Brugge

For Labor Day weekend we headed to Brugge, Belguim. We took the ferry from Dover to Calais, France then drove up to Brugge. We were looking forward to a relaxing weekend away!

Daddy and son checking out the white cliffs of Dover.

Keeping busy on the ferry.

Lots of yummy chocolate stores.

Chase hanging out in the square while waiting for dinner. Some friends were also in town that weekend so we met them for dinner.

There are lots of canals so we had to take a boat ride. Chase does not like sitting still and we didn't want to ruin the ride for everyone else so he pretty much got whatever he wanted for those 45 minutes.

We went to the Fry Museum. I guess during WWII some french speaking Belgians offered American some fries. They thought they were from France hence French Fries.

Getting to taste them after the museum tour.

Chase liked them too!

We definitely had a relaxing Sunday and went back twice to the room for naps. Chase let us know he was ready for nap. 2 more teeth came through this weekend so hopefully that's why he was a little fussy.

They had waffles with powdered sugar and chocolate - yum!

It's very hard to get a good family picture!

View of the city.

From top of the bell tower.

We also had to visit the Chocolate Museum! This is right before we left and Chase was pretty much done!

We had a wonderful time! The city was beautiful and the weather was perfect!

Feeling Appreciated

Today was spouse appreciation day at Brad's work. I was chosen to watch the jets refuel in a KC-135. I had been in this plane flying back to the states but it was very cool seeing the jets so close. My stomach gave me a scare but I made it through the whole flight without getting sick. I am not jealous of Brad's job!

All of us from "blue."

Taking turns refueling.

We all took turns laying in the boom. It would have been cool if it was Brad.
It was weird switching roles for the day. I got up early, put on my flightsuit and headed off to base, while Brad stayed back, woke up with Chase and got him ready. I think we are both grateful for our roles!

Ireland

We had a wonderful, quick weekend trip to Ireland. I made the mistake of not charging our camera battery before we left so I only have a few pictures. Hopefully we will get some sent to us from our friends. We decided to stop by the Cliffs of Moher on the way to Dublin. It was sooo windy and cold. We had to buy Chase an Ireland hat. He was so cute! The view was beautiful though.

In Dublin we spent a lot of time at the Guiness Storehouse. At the end of the tour we got a free drink and had a great view of Dublin.

One week to recover then off to Belguim!

Antons in England!

Our good friends, the Antons, just visited England for a few days. We met them in London one day and then they came to our house for a couple days. In London we went to changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace. It was pretty hot waiting and we didn't get the best view but it was neat to watch.

At the British Museum we checked out the Rosetta Stone.

In Cambridge we went to the American Cemetary.

And of course had to go punting.

Got a little taste of English weather but overall is was nice and could not complain!
The kids had good time just hanging out at the cottage playing with all the toys. Julie and her kiddos were able to come over for dinner one night so we had a little Laughlin reunion.
We are off tomorrow to hang out with them in Ireland.

Air Show

On Friday we went to the American Air Day at the Air Museum close to our house. Friends of the museum supported our guys while they were on their business trip so there was a little ceremony as our guys gave them a flag that was flown by everyone.

All the guys were saying they would have to give number 4 crap at work the next week!

Chase is at the age where doesn't like sitting still so we try to let me crawl around some.

In front of some plane - I forget which one. I am pretty good with the current Air Force planes but beyond that I am pretty clueless.

We had a wonderful day in London yesterday with friends - who are coming here tonight - and we are hanging out in Ireland this coming weekend. More pictures to come soon!

1 year appointment

We had Chase's one year appointment last week (at 13+ months). He was a brave boy getting 5 shots and also getting blood drawn. Dad was lucky he had a meeting and couldn't go. He weighs 23lbs 3oz which is the 50th percentile and was 29 3/4 inches tall which is only the 25th percentile. The doctor says that means he is on track to be 5'10" ish. So I have been getting blamed all weekend for giving Chase the short genes.

Here are a couple picture of Chase and Wagner. Chase LOVES Wagner - not so sure how much Wagner reciprocates the feelings. It starts off playing close to each other...

Then Chase will try to climb over Wagner.

But he decides to give him a little hug. He loves laying his head on Wagner (and all other dogs).

Then finishes climbing over Wagner. Eventually Wagner gets up and moves when he is sick of it. Now I have to work with Chase that just because our dog doesn't do anything when he grabs and pulls doesn't mean everyone's dog will just lay there too.
We love our boys!

Flying High

Our favorite time of the day is when dada comes home!

And our least favorite part of the day is finding spiders...above your head in the middle of the night, crawling around the toys, in the kitchen. I had to get this one all by myself and the vacuum still didn't kill it. I didn't have the guts to get a picture beforehand but I think you can still tell how gross it is. It always makes me jumpy after I kill one. Good thing I am about to leave the house for awhile!

Update

We are headed back home soon but have definitely enjoyed our time here. It is so fun being with family and friends, enjoying the sunshine, eating out at good restaurants, baseball, pools, shopping, etc. Here are a few more pictures from our time here...

Here's our little man exploring.

My love and I celebrated our 6th anniversary while we were in Kansas. The years just keep getting better and better!

We went with the Kauflins to the National Zoo.

Right in between the boys heads you can see the tiger.

We had a wedding reception for my mom's family and few friends for Steven and Melissa.

We wanted to take the boys to an O's game but figured it would be fun for about 10 minutes. So we opted for the Single A Keys game. I interned for the Keys after my junior year of college so it is fun seeing how things are these days.
Both boys were trying to figure out the mascot!

Uncle Steven has been with Chase for his first basketball and now his first baseball game!

We got to hang out with Tiana for a few days. Couldn't get a great picture of the two of them but I love Chase's hand on her leg - so cute!

Went to the O's game with adults only!!