Amos Family Blog

Wein (Vienna), Austria

2009-11-01T18:50:00.020+01:00

After going to Budapest we spent a few days in Beautiful Vienna, Austria.

Here are some photos from our trips. Yep - there is a Harley shop in Vienna!
We ate at the World Famous Figlmuller Restaurant in Vienna - where they have das Grosser Schnitzel!! Wolfgang is eating the "small portion"!!
You can see Jeff's big portion above - bigger than the plate even!! It was super good!
Our crazies at Figlmuller

This was a neat observatory in Vienna called Urania.

This is Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) - the gods were against me seeing this one up close - I guess. We visited it 3 separate times and each time it was either closed or services were going on. So my photos are from the back only. Also it was surrounded by scaffolding because they were giving it a well needed bath. The interior of St. Stephen's

Services going on!

See how dirty it is! More interior - I love the floor!

Zoom in of the alter in the above photo - it was on the left side of the church.

Wolfgang and Wolfgang at a store near Stephansdom

The cool roof of St. Stephen's

St. Stephan's lit up at night...it was a sight!

Liv, Sophie & Jeff with Mozart

Sophie always ready to strike a pose

In the gardens of the Hofburg Palace

Wolfgang and Wolfgang in the gardens of the Hofburg Palace

In the courtyard of the Hofburg palace there was a static display of military vehicles - for what we thought was the anniversary of their October Revolution...Here Jeff, Sophie and Wolf stand in front an improvised road machine.

Hofburg Palace

More Hofburg Palace

The Starbucks right across from the Vienna State Opera House

The fountain outside the Opera House all lit up at night

Jeff standing in front of the State Vienna Opera House "Staatsoper"

The Opera House Fountain during the day

We took a tour of the "Staatsoper" the State Vienna Opera House - was recommended as a "must see". Definitely worth it! The Opera House was amazing and I am sure my photos do it no justice.... We definitely want to make it back to attend a performance!

The main entrance stairs into the Opera House

Olivia posing in opera wear while waiting for our tour

You can see the boxes of the opera house here - they seat 6 persons each . Each year they have their annual Ball - each of those boxes goes for 17,000 euro plus you had to buy tickets for each individual person's seat. It also did not include any food or drink!

This is the one middle back - VIP box for sure!

During our tour we got to go up on the stage - this is what you saw as you looked u

Wolfgang Stage Left

The kids on the main staircase. The 3 covered windows you see behind them were in past days the emperors room. Our guide told us that people used to come to the Opera not to watch it but to socialize and when the lights were on behind those windows you might catch a glimpse of the emperor...though rarely did he show himself.

another shot inside the Opera House

This is the emperor's room - however it is not much used anymore. They do rent it out for groups to use for intermission but it cost around 300 Euros - for a 15 minute intermission!

Here are the 3 windows from inside the emperor's room

This is one of the rooms where folks can go during intermission - it is original to the building - a good portion of the building was damaged by bombing in WWII.

A wall in the room above.

This was the "tapestry room" it was damaged in the bombing. It used to be a bunch of individual rooms where the head opera guy lived but after the bombing they made it a single room - filled with tapestries. This was the entry way to where the Lipizzaner Stallions preformed. We were planning on going to a performance but at 105 Euros a ticked we opted for the tour of the stables. Next time we go back we will attended a "morning practice" session. The girls really liked this tour!

We were not allowed to take photos - or even touch the stallions during the tour but there was windows from the walkway that ran by the stables where we took some photos. The Stallions were beautiful.

The kids outside the stables Another shot of the stable building.

Hungary

2009-10-27T10:22:00.017+01:00

We took a Trip on Jeff's Block leave to Budapest Hungary. The city was amazing. Here are a few of the highlights!St. Stephen's Cathedral - started constuction in 1845 and finally in 1905 held it first mass. Dome of St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Inside the cathedral.

The "Holy Right". Inside the Cathedral is kept the mummified right hand of St. Stephen in the Chapel of the Holy Right.

Inside St. Stephen's Cathedral

Wolfgang in St. Stephen's Cathedral

The Altar

The Square outside the Cathedral

We took and afternoon and went to the Famed Szechenyi Baths- they are fed by Thermal springs in Budapest - the water outside stayed around 36 degrees C and so very nice. The mineral baths inside got up to 40 degrees. There were 13 pools in all plus saunas.

This area had a bubbly pool in the center and then an actual whirlpool the spun you round outside of the bubbly pool. They alternated so that only one was on at a time. The building behind housed several mineral pools of different temps. Where the building rounds out there was a big moon shaped pool inside.

Up on the terrace were the sun decks - though not used much in the colder weather.

Here you can see better the inner tub and the whirlpool around it.

They did not want to leave!

The kids at the Szechenyi Spa

The Citadel Statue of Liberation sits on the Gellert Hill and has the best views of Budapest Sophie striking a pose

On the Hill surrounding the statue they had a static display of Guns

At the Base of the Hill.

Statue of Liberation

View of the Danube from the Citadel

Overlooking Budapest from the Citadel

Wolfgang, Olivia & Sophie At the base of the Statue of Liberation - comemorating the liberation of Budapest from Nazi rule.

Yep Budapest had a Harley-Davidson Dealership :)

We rode up the incline railway to the top of the hill to see the Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman's Bastion. On our way back across the chain bridge the lights came on. This is of the Buda Castle.

Equistrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy - distinguished commander of the Wars on the Turks - sits under the Buda Palace dome.

Lion Gate - leading out of the Lion courtyard in the Buda Palace - in the courtyard you could enter the nation library.

King Matthias' well in the NW courtyard of the Buda Palace.

Not sure what this building was - we imagined it was most likely Castle Stables.

The kids sitting on a wall in the Fisherman's Bastion - in the middle ages it was a fish market and part of the wall was defending by the Fisherman's guild.

Wolfgang in the Fisherman's Bastion

A photo of the House of Parliment through the wall of the Fisherman's Bastion

More Fisherman's Bastion

Matthias Church - The church of the Virgin Mary. It was closed when we got up there!

Statue of King St. Stephen in the Fisherman's Bastion

The kids on the Incline railway Olivia at the top of the Railway overlooking the Chain Bridge

Wolfgang on the banks of the Danube which flows down the middle of the Budapest. The Buda Castle is in the distance.

On the Chain Bridge - House of Parliment in the distance.On the Chain Bridge - Buda Castle behindOn the Bank of the Danube - Matthias Church in the distanceOn the bank of the Danube with Matthias Church in the distance Parliament

Statues on top of the House of Parliament

Wolf and Sophie outside of Parliament

More Parliament

The museum across from Parliament

The kids in City Park which was by the Vajdahunyad Castle Statue of George Washington in City Park

The Girls in City Park

sitting with the Statue of Anonymus

Another statue at Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle Entrance to the castle

Hungarian Kitty Cats

Chariot of Peace on one side of Hero's Square...Chariot of War was on the other.

Not sure we were supposed to climb on it but it made a great photo!

Museum of Fine Arts on one side of Hero's Square

Jeff & Sarah in Hero's Square

The kids in Hero's Square

Prague

2009-10-27T09:18:00.008+01:00

This past summer the Combs Family (Terry, John, Anne & Little John) came over to visit! It was so great to have them with us! We took off one long weekend to Prague with them...here are some of the highlights..Yummy Confections eating said yummy confections

Terry, Jeff, Wolf, Little John and I made the trek to the top of the hill where the Prague castle and cathedral of St. Vitus were located. Definately worth the climb.

St. Vitus Cathedral doors.

Foutian in the courtyard of the castle

Inside St. Vitus Cathedral

Another shot of St. Vitus

Castle entryway with the St. Vitus in the background

Wolfgang with the castle guard

A view from the top by the CastleJeff, Wolf and LJ at the Castle

Sophie and Wolf striking a pose

The Amos Clan posing - you can see the St. Vitus Cathedral way in the distance

Terry being...well Terry!

All the kids

Livvy and Wolf

John had a groovy GPS that allowed us to do some geo-caching - with Livvy loved! Here she is with a found cache.

In the mornings Jeff, Sarah & Terry went on coffee runs. We located a starbuck (but they were out of city mugs!) but anyway it was right along this lovely road with lead to some sort of museum.

Coffee!!

The St. Charles bridge at night

The Astronomical clock in the old town square

Sophie and Annie - love this photo!

The caslte in the Old Town Square

Go Ansbach Bears!

2009-10-27T08:45:00.004+01:00

Wolfgang played football for the first time this year and LOVED it. He played on the Ansbach Bears team - they played every Saturday. He got to travel and play at Hohenfelds, Vilseck, Bamberg, and of course on our home field in here in Ansbach, Germany! Was a great season. His last game is this Saturday in Bamberg. He is already talking about playing next year!

Post Game Shot. Action Shot
He played defensive safety this season.

Huddle

Another Action Shot.

Krakow, Poland

2009-08-05T19:52:00.007+02:00

Jeff & I snuck away for a weekend to Krakow, Poland. I think to date it rates on my all time top 3 favorite destination lists. I can't put my finger on why I loved it so much but I really did.

Jeff walking up to Wawel Royal Castle.

Jeff said if he lived here this would be his room.
The view from the top.
The horse at the entry way.In the courtyard of the Palace.Jeff wanted a photo take in front of the Buckeye trees in the Palace courtyard.

The Polish love Pope John Paul! He was all over Krakow! This was in the courtyard of the castle by the Wawel Catherdral.

This was the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

The Main old town Square was amazing - tons of outdoor resturants - we had pizza the first night and mexican the second night. There was also a place called Cloth Hall which was a long hall of vendors - mostly selling Amber. Cloth Hall is thought to be the oldest "mall" in history dating back 700 years. There was also horse drawn carriges lined up to take tourists on a tour of the city. A tower in the market square.

In Cloth Hall

Cloth Hall from the outside.

The Basilica of the Virgin Mary - this church was amazing.

Carriage rides in the square.

This was a neat row of buildings on the back side of the Main Market Square.

Pretty Flowers & Pretty Girl

2009-06-25T19:02:00.002+02:00

Some pretty pots I planted this year.

Sophie's new hair-do

All Smiles!

My Edelweiss

When in Germany one must have Edelweiss

An cute kitties!!!

Venice Gondola Ride

2009-05-31T22:26:00.006+02:00

We went for it and took the kids on a gondola ride in Venice - you only live once right? Anyway it was so cool. We got on right by the Church that was used in the Indianna Jones Movie and ended in the Grand Canal .

Sophie singing! This about sums up the ride - Olivia was mortified...along with the fact that she was nervous.
Check out the church in the back - it was in Indiana Jones!

Some crazy windowboxes!

How many kids can say they have taken a gondola ride in Venice??

Some of the Canals were pretty narrow. We had to pull over a few times to let other boats pass.

This is one of the few places where the gondolas and other boats have maintenance done.

Another boat repair shop. There were kayakers on the canal as well!

Out in the Grand Canal.

The kids enjoying thier ride.

Another shot of the Canal.

It was just so pretty! This was a great garden out on the water.

Leading out to the Grand Canal

I think Sophie made the Gondolier's day - they sang and laughed - it was really fun!

Venice Day One - Afternoon

2009-05-29T21:21:00.008+02:00

In the afternoon we made our way to the Rialto Bridge. The Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto) is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It is the oldest bridge across the canal and probably the most famous in the city.

Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico . On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. It was really really crowded! And Hot so we took some photos and decided to come back the next night for dinner when it was cooler...

The kids on the bridge.

More bridge shots.

The church of San Giacomo di Rialto in the sestiere San Polo is believed to be the oldest church in Venice and was supposedly consecrated in the year 421. It survived a fire in the Rialto in the early 1500s. It is notable for the large 15th century clock above the entrance, a useful item in the Venetian business district.

Jeff on the bridge.

It was pretty croweded around the bridge.

Front the other side...

The kids sitting for a while on the Grand Canal in the shadow of the Rialto Bridge...

This sidewalk deadended....

After the Rialto Bridge we decided to walk over to the Ghetto....We saw a bunch of Italian scouts along the way...

The Venetian Ghetto was the area of Venice in which Jews were compelled to live under the Venice Government. It is from its name, in the the Venetian language that the word "Ghetto", used in many languages, is derived. Here is a bakery storefront in the Ghetto.

The Ghetto

A shot of the Grand Canal . We loved watching the Gondolas.

Sophie posing by one of the many smaller canals that run all thru venice.

Wolfgang was getting hot so we had to get him a gondolier's hat. I think he has a future!

Fun with masks while we were buying Pins for Wolf and Jeff.

2009-05-27T21:50:00.003+02:00

We left Murano and headed back to Venice on Day two hoping - being Sunday night and all - that there would be less tourists around and we could enjoy a nice evening and dinner. We stopped first at Il Redentore, also called, Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, it is Andrea Palladio's great domed church on Giudecca, one of the islands of Venice. We tried to go insides but there was services going on so we just opted for photos on the front steps.

Coming into St. Marks Square on the boat you can see the 2 pillars out front that showed where the entrance to Venice was in years past.

We all thought this boat was pretty cool - it was called "Kisses"

We wanted to see this building on day one but I left my guide book in the gondola! So we could not remember were it was at - so we opted to go see it on Day 2. It is Hidden in a small courtyard at the end of a narrow "calle" near Campo Manin. It is called the 'Scala Contarini del Bovolo'. Is believed to be the work of Giovanni Candi, employed by Pietro Contarini to make a unique addition to his late-gothic palazzo. It is not easy to find - thank goodness Jeff can pretty much find anything.

Wolfgang in the alley leading up to the staircase.Olivia cannot be outdone by her brother!

A shot of the Rialto Bridge at dusk. We had a fantastic dinner in the shadow of the bridge. Wow - dinner at the Rialto bridge in Venice - who what have ever though I would get to do that!! It started to thunder a bit - with a few flashes of light as well so we decided to head back on the boat - what a great day!

A shot of the canal where there was a crooked bell tower - "can't the Italians build anything straight" Wolfgang said!

Murano

2009-05-26T22:31:00.008+02:00

On the second day of our great Italian adventure we bought a 12 hour water bus ticket and started the day by going to the Island of Murano. It is the island famous for its Glass - only about 10 minutes from Venice. Since it was a lot less crowded than Venice we really enjoyed it.

It was Sunday so there was not much action (which was fine by me) but we did catch one brief glass blowing demonstation of a horse. We did some shopping too and we all got some cool glass momentos to take home!

Loved the Flowers on this house!

The kids at the Glass Museum.
Kids taking a break.

Enjoying lunch by of the Canal Grande di Murano.

I love this - Glass flowers in the window boxes!

Some glass in the window of one of the many shops on Murano.

The church of Santa Maria e San Donato on Murano.

A shot of the Grande di canal Murano, lighthouse and way in the distance St. Marks Bell tower on Venice. I shot this out the museum's second story window.

Another Museum photo.

Awwww Livvy & Jeff on the boat to Murano.

Cute Amos Kids on a bridge over the Canal Grande di Murano.

This was called the Comet star. Jeff liked the tower in the back better than the glass.

Sophie Turns 8

2009-05-17T19:40:00.003+02:00

Sophie celebrated her 8th Birthday last Tuesday. Enjoy the photos!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T11:48:00.005+02:00

It was a beautiful Easter Sunday morning in Germany! The Amos Family got up bright and early to make it to Mass and get a seat before all the "oncers".

Out the door to church photos!

After chruch photos. "Mom the sun is so bright!"

"Try to keep your eyes open - but don't squint"

Sophie in front of our easter tree...

"Come on dad get in the photo with me!"

Kitty Cats

2009-04-11T22:31:00.003+02:00

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

Ike likes to hang out on the stairs to the attic and then swat at you as you go down to the first floor

Jack just like to be a bum!

Regensburg

2009-04-11T22:11:00.009+02:00

After Walhalla and the Ruins we finally made it into the city of Regensburg. It is a very old city which dates back to Roman Times. My camera was dying however so I did not get too many photos! It was a great city to stroll thru - and I don't think we saw it all, so we are definately planning a trip back.Here are a few shots of the Stone bridge - this is the oldest stone bridge still standing in Germany dating back to around 1200. This is a shot of the oldest sausage making kitchen in Germany called the Wurstkuchen. They just put a new batch of sausages on to cook! It was standing room only outsides so we took our sausages and ate down by the river and stone bridge.Can you tell we love our wursts!More Stone Bridge. The water was moving pretty fast.This was St. Peters in Regensburg. A beautful old church. We walked all in and around it. Wolfgang was very happy to see the Altar of St. Wolfgang in it! There was also an underground crypt where some bishops were buried.

Castle Ruins

2009-04-11T09:29:00.006+02:00

After we visted Walhalla we went to explore some castle ruins close by. The Castle dated back to 1200s. There was charts at the bottom that showed it in various states of construction...Here are a few photos of the exploration. Wolfgang putting on a show as usual.

Wolfgang thought that he could find some buried treasure and Jeff checking out what was the door hinges at one point.

This looked to be a wall the guards would have patrolled.

Sophie in a field of purple flowers.

A shot of Walhalla in the distance and the Danube.

This photo you can actually see thru the bottom window a boat on the Danube.

Another shot of Walhalla.

The entrance to the castle.

Looking up at the ruins.

Walhalla

2009-04-07T22:09:00.006+02:00

Last weekend the Amos Family headed to Regensburg, Germany and visited Walhalla the monument to great Germans. Jeff and the kids outside Walhalla The view of the Danube from Walhalla.

Inside Walhalla where you can see the busts of all the great German Minds. Einstein is on the bottom all the way right.

Inside Walhalla. Another view of the Danube.

The front of the Monument.

Another inside shot.

Wolfgang and Wolfgang.

More inside.

The kids with the statue of King Ludwig I.

Sophie

Wolf and Sophie on the steps up to Walhalla.

Another Front shot.

Sarah and Jeff.

A tree on the walk up we thought looked like an ant-eater.

We opted for the walk up versus paying for parking - it was a fantastic day for a walk!

Our leader Sophie!

The kiddos on the back side of the monument.

SNOW DAY!!!

2009-02-17T21:25:00.005+01:00

Today the roads were "Red" so we did not have to go to work and the kids got a snow day! Sophie and Wolfgang hard at work shoveling.

Haus Amos

I know they look like they are helping dad - but don't be fooled!

Olivia cleaning off the truck.

The neighbors yard...

Wolfgang enjoyed the good snowball making snow.

Sophie being crazy.

Awwwww aren't they cute!!

and crazy...

More snowballs...

Snow angels too!

A shot of our garden house in the back yard.

The snowman that you have to build on a snow day!

Rock and Roll Stars!

2009-02-17T10:34:00.003+01:00

Wolfgang and Olivia rocking out!

Pinewood Derby

2009-02-04T21:36:00.008+01:00

Wolfgang had the Pinewood Derby last Saturday. He came in third in his Den. The Track.

Ready to Race!

Getting his trophy.

This years car was a "Tech Deck" It looked pretty cool!

Here is the video of one of his races. He is on the Yellow track - sorry about the sideways video - I have got to remember to not turn my camera when taking videos!

Happy Birthday to Jeff and Olivia!

2009-02-02T21:34:00.003+01:00

Olivia turned 11 this year and Jeff turned 24 again!

The Birthday Girl.

Olivia's cake - she picked a horseshoe this year.

ROCK BAND!!!

Movies...

Jewlery...what more could a girl asked for?

Jeff's cake - he chose batman :) Jeff and the kids on his birthday!

Awards

2009-02-02T21:19:00.003+01:00

Since it was the end of the second grading cycle the kids had an awards assembly. (Sophie's class did not give awards this cycle). Wolfgang received an award for meeting 2 Accelerated Reader goals (back right corner in the black). He is reading at a 5th grade level!

Olivia also received an Accelerated Reader award.

Olivia also received an award for being on the all "A" honor roll - only 3 kids in her class got straight A's. That is her teacher standing to the right of her. She was pretty excited.

Jeff's Change of Command

2009-01-28T20:56:00.003+01:00

Last Friday Jeff took command of Bravo Company, 412th Aviation Support BN. It was a nice ceromony - though my camera died we still managed to get some photos. Wolfgang striking a pre-ceromony pose.

The traditional passing of the guidon.

Wolfgang had to take a photo of the flags...

A rare Amos family photo.

Cake #1 with the aviation insignia on it.

Cake #2 with the BN crest on it.

Jeffrey's New Toy

2009-01-11T17:31:00.005+01:00

Jeff picked up his new Harley-Davidson Bike last week. For those of us (mainly me:) that are not Harley savvy, it is a Harley Fat Boy. The color is a very pretty Flame Blue Pearl. He had to go to a Harley dealer in Ludwigshafen, Germany to pick it up. We thought it would not be delivered until much later this year but better early than late! However, he cannot ride it until he takes the Army's Bike safety course in the spring...again. My photos do not do the bike justice.Here is the new and the old, his poor old bike (in the background) was severely damaged in the move. That is NOT the Harley leaking...it was from Jeff's old bike :).

Front Shot.

Jeff was thrilled (as you can see) of me taking photos of him when it was all of about 7 degrees outside.

I think he looks pretty darn good on it!

Walking into the Past

2009-01-05T22:08:00.010+01:00

Most of you know that Jeff is a pretty big history buff - so he has been researching old WWII sites to see if anything is left to go explore. This site we came across is just right down the road from our post Katterbach (where we are stationed). Katterbach started life as a Nazi Airfield - the attacks on Poland were flown out of here. So the following photos are of a site that was used to zero in the guns mounted on the aircraft. They built up these big berms with a huge slab of concrete at the end and shot between berms into the concrete. This was a hole at the end of the berm right before the concrete slab - Jeff thinks it was were they could go under there and a hole in the roof allowed a target to be raised up to site the gun in on.
Another shot of the targeting hole.

Liv & Wolf desending into the hole.

The hole - filled with water and ucky stuff. You can see the hole in the top.

This is taken from the top of the berm. They are looking at the hole that the targets were raised out of. This photo you can see what remains of the long berms.

Sophie standing on top of a berm.

Livvy probing for something. The kids liken it to a treasure hunt and Liv thought there had to be buried treasure! It is a really cool way to teach the kids history - they ask some interesting questions for sure! Totally beats a museum :)

This the mound at the end of the berm - that dark line you see is actually a huge slab of concrete.
This pile of concrete that was probably a inclosure of some kind, long ago collapsed - it was beside the berms. Not sure was it was, but by the thickness of the concrete is was pretty substantial.

You could get under the collasped concrete. - filled with water and more ucky stuff.

This is the hole on the other side of the collapsed structure.

The back of the collapsed stucture.

Another shot of the back.

Take a photo of me mom!

This was the geocache that was there. Livvy thought this was the coolest thing in the world and can't wait to find more!

This tree was growing out of the side of the collasped inclosure. That flat area behind Livvy was a huge piece of collapsed concrete - most likely the roof.

Santa Came - even in Germany!!

2009-01-05T21:18:00.009+01:00

The kids were relieve that yes indeed Santa did find them in Germany!! Christmas Morning - all smiles!

Stockings Rule!

Coffee Rules!
Sarah's Wii Rules!!

Awww a "Just Like Me" American doll for Sophie!

This is what happens when customs opens your presents...and tapes them back together! And Jammies to match our "Just Like Me" American dolls!

WOOOO HOOOO Guitar Hero ROCKS!

Jack LOVED all the ribbons and bows and excitement - and oh yes knocking the ornaments off the tree!

Ike Loved his new yellow mouse - it wore him right out!!

'Twas the Night before Christmas...

2008-12-27T11:11:00.003+01:00

All dressed up for Christmas Eve Mass.

Sophie Loved her hat!

The girl's dresses were American Girl dresses. Olivia loved that she had fur on her dress.

Wolf asked for and picked his tie out! He wanted a real one - no clip on!

New Christmas Jammies.

New Jammies from American Girl!

Cookies out for Santa.

All ready for bed.

Happy 9th Birthday Wolfgang

2008-12-21T21:38:00.006+01:00

Wolfgang picked a Chinese place called the Mayflower for his birthday dinner.

" Take a picture of me with my napkin on my head mom!"

Indiana Jones hat a whip cake.

Yep mom forgot the candles!

Putting up the Tree

2008-12-21T11:55:00.006+01:00

We were a bit late getting the Amos Family tree up this year but we liked how it turned out. The finished product.

Happy children waiting for christmas.

More happy kids.

Sophie carefully placing an ornament on the tree.

Wolfgang decorating it up.

Olivia hanging an ornament.

Sophie watching the lights go on.

Ike and Jack "helping".

Wolfgang

Ike testing out the tree.

Olivia helping with the lights.

Wolfgang supervising.

Sophie's Christmas Party

2008-12-21T11:48:00.001+01:00

Sophie's Class had a christmas party at school in which she requested me to make a cake for.

Snowy Ansbach

2008-12-15T10:20:00.004+01:00

It started snowing last Wednesday and did not let up until sometime on Saturday. Jeff and I headed downtown on Friday to try to finish up our Christmas shopping so I clicked a few photos of the snow covered town.

This is the Brucken (Bridge) Center - the closest thing to a mall here.This is taken from the bridge that lead from the brucken center to the Aldstadt (old town). Jeff is standing on the same bridge - you can see the church steeples of old town in the background.

Another snowy shot from the bridge.

This is in the Old town where they hold the christmas market.

Christmas Market.

More Christmas Market.

Jeff in front of a typical booth.

Kitty Christmas Fun

2008-12-15T10:16:00.001+01:00

Jack and Ike "helping" with Christmas gift prep!

Rothenburg Christmas Market

2008-12-06T12:17:00.005+01:00

Last weekend we headed over to the Christmas Market at Rothenburg. It has grown substantially since the last time we were there. Thrilled as always :)

The Main Square.

One of the main roads leading to the square.

Sophie riding the carousel. The carousel is a staple at the markets along with my personal favorite Gluhwien.

Wolfgang in front of a big door :)

The big door was connected to this building - I thought it was neat with all the shrinking doors. Each has a bar above it that I assume was used as part of a pully system to host stuff into the doors.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T23:06:00.007+01:00

The Bird - yes it was yummy and no we did not get poisoned from the stuffing!

The Thanksgiving day table - Jeff got me the flowers for our anniversary which was Tuesday.

Jeff enjoying some wine before dinner.

Sophie watching to see if Jeff is really going to cut the turkey...which he did to her dismay and she left the room.

Jeff cutting the bird.
Everyone at the table.
Look into these eyes....you will give me turkey....now! Ok Ike got turkey - Sophie saw to that!

Wooo Hooo SNOW!

2008-11-22T10:56:00.006+01:00

Sophie just came in and has a rosy glow from being out in the snow!

The ganster sweeping out the drive for his dad :)

Or is he just using the broom as a guitar...or sword...or gun...or who knows but the drive is swept!

Look at that pretty girl! Olivia is stand in front of our lavender house :)

Here is our front garden and our lovely german street. We like our small quiet town.

Here is the drive and my snowy truck that does not fit in any of our garages...dang it. There is a garage straight ahead - and that long building to the right is another garage that can take both our little cars.

A shot of the kids from the front door....well my feet were cold as I stupidly went out in my bare feet to get a few shots of the kids sweeping the snow.

Cheese!!

Oh and since I had the camera out I took a shot of the kitchen for Jen...she wanted to see. I think the only color of tile the Germans have is brown....But it is a big kitchen for German standards. We like it. Oh were is the fridge you ask? Well it is right by the window - yep it is that small. But the army graciously gave us a big one which is down in the basement.

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-16T21:21:00.008+01:00

Well we are about 95% moved in now so I thought I would take some photos for the blog of the new house. It is still a bit in shambles - so just ignore any messes :) Here are the kids sitting at our kitchen table (the kitchen is to the right of the table but it is not really exciting) We have had to use wireless on the laptops until we can find a cord long enough to snake downstairs from the router upstairs! German houses generally only have one telephone outlet (only DSL here too). Our outlet happens to be on the wrong floor and wrong end of the house from the office!

Here is the room we made our family room with the TV and all. And Jeff said I would never get the couch to fit again!

This is where we hope to get a dining room table some day. This is the Living/dining room. Right next to the corner hutch there is a door that leads out to our balcony.

Here is the other side of the living/dinning room. That is our fireplace there on the left.

A front shot of the fireplace.

There is the Sauna room. That on the left is a tanning bed and you can also see the shower in the room - it is the biggest shower I think. We have not figured out where to put Jeff's recliner yet - so it is in there. You can see out the door to the dinning room.

This is the hallway upstairs - pretend you are standing at the top of the stairs. (that ohio state sweatshirt is on the stair post) Down where Jack is standing is the door to Wolf's room. The stairs up is to the attic - which we don't use - the owners stored stuff in it. The family room is right off the the right. To the left is the hall that leads to the kitchen, master bedroom (which is right across from the kitchen, the living room & Sauna.

Here is a shot of Wolf's messy room.

Another shot of the mess - and Jack :)

This is the hallway that you walk into from the front door (pretend it is right behind you) The stairs up is the stairs you are standing at the top of in the last photo. If you turn to your immediate left the office is there. Olivia's room is to the left of the bunny bench. There is a bathroom to the right of the bunny bench. Sophie's room is down the hall to the right. Why is my buffet in the hall you ask? Because they could not get it up the stairs. As it was they had to lift my TV Cabinet up over the balcony! They probably could have lifted the buffet up over the balcony too but it was in almost the last crate they opened (we had 16 crates) and the movers were pretty tired!

Sophie's Messy room - Gosh Sophie make that bed!! Another shot of Sophie's messy room.

Here is Olivia's Room - She got the biggest room! Another shot of her room!

Here is the messy office/scrap shack. This the the final room that needs organization - as you can probably see. We have ignored it thus far but it will get done soon!

Another messy office shot.

Well there you have it. If the weather is nice tomorrow I will try for some outside shots :)

Back in the Saddle

2008-11-12T21:19:00.004+01:00

We finally found Olivia a place to ride! Here are a few shots of her riding "Nimbo". Her instructor speaks awesome english and Olivia is getting one-on-one lessons ... which for the first lesson she thought was a bit wierd. But never the less she is happy to be back in the Saddle!The Arena is soooo clean - hardly any dust at all and well lit too! They even pick up the poo when the horse goes instead of letting it all blend in!

Sophie likes to tag along -she is not riding yet. So she must entertain herself for the hour!

Sunday Biking

2008-10-07T11:20:00.004+02:00

The bikes were fixed and that weather was perfect so we went on a great bike ride last sunday and enjoyed the germany countryside!

Nurnburg

2008-10-07T11:02:00.004+02:00

Last Saturday we went the Nurnburg - mainly to go to the Jack Wolfskin store...but there was also a market going on in the square - so we did some local shopping and picked up a few things!Kids posing on one of the many bridges leading to the square.
Yep it was raining on and off all day - those rain jacket we bought last month are sure coming in handy! The girls on another bridge.

I got a cool new basket at the marked for the low price of 5 euros - we are trying to go native!
Sophie finding something hanging from the ceiling really exciting - she hooked up with some groovy slippers and Wolfgang finally got a pocket watch - so he is all about what time it is now.
Jeff doing some wet shopping.

Sunday Strolling

2008-10-07T10:47:00.004+02:00

Sunday's in Germany are very low-key. Nothing is open (by law) except maybe the occasional Guesthouse. Most folks relax on Sunday and take long walks or bike rides. We decided to embrace the local customs and took a stroll thru the local castle in the town we currently are living in - Litchenau Sophies bike was the only one that made it out of hold baggage unscathed. So she got to ride while the rest of us walked since our bikes were in the shop!!

This was the church right outside the walls of the castle.

Wurzburg

2008-10-07T10:32:00.006+02:00

Since we still don't have a home - or our stuff...we have been trying to get out as much as possible on the weekends. This was a day trip we took to Wurzburg. Luck was on our side and there was a street festival going on! It was a fun day.Jeff and the kids standing on the bridge in Wurburg. You can see the castle from this bridge.This guy was also on the bridge - yes those are fish he is cooking and yes people were buying and eating them!!!A view of the castle from the bridge.Seasoned travelers.This is the Residence in Wurzburg - we did not get a chance to go in but we walk all around the gardens - which were amazing. My photos do not do it justice!I loved the pointy trees.

Rothenburg

2008-10-07T10:25:00.005+02:00

Rothenburg is one of our favorite little towns in Germany. It is also the most photographed town in Germany. Here are some photos of a trip we made a few weeks ago - sorry the photos are not so good - they were taken with my phone :)This is the most photographed spot in Germany!!Walking the outer wall of the city.Wolfgang out in front of St. Wolfgang's Church - it is really OLD and built right into the wall that circles the town.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

2008-09-16T18:32:00.004+02:00

Ok so this pretty much sums up the weather the day we went to King Ludwig's II most popular castle. This is the one in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the one Cinderella's castle was designed after. Can't you tell? Well despite the weather the we had a fun day - and the inside of the castle was spectacular. This is taken from the parking lot - if you look really hard you can see the castle.
Taken once we got up to the top.Taken on the hike up.

Outside a store in the town at the base of the moutian the castle is on.

The Scenic Route

2008-09-16T09:47:00.005+02:00

On the way to Schloss Neuschwainstein we took the scenic route from Garmish via Austria and ran across this very cool Dam. It is called the Lechfall. It is part of a series of flood control and hydro-electric dams. The kids had fun running around looking at the water however the bridge bounced up and down a bit more than we would have liked!It was raining and cold!! If you click on the photo to make it bigger you can see the high water mark dates - I would not want to be there when the water was that high!!
A cool spot for a photo - we ran into other Americans there. They were Geo-cacheing with their GPS.

Schloss Linderhof

2008-09-15T09:05:00.002+02:00

This past weekend we headed south and stayed at the new Armed Forces Recreation center in Garmish - it is a new big hotel with over 300 rooms, several restaurants, a spa, and pool. The kids had a great time swimming in the pool. The weather was horrible - rainy and cold but that did not stop the Amos Family. Saturday we went to visit one of many castles build by Ludwig II. This is a small castle know for its beautiful grounds and Fake Grotto that Ludwig built for his own personal music performances. He wanted a grotto - did not have one - so he built a fake one! It is a small castle and Ludwig spent only a few days a month here since he was made to be in Munich most of the time working.

The front of the Schloss Linderhoff.This fountain and garden were on the side of the castle This fountain was behind the castle.

Another view of the fountain behind the castle. This fountain is fed by water run-off from the mountains surrounding the castle.
This view is from way behind the castle.
The kids found a tree stump on the way to the grotto - which was about a 10 minute hike up the mountain behind the castle.
Part of the pathway leading up to the grotto.The inside of the Grotto. It is all fake! The tour guide told us that it had the first electric lights installed in German. He had red, green and blue!

Another shot of the Grotto with the painting backdrop.

This is where the King sat (where the red light is) to watch the performers. The blue light is where his guests would sit -however Ludwig never had any guests. He built this Grotto because apparently every time he would go to the Opera all the people would stare at him instead of the Opera - he found this very distracting so he built his own.

Here is the Grotto lit up in Red.

Jeff and the kids on the stage of the Grotto (the boat is in the background).

Kings Island

2008-09-12T08:44:00.001+02:00

We took a day and when to Kings Island when we were at Ohio visiting Jeff's family this August. Jeff's Dad and Sister Heather enjoyed the day with us as well!

The Last Ride

2008-08-21T04:11:00.000+02:00

The Watkin's C Ranch has been a huge part of our lives these past 2 years. Olivia and Sophie learned so much about horses and grew to love them so much. It was really hard to leave. Here are some photos of the last ride....Sophie rode in the outside arena for one hour and Olivia convince her parents and Charles (which was not very hard) to let her ride 2 hours.
Here are some photos of the ranch where we spent so much time over the last two years. We will really miss it.

The girls were not the only ones who loved the ranch - Wolfgang became really good friends with Charles too and got one last ride on the bobcat before we left!

Thanks Charles....

Welcome Home Daddy!!

2008-08-07T05:14:00.000+02:00

After 15 long long months Jeff finally made it home last Sunday - the reunion was great! Here are some photos of the homecoming prep.

Quiet Time

2008-06-19T15:19:00.000+02:00

Mostly summer is crazy time at the pool and running around the neighborhood with a gang of friends but here is Wolf and Jack taking a break :)

Crazy Kansas weather

2008-06-16T06:08:00.000+02:00

The weather this year has been just insane here. First we had a thunderstorm move about 10am this morning that poured cats and dogs - my sump pump has not stopped running for around 5 days now. I am just waiting for it to burn itself up. But tonight was so weird - we were out watching a very dark cloud coming right at us - we could see the line of the rain shower moving towards us - and then it hit us with the added bonus of golf ball to baseball size hail!! All I have to say is thank goodness for the garage!! Here are some photos of the hail - which the kids decided to pick up and put in the freezer so that dad can see it when he gets home!

Take me out to the ball game!

2008-06-02T06:08:00.001+02:00

We went to a KC Royals game today - It was family day at the stadium so each kid got a Otter build a bear. We went early so we could tailgate first. It was really fun though it was really really hot today - 94 degrees!!!
Here is Olivia enjoying her hot dog!

Ainsley and Sophie having some lunch before going into the game

Here is Wolfgang trying to catch a fowl ball - alas none were hit close enough!

Olivia and Sophie with thier Royal hats and royals Otters.

Wolfgang and Mom (I know it is a really bad photo but I always get in trouble for not posting any of me - so really I was there!)

Another Day living the Dream

2008-06-02T06:01:00.001+02:00

Here is a couple of photos I took of the rainbow that was over our little "Truman Show" neighborhood yesterday :)

Omaha Zoo

2008-05-28T17:18:00.001+02:00

Over Memorial Day weekend we went to the Omaha Zoo - it was fantastic! Here are some photos from the trip!

Happy Birthday Sophie

2008-05-13T21:10:00.000+02:00

Sophie turned 7 on Monday - here are some photos from the grand event.

Jeff and his Counterpart

2008-04-28T19:53:00.000+02:00

Here is a photos of Jeff and his latest Iraq counterpart. He likes the guy and apparently they have similar tastes in movies!

Wolfgang and the Bobcat

2008-04-23T17:53:00.000+02:00

While Olivia was riding on Tuesday Wolfgang decided to help Mr. Charles do some maintenance on the farm...Here he is driving the Bobcat - boy did he think that was great fun!

Bobcat Video

Olivia Horsing Around

2008-04-23T17:40:00.001+02:00

Here are some photos of Olivia's Riding lesson on Tueday. You can see how it got progressively dustier out there! YUK!

Here is a Video Clip

Here is the after look - nope nothing dainty about riding horses!! The horse she loves to ride is named Auggie - she has only thrown Olivia once!

Wolfgang's First Communion

2008-04-22T18:21:00.000+02:00

Here is some photos of Wolfgang's First Communion. They had a special mass last sunday for all the kids - the day was beautiful and he did great.

The Lady is Sister Mary Monica his teacher and the priest if father David - a carmilite - super nice person!

Deana Rose Farm

2008-04-07T20:42:00.000+02:00

Last weekend we took a trip to the Deana Rose Farm (which is in south Kansas City). It is a great place with tons of animals and activities for the kids. They got to Fish, Feed goats, Mine for stones and pony ride to name a few. We went with our neighbors Heather, Brian and Skylar who is 2. Much fun was had by all! Enjoy the photos

Olivia, Wolfgang & Sophie - it was cold out to start with!

Wolfgang coming down the Barn Slide.
Awwwwww Bunnies are so soft and cute!!

Lots of fishing going on - Sophie got 2 and Wolfgang caught 1!

Wolf feeding the goats

Mining for gold
What is a farm without tractors and farmers!

Jack Antics

2008-04-03T23:19:00.000+02:00

Jack was helping me unload grocerys the other day!

Last Race-o of the Season

2008-03-24T15:48:00.001+01:00

This past saturday was the last Race-0 of the season for the girls. Olivia was pretty bummed out for sure. Both the girls did really well. Olivia got bucked off her horse in the last event - HARD. It was kinda scary but she got back up and rode the event like a pro (though on a different more calm horse). She ended up the day with 4 ribbons which is awesome in her tough age group. Here she is riding the "Keyhole" event. You have to get your horses thru both sets of poles, turned around, and back as fast as you can.

Easter Fun

2008-03-24T15:45:00.000+01:00

Here are some photos of the budding culinary architects who built an Easter Bunny House on Easter.

HOPPY EASTER!

2008-03-24T15:30:00.000+01:00

Though it actually snowed on Easter here, fun was had by all! Here are the kids after church in thier pretty clothes all fancy for the day! Jack even wanted in on the photo ops!

Back to the Desert

2008-03-17T17:05:00.001+01:00

It was very very sad but Jeff had to go back to Baghdad after a great few great weeks of R&R with the family....anyhow he got stuck at the Baghdad airport due to a sandstorm so he was able to track down Rob our old friend and neighbor from Fort Monroe. Here is a photo they took. Small Army that is for sure.

Napping

2008-03-07T23:00:00.000+01:00

Of course all the kids got sick the first week Jeff was home on midtour, but it allowed for some good nap time on the couch. :)

Jungle Cat

2008-03-07T22:57:00.001+01:00

Ike is the first cat that we have had that is an outdoor cat. Yesterday he decided to climb the tree!

More Great Wolf Lodge

2008-03-03T03:00:00.000+01:00

More photos from Great Wolf Lodge...

Great Wolf Lodge

2008-03-01T23:30:00.000+01:00

Jeff finally made it home for midtour leave and we headed out to Great Wolf Lodge for a little R&R with the kids!

Better Late than Never

2008-02-04T22:55:00.000+01:00

I know I am late on getting out the christmas photos...but here are a few of the festivities at the Amos house this year. It was bittersweet since Jeff could not be with us in person...though he was on the webcam so that was nice!

It is all about the HORSES!!

2008-02-04T21:16:00.000+01:00

Most of you know that Olivia and Sophie are totally horse crazie :) They are both ride in lessons weekly and then compete in Race-os on saturdays. There are 6 events in each raceo: Barrels, Flag, stake, poles, keyhole and leadback. Here are some photos and videos of them riding...enjoy!

Almost Half Way Home!!

2008-02-03T22:17:00.000+01:00

If there is anyone out there who does not know Jeff is deployed in Iraq right now. He gets to come home this month for his mid-tour leave so that means we are almost half way thru this year deployment! YEAH! Here are a few photos of him in Iraq.

Olivia Turns 10!

2008-02-03T21:44:00.000+01:00

Wow can you believe that she is so grown up! She had a great birthday with a huge cupcake cake at home and a cupcake cake for school with her webkinz kitty on the cake!

Jumping on the Blog Wagon

2008-02-03T21:37:00.000+01:00

Well since I can not ever seem to get our homepage updated...I guess we will just jump on the Blog wagon and do a blog instead! This way I can just post all the new things going on with us!