I have been trying for days to write the perfect holiday newsletter. I have tried the sentimetal approach, the witty angle, and even the humorous route. In the end all of those angles failed to produce the perfect result. I finally realized that this is simply because I can not write the perfect letter when our family is far from perfect. Perfect doesn't exist...and I am sure that it would be rather dull and unfufilling.
So...instead of perfection, this year you will get the real deal!!!
The last year has been completely insane for us. It started with our family anxiously awaiting news of where the AF would send us next next. We were filled with confidence that we were ready to start the next chapter in our military lives. When we found out we would be moving across the ocean and living in Europe we were beyond excited. It was literally a dream come true. I have told Kurt several times that our time in the military could not end without living in both Europe and Hawaii. So...no pressure Kurt, but you are half done with making my dreams become a reality;)
So...we THOUGHT we were ready for this move...until it meant putting a bookmark in a chapter of our lives that was amazing!!!! I refuse to ever say we are closing a chapter as I truly plan on revisiting both the places and the characters that have made our story thus far incredible. Our life in AZ was amazing. This is no exaggeration...it really was amazing!!! We moved there soon after Kurt returned from Iraq, got partially settled into an amazing new house in a fantastic neighborhood, and then welcomed Reese into the family. We had the greatest friends who were with us during the ups and downs of life. Kurt loved his job and I felt like I had a good grip on controling 2 toddlers. As we stood in an empty house ready to close the door and walk away for good, it was hard not to be emotional. This is when the AF life is not so much fun. Saying goodbye to our friends literally hurt. I was teary eyed and an emotional wreck for weeks. As we flew out of Phoenix and took one last peek at those beautiful mountains, the only thing that kept us all in good spirits was that we were all together.
We arrived in Germany a few days later and we were instantly in awe of our new home. Just as I had imagined...there were rolling hills, beautiful churches, quaint little towns, and vineyards. Beer was cheaper than water and who could have ever imagined that schnitzel could be so tasty!!! We toured castles and saw the breathtaking alps!!! We bought a cuo-cuo clock in the Black Forest. We have traveled to Belgium and purchased antiques, waffles, more beer and experienced the amazing town of Brugge with their canals, archtecture and CHOCOLATE!!! We put on lederhosen and drindles and went to Oktoberfest....for more beer. As I am writing this, we are getting ready to spend a few days in Paris. We have had visitors and look forward to many, many more (hint, hint!!!!) The opportunities available to us are completely overwhelming. Neither of us want to waste a single moment. Not an easy thing to accomplish when real life and grown up responsibilities hang over our heads.
It isn't always a vacation. In fact, Kurt works more here than I think he ever has before. He will be spending more time away from home in 2011 than I care to think about. Keegan and Reese both cried for their old life and wanted to put all our stuff back on the boat the first few months here. Being the new person is not easy....it pretty much sucks!!! After a few months, we had settled in, and all of us think of Germany as our home now. The kids love school and woul rather have a bratwurst than a happy meal. I enjoy the time I get to spend with the friends that I continue to build relationships with here in Germany, and I am ridiculously proud of Kurt and his dedication to both his work and our family.
At times our life is really a roller coaster ride. You know that anxious feeling you get when you strap in and start to think about everything that could go wrong??? Then you just speed forward and you can't turn back. And in the end...you don't regret a single moment and you are so thankful that you didn't let yourself wimp out!!!
Our life isn't perfect in any way. But it is fun, challenging, rewarding, and we have no regrets that we jumped aboard this wild ride!!! All of you have been a part of making this adventure amazing and we are so blessed to have all of you in our lives. We have friends all over the world. We don't see most of you nearly as often as we would like, but you are all a part of our family. You have each made us stronger and taught us amazing life lessons. We wish you a holiday season filled with love and laughter and a New Year rich with health and good fortune. Thank you for being a part of our lives...family and friendship is truly the most valuable gift than one could ever wish for.
Come to Germany and visit!!!
Love always...
Annie, Kurt, Keegan and Reese
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