Flying

Time that is, is just flying.  We have been back to reality for nearly two weeks now and trying to find a minute to sit and blog about that fabulous vacation has proven to be a challenge.  Not to mention we're on day five now of sunshine with temps in the low 60s.  May not be a big deal for some but for those of us who live in Gray World it's definitely worth mentioning.  Who wants to be inside on the computer when it's so gorgeous out there?  Today is my first day home since last Monday, and sunlight streaming through these ginormous windows is pointing out all the dust and crud that is normally fairly well hidden, or maybe my eyes just don't pick up on that stuff, I don't know.  So...blog or go outside, blog or clean...tough choices!  Italy is still very fresh on my mind so it will be coming soon. 

For now, we are anticipating our long awaited visit from Grandpa Jim and Janet.  (A week from tomorrow but who's counting?)  We are beyond excited to see them and for them to get over to Europe and experience all they can.  Six days in Dublin and a Normandy camping trip are the highlights, but hopefully we can do a little local sightseeing as well.  Just can't wait to have family and friends here!  We've got the space people.  You get yourselves to Brussels or Paris and we'll get you from there! And to my most faithful blog reader friend Julie, Paris is screaming our names and the hotel is booked.  Three days in Paris sans children, what kind of alternative universe are we living in?  Well deserved my friend, very well deserved. 

To add to this most random of blog entries, we just got news that we now need to somehow figure out how to work baseball into the schedule.  Both boys want to play and are signed up.  Both boys went to "assessments", and both boys will be playing in the 8-9 year old league.  Sam loves baseball, looks 8 and plays pretty darn well for a nearly 7 year old...so that helps in getting them on the same team (because you know it's all about us and our not wanting to give up every single night to a different practice).  Being that this is a NATO base, not American, baseball is not the most popular sport, and there are barely enough kids for two teams, and, as we've heard for a week now, only one coach.  One coach means no baseball because you can't only have one team, because yes, the two teams will play each other each week with an occasional trip to Brussels to play the NATO kids there.  No baseball makes Sam a very sad boy, and a sad Sam is a sad Bender family.  Push came to shove, and in order to make this whole thing happen, Brian stepped up and is now Coach Bender.  He's awesome, no worries there, only now it's not just getting to practice but running the show.  Arughhhhhhhhh.  I am really proud of him and happy that the boys have an opportunity to play and have their dad as the coach, truly.  It's just a big load of time that already feels so squished but well worth it I know.  Go Team!!! 

On more kid news, tonight is the Scout's Pinewood Derby.  We've got number 40 "Paint Splatter", and number 80 "Kai Zoomer", both sure to be the fastest of all Pinewood Derby cars (oh please just let them not lose every heat!)  Should be fun(ny).  Stay tuned...