Austria

So we have been in Austria for a week and a half now. Sorry it has taken a while to get on here again. I'll try to post some pics regularly from now on. I am still trying to figure out our new camera though, so some of the pics I was excited about, just have not turned out as well as I hoped.

Our time in Austria has been very different than expected. The flight went so well. The boys slept or were happy then entire way over. I couldn't really ask for more. Max was excited to fly, but even more excited to have his own personal TV to watch cartoons on. Will got a bassinet that we were able to hook onto the wall in front of us, so once he went to sleep I just layed him down, and he was out for a few hours.

The first night in Vienna was rough because of jet lag. We were hopeful going into the second night that the boys would do better. However, it turned out that Max caught a stomach virus on the plane. He was VERY sick for three days so we couldn't do very much. Luckily, Joey and I decided to go into the inner city on a date the second day we were there. I'll be writing about what we did and saw later on. It was good we went when we did because everyone in the house ended up catching the stomach virus by Thursday evening. Friday is a blurr. All we really did was sleep. Saturday morning, Joey flew back to the States.

So our first week was very different than expected, but we are slowly but surely doing those things we were dreaming about, e.g., riding the U-Bahn, busses; eating the most delicous bread in the world; going to the zoo; visiting with friends, etc.

More to come.

Anticipation

I'm the type person that loves the anticipation of something great. I was the kid who liked opening presents slowly. I loved to save presents as long as I could so the anticipation would build. Now I am eagerly waiting for our departure for Vienna. I have many things yet to do, like taking the boys to the doctor because they both have colds with green snot; packing our bags; cleaning the house. You get the point. But this evening I find myself paralyzed by the anticipation. Joey is working so it is just me and the boys. I have all of this energy that is looking for an outlet, but not really the opportunity to do much of what needs to be done (because the boys didn't nap.) I considered going to Starbucks for a Chai because it works wonders on my nerves. But I can't do caffeine this late in the day. Will would never sleep then.
All that to say: Saturday departure, please hurry up and get here. (But wait until I'm done with all of the things I need to do.)

Philbert

Last night we had soft tacos for dinner. Max looked at the tortilla on his plate and said, "My pancake's name is Philbert!"

What little brothers are good for.

Day at the Beach

A well deserved break for my babe. It was good for all of us to get into the outdoors and play.

Brothers and their boys.

Will chillin' in the water with Tory and Guy.

Will, after waking up from his nap at the beach. I love happy awakenings.

Will was so tired after playing in the sun. All it took was Joey laying down beside him and whispering "Twinkle, Twinkle ..."

Zack having a ball at the beach. He and Max were crazy about the water.

Hmm, this is interesting. I wonder what it tastes like?

Joey made this awesome little shelter for Will. It never blew over, and Will stayed cool. Joey never ceases to amaze me with the things he can create.

Max and Joey got some good sand time in while we were there. Max loves to play with his dad.

My big man.

Family Visit

This past week, Tory, Zack and Guy came for a visit. Here are some things we did.silly pic of max

zack shortly before the sugar high

We also went to the Mad Platter. Max painted a piggy bank train, and Zack painted a cookie jar that looks like a cat. Will and Guy were best buds for the week.


This huge ball sprays water out of the top. They had a fun time spraying water into their mouths and then spitting the water into a bucket until it was completely full.


We also got to go to Monkey Joe's. The boys went crazy on the slides and jumps. I had a great time as well. (I did feel the results of my craziness the next day though.)

I'm Laughing and Learning

One thing that I think characterizes our culture and our generation is wanting to have everything immediately. Instead of saving our coins for something, we use a credit card. Instead of preparing a nutrient rich meal, we opt for greasy fries and a burger. (Or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the freezer section at the grocery store. What!?)
As much as I would not like to be part of this trend, I find myself getting sucked into it. I compare what I have, or rather what I don't have, to people around me. Two nights ago, I was feeling a little down because I had let myself get pulled into the comparing game. I was not content. I did not have a thankful heart. After talking to Joey, I realized that I do have a lot to be thankful for: a house, AC, 2 cars, healthy kids, running water. I went to bed realizing my folly.
However, the next morning I woke up to find that our running water was gone. We actually still do not have running water that doesn't need to be boiled first. God has a wonderful sense of humor. So now, I am laughing and learning; and I have a thankful heart for the many blessings with which God has showered me.