HERRELLS4

A rolling tribute! (bike is done)

2010-10-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

The bike is done, we just got these pictures tonight. I can say that Fred did an awesome, Seth is so happy with the way the whole thing turned out. Come to find out Seth's bike will be featured in a European Biker Magazine, which makes Seth that much happier. Just thought you all would like to see the end result.

Seth Harley Davidson

2010-10-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well this is Seth Harley Davidson (as I call it his baby) it is an 2006 Electra Glide Standard. I really don't know much about bike or don't care to. But he is having it redone by a bike builder of the year for 4 years in a row, and he is german too. His name is Fred Kodlin, he came to the house last Thursday night and picked the bike up. He will have the bike until December, when Fred Kodlin and Seth's bike plus 7 other baggers go to a bike show 4 hours way. So Seth is supper excited about his bike getting redone and that it will be in a bike show. Seth is supper excited for the following reasons : 1. by a world know bike builder, 2. and that it is getting redone over here in germany while were are stationed over here. Seth is a little on edge about not having his bike for 2 months and just letting his bike go with out getting to see the work while it is getting done. When we get it back, or when we go to the show I will get pictures of the finished deal and post them. If you are like me you it is not a big deal, but it is to Seth and this is our family blog so I thought it should go on here.

Family Dedication

2010-10-05T01:21:00.000-07:00

On sunday September 26th we did the family dedication at church. I wanted to wait until December when my mom would be here, but I knew that the church would be busy with christmas stuff that we went ahead and did it now. We started attending Faith Baptist Church a couple weeks after we moved here, and just felt right at home. I believe this is the church that God wanted us to be at and wants our family to serve from. It is nice to feel at home some where when you are so far away from family, but when you are in the Lords house you are always at home. God Bless.

Bad Durkheim

2010-10-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Bad Durkheim is a huge wine fest very year. There are tents after tents set up with different winery's inside. Along with rides for the kids, and all sort's of food there as well. We went and spent the late after noon and that night there and had a great time, I can say that we will be going back for sure the next two years. Here are a few pictures from that day. Enjoy!

Kooper and his big sausage!!

Madelyn and her amazing chicken! (I wanted to go back the next day for more) :)

Rachael and I the things you do after you have had a little to much to drink!

Me and some random German guy all dressed up!!

Me, Madelyn, Kooper, Rachael and Kim

Me, Madelyn, Kooper, Rachael, Kim

Madelyn and Kim

Heidelberg Castle (Part two of two)

2010-10-05T00:21:00.001-07:00

I hope you enjoyed the second half of our pictures. I have a couple other post to get done, I am behind on my blog. So you will be seeing a couple more from me today.

Heidelberg Castle (Part one of two)

2010-10-04T23:51:00.001-07:00

We went to this castle over a month ago, so I am way behind with getting it on the blog. This is the first castle we took Zeus (our puppy) with us, and he did pretty good for just being a little puppy. I really don't have much history on this castle, in the book that I go off of to find all the castle and places that we go see it always gives me a little information about each place. All it says about this castle is, you can take a cable car or walk up to the incredible castle which was inhabited from the 13th-18th centuries. That is it sorry I don't have more to share about this castle, other than it was great to see it. Here are a few pictures in this post, I am splitting it in to two post because there are so many pictures. Enjoy!

Madelyn took this picture (she did a pretty good job).

Madelyn and Kooper (as you can tell Kooper did not want is picture taken).

Madelyn is pressing our faces together a little hard here. :)

Our sweet little kids!

Kooper and Daddy!

Madelyn's First day of 1st Grade

2010-09-08T03:23:00.001-07:00

Madelyn started her first day of school on August 30th. It is hard to believe that she is in 1st grade. Here are a few picture from that morning.

Here she is showing off her new outfit!

Madelyn and Kooper as we were getting ready for leave home.

Madelyn waiting to go in her school!

Madelyn right outside her new school!

Kooper playing around!!

2010-09-07T02:15:00.001-07:00

Kooper started off the morning on this day painting his faces when he was told to paint a picture with Madelyn. The things little boys come up with. Then as the day went on, he went to putting his firemen rain boots on. Then to top it off he got one of this sister's bags and started carrying it around with him. Needless to say his dad was not happy. Here are some some pictures from that day. Very cute if I do say so, something for me to hold on to for when he is older.

My little painter!

Look at me mom!

Our little silly boy!!

Daddy sent him inside, he did not like the way he looked. :)

Manderscheid Germany (Part Two)

2010-09-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from the day we spent at the Manderscheid Castle. Hope you enjoy.

Manderscheid Germany (Part One)

2010-09-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

This is a side by side ruins of two huge castles of one family. You may walk to both, but a good view can be had from the roadside. A medieval festival takes place here, usually during the last full weekend in August. Compete with wandering minstrels, people in medieval dress, jousting, medieval games and traditional crafts; fun for all ages. We went the Saturday right before school started so that would have been the 28th of August. It was very neat to see, and watch all that they did. I have so many pictures form this day, that I will have to post them in two post, so enjoy.

New member of the family!!

2010-09-07T00:30:00.001-07:00

Meet Zeus!! The kids have wanted a puppy ever since we moved over here, and their daddy really didn't want a puppy. He said we had to wait until we came back from the states, because we would have no one to keep the puppy while we would be gone. So when we got back I started looking right away, and we worked on daddy getting him to were he would let the kids get a dog. I thought it would help Miss Madelyn with some of her "home sickness" that she has had ever since we have moved. We have had Zues for almost a month now and he, is doing really well, and the kids just love him to death. Kooper and Zues are like the best buddies during the day when Madelyn is gone. Zues has become part of the family in the short time he has been with us, all in all we are glad that we have him. He will see lots of Germany with us and then get to see the great USA when we move back. I just thought you all might like to see the new member of the Herrell family. Enjoy a few pics of him.

Zoo With Jake and Dani

2010-08-17T05:11:00.001-07:00

We went to the Saint Louis Zoo with our friends Jake and Dani and their god daughter. We had a great day, looking at all the animals and having lunch. There is nothing like hanging out with two great friends and having a great day. Enjoy the pictures!

First full day in Illinois

2010-08-17T04:17:00.001-07:00

Our first full day in Illinois NaNa wanted to take all of her granddaughters to get their toes painted. She has not had them all together since Kooper was born, which was 3 years ago; so it was nice for her to take them some where together. Here are a few pictures of them getting there toes done.

NaNa and all her Granddaughters.

Madelyn getting her toes painted!

Morgan getting her toes painted!

Kennedy getting her toes painted!

Whintey getting her toes painted!

Other fun in Kansas!!

2010-08-16T01:26:00.001-07:00

Here are a few other pictures from when we were in Kansas. Enjoy!

Kennedy and her Daddy

Uncle Nathan and Kooper

Maison and Kooper swimming!!

What should we do?

Loving the water!

Blaak at the Fair!

Blaak showing at the Fair!

We went to the fair a couple nights this year, and then we went Saturday morning to watch Blaak show his animal. It was way to hot to be down there, but we were like all the rest of the stupid people and we still went. On Saturday night, Nick, Heather and Maison came down and we took the kids to ride, rides and they had a blast. So all in all it was a great time. That was our last weekend in Kansas, and it was a nice time. Thanks for all the fun times, can't wait for you all to come see us over here. Love you all.

Looks Who 3!!!

2010-08-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Our big boy turned three while we were in the states. We had a party for him while we were at my mom and dad's, it was a great day. As you can tell from this picture it was a pony party, what more could Kooper ask for. :)

Mommy, Kooper and the cake

The cake

Opening presents

More presents

Madelyn wanting to help

Madelyn and Maison

Madelyn

Maison

Day at the park (Kansas)

2010-08-12T01:52:00.001-07:00

We had a morning at the park with NaNa, Granny and Kennedy and the kids and I. We had to go in the morning because it was so hot there any other time of the day, that the morning time was the best time to go. Enjoy the pictures!!

Madelyn just walking around!!

NaNa wanting to join in the Fun!! (Sorry Mom)

Kooper

Little Miss Kennedy !!

Madelyn !!

Kooper playing!!

Kooper riding the pony !!

Madelyn riding the pony !!

The kids running in to play!!!

It was a great morning at the park for the kids to play with each other. Thanks for going to play with the kids Kennedy.

Fun in Kansas

2010-08-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of us all together having some fun out at Mom and Dad's. As you can tell in most of the pictures Uncle Nick is just like one of the kids. We did a lot of hanging out together which is all that I wanted to do.

Uncle Nick and Madelyn

Uncle Nick helping Kooper and Maison

Running to see who can be first.

Uncle Nick having some fun.

Maison trying it out for the first time!

Maison seeing if he is going to like it or not.

Buddies!!

Check us out!

Two Sweet!

Uncle Nick playing with Kennedy's baby.

Uncle Nick and all the kids taking a four wheeler ride.

Back from the STATES!!!

2010-08-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Well we have been home from the states now for a week and a day. I think we are all settled back at home. It is nice to be back home, in our own beds and have all of our own stuff. We had such a great time getting to see every one. We want to thank everyone for coming to see us while we were back in the states. I have a quite a few pictures to download and get on here, so be watching for some new post. We were in Kansas for just about two weeks and then we went to Illinois for about two weeks and then Seth came back to Germany, then the kids and I went back to Kansas for another two weeks and then we came home. It was really hard to leave again, but it was nice coming home to Seth. We have to look forward to my mom coming in December and maybe my Dad if things work out with his work. Seth's Mom is talking about coming next summer which is great, and I am sure someone will come with her. Then Nick, Heather and Maison are talking about coming next fall, so looks like we will have some company. Which I can not wait for. :) Well I better get busy on the new post. Enjoy the pictures.

Graduation (Class of 2022)

2010-06-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

On this past Monday Madelyn's class had graduation, it is hard to believe that she is a "BIG 1st Grader" now. They sang songs and danced for us, and then her teacher read a little speech to all the parents. Then she gave each student a certificate that said they completed Kindergarten. Madelyn was so happy, and when we left school that day she said Mommy will I be in 1st grade tomorrow, I said no not tomorrow next year. Enjoy the pictures. This will be the class of 2022 WOW hard to believe.

Water Day

2010-06-19T06:34:00.001-07:00

Madelyn's class had a water day last Friday June 11th. Seth had the day off so we went and spent the day with her class and had a blast. The kids got to play in the water and had lunch. Enjoy the pictures.

Cologne Dom (Cathedral) Part 2

2010-06-03T04:14:00.001-07:00

There is the rest of pictures from the Cathedral. Enjoy!

Cologne Dom (Cathedral)

2010-06-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

We started off last Saturday morning driving up to Cologne and when we got there we went to a zoo. We spent a couple of hours at the zoo, we looked at all of the animals, and the kids played at a kids play ground there then we had lunch, kids had a great time. After we left the zoo we went to Dom a Cathedral in Cologne. The Cathedral was started in 1248 and completed in 1880. The twin-spired structure rise above the city like a mountain and can be seen four miles away. I have put pictures below, of the Cathedral, Enjoy!

Madelyns Family Night at school

2010-05-30T03:30:00.001-07:00

Madelyn had her last family night at school this last week, and the kids sang and danced for us it was great. They sang American songs of course and then Mexican song's as you can tell by the way they are dressed. After they were done with their dancing they got one of their parent's to dance with them, that is why you will see a couple of picture of Madelyn and Seth below. Then after all the dancing was done we all ate together with her hole class, and their families it was really nice.

Washing the SUV

2010-05-30T03:08:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we had a nice day out that Seth and Kooper spent the Morning washing the cars. Seth showed Kooper how it was done, and Kooper just loved getting to help out with it all. Nothing like getting to playing in the water and the bubbles at the same time.

There they are together.

Here Kooper is making his dad proud.

Dadddy and Kooper hard at work.

One more picture just to show how hard they were working on my SUV.

Thanks guys for getting it so clean.

Mother's Day

2010-05-18T03:17:00.001-07:00

Mother's day was just the way that I wanted it to be. I got to sleep in till 8:00 and then we got ready to go to church. After church we came home and I wanted to paint Madelyn's room so that is what we spent the afternoon doing, she was so happy when it was all do. Seth said on the days that you don't have to do anything you choose the the funniest stuff to do. After that we just spent the rest of the day hanging out and doing nothing which was great.

The kids and I as they were playing out side.

Madelyn took this picture of Seth and I, she did a really good job.

Madelyn made this for me at school, this was my gift from her.

She planted this flower for me as well.

My flowers from Seth and the kids.

Mexican Dance

2010-05-18T02:41:00.001-07:00

Madelyn takes dance from a German lady here and she loves it. She has dance one night a week for an hour, they are doing a Mexican dance and a Flower dance this time I am not for sure what they will be doing after summer break. She has just performed the Mexican dance, about two weeks ago and will perform both daces on June 5th at their recital. As you will see in the pictures below they all get to wear different customs, the teachers just lets you pick your own custom, which all the girls love because they like to see each others. All the girl are so proud of their own customs but at the same time love to see what their friends customs look like as well. We will post pictures of Madelyn other custom as soon as I get pictures of her in it. Enjoy the pictures.

Toby Keith

2010-05-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

We went last Saturday to Toby Keth's 8th USO Tour. It was a free concert for all the military and there families here in Germany. We got to the concert about 6:00 pm and there were a ton of people out there waiting to get in, I could not believe the amount of people that had come to see him. The concert did not start until 8:00 and the people were still coming by the hand full. I would say by the time the concert started there had to be about five thousand people there to see him play. It was a great concert, he truly does a great job, it is so great of him to come over here an put these concerts on for our troops and there families. Here are a few picture of that night, I took 150 pictures from that night but I only put a few on here. Enjoy!

KeuKenhof Holland

2010-04-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

Tulip, tulips, tulips! A photographer's dream.... must see. These gardens are amazing when in full bloom(April/May). Bulbs and other flowers are planted in layers, so plenty of color is seen from Mar-May. They have the most beautiful flowers here to see, and a tone of them you could spend all day here to see all the flowers.

Amsterdam

2010-04-21T03:35:00.001-07:00

We started off our weekend last weekend in Amsterdam. Let me just say WOW, it is crazy there. They have crazy drivers and you really have be on the ball when it comes to driving around. Seth was on edge driving though there but he did great. We went to Amsterdam just to go to the Anne Frank House. It was really neat to see the house where she lived, Madelyn really liked it also Kooper was a little young but that was ok. Here are a few pictures from Amsterdam.

Madelyn and Kooper waiting for Mommy and Daddy to decided where we are going next.

This is what we say right when we got into Amsterdam.

This is right outside of the Anne Frank House.

This is outside of the Anne Frank House.

Another Picture of the Anne Frank House.

Meet our Neighbor boy!

2010-04-13T02:50:00.001-07:00

We have the nicest German neighbor's that live just to the left of us. The husband and wife speak very good english, their little boy Luke doesn't speak any english at all. Before they had Luke they lived in the United States for 3 years, for his work took him to the US to work and she went a long also. Our kids love to play with Luke and he loves to play with them. There is not problem with the fact that he doesn't speak English or the fact that they don't speak German. They just have fun playing together. Go we would love for you all to meet their new friend Luke. Here is a picture of him.

Easter

2010-04-13T02:10:00.001-07:00

We had a great Easter with the kids. They got up at 5:45 am, they came woke mommy up it was my morning to get up with them. So early it was, I mean really do they every believe in sleeping in. :) All they wanted was to come down stairs and see what the Easter bunny had brought them. We went to church that morning and then had friends over for dinner, then just hung out at home the rest of the night.

Madelyn's basket full of goodies!

Kooper's basket full of goodies!

Madelyn all ready for the day, in her new dress.

Kooper ready with his candy to go to church.

One last picture before we leave for church.

This is what they did from 6:30am until 9:00am when we left for church.

A gift from the Easter Bunny.

The finished product!

Dying a few eggs!

Getting ready to start. Come on mom lets start.

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures. We have a great Easter weekend. We just hung out here and spent family time together which is always nice. Seth and I did do a little painting on Saturday, we painted the two hallways in the house. It made him so happy that I decided to do it the weekend I was having people over for dinner. What can I was, I like a lot to do all at once. :) Have a great week. Love Seth, Natasha and the Kids

Our LandLord

2010-04-02T03:19:00.001-07:00

Our Landlord came over last night to do some work over here and brought the kids some Easter gifts. Here is what they gave the kids.

They each got one of these bunnies.

They each got one of these eggs they are real, they are hand painted with this little bunny on it.I told Madelyn I would use them Saturday morning to make her breakfast she said no. Ha Ha

Here is Madelyn holding her egg trying to be careful.

Showing off their bunnies.

One more with their bunnies.

Our landlords are so supper sweet, and will do anything we ask. They really don't speak that well of English, so Seth had a hard time with trying to understand what he was saying but he did alright. All that matters is they are great and we love the house. Have a happy Easter we will poster more after Easter.

Kooper having fun.

2010-04-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

This morning after I got done cleaning the windows and going threw a few of the boxes I have in storage, I sat down at the computer to check my email. Kooper came up to me and said mommy, mommy, I turned around and this is what I found. ENJOY!

Playing in Daddy's glasses.

One more picture just for fun. It to put them up before they get broke.

Just thought you all might like to see what some of the stuff this little guy gets him self into during the day. Never a dual moment with him around.

Cochem Germany

2010-03-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is the first castle we went to see here in Germany yesterday in the little village called Cochem. It is a very steep climb up to the castle, but a beautiful view can be seen from the base of the hill. The castle was built in 1027 as an imperial residence, and then rebuilt in the 1800's. The walk up is a very neat walk for it takes you threw a little German village and there are shops on each side of the street. Here are some pictures of the castle and some pictures looking down on the village from the castle. Enjoy!

We took this from the bridge across town.

On the walk up to the castle.

Another one on the walk up to the castle.

Right as we got up to the castle.

I thought this was a neat painting on the castle.

In the court yard of the castle.

Another one in the court yard.

I took this one from the road (not the best picture).

Looking down on the village from the castle.

Another one looking down on the river and the village.

One more looking down in the other direction.

Seth and the kids.

Me and the kids.

Daun

2010-03-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

We started our traveling this weekend, we really didn't go to far just a couple of hours away. We started the morning off at a Wild park or Safari Park as they call it. We saw bisons, emus, lamas, deer, yaks and wild hogs. You can drive threw this park and stop along the way and get out to look, walk up to the different reading they have mind you they are all in German and you can also feed the animals. We also saw donkeys that were so friendly they just came right up to the car and put their heads in and wanted to eat right out of your hand. Madelyn was scared to death when the donkey came up to her window and tried to put it head in. We had a great time and really enjoy getting to see a the animals. We will be going back again with our kids and we are looking forward to taking our nieces and nephews when they come too. Here are a few pictures from this park today. Tomorrow I will post on the other place we went today more tomorrow.

He just wanted to get right in.

They are ready to get this started, they are waiting to see the animals.

Entering the park.

The park guide. (But it was all in German)

The sign right out by the road.

German Doctor

2010-03-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

WOW and we say STUPID! Sorry God please for give me that is not nice. But I mean really he was not help and didn't do anything. I mean come on I am a 28 year old mommy of two and need someone to help me with these headaches and presure in the back of my head. I was in his office for over and hour and he spent 15 min with me and did nothing. Would not even listen to what I had to say about my headaches and presure. He said that the cysts was mistakely found and it was nothing. So you can see what I mean about stupid. He would not even let Seth and the kids in the room, he said it was not room which was not true. So now I am doing everything I can to see a Military Neuro doctor. Needless to say I think I am going to have to show this people over here the real Natasha and for those of you that have seen that it is not nice. All I want is some answer and some one that is willing to help me. Is that to much to ask??? I need to say I am sorry to my husband, because I was so upset when I got out of the doctor offices I was not to great to him. So Seth I am so sorry. Well thanks for letting me go on and on about this doctor. I just wanted you all to know that we found out nothing.

All we can ask is for God help in this to get us were we need to be, and to see the right doctors. So we lift this up to you Lord, please help us. Amen

All Moved

2010-03-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been a while that I have posted anything. Well we got all moved last weekend, it is so nice to be in a house where the kids can run and play all they want with out getting in to trouble. They have had so much fun getting to play in the back yard and in their new play room. Today was my first day driving Madelyn on base to school, she was riding the bus everyday now I am taking her. Because we don't live in the same school district as we did before so next year she will have a different school. We now have a huge 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom livingroom, kitchen, and huge playroom. A nice size yard, with a garage for the Bike (which is really all that Seth wanted, he was sick of his bike getting rained on and snowed on).
On to another subject, I go to the German doctor this Wednesday at 2:00 pm our time which is 7:00 am you all's time. I am hoping that he will do something sooner than later, my headaches are not getting any better. So we will see, I am sure he will want to run his own test of some sort. I want to thank all of you for the thoughts and prayers. As my husband would say that I am not good at asking for help, so I will ask anyways I don't like to look weak. I sure could use all the prayers that you would send our way. I am really having a time with this; this has been very trying with not having any family to help when I am not feeling to great. But thank you Seth you do a great job. I will let you all know something as soon as I know something.
Well I guess that is all for now, we are planning on coming home this summer for a while and would love to see everyone.
I will post pictures of the house after I do some much needed painting. Have a great day. God bless all. Remember God will get us threw it all. Love the Herrell's

Madelyn Lost her first TOOTH

2010-01-28T03:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Madelyn started getting her first loose tooth. She has worked and worked to get it ready to come out. Yesterday she came home from school and said mommy look it is really loose. So when daddy got home from work, we talked Madelyn into letting daddy try to pull it out. It took one little pull and it was out. The one right next to this one is loose and should be out soon. Enjoy the pics. The tooth fairy left $5.00 and Madelyn was so happy with the money she got.

Madelyn's tooth that she lost.

Showing us where her tooth was.

Another one !

Putting her tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy.

Got up this morning and found money under the pillow.

So happy with what the tooth fairy gave her.

Bowling

2010-01-28T03:12:00.001-08:00

We took the kids last Saturday night bowling. We all had such a great time. Kooper thought he could do it all on his own. Madelyn and Kooper bowled a 100 with bumpers. I bowled a 104 and Seth bowled 126, so not so great but we all had fun and that is all that matters.

This is our bowling center on base.

What happened to that ball?

Doing the Granny roll all by his self.

Hey look at that!

That was fun.

I am ready to go again.

Potty Training

2010-01-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

We have started potty training with Kooper, he is doing really well with it. He loves to go and then have you look in there to see he really went. He has potted in his a couple of times, but he is getting the hang of how it works. We are very ready to have is done, it will be very nice. Here are a few pics of him. Enjoy!

Showing off his big boy underwear !

He wanted me to get a pic of the back of them!!

What a normal man, sitting there reading while going to the bathroom.

Look at me, I am a Big Boy now.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-26T04:19:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas here in Germany just us as a family. Kooper got up at 5:40 am and we kept him from wakening up Madelyn for about an hour. So at 6:40 am we started opening present and the kids had a blast. As you can tell below in the picture of the Christmas tree Santa was great to the kids this year. They got a tone of stuff and love it all. This Christmas was different for us not spending it with no family, but it was still a very blessed Christmas. But we have to look forward to next Christmas when my parents will be here will us and spending the holiday with us. Any one else who wants to come is welcome to come. There are a few pictures of our great day below. Enjoy!

Madelyn Playing her new DSi

Kooper driving his new car

Kooper opening presents

Daddy and Kooper checking out Kooper's yo-yo from Madelyn

Madelyn just opened her DSi

Madelyn watching Kooper opening a gift.

Kooper and Mommy watching Madelyn opening up a gift.

The Christmas Tree after Santa came to our house. :)

Madelyn's Birthday Party ( The BIG 6)

2009-12-26T03:46:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that our little girl is now six. ( that makes you feel really old) We had a party for her on Saturday the 19th and had our friends and their 5 kids over. She had cake and gifts with her friends at the party, and then we all ate dinner. The kids played and played, they even played out in the snow that night. She had a great time with us and our friends. Happy Birthday my little girl.

Morning of her birthday.

Opening a few more presents.

Day of her Party!

Opening presents

Opening more presents

Birthday cake (Madelyn helped with it).

Madelyn and her cake before the party.

The table before the Party started.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T03:41:00.001-08:00

We started Christmas Eve off by going to church and then we had friends over for dinner.I had been cooking for a couple of days. We had Ham, Hot dogs wrapped in bacon, shrimp, hot wing dip, layered dip, sweet potatoes, pecan pie and pumpkin roll. It was a good meal and we had a tone left over. Our friends came over about six and stayed until about nine. And then we put food out for Santa and his reindeer. Then the kids got a bath and off to be they went so Santa would come and visit them. Once we knew they were a sleep, then Santa did his stuff. I could not wait for them to get up and see all the stuff they were getting. Then off to bed Mommy and Daddy went.

First Snow!!

2009-12-14T04:34:00.001-08:00

We woke up Sunday morning to snow on the ground and it was still falling. We went to church and then we came home and got changed. Then we headed outside to have fun in the snow. We had a snow ball fight and then Seth and the kids made snow angles. The kids had a tone of fun playing in the snow. Madelyn said; Mommy do you know why it snowed? I said no, why? She said that means that Christmas is coming soon. We hope to get some more snow this winter.

Mommy and Daddy.

Daddy got hit with a snow ball.

Madelyn and Mommy.

Seth was so upset that the Harley got snowed on.

The kids playing in the snow.

More on our dive to church.

The drive to the base and to our church.

The kids again.

The kids be for church.

Kids Christmas Party

2009-12-14T04:14:00.001-08:00

Seth work had a Christmas party for the kids on Saturday morning. They had crafts, breakfast and Santa. Santa read the kids two stories and then they all got a gift from Santa. We had such a good time, the kids really enjoyed all of the fun. It was nice to see the both of the kids enjoy them selfs and all of us get to meet new people.

Daddy, Kooper and Santa.

Madelyn with Santa.

Daddy and Kooper working together on some crafts.

Madelyn done with her crafts.

Kooper and Mommy making crafts at the christmas party.

Our sweet kids.

Kooper before we left for the Christmas Party.

Madelyn before we left for the Christmas party.

Our Stuff

2009-12-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. We got all of our household goods on Monday, it took them two loads to get everything here. They got here about 9:15 and were here until 3:30 or so. I have everything unpacked and put way buy Tuesday night. We just got the last curtains hung today and the last few pics up on the wall tonight. It is so nice to have all of our own things and our own beds to sleep in at night. The kids are doing so much better having there own things. I will post some pics of our house with our stuff in it later this week. I did buy a new coffee table and end table for our house and I just think that they look great with our stuff. Well that is all for now I will post more later. We are going to a German Christmas Market this weekend so I will post some pics of that next week.

Madelyn's School Program

2009-11-20T02:10:00.000-08:00

Madelyn's class did a great job at their program last night. They sang quite a few songs, they sang them in English, German and Spanish. It is hard to believe that this age of kids can already remember 3 languages. After they sang, we all eat dinner together. They had a great turn out at this, the room was packed full of family. The kids had a great time, Madelyn was so happy and did such an awesome job. Well that is all for now, I posted a few pics of last night on here. Enjoy!

What a little doll we have, she is getting so big. (It makes me sad to think she will be 6 in a month).

She was all smiles.

She is sining her little heart out.

Madelyn walking in with her class to start the program. She is all smiles all night, (which was great to see).

Our house

2009-11-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been a while, that I have posted something on here. Well lets see what has been going on around here. We have been in our house now for a week, it was a week on Monday. We have not got our household stuff yet, it should not be here until the 1st of December. I hope that it is on time, because I am ready to put everything away and get out all of my christmas stuff. For all of you that know me really well, knows that I would have been getting it out this week or next, so this year a will be a bite behind. Madelyn has started school over here, they have 10 class for her age, which is a big change from the states. She is liking a little more every day. She is still having a hard time with being home sick. Last night we ask her were she wants to move when we are done here, we gave her a map of the United States and she picked Kansas. We have spend sometime with our friends over here and their family, we are going there for Thanksgiving. I passed my drivers test, and so now I can drive. We just bought a 4 Runner for me last night, I should have it by the middle of next week. Kooper and I have just been hanging out at home, he is getting to be quite the little Mommy's boy. Not much else new right now, I will write more after Thanksgiving. I hope that you all have a great Thanksgiving. We love and miss all of our families.

Here a few pics of some stuff we have been doing.

This one shows a little more of the German playground.

The kids playing at a little German playground close to our house.

One of the many Playgrounds at Madelyn's school.

Madelyn standing outside her new school.

The kids and I out side our house.

House

2009-10-29T00:02:00.000-07:00

We for those of you who don't know yet, we found a house Wednesday afternoon. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 Bathroom home, i has a small yard. The landlord speaks pretty good English and she is so nice, they just live right across the street. She has two kids right about Madelyn and Kooper's age which will be so nice for the kids. It is about 5 min from the base which will be nice for Seth and Madelyn, because Madelyn will go to school on the base. We are hoping to get her enrolled in school either today or tomorrow. Hoping that she can start school on Monday or Tuesday, she needs to get back in school. The house is in a area where there is other military, so that will be nice to. It will help me meet other military moms and other people that speak English. Well I thought that I would just update everyone today on our house. I will post pictures soon. I will write more later.

Germany

2009-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

We have been in Germany for 3 days now. Things are very different here, in a good way and some in a bad way. We are trying to adjust to the time difference, not doing to bad but we are all still really wore out. We have been house looking, I think that we may have found the one that we are going to live in but we are going to look at 2 more tomorrow. All the houses here are so different than what we have over in the States. The kids are doing well, Madelyn misses her dogs and my parents. It is very different for the kids not to see them every day, so this has been a big change for them. We are hoping to web cam with my mom and dad this weekend. We can not wait to see their faces. I will post some pics tomorrow or Sunday. I am hoping to take some more pics tomorrow while we are out and about. I will write more later.

Left Home Today

2009-10-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

We left Wichita at 7:26 am today, this has been a really hard day. Most of all that I have done today is cry and fly. It was so hard telling all of my family bye. We had dinner last night at my mom and dad's house. My Grandma Swartz , Nathan, Kelsey, Blaak, Kennedy, Nick, Heather, Maison and my parents were there. It was very hard when it was time last night to say good bye to those who were not going to the air port. Then this morning my Mom, Dad, and two brothers went to the air port with us, to see us off on this adventure. I am going to have a really hard time for a while. Right now all that I can think about is how bad my family is hurting. To my Mom, I love you more than words can say and will miss you with all of my heart. And I am not for sure what I will do with out my two brother's, they each are great in their own ways. Of course I will miss my sister in-laws, and little miss Kenndey, and little Mr. Maison and Blaak.

We think the Lord for this great adventure he has handed us. I will have pics to post when I get over there.

We love you all and will miss you all so much.

Mom you are a amazing women and a great mother and awesome nana, I will call you every day and we will be just a close if not closer by the time we come back to Winfield to live.

One of the hardest things this morning was when we were saying good bye, Madelyn and Kooper were crying. Kooper has no idea what is happening, but little Madelyn knows and it just broke my heart for her this morning. Having to tell her Nana, Papa and two Uncle's bye.

Well more later. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

With love-

Seth, Natasha, Madelyn and Kooper

Going away party!

2009-10-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

My family had a going away party for us Saturday night. We had such a good time with all of our family and friends. We would like to think everyone for comming even with the cold weather. We will miss all of you more than words can say. We owe my family a big THANK YOU for having a party for us. Thank you so much. This will be a hard week for us with having to say alll of our good bye's. I have no idea how I will be able to do it. But one thing that I tell myself is that I have to stay strong for my kids. That is one thing that I learned form my mom. So it might be a few days before I blog again. I will take a tone of pics on our way over there and when we get there. So everyone can see this great journey in our lives. We will miss you all and love you all so much.

Two of the greatest friends around

Katie Walker, Me, Janae Mettling, and Kelsey Holcomb

My dad and our friend Pete

Our friend Jeff and I

Andy and his girlfriend

Grandma and Grandpa Holcomb

Family and friends

Seth and his boss and her daughter.

House Closed

2009-10-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon we closed on our house. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The lady that did our closing Friday was the same lady that did it when we bought the house. We were sitting in the same room as we did 5Years ago. But when we were there then Madelyn was just a baby. When it was time to hand over the keys, I started crying. I hope that they enjoy the house as much as we did and have just as many good memories as we did. That house is the only house that our kids have ever lived in. So as we say good bye to that house we say hello to our new adventure in life. And we owe a big THANK YOU to GOD for this awesome experience he has blessed us with. And a huge THANK YOU for making everything fall in to place with the house work out.

Movers came

2009-10-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

The mover's have been here and are now gone. By now our stuff should be on it way over to Germany. This were a hard few day's to see our stuff boxed up and load off into a big truck. Seth was quite the guy this week, he stayed at the house while they loaded everything up and drove off with it. I just could not be there for that so he did it all. I owe him a big THANK YOU. Here are a few pics of the house getting boxed up. The house looks so different all empty, it is hard to be there with none of our stuff in it. We are past one big job now on to a few more. We are getting ready to start a big and hopefully fun it for us and our kids. We love all of our family's and will miss everyone so much. I will post more after our going away party on Saturday night. We are looking forward to spending one last bash with our friends and family.

Upstair's bedroom

This is our kitchen all boxed up and waiting to be loaded.

Computer room all boxed up.

This is the moving truck.

Last week in Our House

2009-09-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have been busy get things done for our BIG move. This will be our last week in our house. For those of you who don't know but this was the first house that we bought together. It will be really hard to see it go. We have done so many things to this house. I will take pics of it this week and post them before we move out. 17 days left before we make our move. I am really starting to get very sad. This will be the one of the hardest things that I will have to do. I love being around my family and am not forsure how I will go with out my mom. (I am a little bit of a mommy's girl). HA HA

Our last trip to Illinois for a while

2009-09-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know by now, we are moving to Germany in October. Seth got orders over there, so we will be leaving Winfield the middle of October. We are making our last trip to Chester Illinois, that is where Seth's family lives. This weekend will be hard for everyone, but we will have fun while we are here. We will post pics when we get home.