A Day of Remembrance

This past Friday we took a road trip to visit some WWII memorials and battle sights. The first place we stopped was Bastogne.

Bastogne is located in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium and is the sight where the "Battle of the Bulge" took place in the winter spanning 1944 and 1945. In Bastogne there is a Star shaped Memorial dedicated to the over 76,000 Americans who gave there life defending the city of Bastogne and it's surrounding area. Written on the memorial walls is the story of our boys' heroic efforts, the locals kindness, and the friendship that was forged in the camaraderie of fighting the same enemy. Near the memorial is the Bastogne Historical Center, which has uniforms and weapons used by both the Americans and Nazis during WWII.

The second place we visited was the American Cemetery in Luxembourg. Being in the cemetery brought home the loss of so many Americans and the great cost of the freedom we and so many Europeans enjoy. I am so thankful for their efforts and I am so proud of my husband who serves our country so that we can continue to have our freedom and so that others may have the hope of freedom.

Afternoon Fun!

Today we went on our first family bike ride! It was so nice, we just HAD to be outside. Not far from our village there is a field where you can go and cut your own flowers, so we headed there first and then rode out in the countryside and through a number of neighboring villages. It as so fun to be together as a family and God blessed us with a beautiful afternoon!

Annsley thought the tulips were SO funny, she just go so excited by them!

(That's a laugh not a cry)


This was Annsley's first bike ride as well, she had so much fun sitting behind Daddy, I think she smiled just about the whole way!

Grammie's Dress

This sweet dress belonged to my Mother-in-law when she was a little girl. Annsley looked so precious in it we just had to take pictures. Thanks for sharing Grammie!

All the Fixin's for YUMMY Gyros!

This is one of our favorite meals! Greek Gyros! I found the recipe in Cook's Illustrated a few years back and we have been enjoying them ever since. You can find the recipe at cooksillustrated.com after you sign up for your free 14 day trial subscription.


Ground Lamb mixed with pita bread crumbs, garlic and herbs



Tzatziki sauce, yummy Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, dill, garlic and lemon juice



Delicious pita!



Fresh tomatoes!



Feta....just plain goodness



Fresh lettuce

Happy Easter!

HE IS RISEN! He is risen indeed!

All praise and glory be unto Jesus Christ our risen Savior!

"We acclaim your life, O Jesus, now we sing your victory; sin and hell may seek to seize us, but your conquest keeps us free. Stand in triumph, stand in triumph, worship Christ the risen King"

Worship Christ, the Risen King

By: Henry T. Smart 1867

Annsley's first Easter and our first Easter in Germany was one filled with celebration, fellowship, joy and laughter. We are truly blessed to be apart of a wonderful church family here and are so thankful for those God has placed in our lives.

Happy 10 Months

In the past two months a lot has happen in our family. Things that have been sad and things that have been joyous. We lost a friend, brother, and uncle and yet new friends were made and family was reunited. Through it all we have felt God's faithful presence and have seen His mercies anew each day. Annsley you have brought so much joy to our family these past two months in a way that only a 10 (WOW!) month old can. Your smiles have lit up the faces of so many and your contagous silly noises have been known to make grown men (ahem...Grandpa Bob) sound sooo silly right along with you. :)

At 10 Months you:

• are trying to crawl (so far you can only go backwards)
• have 6 teeth (4 top, 2 bottom)
• love cruising in your walker at Grammie's and Grandpa's
• LOVE Cheerios, Puffs are SOOO 9 months!
• have started eating beef (it's what's for dinner)
• are getting over your first big, nasty cold
• graduated from the little bath tub to the BIG one (you love to splish and splash)
• sit and sorta stand like a pro

• love to play with your barnyard puzzle from Grandma Lolo and Grandpa Howard
• are fitting into some 12 month clothing!
• still like jumping in your Johnny Jump Up
• LOVE to point at different things and immitate sounds
• LOVE saying "sssstt" and "dadadada"
• LOVE the wind in your face
• Loved playing with your cousin Mason

We love you so much Annsley, you are such a joy to us!

All our love, Mommy and Papa