1 month & 3 days later.

Okay I think I am in a little trouble since it has been soo long since I have written. My family came and went…and I have been meaning to write about it all but have been putting it off because of all the craziness.

My family showed up the day before my birthday (the 9th of Oct) and stayed the entire week. Josh and I had woken up early that morning to pick them up at the airport which is about a 1 ½ hour drive. That morning (it being a Friday) it took us a little over 2 hours because it was a working day so we got stuck in a lot of traffic. On top of it all, Josh and I both had to pee really bad so we pulled over at what they call a “WC” which stands for “Water Closet.” (Josh and I are not the greatest to be in a car for long road trips because we both drink A LOT of water...not sure whose worse). Note to self..never stop at a "WC", they are extremely disgusting and I begged Josh to keep driving so we could find a gas station. Before I knew it he was parked at a WC. I couldn’t watch him go and not me so I did so as well….however, I found I was more disgusted than ever…..no more stopping at the WC.

Once we got to the airport we found my parents right away. I was a happy camper…once again I forgot how exciting it is to see familiar faces. To make the day even better we stopped at Globus (my favorite market) on the way home to get appetizers and wine to have for lunch. We came home and chatted for awhile while my Dad and Josh drank Guiness and the girls had wine. The 3 travelers (my mother, father and sister) all took a nap and just as I was about to ask Josh if he wanted to run to the store with me I looked over and he too was passed out. Once everyone was rejuvenated we headed over to the Ota’s (one of the providers at the clinic) where she was having a birthday party for me….I even got 2 cakes…one made personally by Josh :)

The next day we were suppose to head to Brugge, Belgium with the Ota’s for two nights to eat some waffles, drink some Delirium beer (my favorite) and hang out. We woke up the next morning and got the car all packed up. Right before we took off Josh realized he didn’t have his phone…after looking for it for quite some time we were able to find it…but had seen that he had missed quite a few phone calls. It turned out that one of his soldiers had been in big trouble and he needed to stay in order to deal with it. So we planned to head out the next day and stay for one night. That night while he was taking care of his soldier and the issues he got ANOTHER phone call that stated ANOTHER one of his soldiers was in trouble (this never had happened before) so he had to report to the Military Police station the NEXT night which messed with our Brugge plans. So we decided instead to make day trips for those two days during the weekend. It wasn’t a completely failure because on my birthday my family and I went to Trier (a cute town an hour from Baumholder) where we did some shopping , sat at an irish pub and ate really good German food…(possible some of the best I’ve had so far). I told Josh later that his soldiers better sing me happy birthday…:). The next week Josh had his soldiers do an extra PT (physical training) sessions that started at 0500....after they completey there first session they started their original session at 0630-0800. So I guess they didn’t completely get off the hook.

The rest of the week we took day trips. We did a Rhine River cruise. We passed by 8 castles and the scenery was gorgeous. On the way home we drank some wine and played cards. I always thought that the River cruises were for old people but I think I was wrong…I would definitely do it again. Other day trips we took were to Idar-Oberstein, Trier and Ramstein.

The following weekend my family had to fly out early Sunday so my parents came up with the great idea to spend the weekend in Frankfurt (they call it the Manhattan of Germany). I had never been so I said that it sounded good to me. So Friday morning we took off for Frankfurt. When we got there I had no idea what I was walking into…my dad had picked the nicest hotel I had ever seen. Inside it had old antique cars that were completely cleaned up and displayed. The lobby was huge with a bar, a restaurant, cigar lounge and additional café. The rooms were amazing as well. We headed out to see the Old part of Frankfurt (the only part that survived during WWII). It was pretty cool because it was just a tiny square with a great big church in the middle. The more places I go the more I am amazed to find different places in Germany that were bombed with only a couple things and a church left standing. That church usually being the main church in that town.

Our weekend theme was the song “Brandi Alexander.” My sister asked me if I had ever had a Brandi Alexander and I had no idea what it even was. It turned out that the hotel had a Brandi Alexander so I had to try it….the song was correct about them (you all should listen to the song…it will make you curious).

Needless to say I had a great birthday with my family. I didn’t end up beating up any of Josh’s soldiers even though I was all talk at the time…in fact towards the end of the week I kinda felt bad for them for having to wake up so early…but more bad that Josh had to be the one doing it...it took a lot out of him..but he was a trooper.

After my family left, I got sad. Josh had to cheer me up but I think he was expecting it because the past visitors he had felt the same way….We were both just thankful to have people come see us…it was such an amazing time....thank you Mom, Dad and Meg!

This past week has been craziness for Josh. I told him the other day that it was crazy because I was going to bed before him and he was waking up before me…which would be around 0400 some mornings. This morning he had to be out of the house by 0445 because he will be at the shooting range all day..he told me that I should expect him home around 0200 in the morning….so last night I packed him 6 sandwiches for the day…I guess that seems like a lot but at least it will help him survive in the cold and avoid eating the MRE (meals ready to eat)…they don’t taste very good...and aren't very healthy.

I know this email is getting long but I have to tell you all the most exciting news of all. Two days ago I bought us train tickets to go to Paris for Thanksgiving! We get to go for four days and the train tickets weren’t too bad at all…plus the train ride is only 2 ½ hours!

I will most likely be writing before thanksgiving but incase I didn’t get to I wanted to spread the word because it will be hard for Josh and I to not be around family for the holidays.

Hope everyone is doing well…we miss you all!

Love,

Gretchen (and Josh too):)