Rothenburg, Germany

We were off on another adventure to Austria and decided to split the 8 hour drive so we stopped off in Rothenburg. Rothenburg is a cute medieval town in Germany. The buildings and narrow streets are right out of a story book. We enjoyed exploring the town and shopping in christmas stores (love the German christmas stuff!). The town is surrounded by a huge wall which was used to protect the town back in the day. We went on the Night Watchman Tour where the Night Watchman took us around the town and explained it's history. It was fantastic!
Later that night we went to a bar/restaurant to watch the Germans compete for 3rd place in the World Cup. It was awesome to be among Germans all celebrating and getting ourselves geared up for the Netherlands to play for the world cup. Germany won and the Germans celebrated way in to the night or should I say early morning. Man, Europeans love their Futbol (soccer!).

The next morning we woke up and decided to go to LegoLand, Germany. Since it was only an hour away and in the same direction we were headed, how could we not! I don't have any pictures of Legoland because I simply did not want to pack my camera around all day but I will say: THE KIDS LOVED IT!!! Talynn is fearless and wanted to ride EVERYTHING! When she was too small she would cry okay bawl her eyes out. It broke my heart because she was truly so sad. Chase loved every ride and Bailee, well, once we got her on the ride she liked it but there was a whole lot of tears getting on the ride! I keep telling Jon we need to throw Bailee and Talynn in a sack and shake them up. We had a great day together as a family!

After LegoLand we drove to Munich, Germany to stay the night. We will need to go back to Munich (Dachau concentration camp is there) because we only did two things: Watch the Netherlands lose to Spain (so sad we won't talk about it!) and sleep. We still had a few hours drive left to our destination in Austria so we didn't have time to mess around in Munich. Which was okay because once we hit the ALPS, holy cow, we were in heaven!!!

Random Thoughts by Allison

I've been wanting to post this for some time but just haven't took the time to sit. So here goes. Jon received information in June that ALL expats are being sent home. I've been saying for the past year that I would go home in heart beat, well, I have to EAT my words! When I was told we might be going home, I have to say it, I was sad. Very, very, very sad. Did I just really say that?! We have adjusted, made friends from all over the world, traveled and just was starting to call the Netherlands home. Yes moving back to Missouri to our beautiful home, fantastic friends, closer to family (okay still not too close), shopping, food choice, etc, etc, etc, sounds amazing. BUT! I still have so much to see here! We haven't even crossed off half the places on my list. I've been hoping and praying that we will be the lucky ones and get to stay in the Netherlands for another 18 months.

As I have reflected on the past 18 months I can truly say our move to the Netherlands was one of the best decisions we've made! (Really, is this me talking?!) It's so hard to explain what life is like outside of your country but it has been great for us. Bailee has grown up so much. She is talking to people and expressing herself more than she ever has. She has made awesome friends in school and has gained so much confidence. If nothing else, this move has been great for her. Chase just rolls with the punches. He is so easy going that we could move him anywhere and he would fit in and be happy. Tally, well, for her she doesn't care where we are as long as we are together. As for Jon and I, we have learned that it is definitely team work to raise our family. Neither one of us could do it without the other. We have learned to appreciate each other and take full advantage of the time we have together.

I love my family! I'm loving this opportunity to be in the Netherlands, learning a different culture, traveling Europe, and spending time with my family. (Really, did someone hack in to my computer and write this?!) Here's hoping for another 18 months!!!!