A new base, a new start, a new...

Well everyone out there, I am going to sit here and say I am rather sorry that it has taken this long for an update.

We are back in the states, we flew in on the First of January. Kevin's parents and our sponsor met us at the air port and helped get us get back down to base. Since Kevin's parents were loaning us their truck until our van arrived, they did not stay for long. But we were able to spend a couple days with them as we visited Boise and did some window shopping/pricing of appliances that we would need to buy.

Pretty much everything was closed, military wise, on the second, so we headed to Boise. It was a relaxful end to the full day of traveling that we had done the day before.

The next day, still on German time a bit, Kevin and I woke up rather early and called up the housing office to find out when they would be open. We got lucky and they were already open. We headed over rather early and checked in. They offered us two houses to choose from, so we went and took a look, deciding on one.

This was rather nice, as the TLF we had on this side was rather small. We were very thankful that Kevin's parents were here, allowing us to let kids sleep in there TLF room, giving everyone an actual bed. The day Kevin's parents left we checked out of the TLF and moved into the house.

Everyone has been sleeping on air mattresses right now, as our household goods still have not arrived.
At WalMart one day, Kevin and I found a rather nice bunk bed for Xavier and Derric, rather decently priced. So we went ahead and picked that up, putting their air mattresses on it. But all the playing around those two do on it, popped Xavier's and it has required a fill up on air just about nightly.

Thanks to the travel money paid, we were able to pick up a washer and dryer, which has been really nice! I am sad to say, I am honestly happy I can do laundry whenever needed, instead of loading up the vehicle to drive it to a laundry mat. Kevin got me a rather nice set, one big enough to wash our King size bedding.

We are still waiting on the Tax refund to arrive to pay off credit cards, put away for when we need to go pick up the van, and also buy Kauchana's new bed. Hopefully this will all be able to be taken care of soon. (Tho the van is still not at the port of call, so still unable to go pick it up.)

Today we did manage to pick up two small mattresses, for the bunk bed, allowing the boys to sleep on something a little more solid and also (honestly) cut down on the noise at night. Found a couple different beds I thought Kauchana would enjoy, but Kevin and I both agreed, it would be much better for her to go pick it out and get a bed she liked then paying the money for one she will hate. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our Family to yours.

Sorry there have been lack of updates here. Lets just say I am finally getting the chance to sit down and think of this.

Here are updates!

We moved out of our place and into TLF on the 14th. On the 15th, 16th, and 19th the packers were there, packing everything up. Finalled out of the house on the 22nd. Worked on cleaning and organizing everything between the 19th and the 22nd. So happy we were able to final out on the pre-inspection. Took one piece of stress off my back.

Kevin worked on out processing from the base. Due to the amount of stuff we had going on, I sometimes had to ride with so I would be able to meet my appointments. It was a lot of back and forth between both Bitburg and Spang. I think we put more miles on our poor van these past two weeks then we had the year we have had it.

Friday we dropped the van off to get detailed for shipping. Picked up a rental. Ouch on price. Kevin thought he was quoted USD price and relayed it to me. When we got there, found out (after paying) it was EURO. So we had a bit of an issue with our bank due to that. (budgeted the price in USD, NOT the conversion.) The van will be shipped Tuesday.

Kevin and I would love to say we are enjoying the weekend, as it gives us time to relax.... Nope, we spent yesterday doing lots of running around, and not relaxing. Got up early today instead of sleeping in...

But only because I promised the kids a big breakfast. Since I wont be spending the day doing my normal Christmas cooking, I made up Breakfast Burritos and muffins for the kids. Santa even made a stop by last night.

Since I will only be fixing a dinner today, I might get to relax a little. We shall see. The kids are curled up with their stuff, being typical teens. Dokota on his iPod, Kauchana reading. Xavier trying to fall asleep, Derric playing around with his imaginary world. Such a quiet day.