the one where gummies are on the house!

two sports fanatical Harrisons-aren't they darling?!
Ben and, our #1 nephew, Jacob


after a fantastic day at Aquatica Water Park

And now a little break-


my favorite "Robert Plant" impersonator


my stunningly beautiful daughter


love you, buddy!


woohoo!
Aunt Julie's turn at a hole in one


Doodle Bug


Uncle Todd and Aunt Julie


Hi Aunt Tanya


Est and Jack!


Double Prestons!
Double holes in one...double the trouble...double the fun!

As you may, or may not know, our family lives for golf. One would assume, given the seriousness of our families relationship with golf (on both sides mind you) that 18 holes would be a terribly professional affair.
When this family is on vacation the answer would be:
WRONG.
We are crazy mad over putt putt.
We take our putt putt more seriously than most folks take the masters.
We really do.
Let the photos speak for themselves!


Beautiful Ellie Belle

picture vomit part II or "The one where we get to Florida"

Coming up next...

"Aunt Essie!"
"I got a hole in THREE!!"


the first of many "proof" photos!


the photo says it all-there is nothing like a swimming pool and too many Harrisons there to count!


the beginning of the MARATHON Harrison Family Rock Band tour


WHO has a cuter niece?!
Seriously?
I ask you?


Oma Chris and Pres at Julie's birthday dinner Japanese Steakhouse style!

picture vomit part I or "The one where we spent 4 days trying to fly to the States"

safe and sound in JACKSON misissippi, no snap of Dollie, this old old camera of mine decided to die right after this was taken...which meant no fabbo photos of the 16 hour drive we took to get back to Virginia.


now we're watching movies...lying down...on the floor...of a C-17!!


notice Dollie, BEHIND Ben, asleep on the FLOOR of the plane!
Seriously, how cool is that?!


Tired, but thankful to be flying!


The view from my hammock seat, FINALLY on a plane, after waiting to get manifested on ANY flight out for 4 days!!


Team Leader with an OLD Ranger Buddy "Robert" who we saw on his way downrange after 9years! I hadn't seen Robert since our WEDDING!

our class is a very, very, very fine class!

way too cute!
my class (though I don't want to tempt fate) is simply
way
too
cute!

Pres LOVES high school.
yay!
Ben, after whoa serious complaining, met me with a huge smile when I walked through the front door.
double yay!
Dollie...not so psyched about 7th grade...she's in a frump because she isn't in a class with her bestie, Ruthie.
she will deal.

Fido, (Pres' buddy), said:
"the girls at high school were unreal"
they were so good looking-and Pres agreed.
holy mess!
Am I really ready for high school?!

get ready for a major, major photo post.
the computer is running-right now-and I'm going for it!

umarmen und lieben
essie

aacck!

The internet G-ds have given me (literally) 10 short minutes of connectivity-this wil have to be short, as I have NO idea if it will even post! With so much to finally share, it's Murphy's Law at it's finest-clearly!

First Day of School...today.
First Day of High School-
First Day of Seventh Grade-
First Day of Third Grade-
and for Momma...
First Day of First Grade at MES.
Pictures are being taken by Team Leader this morning, as I have to hit the autobahn in about 3 minutes-and makeup is still not on the 40 year old face.

It's a new year-full of potential and promise-ready for the making!
Fingers crossed for our little family, friends and loved ones!

umarmen und lieben
essie

I love you too, Leah

From the friend who takes me on, worts and all, an email from a mutual friend wrapping up our group in 8 sentences...
umarmen und lieben!

True Friendship
1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.
This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'

365 days later

Today our little family celebrated ONE year in Germany!

Go us!!

Team Leader, was in Italy.
I ventured to Strasbourg France with Dollie Doo, Lea, and Rahn.
Ben and Pres stayed at home...in Heidelberg.

How amazing is that?
One family-
Three countries!

I love living here...love it, love it, love it!
umarmen und lieben
essie

ps: Rahn is having a BLAST and has tried 6 different German beers, one French beer, and one fabulous beer from Trappist Monks in Belgium. She's had some brats and kraut, kafe und kutchen, and (if you ask my opinion) is a fantastic Amazing Race groupie and we love her...leading me to this nugget:

I got a job, permanent status, and folks ya'll need to come visit!
xoxox

worth the wait

120 hours in a truck...$800.00
262 pounds of luggage...$0.00 (thanks to Space A)
12 box meals...$41.25
3000+ miles to cover...to have a furry little face literally cry tears of joy...priceless!

We're back in Germany.
I have so much to post, from our trip to the States, to our week in Florida, to our mini-trip in North Carolina, to our return to Virginia, to our drive up to New Jersey where we finally flew out!
Yessiree
Lots and Lots to say.

First I want to say this:

Time wasn't on my side for this trip.
I know that I didn't get to see a quarter of the people I love before I had to leave.
However, I tried.
Time got the better of me...time, no wifi internet, CRAZY
MESS dental emergencies...it all added up.
I know that there is a real possibility that feelings are hurt, and, I'm sorry for that-I really am.
I know that I am, only, one person.
And, I know that I'm not perfect.
I also know that because I am only one person, and I can't make everyone happy-even when I want to-that I might not be able to accomplish everything that I set out to do.
That doesn't make me a bad person, just a person with a very long "to-do" list~

Time wasn't on my side this trip across the pond.
What time doesn't know that I do know...
I'll be back.

umarmen und lieben
essie