Italy, Castles, Friends, and Tball

A few weeks back I went to Italy for a softball tournament. I had lots of fun camping out and playing some ball. The weather was beautiful and hot. We took a short trip up to Pisa to see the tower. I have to say, it was pretty cool looking but the surrounding area was a bit trashy. We also had some amazing Gelato and real italian pizza (yummy)!

Some of the girls right after we got to our camp site. 

My tent. By the end of the night the woods were filled with campers. 

The softball team in Pisa, Italy. 

Really, REALLY good Gelato

The girls and guys softball teams. 

So touristy, but hey, I had to hold it up too :D

A real italian pizza oven.

Our friends recently moved to Ramstein AB, Germany. They were stationed with us in Minot. Ramstein is about an hour drive from our base. We had them come over for the weekend to spend some time together. We took them to a castle ruins in Manderscheid which is not too far from our base. After that we headed back to our house, took paddle boats on the lake, and then grilled out. 

Devin, Kylee, Caleb, Wyatt, and Bryden. You don't know how many shots it took to get the kids to all look the same direction!

I think they were tired of pictures.

Our family.

Stacy and me

They were having some festivities at the lake when we went. This was a really cool game. You had to slide the beer mug across a soapy table to see how close to the other edge you could get it. 

Kylee has loved Tball this year. She does not even need the T to hit the ball. This season is over, but I know she will want to play again next year. 

Kylee and Cloee. They are such good friends. 

Kylee had a really good hit!!

I will try to upload some pictures of our short notice trip to Virginia before we leave on the 23rd. 

Virginia and Emergency Leave

Friday afternoon we were notified that James' step-mother, Deb, passed away unexpectedly. The Red Cross was able to get our family plane tickets back to Virginia for the funeral. We are currently at James' mom's house until we head back to Germany on June 23rd. I'm glad we are able to spend some time with family, but I wish it wasn't under these circumstances.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday.

Cologne (Köln), Germany

Friday, a few friends of mine planned on taking a trip up to Cologne (Köln) Germany. Even though two of the girls ended up not going, Andi and I still went. Its a relatively easy drive being less than 2 hours away. However, I still ended up getting a speeding ticket, or should I say will be getting a speeding ticket. They have cameras that take your picture if you are going to fast. I have yet to see one of those, but rarely do I ever speed so I might not notice them. This time, however, the speed limit was changing from 100 kph to 70 kph. Apparently I didn't slow down in time and I saw a HUGE red flash! I was only going 76 kph according to my GPS. I'll get the picture and a ticket in the mail in a couple of weeks. I hope I looked nice for the picture.

Anyhow, James was nice enough to take the day off so I could go without kids. It was a much needed day out and I had a blast with Andi.

For those that do not know, Cologne has one of the coolest Gothic Cathedrals that dates back to the 1200's but finally finished in 1880. During WWII Cologne was destroyed by more than 6 bombs but the Dom (Cathedral) happened to survive with very little damage. It is believe that the reason why the Dom was saved was because it was a navigational landmark by Allied aircraft raiding Germany. The Dom holds the Shrine of the Three Kings which was created in 1190. In 1864 the Shrine was opened and reveled bones and garments believed to be those of the Three Kings. Embedded in the interior of the wall are a pair of tablets on which are carved the provisions worked out by Archbishop Englebert (1262-1267) under which Jews were permitted to reside in Cologne.  The Dom is the most visited landmark in all of Germany.

The Dom is too big to get a picture of the whole thing. The gothic architect was unbelievable. 

This is one of the entry ways into the Dom. The doors are massive, but in the picture they look regular size. 

This is said to be the Three Kings. I didn't know this at the time, otherwise I would have gotten a better picture. 

The view from the very top of the Dom. Andi and I walked all the way to the top. Its a gorgeous view. 

Andi and I after walking up 433 steps up a stone, narrow spiral staircase. 

The 'bridge of love' or the lock bridge. 

I have SO many more pictures, but it takes forever to upload them. For some reason, its quick to add them to Facebook. Here is a link to the album there. I think this should work 

Cinco de Mayo Tournament

Two weekends ago was the Cinco de Mayo softball tournament here at Spangdahlem. 14 men's teams from all around Europe showed up, while we only had 4 teams (including ours) for the women's. While it rained ALL weekend long we still had a blast. The men's field was flooded, so they took over the women's field. We ended up playing at the field by the Middle School on base, which was super small. I think our team rocked this tournament taking second place. We lost against our rivals, Ramstein, who took first place this tournament. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy.

I had to smile for the camera

Getting ready to hit the ball

Me and Heather

Me and Kristen. I went to HS with her in Pearland. We only knew of each other then, had the same friends, but weren't friends ourselves. 

Happy Mother's Day

I know, a little late.

We had a very low-key weekend, which was nice for a change. We seem to be very busy people these days. We watched a few movies together, went for a really long hike around the area, and grilled some chicken.

This is the 'boothaus' down the road from us. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats :D