "Fifteen". The restaurant is set right on the beach and you have beautiful views while you enjoy yummy food. We have been to their home once before, and it is always a great time. They have a beautiful home set right on the Camel Trail, which Mike and Dan followed for an afternoon walk, while the rest of us vegged out. We spent one day mooching about through Padstow, which is the village where we stayed. It was a fabulous weekend with great friends. Now if we could only bring them back to the states with us!!!

March 5th World Book Day

Lane was "The Boy in Striped Pajamas"

The Headmaster was Batman

Ashlyn was Dorothy
For World Book Day the children dress up as a character in a book.

Snow Day

Okay, so I know that Ohio has been covered in feet of snow, so our couple of inches looks pathetic....but it has been the worst storm here in 18 years. The kids school never closes, because it is a boarding school, but the Headmaster leaves it up to the parents to decide for those who drive in. Most of the day pupils stayed home today, so we let Lane and Ash have a snow day as well. Yesterday in London the snow shut down the tube, buses, trains and planes all because of 10 centimeters of snow. (3-4 inches.)