D-Day Sights

Since we were staying in the Normandy area, seeing the sights of D-Day were a must for us. Jason has always been interested in the battles of Normandy and has read a few books so he was so excited to see the places for himself. We decided to take a half day tour of 5 sights that were a major part of the battle.

The countries that were involved:

At Point du Hoc:

 These craters were the bombs hit just littered the area. Sad to think of all the lives lost within these craters.

 Pointe du Hoc stands between Utah and Omaha Beach.

 Where they would book on the look out and shoot those coming up the mountain.

 Inside the bunkers.

 If these bullet holes could talk.

 Our tour guide took us to a place where the tour buses aren't allowed to go to get a great view of Omaha Beach.

 There is an entrance into the bunker behind the tree that went to the hole here. This area is the first place the Americans broke through.

 The American National Cemetery 

France: Enjoying our Relaxing Days at the Resort

With Pat and Carol here for a number of weeks we planned a week long trip to the Normandy area of France. We were able to use part of my parents time share and got a great 2 bedroom/full kitchen apartment in a quiet and beautiful part of that area. It took about 8 hours to get there from our house (only because of a wonderful 2 hours stau we were stuck in on the way). 

We spent a few relaxing days at the resort and enjoyed them to the fullest. 

The first day we were there we went to an outdoor market in Pont-de-l'Arche. This village might be one of the best little villages we have been to in Europe. It was small and quaint...something you might see in a movie. 

On our last full day in France (after our crazy Paris adventure-you will read that in the posts to come) we were ready for a day by the pool and bike rides around the area.

Our "home" for a week

Bike ride around the village.

 We hiked up to the top of a mountain and were able to see the Seine River from the top.

 Loved soaking up the sun rays and taking a nap by the pool.

Sweet Grace laying on the sun beds. 

 Papa had fun jumping in the pool with the kids.

 These next photos were in Pont-de-l'Arch. 

 Stopping and the first of many bakeries for bread and pastries.

 Papa and Yaya loving being with the kiddos.

 AJ eating some of the best ribs we have had!

 The cathedral was breathtaking...as usual.

 More posts to come of our other adventures in France. I am going to get photo happy in the posts to come. I took over 400 pictures of some amazing places we visited. So get ready!

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Daddy Don!

Happy Birthday, Dad/Daddy Don!

We hope you have a special day today. 

Sending lots of love and hugs from Germany!

Liege/Tongeren, Belgium

We took a road trip to Liege, Belgium and hung out in the city for the day. It was an interesting city to say the least! I don't think I have seem more of an eclectic group of people anywhere we have traveled in Europe. It was fun to walk around and see the city sights. Jason got some yummy Belgian beer and we had a few of typical treats that Belgium is famous for.  

Grace taking it all in at the cathedral. 

 Belgium waffles!

Frites! The best fries anywhere in the world.

 In the middle of the city was a music festival. It was fun to sit there for a while and listen to the music playing.

 We enjoyed a free cup of Nespresso for a quick pick me up.

 The next morning we woke up early and headed to the Tongeren flea market about 30 minutes away.

We got some great treasures. The piece on the right is an old form to make concrete bricks out of. The picture doesn't do it justice. It is really unique looking!

For the past 4 days our friend Jeremy stayed with us while he was in between TDY's. It was fun to hang out again. Not sure when we will see him again so we had fun while he was here. Who knows...maybe we will make a trip to Albuquerque next summer.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! 

It was a beautiful day with sun and blue skies.

The kids made Jason a banner to hang in the dining area.

 The cards we made for Jason. We have become a "no card" buying family and only make and write cards. It is so much more fun for them to get creative!

 After church and lunch at one of our favorite places, Hotel Degen, we walked to the zip line park by our house and played for hours.

We played soccer,

 rode on the zip line,

had a family baseball game,

and played with friends.

 The day was special in so many ways. We loved having Yaya here celebrate this Father's Day with us.

Jason finished off the day by watching the US Open until the wee morning hours.

All in all it was a fantastic Father's Day here in the Scherden home!

To the Fathers in My Life

Happy Father's Day!

I am so thankful for the wonderful men I have in my life who are fathers.

Dad,

Thank you for being such a wonderful dad to me. I am so thankful for your guidance, teaching, patience in the past years and your sense of humor. You are truly special in so many ways. It's never a dull moment having you as a dad that's for sure. I'm proud to call you my dad!

Jason, 

You are an amazing father to Jackson and Grace. I love seeing you interact with them, play with them and spend quality time with them because you want to, not because you have to. We are only 7 years into this parenting thing...but I think you are doing a wonderful job so far. I am so proud of who you are!

Lee,

You are my big brother with four beautiful children. I know I don't get to see you as a dad much, but what I do know is that you are a head strong father figure for your family. I love being able to talk to you about parenting issues and our kids. It's special having that bond with you!

You have been my "dad-in-law" for almost 10 years now and I am so thankful for it! You are quick to make a joke, lend a hand (even over the phone), and make anyone's day brighter. Thank you for being the best father-in-law a girl could ask for.

I love all four of you and thank God for each of you daily!