Oktoberfest Shenanigans!

We had lots of fun at Oktoberfest this year. We are lucky that we get to have so much fun with different friends at this every year.

In addition to celebrating with Steve's cousins, I celebrated a friend's birthday at the Käfer tent. We had such a fun timing dance and singing and celebrating her.

Charlotte, Birthday girl Lois, Missy & Wendy

Steve and I try every year to spend an afternoon date there, having lunch and people watching. Oktoberfest is full of all sorts of very unique sites and people.

And we had a fabulous night out with friends. Most of the photos are a wee bit blurry, I think this guarantees that lots of fun was had!

Heading in for an evening of fun!

Steve's Bavarian Lego Man had a lot of fun too!

Roscoe's Oktoberfest Visit

Chriss, Terry, Missy, Steve, Louie, Charlotte & Rachel

Steve's cousin Terry and her family also live in Germany and for years we've been saying they should visit for Oktoberfest. Terry and I were determined to have a bier together. This year they finally made it happen.

The first day they were here we went to our favorite Monastery for the afternoon. Charlotte and Rachel entertained us with their phone creations that were prompted by a card game - Game of Phones.

Charlotte & Rachel

The next day was all about Oktoberfest. Rachel's friend Katie came with us and the four kids had a terrific time together.

Louie, Charlotte, Rachel & Katie

The bierwagons make for perfect photo ops!

Cute Girls!

And Terry and I did get to have that bier! It was so wonderful to have them here for a visit!

Terry & Chris

Ohio State vs USMA

Ohio State played West Point today. I was most assuredly a woman divided. I always want the Buckeyes to win, but a win for West Point would be amazing for Dominic and his classmates. Since we are making so many trips to the US this year the game wasn't in the cards or for me or West Point but Stefanie and AJ represented. They took their roommates Evan and Morgan too.

Evan, AJ, Morgan & Stefanie

Morgan & Stefanie

Even Evan & AJ look small in this chair!

They also got to meet up with my cousin Scott and his wife Joanie, as well as their friends and our friends Terry and Paul. Scott and Paul were West Point classmates and Scott introduced us to Paul and Terry when we moved to Germany. Another great small world connection!

Stefanie, AJ, Paul, Joanie & Scott

Terry & Stefanie

Happy 19th Birthday Stefanie!!

Happy, HAPPY 19th Birthday Stefanie! We are so lucky to have you in our lives! This girl is going to take the world by storm. She is already finding her way at Bowling Green. She had a fabulous time celebrating her birthday with AJ and her roommates!

AJ runs a Half-Marathon!

AJ

AJ ran his first half marathon today. It was the Boy Scout 13.1 in Bowling Green. Running a half marathon is no joke and requires real training and effort. We are so impressed that he trained and finished so strong!

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Stefanie and her roommate Haily get a shoutout too, they got up super early to drive AJ to the start and to cheer him on throughout the race.

AJ & Stefanie at the finish!

USMA Ring Weekend

What a fabulous weekend we had celebrating Dominic. Traditionally West Point Cadets receive their class ring at the beginning of their final year to honor The Long Gray Line. We were lucky enough to be able to make the trip to the US to celebrate with Dominic.  

We arrived on Thursday night and Dominic was able to leave campus to have dinner with us. We do love to maximize our time with him.

Panoramic view

Friday was the ring ceremony. It takes place overlooking the Hudson and it's incredible to see the Firsties march in and line up by company in their India Whites. It was hot and humid but somehow they have learned just not to think about the heat. Their commanding officer individually handed them their rings, it was a beautiful ceremony.

Dominic's Company

After the ceremony Dominic found us and we have to say, he is looking really happy to have reached this milestone at West Point. He also presented me with a necklace and Steve with a pin that are smaller versions of his ring. A really thoughtful, meaningful and sweet gift from him.

Super proud parents

Dominic and his friend Johnny are happy to show off!

Afterwards, the cadets head back to the barracks to change trying to avoid the plebes (freshmen) and they following them around and shout the ring poop at them. See the video above.  The words are as follow:

Oh my god, sir! What a beautiful ring!

What a crass mass of brass and glass!

What a bold mold of rolled gold!

What a cool jewel you got from your school!

See how it sparkles and shines?

It must have cost you a fortune! Please sir, may I touch it?

May I touch it please, sir?

We then spent the evening with Dominic, his two best friends Johnny and Michael and their families at a great steakhouse, enjoying really happy cadets. These families have been such a wonderful blessing to us over the last three years. We are all so happy our boys are such good friends.

Saturday night there was a dinner and a "hop" but we had the day free. We took a "quick" drive up to Albany to visit Steve's mom, his sister and her family. Dominic chose to spend the day this way and we were happy to oblige and enjoy the time with family. We forgot to take a lot of photos but did get some of our super cute great niece and great nephews.

Dominic and the twins

My favorite great-niece!

Saturday night was fun. We met more of Dominic's friends and enjoyed all of the cadets celebrating their start of their last year at USMA. We think Dominic looks pretty darn good in his India Whites too.

Dominic

Steve, Missy & Dominic

Michael and Dominic

Charles and Dominic

Life size version of the class ring

First Day of School!

It's that time of year! Everyone has started school!

Dominic is a FIRSTIE at West Point. That means he is a senior - one year to go. He's majoring in Environmental Science and looking forward to the privileges being a Firstie brings.

AJ is a junior at BGSU. He is majoring in Middle School Education and loving all things about it. He is also president of his Club Volleyball Team.

Stefanie is in her FIRST year at BGSU. We are excited to see where freshman year takes her, we know she is going to be awesome!

Rachel is a junior at Munich International School and now living the life of an only child. She's not sure she's a fan yet. She'll be busy this year - she starts the IB, soccer/basketball/track, and all her different activities, and of course friends. She's working hard to be busy enough for four kids.