Sunday, August 29, 2010

Let's go to the movies

I'm trying to do something really fun for the kids each week right now. This past week we went to see Toy Story 3 at the movie theater on base. It was Toby's first movie experience... and he was really as good as I could have hoped. Except of course that every time Big Baby came on screen he'd yell "baby! baby!" and when he left the screen Toby would yell "baby go?" If you've seen the movie you'll realize this happened about every 3 minutes for the entire film. But, like I said, it was pretty good. ;)

If you've never gone to a movie on a military base, you might not know that they do things a little bit differently. This particular theater is huge- but it is only one screen, so on any given weekend they show 3 movies at most. An adult ticket costs me $4.50 and the kids are free. Also, before the film, they play the national anthem along with clips of the military doing their thing and everyone stands and/or salutes.

As a non-military person, I find it an interesting contrast to everyday life in the States, where it seems the national anthem is traditionally associated with baseball and little else these days. My opinions on nationalism, the military, and Americana in general are really mixed. I am thankful I was born in the United States. I think we don't appreciate the HUGE blessing that is until we spend some time away from the luxuries and freedoms of home. But I also know other people who are extremely proud of their nationalities, and I don't think we, as a country, need to force ourselves, and our ways of doing things, upon the rest of the world.

Charlotte asked me after the anthem, "What is Army?" Hmmm. I explained that these people she sees on base are soldiers, and as a group they are "the Army." That satisfied her... but it's bigger than that, as I well know. Anyway, sorry to wax philosophical, it's not usually my thing on this blog, but it's really a strange life we are living here sometimes and I felt like sharing my thoughts today.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Toby turns 2!

On Saturday we celebrated Toby's second birthday. We had some friends over for Indian food and birthday cake. (And peach pie... what can I say, I was feeling ambitious in the kitchen.)

Toby loves puppies right now, and especially Blue's Clues. So I made this cake and we played a quick game of Blue's Clues before singing Happy Birthday.

Toby blew out his candles like a pro.

Yum.

"Party people in the house."

Toby just adores Kate and Ella.

Jack attacks the cake...

... and then Toby attacks the cake! ;)

Monday, August 09, 2010

2 year Germiversary

This past weekend we celebrated 2 years in Germany (by going out for Greek food, actually.) As we are looking to the future and questioning where we will be at this time next year, (answer: we have no idea,) a lot of thoughts have come to mind....

"There are canned goods in our cupboard that don't expire until well AFTER we will leave here."

"We are really going to miss the chocolate, and the cheese, and fresh baked bread. Really."

"We are really not going to miss Schnitzel, or chasing down the only waitress in a restaurant to beg for a packet of ketchup."

"Living in a village with a walkable pool, grocery, pharmacy, school, forest, zoo, and playground is amazing, and not a possibility most places in the US-- that are not cities."

"Not to sound like a broken record, but I miss Target, and Panera, and Chik-Fil-A... and this week-- Pizza Pipeline, is that still a place?"

"These past two years we've had a really unique opportunity to travel and experience life as a tight-knit family, without the distractions of outside activities, and social commitments."

"We miss our extended families and dear friends terribly."

"We've made some great new friendships based on these shared experiences."

"It would be soooo nice to not have to drive 45 minutes for a trip to the library."

"We need to figure out where we are going to live all over again."

In short, we are thankful that we have had this opportunity to live in Germany at this point in our lives... but we are getting ready for it to be done. :)



Charlotte and Toby are each other's best friends.
(And the silliest kids I have ever met.)

Family bowling-- Charlotte's celebratory dance.

Toby is a bowling fool-- throwing his hands in the air and saying "YES!" (They totally beat Rob & I-- but they did have bumpers and ramps.)

Thursday, August 05, 2010

First day of Kindergarten

Charlotte was a bit nervous this morning on our way out! lol

Charlotte started German Kindergarten today! We walked around the corner to her school and she said she was excited, but she definitely looked nervous. I was also very excited, and a little concerned about how the day would go.

We got to the school and met her teacher, Moni. She took us upstairs and let Charlotte pick out a cubby and put her picture above it. Then she gave Charlotte a necklace with her name on it. She checked our backpack and was impressed that we had everything that had been on the list- mudpants, rainboots, haus-schuhe, photos, etc, etc. Finally, we did something right on the first try! And then it was time for "Mama, sagen auf wiedersehen." And we were ready. Toby and I went home and Charlotte went off to school! :)

About 11:45 am I asked Toby if he was ready to go get Charlotte and he said "YES!" and ran to put his shoes on. (I guess mom is kinda boring, with the laundry and the potty training and all.) We walked over and rang the bell. The door opened and Moni spotted me and brought Charlotte over. And then...

Charlotte burst into tears! Oh. No. My heart just sank. Please don't let this be how this is going to go! When she took a break from sobbing, I asked what was wrong. "Mommy, I don't want to go home! I want to go play outside with my friends!" Hallelujah!!! "Okay Charlotte, we'll stay for 10 more minutes so you can play outside with your friends."

It turns out she had a FANTASTIC first day. She told me her favorite part was when her teacher read them books. Moni told me that she thinks Charlotte is wonderful. Apparently she talked all morning long. (No surprise. Really.) She even learned how to say her colors in German already! She can't wait to go back tomorrow. And neither can I! Kindergarten rocks!!! ;)

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

I love this place

Check out this video from some BYU film students, parodying the Old Spice ads.




I LOVE the Harold B. Lee Library. I think I spent more time there in college than anywhere else. I majored in family history, and they have a HUGE records collection, where I could do most of my assignments (for some I had to take the hour long bus ride to Salt Lake and the Family History Library.) I also interned in Special Collections. I also worked as a research assistant for Kip Sperry-- which meant more time with my beloved green Filby's Passenger Lists. I also frequently slept on the couches there between classes. And don't even get me started on the Law Library. ;)

Libraries are magical places-- full of information, entertainment options, and usually sponsoring great art and cultural events. And public libraries are open to EVERYONE and rock for entertaining your kids with storytimes, activities, and books on tape (or CD, or even MP3 now.)

If you haven't done so in a while, go check out your local library, I bet you'll be surprised. :)