Day 365: Kania Lodge Bound

This morning we made sure we had most of our luggage packed for our New Years getaway. We'll be staying at a lodge near Gdańsk and hope to see the town tomorrow. 

The work day ended at noon for us and then we left around 1 to head home. We got all of the luggage loaded up and got on the road around 2.

It's about a 4-5 hour drive, so we were hopeful we would make it there sooner than later with no issues. 

The drive was pretty good overall and Maddie even took a small nap. She woke up really needing to potty though and began screaming to pee in the grass. Thankfully, we were really close to a rest area, so we made a quick stop. We got back on the road and then stopped again for gas and food. 

After a few back roads, a phone call, and a few steep turns, we made it to the lodge we were staying at. We met up with a group of friends and enjoyed a 3 course dinner. We all put the kids down and then enjoyed drinks by the fire. It was a lot of fun overall and we can't wait to see more tomorrow and also bring in the new year with some great folks!

Goodnight. 

356-359: Prepping for Christmas

This entire week has been spent preparing for Christmas to some extent. Daniel and I worked Monday through Wednesday but stayed busy once we got home. We have also enjoyed watching a few Christmas movies this week. It's been fun! 

Today, we walked to the park. The sun was out and it was beautiful and in the 40s. Warm weather for December in Poland. Maddie asked to swing and enjoyed it for at least 20 minutes. She has always been so scared of it, so seeing her laugh and enjoy it was nice. 

We played on other toys and then left for treats. We got candy and drinks and made our way home. 

We found out a few Marines were going to be in and out during the evening, so we decided to take them their gifts earlier. We bought and wrapped each one a Nerf gun. Daniel and Caleb got in on the Nerf war as Maddie and I watched Polar Express. 

We made our way home and Facetimed with Nana and Poppy. We opened up presents from them and Aunt Chris. Maddie was so happy to see Minnie Mouse and later sat in her backpack with her princess dolls. She was a hoot. 

Caleb enjoyed the items he got and couldn't believe Florida family members could find so much GA gear. He loved every piece of it, and especially loved the note from Chris stating the cup was his and to not let us take it away. 

The kids played with everything and we watched Nana and Poppy open their gifts. Once our call ended we Facetimed with Jason and his family. 

The kids opened their gifts and both were incredibly happy. Maddie has a mermaid Barbie that blows bubbles and Caleb has a new baseball glove to break in. 

The kids and I also baked some cookies. They helped me get most of the ingredients together and then Daniel mixed it all together. It was fun! 

After 10, the kids went to bed and Daniel and I made breakfast casseroles. One for us and one for the Marines. Daniel then took the casserole and stocking stuffers for the Marines from the embassy and put it all together. It was nice they received so much! 

It's been a busy day, but a great one. We're looking forward to tomorrow. Merry Christmas! 

Monday: The Marines along with our DCM delivered toys to a local orphanage here. Toys for Tots was a huge success. 

Being a silly goofball. 

Kissing Buddy goodbye. 

Waiting on Santa. 

Goodnight!

Day 351-352: Waiting on Packages

I grouped these two days together because they're very similar.  Each morning started out okay.  Daniel had training on Thursday, so I got the kids off to school and then took the bus to work.  

It hasn't been very cold here, so it definitely doesn't seem like December, especially in Poland. 

Caleb had a great couple of days. He finished exchanging gifts with his secret Santa and enjoyed a class party on Thursday.  He also wrapped the gift for his secret Santa and he was surprised that it was that complicated. He said, "you wrap all of these (pointing to the presents)? That's a lot!"  At least he now realizes a little bit of effort goes into it.  He doesn't know his mama enjoys wrapping presents though. 

Maddie had a rough start to each day.  She has been waking up grumpy, so getting her dressed and all has been challenging.  She has had a few good days and seems to really enjoy school.  As soon as she gets there she begins speaking Polish to her teacher.  It's too cute. 

We had a few good days at work and have been impatiently waiting on packages we've ordered and folks have sent to arrive.  Hopefully, we'll get that in soon and be done with gifts!! 

We have a pretty busy weekend ahead so we have a lot to get ready for. 

Goodnight!

Day 344: Decorating the Christmas Tree

This morning we all got ready and made our way to school and work.  Traffic wasn't terrible, but there were definitely more cars on the road with Christmas in the air.  Daniel and I got to work, but we left for the mall at lunchtime.

We needed to pick up a few things and also do a little price checking.  I tried to find a few things I wanted to get the kids, but I didn't have much luck.  Maybe soon we'll be able to finish up a few of the remaining items.  We enjoyed a sandwich from Subway and then made our way back to the office.  It was pretty easy work day overall.  

When we got home Anna was there with the kids and they were playing games.  Maddie had a great day at school and Caleb got home pretty early.  Caleb has been listening to audio books, so he's made his way through one over the last few days.  He picked up another one and began it today.

We found something to eat for dinner and then cleaned up for the next day.  We then let the kids decorate the tree.  Daniel and I put the lights up and the kids hung some of their ornaments.  It took a long time to do hang a few ornaments, so we put the rest of it off until tomorrow.  Maddie received her Elsa ornament and loved that it played music.  She loves it!  We hung it in a place where she'd have easy access, so hopefully Elsa stays in the tree longer than not.

It's officially past everyone's bed time, so we're all off to bed.  Goodnight!  

Day 337: Long Wednesdays

This morning we got the kids off to school and began our drive to work.  We've had a lot going on the last few days, so we have both been pretty busy.  I took a lunch break to enjoy some German food with a friend and Daniel and I finished up some stuff before leaving for the night.

We arrived home to Anna and the kids playing in the basement.  They had a great time together, as usual.  We enjoyed some dinner and then had the kids take baths and get ready for bed.  Caleb is still working on his letter to Brody, so he fought through that a little more this evening.  He still has a bit more to do, but he's getting there.  Overall, the kids had a good day and evening and we enjoyed goofing off throughout the night. 

Day 330: Thanksgiving Prep

Today we made it to work and school just fine. When Daniel and I got off we went grocery shopping and got all of the items we needed to begin prepping for our Thanksgiving feast. 

We decided to get everything assembled tonight so the items could cook tomorrow. We got most of it done, and we were in bed by midnight! 

The kids were amazing and played quietly with their toys and electronics. Maddie is all about pretend play right now so she was parenting her dolls and preparing her own kitchen feast. 

Daniel and I prepared double amounts of food due to the large crowd we were expecting. Plus by having extra food, more leftovers can be shared. 

We are looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving dinner and are beyond ready to have all of the cooking done!

Day 323: Happy Babies

This morning Maddie woke up in a great mood. She was beyond ready to get downstairs and eat! Caleb made his way downstairs and got his lunch and stuff ready for school and then ate some cereal. 

Maddie was so excited to go to school. Before I was ready to take her she was asking to put on her shoes and jacket. When we arrived, one of her favorite teachers were there to take her. Maddie smiled and waved goodbye so she was definitely in a great mood today. Caleb got on the bus shortly after, and then I headed off to work. 

I had a pretty productive day overall. I was very busy with playing catchup but it wasn't too bad. My boss bought lunch for everyone, so that was definitely my highlight of the day. It was rainy, so the crappy weather made things a bit dreary. 

When I got home the kids were playing. Anna said Maddie loved playing with playdoh and that occupied her for an hour or so. 

I prepared supper (lovely leftovers) and the kids picked at their food, but didn't care for too much. We had some great laughs at the dinner table though. Maddie went to use the bathroom and as I was washing my hands she made her way back to her high chair. She stepped onto the chair beside her high chair and then crawled into her seat. She thought it was funny, so Caleb and I laughed along with her. At one point she had a laughing fit, after Caleb said something so it was pretty funny overall. 

We took baths before 7, and by 7:30 both kids were in bed. Maddie was out by 7:45 and I tucked Caleb in and kissed him goodnight a little before 8. We all had a great night! 

When I tell her to get into bed the following happens...

Notice the huge smile on her face here. 

Day 316: Happy Veteran's and Independence Day

This morning we all slept in a little longer than normal.  The embassy and schools were closed today in observation of Poland's Independence Day.  Daniel had training to do, so he had to work, but the kids and I were able to rest and catch up on some things around the house.

Caleb and Maddie lounged around this morning and watched cartoons while I threw together some food items.  I put together a chicken dish in the crockpot and started that, and then I made one of the Marines a cheesecake for his birthday per his request.  Hopefully, he'll enjoy it!

Once I finished up that fun, I hung out with Caleb and Maddie.  We played in the living room and read books.  I fixed the kiddos sandwiches with sides and Maddie ate half of it before lying on the floor with Elmo on the iPad and eventually falling asleep.

Because of the time of her nap on the floor (it was almost 1) I decided to give her about five minutes and then take her upstairs to her bed so she could get her nap out.  Daniel was coming home soon, and I didn't want the opening and closing of doors to wake her.  I moved her upstairs and she cuddled up to her lovey.  As soon as I made it back downstairs, I heard her crying.  I gave her a few minutes and then she came out of her room.  I went back up, tried to get her back to sleep, but instead we had conversations about apple juice and princesses.

After 30 minutes or so I let her get up, because at that point I was done and she was not going back to sleep.  Caleb got dressed and then went down the street to play with his friends.  Maddie and I played with her dolls and Daniel showed up shortly after that.  She was in a talkative mood when he arrived, so that was nice for him.

I spent a few hours during the afternoon editing pictures and uploading them to my hard drive to free up disk space on my computer.  It's a painful process, but I'm getting there!  Luckily, I did more than I had planned, so I'm hoping to get the most recent pictures from our Italy trip and all off my camera and uploaded to Shutterfly for sharing.

This evening was okay overall, but Maddie was pretty ill.  Caleb made it back and got his stuff together for school tomorrow and Maddie pitched a fit about various things.  She was also in a mood to tell Daniel and I no, so that got her in trouble, too.  After supper, she received a bath, Caleb showered, and both kids were put to bed.

At this point, Daniel is doing some research on his computer, and I'm still uploading pictures and writing this post. 

Finally, I would like to wish a happy Veteran's Day to all of our military branches, and a special thank you to my family members, including Daniel, who have served in various wars for our freedom.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all you did, whether you wanted to or not (due to the draft, I know a few didn't have a choice).

We're off to bed shortly (or I am at least) so goodnight and God bless!

Day 307 - 310: Getting Back to Normal

This week (Monday through Thursday) we spent the time trying to recover from our previous vacation, but also catch back up on normal routines.  We had to get our sleeping back on track, as well as our chores.  Rhonda and Kim flew out first thing Monday morning and the kids, especially Caleb, was upset to see them go.  I truly think FaceTime has worked wonders, as Maddie picked up with them as soon as they got here, and again when they got back home.

Caleb did great at getting to school and keeping everything together.  He began swimming this week, so he'll be doing lessons for the next two months during his PE class.  He seems to enjoy it so far and hasn't said much else about it.  On Tuesday Caleb realized he had lost his retainer, so I called and cancelled his dental appointment, and thankfully he found it on Thursday.  Well, someone found it and turned it into the office, and his teacher kindly told me one had been turned in once I emailed him about it missing.  I'm glad it's back and hopefully that will be the last scare for a while.  

Maddie has done very well, but has been fussy in the mornings.  She'll wake up and immediately demand cereal.  She is so funny and has such a large personality.  She is a mess and constantly has us laughing at something.  She loves pulling down on her face, looking at you and saying, "Look at my face."  She then laughs and waits on you to do it back to her.  She adjusted well going back to school and had no problems going right back to her teachers.

Daniel and I focused on the things we needed to catch up on with work.  Daniel is hosting the Marine Corps Birthday Ball this weekend, so he's been crazy busy with getting all of that in order and making sure everything is how it should be at the hotel and with the guests who are coming.  He also has a training event coming up along with an inspection, so we'll be quite busy in November.

We prepared our lunches and dinners for the week on Monday since we had all of the chicken we cooked up on Halloween still available.  We were able to create healthy side dishes to go along with it all.  Our bodies had to detox for the ball and have a few days with very few carbs!

This week was challenging in multiple ways, but overall everything went well and we got back on track quite nicely.

Day 300-303: Recovering from Italy

After our fun adventure to Italy, we were all beat! We got back to Warsaw that evening and I had a lot to do to get ready for work the next day. I got a few groceries, unpacked some suitcases, and collapsed. 

Tuesday morning came too fast. Rhonda and Kim were able to sleep in, but the kids had to get up and get ready for school while Daniel and I prepared for work. Fun times! 

Work was great overall but it's always hard getting back into the swing of things when you're coming off a vacation. During this Tuesday through Thursday timeframe, we knocked out our office chores and housework. Thankfully, Rhonda washed our clothes from the trip and Kim cooked dinner. Each night we were able to come home to both things being done which was fabulous! 

Kim and Rhonda enjoyed a walking tour of Old Town on Thursday and really got to take in the city themselves. On Wednesday, we introduced them to our favorite German restaurant. We got to share our favorite drink and meal from there and it was fantastic. I love schnitzel!

The kids adjusted well. They got right back in the swing of things with no problems at all. It was great!  We have truly been blessed with such great kids who have adapted to being excellent travelers. 

We played cards one of these nights and enjoyed each other's company. The days are limited at this point so we're trying to take in as much as possible! 

Also, Italy was great if you didn't get that from my posts. If you're going to Rome, I have the best recommendations for you! 

Maddie helped us prepare treat bags Wednesday night for both hers and Caleb's class. She may have taken a whole bag for herself. 

My Thursday morning walk to work. Cold and beautiful. 

Day 294: Touring Florence and Having Dinner in Tuscany

This morning everyone was up and going fairly early. We got up, dressed, and made our way down a few stores from the apartment to a cafe that served crepes, waffles, bagels, and coffee. We filled up and then made our way to the Duomo. 

The Duomo was beautiful. The clock above the entrance was designed in the 1400s and the dome was painted in the 1500s. We took our time seeing all of its beauty and walked back to the apartment to get our luggage and turn in the keys. 

The walk back was fun, as we detoured a few times into leather stores. The leather was beautiful, and definitely made me contemplate getting a few more items. 

After we picked up our bags we walked down to the water and saw some of the bridges. It was very nice, but not the prettiest of sites. 

We passed a few amazing pieces of architecture and found a place behind the train station for lunch. We enjoyed the atmosphere and food and then made our way to the bus station. 

Mr. America 

This is how we roll. In addition, I carry Maddie, the camera bag, and my purse. My next invention: the lazy kid carrier. 

We arrived at the station and purchased tickets. Multiple times we were told to get on the "rapido" bus. After getting on that bus and going more than half way, we learned we were on the wrong bus. We went past our destination of Poggibonsi and made it to Siena before we could catch another bus back. 

So, after arriving in Siena, we took a ten minute break as we waited on the next bus and the loaded up all of our stuff and found seats. It wasn't a terrible ride, but definitely longer than we hoped for. 

Our ultimate destination is a vineyard about 5 miles outside of San Gimignano. This place came highly recommended and we couldn't come to Italy and not stay at a vineyard. 

When we found the right location, and finally made it to the vineyard, we checked in and got ready for our 8pm family style dinner. This was one of the things I was most excited for and I certainly was not disappointed. The views were breathtaking and we couldn't have asked for a better scenic location. 

The food being served was all organic and came directly from their farm. We started with appetizers, salad, and then pork loin as the main course. We enjoyed their vineyard wine and the dessert was great as well. We sat at a table with other couples celebrating anniversaries. Daniel happened to be wearing a UGA shirt and the other couples happened to be fellow SEC fans. I think that made dinner an even better experience and added to the conversation. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and couldn't have dreamt of a better experience. 

After dinner, we made our way back to our room and turned in for the night. 

We plan on doing a tour of the farm in the morning and we'll then go back to Florence. We've been amazed so far with the sight of Tuscany; it'll be hard to top it. 

Goodnight all.