Slip Slidin' Away...

Here the girls are enjoying one of our rare sunny and hot summer days this year!



Looks like fun!!!

Aloha...time to LUAU!

Well...we put off Trevor's birthday party long enough to get this swinging shin-dig organized...this thing actually took a life of its own, which is fantastic!

In addition to the birthday celebration, it was also a never-to-be-forgotten farewell for Bev & Fritz.

We decided on the luau theme as we didn't want to get into the commercialation of the pirate theme -- (trust me, when i came up with this idea, there was NOWT out there....now it's everywhere...thanks Johnny Depp!) So, a luau is tropical, light-hearted, and easy to add in the pirate item here and there.

As I mentioned in my captions...I decided to do what I have never done before - a real proper cake. Amazing what you do for your kid! It wasn't nearly as bad of a process as I thought it would be, and I was rather pleased with its outcome...it will not be my last! Watch out for Chey's cake! Rooby-rific!

We had all of our friends over, made some new ones (which is always fantastic) and we had kids around...we had a set of twins, a 6 month old and an 22 month old. Our living room turned into the ultimate place to play...and poor Trevor...in the midst of all the fun, he was scooped up, fed dinner and sent to bed. He had been a true hero in dealing with our crazy schedule over the past 3 weeks, and it was catching up to him. So...unfortunately, Trevor slept through all of the party and didn't get to smash his pirate cake...bummer.

But, the party raged for Bev & Fritz, whom arrived very fashionably late - remember, they had been out all day with Michael.

Mom was really happy that she had seen everyone she had met last summer...with the exception of ONE person - Heinz Glass...our local celebrity. He is a rock/blues guitar GOD here in Germany and is a good friend of ours...he's a member of the band Epitaph - if you ever come across their music, check it out...they ROCK! Definitely check out the Epitaph website - the new album kicks some serious booty!

But Bev had NO IDEA that the big surprise for her was that we had arranged for him to be at the party (he lives in Berlin) and PLAYED at the party...how sah-wing-in' is that? have to admit - never had live music at a party - let alone someone really spectacular!

So - everyone had a great time....all of the food got eaten (ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, hawaiian pork skewers & chicky, shrimp skewers, luau salads, pineapple upside down cake, pirate cake, fruit salad....and so much more!), all the drinks were drunk (at one point we had to go out and get 2 more cases of beer - that would make this a 10 case beer party) volcano punch was enjoyed (although all night everyone wanted to know what all that white stuff was floating on top ----- coconut milk people...it's a luau!) and it was the best time we could have had...a great farewell for the folks and mighty thanks for all that helped...the last day of vacation partying continues for bev and has now become tradition.

HOW CAN WE TOP THIS???? wish you all could have been there!

LUAU PICS

Die Pfalz Tour with Mishy

Michael (pronounced Mish-aye-el) is very proud from where he comes. He was determined to take Bev and Fritz on a tour of the Pfalz to show them what no other tourist usually sees.

Since this was the day of the luau, timing couldn't have been better. We had some surprises in store for Bev and Fritz and this was the perfect opportunity to get everything in order, without them being under foot.

They had an amazing time and you can tell by the photos that this wasn't just any tour. They saw places I haven't been to yet! Mish really took good care of the folks and for that, I couldn't be happier...Bev & Fritz were in good hands and really enjoyed spending the day with our dear friend.



To see all of the photos from their trip, click here

Heidelberg

Heidelberg was the only "must see" on our tour with Fritz. Unfortunately, every day had been so busy, or the weather was so crappy that the trip kept getting pushed back and back. Terry and I both wanted to make it there so badly with everyone (the girls hadn't been there either) that we decided Wednesday was the day, come rain or shine.

Oh, and what a perfect day we had! We walked the pedestrian shopping district starting from the old city. Then we had lunch at the Vetter Brau brewery and had a wonderful lunch. Then up to the castle and more shopping along the way.

We weren't so sure that Fritz would be interested in touring the castle and listening to a guide, but he went with Bev and Cheyenne while I took Trevor under a tree and let him crawl around - free from his backpack.

Several people started talking to me because of Trevor - he's such a magnet for conversation and one Oma and granddaughter joined us and played with Little T. Shortly, Terry and Kelley joined us and we had a fantastic time hanging out in the grass, people watching and playing/chasing after T.

After the tour, we did some more shopping and then it was time to head back home. The sun had worn us out and we all were ready to crash...mainly Trevor. He didn't take either of his naps and ended up crashing as we made our way back to the car. I'll tell ya what - that kid is a real trooper...he hung with us without much fuss and had a good time along with us all. He's a fantastic little boy and we are just so proud. Enjoy the photos!

Pictures of Heidelberg!

A Dinner with friends

Reiner and Henny are dear friends of ours, whom Bev met last year. Bev was very anxious to get Fritz over to their house to show him the area and what they have done to their place. Last years big project was a waterfall running along side of their steps leading from the driveway to the backyard. Bev saw it in its beginning stages and was very excited to see the completed project.

Henny, as always, threw together a most delicious dinner for all of us and then took Fritz on the penny tour. At the end of it, Fritz asked if he could buy the house and Henny shook her head and said, "my house is my castle." No doubt about that. But someone nearby said that Henny should ask how much Fritz would be willing to pay and she again shook her head and said, "there is no amount of money I would take for my home." She is indeed very proud of her home - as she should be.

There is a walking path that goes just past their house and up about 50 meters is a horse stable. So the girls got together and went for a walk to check out the ponies. And, as I turned to go back, the view absolutely took my breath away. It was astounding!!

So...enjoy the pics of our gathering and really take a look at the vid I took of the area from the point of where the horses are....it's gorgeous!

Dinner at The Beers photos!

kaiserslautern

k'town (as local americans refer to it) has so much to offer, yet we only cruised the old city area and focused on the water fountain - it's pretty amazing when you see it up close and personal.

we had a fantastic thai lunch (i swear Terry & Fritz are competing to see who can handle the hottest food) and walked a bit of it off by window shopping, touring a church and enjoying the weather - for a change!

Another beautiful afternoon in Germany.

Kaiserslautern photos!

Die Gartenshau

One afternoon, the folks and I went to the Gartenshau, just to check it out. I wanted Fritz to see how amazing this place is. We didn't walk too far along, but made it far enough to see some exhibits and grab some lunch at one of the restaurants. Again, it was a great afternoon with my parents and we had a really fantastic time spending the day together.


Here are some other photos from the Gartenshau - click here.

Deutsche Weinstrasse

When anyone comes to visit, we always take them to our favorite little wine producer, Rudi Ruttger. This place is situated in a village ontop of a mountain, nestled next to a castle (now in ruins) and the town is just exquisite.

A little wine tasting here, a walk-about, a drive to the largest wine barrel in all of Germany and a bit more wine tasting...then off for a lovely dinner in the heart of the Germany Wine District. What more could anyone ask for????

Deutsche Weinstrasse pictures ----> here

Trier

One of the main places we wanted Fritz to visit was Trier. This is one of our (Terry and Stace's) favorite cities that we have been too. It is around an hour and a half away but the drive is stunning. And once you arrive, you feel like you've been transported.

Trier's charm comes from all of the Roman ruins (the baths, colosseum, Porta Nigra) and it's expansive architecture. We have been there many times now and it seems as though we always find something new to explore.

On the day we left, it was going to be a beaut - then it rained the whole time we drove. Then it let up a bit...as we finished walking around the Basilica, we made it to a nice corner restaurant when the downpour began again...fortunately, it didn't last that long and we slowly made our way down to the marktplatz.

We took our photos in front of the Porta Nigra, checked out the Dom and then headed to our fave restau of all time, The Domstein. The rain just poured and poured all throughout our superb dinner and wine probe (tastings) and lucky again...it slowed itself down long enough for us to make our way to the parking garage and head back home.

Fritz liked Trier so much that by the time we got home, he decided he wanted to go back to check it out some more. So, 10 days later, we headed back to our lovely little city and had a nice lunch, jumped onto the double decker tour bus, had ourselves a couple of beers and really got a chance to really walk this time. It was a sun-shiney day, we all ate some ice cream and had yet another great day in Germany.

Here are some great photos of us all in Trier! Check 'em out!

Here is a great page of history on Trier - click here.

Landstuhl - Burg Nanstein

On an especially cold and rainy day, I decided to take Bev & Fritz on a driving tour of the nearby villages and made some stops at local antique stores. Our tour followed the path from Bruchmuhlbach to Hauptstuhl then to Hutschenhausen and onto Landstuhl. There we stopped at the castle, Burg Nanstein and had a lovely, lovely Weilkeller Bier (I call it the Wart Hog beer as one appears on the label).

We continued on through Kindsbach, Einsiedlerhof and ended on the outskirts of Kaiserslautern. It was here the they found THE cuckoo clock to take home and other little surprises for folks back home.

In Landstuhl, there is a small fruits and veg guy - whenever I pass the store, I always think of my Uncle Freddie & Aunt Betty...as their last name is that of the store...Fockler.

Even though the weather wasn't so nice, we all managed to have a really terrific day together.


(I am searching all over the web for some historic info on this place, but it seems to escape me at the moment...I will however add any info I come across later on.)

Click here to see a few other photos.

in case you forgot....

we met pete townshend!!!!

Traditionally German

Fritz was aching for a really traditional German meal....Claudia was more than happy to strap on the apron strings and cook up a delicious feast.

She cooked up some bratwurst, nueremburger wursts, leber knodel, sauerkraut and mashed taters...mmmm, mmmm, WUNDERBAR!!

After our super wursts (ha ha ha) the kids and men took a nice walk along the field way bike/walking paths and got some fresh air and worked off a bit of those leber knodels!!!

Here, Claudia slaves in her kuchen and the men are a-walking.

Click here for a few pictures...

Fit to be Thai'd

Rob invited us over to dinner after he had been over to our house and word got out that he makes tremendous crab cakes...that's all that was discussed for hours and finally the date was confirmed that we would all get to experience the wonder that is Rob's crab cakes and Thai dinner.

Over the course of enjoying our appetizers of crab cakes and peanut sauced up pork skewers, the boys talked of opening a bar/resto and Terry came up with the coolest name - Fit to be Thai'd!! Excellent idea (hope no one steals it and if they do, much success) and that had us roaring for some time...the name still lingers today.

Coinidentally, Rob's village was having a fest...so, after a beer or two (okay, maybe three) we went down to the fest to enjoy the beer (yippee) and rides (bumper cars for Cheyenne - again) and Kelley was having fun mixing it up with everyone.

The rain started to come once again and so it was time to head back up the hill to Rob's lovely home to enjoy our Thai soup and salad...it was WUNDERBAR and we all had a really great day spending time together!!

And, once again, the girls were able to convince my parents to join them in the aggressive arena of bumper cars. A really super time was had by all!

Thanks Rob...for a SUPER afternoon!!

Click here for a video and some photos!

WW II & Kelley

Fritz's hero is WW II General George Patton. He is buried in the Luxembourg American Cemetary and Memorial, obviously in Luxembourg along with thousands of casualties. We HAD to take him there. No questions.

So, on Saturday, Terry took off with my parents to visit the site...then picked up his eldest, Kelley, and moved onto a tour of Bastogne Belgium.

As I do not wish to cross Belgian borders, I stayed home with Trevor and Cheyenne. Conveniently, we had an appointment we had to meet...so all worked out in the end.

Here are photos of everyone in Lux and Hellgium...I mean, Belgium...

To see these pictures, please click here

4 July

Happy Independence Day to all my American Friends!!!

It has been very cold here and so we were a little unsure of how this afternoon was going to go. We decided to take an easy afternoon and put all of our energy into the fests going on the base.

The previous years could have competed against some of the best state fairs I have been too...so, Cheyenne was very much looking forward to the rides and all the kid fun.

I asked my friends Claudia and Michael to come along, as this was going to be a really great fest with lots of food and drinks and entertainment...but unfortunately ...this was THE WORST 4 July celebration I have ever attended (and yes, that includes surpassing the suckiness in Lajes...not easy to do).

They only had bouncy castles for the kids and the line was an hour long - two years ago the fest had pony rides and proper carnival rides...all lit up, with all the rotten food vendors and noise. But not this year...fortunately, they at least had the face painters. After Cheyenne took her one turn through the bouncy maze thingy, she got her yearly face painting...and then some cupcakes.

Michael waited in a line for over an hour to get some fish and chips. As he hadn't moved at all in the line, he gave up. All that waiting for nothing. At least Claudia was bringing him beers while he waited. We were starting to get the munchies.

It was cold...we were unimpressed and decided to head home hours before any fireworks were ready to be set off.

Funny...Michael, Claudia and I were so hungry we decided to stop at Burger King (which had JUST closed [at 10pm]) and grab something to munch. Pretty sad...I DETEST the King and his burgers. But that is what we had to deal with, so we did what we had to do.

This is a 4th I will never forget.

To see all of our photos from the 4th, click here

Thanks to Deb who sent Trevor his very cool 4 July shirt...and thanks to Bev for buying everyone else the same shirt...it was fun to do and we got the great photo out of it. It's just too bad it was so cold...we all had to wear jackets and sweaters and no one got to see the Heinemann/Garbo clan all dressed alike...boo hoo. At least we got a really great family pic of us all!!

CORA

This is a Super Wal-Mart type of place in France. I thought it would be interesting for my folks to see how the "other people" shop. I had Trevor this day and it was nice for Bev & Fritz to get out with Terry and Cheyenne for the day.

The cool thing about shopping in large markets like this in Europe is that typically there will be a couple of cafes on the outskirts of the shop, so afterwards (or before, during) you can stop to get a small bite to eat and a lovely beer.

I guess at one point the group stopped at Charly's!!

To view these photos, click here

Rhineland-Pfalz Fest

What was really cool was that there was a "state" wide fest going on the weekend of my parents arrival. I think this was some anniversary of the Rhineland Pfalz area, as there were fests happening all throughout the "state." I say, "state," as I do not know a proper translation of what this is -- they don't have states like we do in America and it's not exactly a county either....it's a specific area like a state, but not really separate from other areas....or maybe it is. I can't say for sure, otherwise, I'd be lying.

Let's just say, there was a swinging fest just up the street from our house - Cheyenne was all about the bumper cars and managed to get not only myself on them, but also my mom (not too suprising - she's pretty cool) and then she somehow convinced my dad to get on them with her (very surprising and not at all the man that i expected)...

we all had a very good time over this weekend and it was the perfect introduction to Germany for Fritz. Thank you Rhineland Pfalz for the anniversary. What a great start to our visit!!

To see all of today's pics, click here

Bev's return - FRITZ ACTUALLY MAKES IT!!!

yes...mein vater Fritz actually made it to Europe...hard to believe. Especially since when we arrived and looked at the arrival board, it showed their flight not arriving for another 5, yes FIVE, hours. a five hour delay? crap...what did my dad do on that plane? is he even on it now???

after several confirmations via email and handy - we acknowledged the fact that their flight was delayed for 5 hours. Since we had driven an hour to the airport - what do we do? wait the few hours longer and hope Trevor cooperates? or do we head back home, get some lunch, deal with the pups and turn around after 45 minutes and head back to Frankfurt? We did the latter...it was a day of driving.

But once they got off the plane - both in tact, in good moods and no one arrested (if you know my Dad you understand what I am saying) and all luggage accounted for...we headed out into the world of the unknown (for Fritz) and were super happy that Bev made it back. Even Trevor was pleased, as he allowed Mom to carry him all the way from her gate to the car...yes...we are all super super super happy that Fritz and Bev have made it to see us and stay for a while in Germany!

Join the movement to save planet Earth

On 7.7.07 more than two billion people will come together during Live Earth. That number is unfathomable - more than one-fourth of the world’s population will participate in a single event and demand a solution to the climate crisis. This unique moment presents us with a unique choice.

Do we use this unprecedented opportunity to organize a global movement that will last beyond 7.7.07? Or do we let the moment pass?

I know my answer - and I think I know yours. That’s why I am issuing this challenge: Let’s use this moment to pledge our support to solving the climate crisis. Just as important – let’s ask everyone we know to join us as part of this movement.

Sign the 7.7.07 Live Earth Pledge:

http://liveearthpledge.org/algore.php

The 7.7.07 Live Earth Pledge:

I PLEDGE:

1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;

2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral;"

3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;

4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;

5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;

6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,

7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.

Sign the Live Earth Pledge by visiting:

http://liveearthpledge.org/algore.php

Together we were able to make March’s Congressional hearings a huge moment by collecting more than 500,000 messages and demonstrating the significant public support for solving the climate crisis to our elected leaders and the media. Our next opportunity to demonstrate this growing movement will come on 7.7.07

Live Earth will not just be a 24-hour concert – but the launch of a massive campaign to demonstrate that the political will exists to solve the climate crisis.

Sign the Live Earth Pledge by visiting:

http://liveearthpledge.org/algore.php

As our movement grows larger we will shake loose the paralysis currently gripping our political system. Working together we can get it done.

Thank you,


Al Gore

P.S. You can still sign up to host a Live Earth House Party by visiting:

http://joinliveearth.org/gore