Christmas

I asked my mom years ago why there are no picture of me and my brothers for about a 3 year span, not that I'm complaining I was going through the "awkward" years and don't really want to relive them, but I was still curious. She smiled and told me that when she got her video camera she didn't take pictures. I figured out how hard it is to take picture and video tape this year. I have NO picture of the boys opening their gifts Christmas day and very few of Christmas Eve. This is what I managed to get.
The boys waiting patiently for us to tell them they can open their presents.

And here they go. It's a shame you can't tell how much fun they're having in this picture.
Luke loves Guess Who. He was very excited.
Tucker actually loved his train he's holding and was a little aggravated to have to stop and say cheese.
This was Tucker's favorite gift. Nothing says Christmas like a Batman costume.
Our Christmas Eve tradition is making sugar cookies.
This is how I spent the day after Christmas. I probably assembled over 1000 Lego's that day.
This is Tucker's town. They had the best time with their Lego's.
Tucker couldn't make it any longer.

Karate Tech

This summer we put Luke in Karate at the youth center on base. He LOVES it! If you have the opportunity to put your kids in a form of martial arts I recommend it, it's a lot of fun. Of course I had no idea how karate works and am just going along with it and learning as Luke does. After 4 months of studying, spending 1 of those 4 months in Kentucky, Luke's instructors held a tournament. The tournament was for 3 to 5 year olds and they wore lots of padding. None of the kids really knew what they were doing, but we had a lot of fun anyways. Micah didn't get to attend so I had to video tape which is why I have no pics of the tournament, sorry.This is Luke with Master Jorge, one of his instructors. Luke placed second at the tournament in his group and received the trophy he is holding. All of the kids who participated also received a medal. Luke has it around his neck although it is difficult to see in this picture. You will also notice the white belt around his waist and all the colorful stripes on it. When you begin karate you are a white belt. As you improve Master Jorge or Master J give you a on the right side of your belt. As you get closet to testing for your next belt you get black stripes on the left side of your belt. It's very exciting when master Jorge gives out stripes.
December 18th was testing day. Luke waited patiently with the rest of the kids for their turn. 12 white belts tested, they were so cute.
Part of testing is performing the Kata 1 in front of the instructors and parents. Did I mention Master Jorge is 3rd in the world? He is also friends with Chuck Norris! I thought that was kinda cool. He is currently world champion at sparring, he is going to Texas in the spring to compete in forms. He's awesome!
The second part of the testing is sparring. Luke had to fight that nice TALL girl you see there. Luke was so timid and would NOT hit her back. He kept looking over at us like he would get into trouble for fighting. I really felt sorry for him getting his butt kicked by a girl.
After every child completes their Kata and spars Master Jorge walks around to every child and takes off their white belt and puts on their yellow. One of the other instructors presents the parent with the child's white belt.
After the testing the instructors pose for pics with the students. On the left is Master Jorge and on the right is his son Master J. Did I mention Master J is the currently world champion in forms? Forms is the Kata you saw them performing although the one he does is much more complicated. Master J is also going to Texas to compete in the championships, he is also competing in the European championship coming up. Luke is so lucky to have such amazing and patient instructors.

What a year it has been!

So I am a total slacker when it comes to blogging! (Actually I can't remember my passwords :)) I have a new computer and the only pics I have are the ones that just happened to be on my camera when I got my computer.

Our year has been crazy! We moved to Germany one year ago in October and it has been the most amazing year ever! I won't explain everything that has happened since October, I'll just go over what I have pics of.

We went to the states in May and got the chance to go to Disney World. It was an amazing vacation that we got to spend with my mom and dad. We took this picture when I was in grade school with my cousins Tiffany and Shannon and it was fun to remake our photo with my kids.

We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort (Which I would highly recommend) and this picture was taken at the bus stop.

No trip to Disney is complete with out a visit to see the ultimate Disney superstars! Hello Mickey and Minnie.
Tucker is a huge fan of Buzz Light Year, but who isn't right? He had no trouble picking out his ears.
I'm pretty sure this was the highlight of our trip. We rode the Buzz Light Year ride as well and I have to say it is a really cool ride.
You'll notice my kiddos aren't smiling. They were so tired of taking pictures by this point we had to bribe them with ice cream to get them to stop complaining!
On our way back to Germany we stopped in Dover. This is at Rehoboth Beach at Fun Land. Luke and Sophie are the best of friends.
We spent the morning at the swimming pool on base, our kiddos love the water.
This is in front of Sophie's house before we said goodbye.
After returning to Germany we took a day trip to Heidelberg, Germany. They have some of the coolest castle ruins I have ever seen.
We made a trip to Legoland. I was very impressed at the things you can make out of Lego's!
We went back to the states in September and got to celebrate early birthday's with our families.
I threw this one in because it is cute!
We carved our first pumpkins with the kids. It is one messy job.
When we returned home Tucker got his birthday present from Papaw Wilson. He loves his truck!
Luke played his first season of soccer, he even scored 1 goal! Luke had a wonderful time playing soccer and I am glad to say I wasn't one of those crazy parents who yelled the whole game!
We celebrated birthdays in Germany with our friends.
It was obviously a costume party. Do you recognize this costume? Tucker also wore it in KY.
We actually spent Luke's 5th birthday in Roma, Italia. If you ever get the chance Rome is amazing!! I can't wait to go back.
We trick-or-treated on base. Aren't those two of the coolest turtles you've ever seen?
And that brings us to the end. I told you it's been a crazy few months!