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John, Jen, & KennediHave moved to http://homeofthehamners.blogspot.com |
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gerskiiwrote:
Holly is still at Studio 9. She got remarried, and says to tell you, Hi! I'm glad to hear things are going well for you in Germany! Seth and I are moving to Maryland in a few weeks, so maybe if you ever return to the states we'll be kind of close! geri :)
Oct. 18
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February 10 WE MOVED!The day has come my friends that we are saying bye-bye to MSN and HELLO to Blogger! I have been having some difficulty with posting on this blog with some new elements MSN has added so I have made the switch! I am still getting used to the new blog but it should be a good match! I am excited and I hope you love our new home and leave us tons of comments! Here is the link: http://homeofthehamners.blogspot.com/ This site will still be available for reflecting back but all the new stuff will be at our new home!
Sure Love ya! February 03 Talk about BED HEAD!So I thought I would just share these two pictures of my lovely Kennedi, who so many say I should put into modeling! Seems she has taken up her momma's habit of horrible bed head. This is exactly how her hair looked when John got her up from her afternoon nap. We did nothing to make it more messy or play it up, THIS is the beautiful creature that was pulled from the crib. I still think she is cute even with the psycho hair...guess that is the mom in me! Enjoy! (P.S. the new layout crops some of the photo out...just click on the photo below for the full view or go to the pictures on the right).   January 27 Not as exciting as the last post but my life can't be all European Adventures!Well nothing as exciting as our last post has happened since. We did have a fun trip planned for Berlin MLK Jr weekend but I came down with the stomach flu the night before we were supposed to leave. It turned out (as always) to be a blessing in disguise because John had to start BNOC the Tuesday he went back to work and he dropped weight all weekend so he could meet the height/weight requirements. We kind of let ourselves go during block leave but after that weekend we are tightening it up again. The man lost 13 lbs. and almost 6 inches off of his waist and, of course, he passed. I will give it to him though, it wasn't easy. He is not one of those people that can just stop doing one little thing and drop a bunch of weight (like switch to diet coke or something like that). He really ate nothing and worked out a lot! He has since returned to a healthier lifestyle and we have vowed to NEVER let that happen again!
It has been a rough couple of days because my dear friend Tiffany that I used to work at the university with has returned to the states. I am in real denial that she is gone and will miss her terribly! We do plan to meet up in San Diego while John and I are in Arizona, so that should be fun. We have a few of the pictures of her going away lunch and before we left for her going away dinner (she has all the pictures from the actual dinner). She and Wyatt seem to have lots of good things ahead of them in Washington so we wish them all the best!
Tiff leaving really put into perspective the idea that I am leaving in 3 MONTHS! I am SO not ready to leave Europe and just hope that we are able to come back one day...if not with the military then simply to travel as old folks. There is so much I still want to see and do, but so little time! We do know our fate for the next few years! We will be in Arizona for 6 months for MI school and then we will be moving back to beautiful North Carolina. Yep, we came down on orders for Ft. Bragg, again. We had so much fun for the year that we were stationed there and are excited to go back and do all the things we wished we had done before, especially because Europe has given us a new found sense of adventure. We are hoping that 2009 will be the year of Disney for me...I mean us...as a family.... See, I have never been to any Disney park but we are planning on hitting up Euro Disney for my birthday, Disney in California while we are in Arizona, and then Disney in Florida once we are in North Carolina! Doesn't that sound fun! As always, we shall see!
As for the little one...We have finally conquered the sippy cup. For the longest time Kennedi was just not diggin' the idea of a cup (she won't take a bottle either) and I was very concerned because I do plan on weaning her soon and I would like for there to be some other form of hydration for her! It was funny, though, because for awhile the only cup we could get her to drink out of was the little squirt bottle that came with her sink bath toy set Chelle gave her for Christmas. It was hilarious to watch her drink like a mad dog out of that thing but I think it spurred her desire to feel refreshed because now she drinks from a real sippy cup SO well! We still haven't been able to get her to drink milk from the sippy but we shall see...I am sure it will happen eventually. We are prepping for Kennedi's big 1st Birthday Party! Looks like it is going to be a blowout, so stay tuned for the pictures once I regain consciousness from festivity exhaustion.
Check out the new pics and take care! Sure love ya! January 11 The Hamner Holidays!I know it has taken me forever to post new pictures and even longer to blog about ANY of them. I can't believe it has been a month since we were in Barcelona and I haven't said one word about it! It has taken me for a loop to be a mom AND a wife again. If you think about it I have NEVER been both at the same time in my own house, and even then, I was living with my parents that took on almost all of the responsibilities of buying groceries, making dinner, and other duties of keeping a household together. It has been a change to do it all again, especially now that John is back to work. Barcelona Spain was a great time, though. We rented an apartment that was, unfortunately NOT what we had hoped. We also had to wait outside the apartment for 30 minutes until the landlord decided to answer our calls and come let us in, even though we called and talked to him from the airport. There was lots of drama when I tried to convey that too the landlord who was not open to suggestions and it ended in me wanting to (literally) punch him in the face after he told John I needed medication...I'll show him medication. Let's just say never use feelbarcelona.com to book your stay in Barcelona. We didn't let that affect our week and had many wonderful adventures living so close to the famous Ramblas. The shopping was great; expensive, but great! We did everything that we wanted to do. You can see all of them in the pictures. I think the most "exciting" adventure that is not well documented by pictures is our attempt to get to church on Sunday. We set out after looking on the Church's website to see where it is and what metro is close by...we thought we were golden until 15 min of searching we were coming up short. John asked around and the more we gave people the address the more they were shocked that we were looking for it there. Seems we (and more importantly the Church's map) was WAY off! We took a metro to as close as we could and started walking again. We walked up what I consider a mountain...a lot like walking up 100 South between 700 E and the top of campus at the U....VERY STEEP and just no fun (Let us not forget we are in our Sunday best) We FINALLY found it, only 20 minutes late since we had left two hours early to find it on time. John got a hole in his sock and I got a hole in my nylons. Kennedi was DONE by the time we finally got back to the apartment and it proved to be the most exhausting day we spent in Spain. The beach, zoo and weather were the other favorites of out time spent in Spain. We got to tour the Picasso museum and realized that museums will be harder than they used to forever more because 11 month olds have a hard time with keeping quiet. Oh well... One part of our trip that was consistent was that every night before we went home, we stopped at Dunkin' Coffee AKA Dunkin' Doughnuts!! Yep, they are ALL over Barcelona! Doughnuts are my favorite treat, and Dunkin' Doughnuts are my favorite doughnuts so it was a match made in heaven! They also have this hot chocolate goodness that they sip from a spoon and dip their doughnuts in that is thick, rich, and oh so yummO! The language they speak there was interesting....like a French/Spanish combo called Catalan. John could understand everyone that spoke Spanish but no one that spoke Catalan. If you want a true Spanish experience, go to Madrid, but Barcelona is a great stop to soak up the Catalonian culture. Thanksgiving We spent Thanksgiving with the Garner's and Nickleson again...it was such a fun time and we were able to pull off all of our favorite family dishes again and I am getting better and better with Randi rolls every year. Travels We were able to go to Garmish before Christmas and we were there while some other friends were visiting as well. We all had a blast playing in the snow and in the pool. We went to the Swarovski Crystal Factory in Innsbruck, Austria and to the Munich Christmas Market. We will def. miss our little weekends in Garmisch when we leave Europe...it is such a fun place! We hit up the Nurnberg Christkindlmarkt too since it will be the last year we can for a very long time, if ever! It was so much fun and had SUCH good food. We will def. miss our brats, pretzels, and kinderpunsch! Christmas We had Christmas dinner here with the Thanksgiving dinner crew. Except Sara did the sides and I did the ham. We decorated sugar cookies afterward's which was so much tasty fun! Kennedi cleaned up for Christmas and got lots of great gifts from all of her loving family and friends! We can't thank you enough for thinking of her! After Christmas The day after Christmas we picked up my mom and dad from the Munich Airport for a two week whirlwind vacation! We visited Paris and Prague and also had a little time to do some sightseeing around our home here in Germany. Paris was amazing but it was just a taste...John and I def. want to go back and have plans to in April with some friends to hit up Euro Disney and the sightseeing we didn't get to do. Mom and dad took the baby one of the nights we were there and we had our first date since Kennedi was born (think about it...the last time he was home she was a newborn and we haven't sent her to a babysitter since he had been home because we were spending every waking moment with each other). So, it was pretty cool to have our first date been in Paris. It was so fun and we def. realized how important some alone time out of the house is for us. Prague was beautiful in a really COLD kinda way. We went on a bus tour that ended up to be more walking outside than we had expected. We were pretty prepared though and Kennedi was good and bundled. It seemed to be too cold for any amount of gear though so we were happy when we met up with some friends of dad's that are native to Prague for dinner. We want to make it back to Prague before moving back to the states as well, so hopefully we have time (when it is warmer).
It was a joyful holiday that was well spent as a complete family unit. We are so grateful that we live in such a neat place and are very sad that we are leaving in a short few months. We will be excited to be closer to family and friends in the states, though.
Sure Love ya and hope your holidays were full of fun! November 27 Let the Block Leave begin!John signed out yesterday and does not have to return to work for 40 days! Wooohooo! As I said before, we are doing a lot of traveling, but definitely not enough traveling. There is much that needs to be done around the house so a lot of that time will be spent tending to those items of business. Our new schedule of traveling includes; Barcelona for a week, Garmish for two days w/Munich, Paris for three days, Prague for two days, Dresden for 1-2 days, Berlin for 2 days, Rothenberg for 1-2 days, and we will probably take the train up to Nurnberg (an hour away) to hit up the Christkindlmarkt... because we can! Paris and Prague will be with my folks and the rest will be on our own. We are so excited to have this uninterrupted time together with Kennedi and can't wait to make new memories together. Because of block leave SOO much was PACKED into the last week, more specifically Tuesday. I hung out with my friend's daughter while she went to a Hail and Farewell, had an Awards Ceremony that was followed by our company party, and our Platoon dinner. We had one of John's family friend's stop into the party to pay us a little visit since the rest of our week was booked with other dinner appointments and previous obligations. Yesterday was the Memorial ceremony for all those Killed in Action, the Welcome Home Ceremony and the Community Fest. I went to the memorial which was very sad. I wasn't able to go to the individual memorials for the soldiers John and I knew because I was back in the states when they were held but I was glad that I was able to go to this memorial. It was a very emotional experience for everyone on in the room. I just can't express in words how hard it is to stand next to these men and women who look so tough with their uniforms on, and watch them break down looking at the pictures, names, and dates of death of their friends. I don't know that there was a dry eye in the room. I didn't do much looking around though as I was in the VERY back and it was a completely packed gym. The next event was the welcome home ceremony which I passed on so that Kennedi could have her nap, and since John wasn't even in it there was really no reason to go. The community fest was mandatory for the soldiers so we made our appearance but it was more for older kids or adults...not an atmosphere for Kennedi. We are excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow and are going over to our good friends, the Garners. They are doing the turkey, sweet potatoes and artichoke salad and we are doing the rest...i.e. rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, hot holiday punch and pies. We will probably have more pictures to post soon so I will keep you updated! Sure Love ya! November 13 So much to talk about!John hasn't been home for long but we have had quite the adventures in the short time he has been home. Here is the rundown...
Family Pictures - One of my bestest friends has started a photography business Pixelette Photography and Design and we had her come out and take some family pictures in our cute little village here in Germany
Elder Robert C. Oaks - A general authority of my church and the head-honcho in Europe came and spoke to my ward because of all the men that just came home. He and his wife gave amazing talks that hit home for John and me. The Oak's have moved 32 times in their married life because of his 32 years of service to the Air Force. He was the Commander in Chief, US and Allied Air Forces, Europe too. He talked about reconnecting with Christ and all the issues that can come from combat experience. The night was also amazing because John and four other guys that just returned sang Love at Home...I don't think there was a dry eye in the room (I couldn't see though through my tears).
Traveling! - We are planning many little and big trips in the next few months because of all the long weekends they are giving the soldiers and block leave. Last weekend we headed to the Black Forest to get our cuckoo clock. We were told before we came to Germany that everyone comes home with at least two things, a kid and a cuckoo clock...since we have the former we thought it was time to make the purchase! WE LOVE IT!! Go see the pictures! We are headed to Munich this weekend...we have never DONE Munich, we always pass through it to get to Austria or Garmisch or gone to Oktoberfest but we have never just spent time seeing Munich! We have tickets to Barcelona in December and will be there for a whole week....and are WAY excited about that one! I will let you know where our travels take us as they come.
Reason for all the travel - WE ARE OFFICIALLY GETTING OUT OF THE INFANTRY!!! WOOOHOOO!!! Yes indeed, John has a class date where he will switch his occupational goals from being a sniper to Military Intelligence. We are SUPER excited (can you tell by all of the CAPS lock on this one??) and are anxious to see what the MI community has to offer us. The class begins in May in Ft. Huachuca, AZ but we are not sure what plans the Army has for Kennedi and I. The class is 19 weeks and 2 days and the cutoff for families to be moved to the school with the soldier is 20 weeks (I know, I know) we shall see though!
Kennedi trying to grow up on us! - Oh my goodness you guys...I don't think I can handle it! Time goes by WAY too fast and kids grow up before their parents are ready. Kennedi has started standing on her own. She will use a table, chair or the wall to pull herself up and then just let go. She will just stand there for 20-30 seconds (usually with a toy or something that she feels requires both of her hands) before she plops down or grabs back onto the device she pulled up on. It keeps happening more and more but I hope we plateau at this stage for awhile before the walking begins...I am just not ready for that yet!
Friends together again - Not only is it great to have the soldiers home, but it is great to have all my friends back as well! Marianne just got back last week and Sara has been back for a little while but I am just so happy to have these people all around me again!
We will be very sad to leave Germany but excited to be closer to family and a cheaper plane ride away from my parents. We still have a little while left so we are going to make the MOST of it! Check out all the fun pictures and I will try to get some videos loaded today or tomorrow!
Sure Love ya! November 07 GO UTES!So I don't know if you follow football much but I LOVE FOOTBALL! I especially love Ute football since it is my beloved alma mater (I have even been teaching Kennedi the Utah fight song). And since I am a Ute I have a natural and healthy rivalry attitude toward BYU. Recently we pulled off a big win against TCU (a team that creamed BYU 32-7) maintaining our undefeated season and sealing the deal for a BCS Bowl. We went to a BCS Bowl when I was in my junior year and I remember how exciting it was! I found this video on Geri and Seth's blog and I laughed so hard and got chills because I miss being in the thick of it all! So, this one is for you UofU! GO UTES! |
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