The Grand Canyon 2011

As part of our Memorial weekend excursion we stopped for a quick view of the Grand Canyon. We knew that with two toddler boys, we would not be doing any high adventuring. No long hikes, donkey rides to the bottom, or doorless helicopter rides. It was strictly a drive-by, sight seeing excursion; but well worth the drive!

Look at those views!
Truely amazing!

Here the girls are, at the old look out tower.
You may notice that their aren't many pictures of the boys. I wondered why that was for maybe a nanosecond, then it dawned on me. All the pictures I have of the boys are away from the view...next to shrubs, trees and the trail...well AWAY from any kind of edge to a seemingly bottomless canyon! Yes, I am a bit paranoid, but only because I don't put anything past these boys! They are much too quick, and there are two. It always seems like we are pulling one out of trouble, only to find the other in trouble and needing saving too.

Anyway, It was a fun trip. The girls were awed and amazed. Hannah didn't even want to get out of the car (pouting because we had entered a "scenery pause" where all electronics;i.e. Nintendo d.s., must be turned off). "Why do I want to see some dumb old canyon?" she says. Then she gets out, her jaw drops open and all she can say is "WOW"!!!

As a sidenote, I do apologize for any mispelled words. When I use the spell checker it selects all my words as mispelled. I think because I am on a German network, so all my words are mispelled in German! Still working on how to change that, just one of the fun quirks you encounter when international.

The 2010/2011 School year is finished!

The kids all did really well this year. We couldn't be happier or prouder. We wanted to give a special shout out to Anya. She recieved the "Presidential Academic Achievment Award", signed personally by the President of the U.S.A. . Way to go Anya!!!

Last California Camping Trip

We went on one last camping trip before we left California. There is a nice little area we like to camp at that is only about 20 min. from our house. It is called Rainbow Basin, and the rock formations there are really very beautiful. Our kids love to camp, and the boys are no exception. They really got into helping dad find firewood, set up camp, cook the foil dinners, stoke the fire. Mom almost had a nervous breakdown...but we made it through the weekend without any disasters, thankfully!

What is a camping trip without smores. Our kids (like most I am sure) are smore-aholics.
It was really windy that night, so windy that the wind was blowing our tent up even when staked. So we had put a cooler in the corner that was blowing around. Right at bedtime we realized the cooler had been leaking water all over Anya's sleeping bag. It was completely soaked to the point of being able to wring cups full of water out of it. So she got the airmattress and mom and dad's sleeping bags with the boys. Mom and dad got the hard ground with a few blankets. Luckily it was a very warm night!

Cora loves to camp! And snack!!

Matt and the girls went exploring for awhile, and they came across some interesting, yet gross, finds in the desert. Hannah's bones still have the claws attatched!

As we were driving away we came across a desert tortoise. We had seen these in captivity, there are some kept at Fort Iriwn, but never in the wild. They are an endangered species, so we thought it was cool that we got to see them. Fort Irwin has to obey all these different kinds of regulations because it is located right in these turtle's habitat. We saw this one on the side of the road, basking in the sun.

It was a fun adventure! My goal is to get my blog updated this week. We will see how I do! I know it has been slow going, but I don't have internet yet. Can you believe it! We had put in the request (here it is a request), and even got a confirmation letter in the mail. Well, we waited and waited and our phone/interenet was never turned on. Finally the translater (bless her) in Matt's office, called the company for us. Come to find out the canceled the request because there was an active phone line already from the previous tenant until July 19th. Well, instead of just hooking us up on the 20th, they canceled the request altogether and never notified us (we are finding out very quickly that customer service is very different out here). So we put the request back in, and supposedly it should be up and running the beginning of August. Crossing fingers! Until then, I have to go to the local USO if I want to use the internet....it is not far, but time consuming with kids. So we will see if I complete my goal!

We are now the German Jeppson Crew

We made it to Germany. We stayed in Grafenwohr for about 10 days, and then moved to our new home in Netzaberg. It has been glorious so far, I love being in Europe. We don't have a car right now, but we haven't let that stop us. We have some awesome friends here that are letting us borrow their Chevy Traverse, and we have also been taking the train. The German train system is amazing, and cheap! So far we have been able to go where ever we want to go for 15 to 30 Euro total! Awesome, and cheaper then gas! I will post more as my internet connection gets better. For now, this picture is the trademark of Grafenwohr. This is the "Forst Hause" and the water tower. Both were built in the early 1900's, and were the main residence for the chief forester. Now, the Forst Hause, houses the commander of Grafenwohr. It is gorgeous, and built using the romantic swiss style. I was hoping to find a house just like it...but alas, I had no such luck. Instead we are in a modern duplex...but that has it's perks too. That is for a later post! Just know we are here, and enjoying Germany!

It's your Birthday, shout HOoray!

Happy Birthday Corinne Cate, aka: Cora

You were our third daughter to be born. We were so excited to have you. We have always known that you would be special, sweet and kind. Your spirit is very pure. When I was about 6 months pregnant with you, I was sleeping in one morning with dad. My stomach was pressed up against dad's back, and he laid awake feeling you kick against him. He felt the veil thin, and he said it felt like his spirit touched yours. From that moment on, you were very special to him. You two continue to have a close bond, you will always be our "baby Cora"!

Your birth was the easiest out of all you 5 kids. It went so smooth, the doctor kept saying it was a "textbook" delivery. Everything went exactly how it was supposed to go. I was in a room that was connected to another delivery room by a bathroom. The lady next to me (in the other room) delivered the same day I did. Her baby would just cry and scream...almost constantly. Then there was you, so sweet and special. You would just sleep, and when you would wake up you would just look around. I don't think you did anything more then squeak those first few days. I remember feeling very sorry for the lady next to me, and very lucky to get such a sweet natured baby such as you. That is how you have always been!

We love how you take care of everyone. We love how you love everyone. And we love that you are in our family!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Cora!

The Boys First Visit to Disneyland!

With weekends left in California down to the single digits...we are madly chipping away at our "bucket list". We really wanted to go to Disneyland one last time, while we lived so close. Luckily Disney still has an amazing deal for military, so it was very do-able. This trip was extra special, because it was the boys first time!

Hunter's first Disney line ( we all know that standing in outrageous lines is part of the "Disney experience")
Jack stood in the same line, and it was his first, ever Disney line too!
It was the Buzz lightyear ride.

Cora Hanging out in Mickey's house

I think that this was the boys favorite "ride", the water fountain in Toon Town.

First meeting with Mickey

Jack is so tuckered out

On the "BIG" Ferris wheel

This was a milestone trip for the girls. Anya was brave, after a few minor roller coasters under her belt from different parks, and decided to conquer Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, and the California Screamer (which goes upside down!). Go Anya! The little girls gathered up their courage and braved the rapids of the Grizzlybear. They got soaked of course, but were in good spirits still at the end.

At the end of the ride, and our visit at Disneyland.

Soaked but feeling silly.

Disney magic!

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Hannah Elise Jeppson joined our family 9 years ago ( I can't believe you are 9 already!) on the afternoon of a stormy, spring, Ohio afternoon.

The night before you were born, Hannah, a major storm system ripped threw Ohio. There were tornadoes outside of town, and all night we listened to tornado sirens going off. By morning, it was still grey and wet, but the severe weather had stopped. Off to the hospital we went, and the Doctor was so happy because you arrived right during his lunch break so he didn't have to cancel any patient appointments. So good of you! You were born with lots of dark, dark hair...and right off we noticed the dimple in your left cheek!

We often say that you are our "little buckeye" because you were born right in sight of The Ohio State University Stadium. You are the spice in our family, you keep things real and unpredictable and we love you for it. You are so zainy, and always coming up with silly stories, games and jokes. You don't get along very well with you sisters, but I think that is because you like to be in charge...and they don't necessarily want you to be in charge of them :0 However, you are perfectly great and wonderful big sister to your brothers. You hate to hear them cry or see them upset (anyone for that matter...it really bothers you when someone is sad) and you are quick to help them and make them happy again. We love you Hannah...you are so great to have in our family. Our family wouldn't be complete without you!

We hope your special day is wonderful!