2013

We started off 2013 by loading up the kids and starting our drive to our new home at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.  All of us had mixed emotions since we had just left a pretty spectacular gig in Germany.  Kansas has treated us very well…and we even get to stay an extra year:)

Merry Christmas 2012

I sit here writing this holiday update from an uncomfortable couch in a mostly empty house since 99% of our belongings are making their way across the ocean to Kansas right now.  Not exactly the cozy feeling you associate with the holidays, but I also do not feel like much is missing either.  I have mentioned before that life as a military family is like a snow globe.  You know, all peaceful and serene and then it gets shaken and everything goes flying and it takes a while to settle back down into that perfect scene???  Today, it didn't matter if our snow globe was in the middle of being shaken up...we were just able to enjoy the snow.  I wish I had the ability to see the beauty amidst the chaos on a daily basis.  For now, I will accept today as a little victory and good practice for the future.

I have my 2 beautiful kiddos asleep upstairs (they are always so perfect when sleeping, huh?) and my husband sitting next to me on the AF issue couch.  It snowed today for the first time this season and the entire neighborhood threw snowballs, built a snowman, and chatted.  Then we came in and warmed up with hot chocolate and listened to Christmas carols.  Sounds like a storybook, right?  To top it off, I went to a German Christmas market with a few friends and bought a few last minute souvenirs to take back to the states with us.  I came home and we started a fire in the fire pit and sat outside while more snowflakes fell.  And Kurt is watching the Bears game now without me talking to him...which I am sure is the part of today that is like a fairy tale for him.

Sounds almost too good to be true.  Sounds like one of those fake Christmas newsletters that states how AMAZING everyone is doing and how perfect the entire family is.  That is the last type of picture I want to paint....but TODAY was an ideal type of day.  The kind of day you just want to savor and remember when you are having those crazy, rotten, no-good kind of days.  I actually told Kurt that if I could, I would hop on a plane and leave tonight just so that my last memory of Germany was this day.

For the last 3 (almost) years we have called the tiny rural town of Spangdahlem, Germany, home.  We have made countless friends, traveled more in a few years than all the previous years of my life combined, and watched our children start elementary school.  We have spent time apart, cried a few tears, and faced challenges that at times seemed like too much to handle.  We have laughed and worn lederhosen.  We have drank amazing beer and wine and eaten too much schnitzel.  We have missed our families and the comforts of home all while loving every moment of living in Europe.  We have had days where we wonder why in the world anyone would chose this crazy life, but far more days where we realize that this is the perfect life for us and we wouldn't change a thing.

The other day I overheard Reese talking to Keegan and saying that Germans spoke Deutsch, in Paris they spoke French and in Italy they made good pizza and gelato and spoke Italian.  Then she asked Keegan what language she spoke since she was American.  The girl has seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower, and Big Ben...but has no clue that her own language is called English.  Minor details.

I am thankful for 2012.  I am thankful that we rang in 2012 as a family.  I am thankful that my husband goes to work every day to do a job that he is passionate about and provides so generously for our family.  I am thankful that my children were blessed with amazing teachers who inspire, challenge, and enable them in a safe and loving environment.  I am thankful for travel opportunities that I never imagined I would have and that I can share a love of travel with my children.  I am thankful to be in the company of heroes on a daily basis and that my children are being raised in an environment that fosters service, friendship, hard work, and strength.

We have 2 more weeks in Germany, but it is not the Germany that most people vacation too.  It is home.  Just like South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Arizona, South Korea, New Mexico, and Arizona (again) have been home.  I am sad to leave, just like I have been every place we have lived.  This is the only thing that makes me so enthusiastic to start our life in Kansas.  A year from now, I will be writing about how sad I am to leave there too.

So, our next adventure will be one year in Ft Leavenworth, Kansas.  Kurt will be attending CGSC, which is a school with the Army.  It is terrifying and exciting to be leaving our lives in a fighter squadron and spreading our wings a little.  It will be a much appreciated change of pace and I know we will both learn so much during our time on an Army post.  If you find your self passing through or wanting to find the yellow bring road, let us know.  Our door is always open!!!

Please say a few prayers for us as we end our life in one place and start a new one somewhere else.

Please stay in touch and let us know what is new in your neck of the woods.

Wishing you an amazing 2013 filled with love and laughter, good health, and good fortune.

Lots of love

Annie, Kurt, Keegan, and Reese

A Little Catching Up...

The entire time in Germany I have been a bad blogger since our internet was not the best. I have decided that it is time to catch up a little. I will just do a few highlights and then try to be better from now on. Here are some of my favorite pics from 2012 in no specific order. Enjoy:)

Distelzweig Christmas letter 2011

I just realized that I wrote this last year and never posted it. Better late than never, right??? Enjoy the 2011 newsletter as I sit here working on 2012:) Annie

  I truly thought that this insane year would leave me with a million words to share with you.

Instead, nothing quite seems to sum up what 2011 meant for our family. I started off wishing the year away since it meant so many days with Kurt deployed. It ended up being even more days gone that I ever anticipated. It was by no means an easy year for our family, but I sit here writing this so insanely proud of my husband, my kiddos, and myself. From January through October, our family was together for a total of about 4 weeks (of course, not consecutive) Kurt spent 7 weeks training in Las Vegas, a month in Libya, and 6 months in Iraq. We squeezed in a week long trip to Italy and got to see Pisa, Tuscany, Florence and Cinque Terre. The kids and I spent a week in England, the summer in Ohio, and the fall adjusting to life with Keegan in kindergarten, Reese in preschool, sports, and base activities. Oh...and I just happened to move to a new house in there somewhere too;)

Kurt returned and life was "normal" again. We went to Berlin and have been going to Christmas markets galore. Kurt's parents and sister visited and we had an early Christmas and took a road trip to Rothenburg. Next week we are heading to London

I found myself thinking often during the times that our family was not together about how truly blessed we all are. Regardless of our geographical location, there was never a doubt in anyones mind that they were loved. That is truly the most amazing gift. I saw my children beam with pride in their fathers service. I saw their faces light up like it was Christmas day every time they got to talk to Kurt on the phone for a few short minutes. I proved to myself that I am much stronger than I thought. I think I am growing up. Or maybe parenthood has broadened my horizons and allowed me to see how simply beautiful every day is.

Although I have no interest in repeating the year, I am so thankful for the lessons I have learned and the ability to truly reflect on what is important. I am thankful for an amazing husband who means just as much to me thousands of miles away as he does sitting right next to me holding my hand. I am thankful for beautiful, healthy, smart, and well adjusted children, even on the days when I feel like being a parent might just be making me certifiably insane. I am thankful for an amazing family who swoops in to make our life easier at just the right moments and who still love me even when they see me at my worst. I am beyond grateful for my military family. I could not survive a single day without you and it is friends who are like family to me that make this crazy life possible to live. And last but not least, I am thankful for God who blesses me and my family continuously...even when I am certain I don't deserve it. I thank Him every day for showing me His plan and making me ashamed of myself for ever having an ounce of doubt that everything does in fact happen for a reason.

Happy Holidays...

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

Long overdue update!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we haven't been abducted by aliens or anything. It has been a while since my last post. Between the insanity of the move overseas, everyday life with a 3 and a 4 year old, and VERY slow internet...I have not made a blog post in a while. I will try to make a frequent trip to the coffee shop on base so I can use their speedy wifi for posting pics.

We are all settled in and feeling more and more at home every day. This move was a HUGE transition for all of us, but we are all doing well and enjoying this big adventure.

Really...despite the insanity of our life at times, LIFE IS GOOD!!! Work is good, home is good, kida are good. We really have no legitimate reason to complain.

I am just going to post 2 pics for now...just to keep the readers happy (it will seriously take an hour for these few pics to upload!!!!). Of course...I know what my blog followers want to see....so here are Keegan and Reese in Europe:)

Miss and love you all...and the guest room is yuors if you ever need a European getaway!!!

A, K, K, and R

Easter

The highlight of this Easter was Reese's dress:) It was given to her by her Godmother Rebecca and to say that she is in love would be an understatement!!! She has worn this dress at some point EVERY day for the last few weeks, and there have been lots of tears shed when she isnt allowed to wear it while eating spaghetti, playing in the mud etc. She twirls for hours!!!

We went to church in the morning followed by binge eating at the all you could eat brunch at the O Club. We started the good ole Distelzweig tradition of the bunny hiding the kids Easter baskets. They were laughing so hard when they found one in the shower and the other in the refrigerator.

Not a bad day considering we were in the TLFs on base still living out of suitcases:)

This year Easter's message of new beginnings had extra special meaning as we start this new adventure in our lives. Our lives are overflowing with blessings and we are

adios AZ...guten tag Germany!!!!

The last few weeks in AZ were busy and crazy...and a little heartbreaking. I could not possibly speak highly enough of our 3 years in the valley of the sun. Amazing house, neighborhood, squadron and friends. I truly thought that moving to an amazing place like Germany would make this move a breeze. I quickly learned that not even Europe can ease the pain on closing an amazing chapter in a persons life!!!

I was spoiled by my best buds with a girls day with massages, sushi and even gifts and sweet notes from the girls who I have made countless memories with. I can wait to have my car and a house so I can put some keys on my BEAUTIFUL Coach keychain:)

Then the move came and insanity set in!!! Kurt and I felt like the week would never end...and we cleaned and scrubbed and painted so much that I thought my fingers were going to fall off!!! Then we got to stay at the Wigwam for a week and even got a visit from our great friend and Keegan's Godmother Ange. Sadly, I forgot to take a single pic!!! I guess I just enjoyed the company and relaxed so much I forgot about my camera. Keegan is still telling me on a daily basis how cool Ange is!!! We packed our remaining few days with last visits with friends. I dont think I have ever been so teary eyed in my life...and you didnt hear it from me, but I think I saw Kurt almost lose his cool a few times too;)

I now sit in our room on base at Spangdahlem AB in Germany. It is GORGEOUS here!!!Not even close to being settled in...no car, wont see most of our furniture etc until May, and VERY jetlagged, but...I live in Germany!!!! Soooooo sureal...so amazing...I feel very blessed!!! We have been welcomed with open arms, met lots of people in our squadron , Kurt will be named this weekend in a traditional wild fighter pilot fashion involving viking costumes, and we have a welcome dinner on Tuesday at a German restuarant.

Soooo...as I sit here missing my AZ life but thrilled about the life we will create in Europe, I have realized one very important thing!!! Fighter squadron wives are the most amazing group of girls on the planet!!! I am not exaggerating here...they are simply phenominal!!!! I am thankful for all of you I have had the privledge to meet over the last 9 years!!!! I know I am not always the best at staying in touch. I blame the kids completely!!! No matter what...I hope you know how much I love you all...and I can only hope the AF will let our paths cross again. If not, there will be lots of visits lined up once we are back in the US. And please remember, we have an open door policy here in Germany:)

Ok...so...enough babbling...here are a few pics:)

Reese got to have a girly day with a few of her friends...she got her first pedicure and picked flourescent pink, glitter and wanted a flower with a rhinestone:)

Keegan and Andrew. As a sidenote, Andrew says he is going to marry Reese b/c she is sooooo cute. Hmmmm...Pam and I as in laws...that could spell trouble:)

Shot, Slammer, Tam and two of my all time favorite ladies, Renee and Jasmine. WE enjoyed an evening celebrating the reactivation of the 69th FS at Luke. Fighter pilot band and some good margaritas=a fun night. Dont forget us when we need a reserve job guys!!!!

dont even know what to say:)

Keegan, Emily (one of his girlfriends!!!!) and Reese They kinda look like triplets!!!

Nonnie and Boppa enjoying a nice warm AZ day at the zoo

The 2 cutest brother and sister ever!!!!

Jody, Pam, Renee, Jasmine, Anne Marie, me and Lisa...a little preparty before the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert in our neighborhood.

Reese, Grace(Keegans other girlfriend!!!), and Keegan

LOVE this pic!!!!

Me and Desiree:)
Pam and I (orange is her color dont you think???)
The family at the fini flight
High fives from the OConnors!!!
Kurt looks just a little cold!!!
Shot, Kurt and Tam. Shot is the best flight dr EVER and Kurt had him fly in the back seat...and Tam was Kurts #2. These 2 go sooooo far back and have gotten into all sorts of trouble together.
Getting wet

He tried to run

I think Kurt is figuring out his gameplan here:) During your last flight at a base, your buddies wait for you...pin you down and make sure you are drenched at the end. I have NEVER seen anyone get away:)

In Baltimore...wondering what we were thinking bringing all of this luggage. I guess when you wont see most of your things for a few months you do crazy things:) 6 LARGE bags, 4 carry on bags, 2 carseats and a double stroller

At the airport...no turning back now:) And yes, Kurt took Mustache March very seriously this year!!!