Ukiah

I headed up to Ukiah about a week after I landed in Vegas so the exact day was like the 17, which was way to soon to be getting back on a plane in my opinion. Luke and Kriss picked me up in Sacramento that evening. The flight was nice and short and I had like mobsters or gangsters sitting on the plane next to me so I felt safe because they were very friendly mobster/gangsters. I had a really nice visit with everyone. Katie, Mona and I went and got our nails done, which was really nice since they don't have any place to do it near base here. We did Christmas for us while we were there and had a nice dinner with everyone. I know Luke was really sad to leave, it is always hard to leave family.



Just hanging out at Tom and Kriss's the night before we left.



Me, Luke, Katie and Blake at our Ukiah Christmas



Me, Luke and our cute little nephew, Darren! It was so nice finally getting to meet the little guy.



All the brothers and Darren.

In the end our trip was great. We both had a great time but like always it was WAY too short. Hopefully we will be back soon, or at least within two years. I know I will be back at the latest May '09 for Kelsey's graduation, but even that seems too far away.

Las Vegas

I arrived in Las Vegas surprisingly in one piece and Luke made it to Tucson! What a hectic flight we had, it is nothing short of miraculous that we made our flights from Denver to Tucson/Las Vegas! My trip to Las Vegas was good. It was great being able to see family again except for the fact that you really realize how much you miss them when you are there with them. I got to eat a lot of great food, well maybe not great food, just plain old fast food, which was great to me since I don't get it anymore in Germany. I think Kyle had thought I went crazy when i kept talking about Del Taco like it was the best thing ever! Well Kyle put up with my craziness rather well even though he doesn't understand what is so fascinating about fast food and my old work and the fact that I am horrible at taking night pictures.
I had a chance to go out to eat with my good friend Pam who i hadn't seen in forever. That was a blast and makes me miss going out for sushi and just having a friend to talk to who knew me before I got married. I got to go and see people from the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society which probably made my whole trip. It was my top thing to do while I was in Las Vegas, although it was probably the worst thing to do because it made me so sad. I think that volunteering with them was one of the best decisions I have made and i miss it and the amazing people so much. What else, what else...I did a lot of shopping. It wasn't so great though because i was Christmas shopping so I had to shop for other people and not myself, even though I did cheat a little and got some clothes.
It was amazing how fast the time flew by, one week felt like just a day when I look back. There was not enough time to do everything but I think i did all i really wanted in Vegas. I did realize that no matter were I am Vegas is home, it is my favorite place to be (even with the heat!).



This is just a picture I took out of the window while we were driving in traffic. Which is another thing i miss, traffic! These were more for the benefit of our German friends who haven't been to Las Vegas. I will post more pictures when my lazy brother decides to email the pictures from his camera!

Winter in Germany

So the weather has been horrible here! We are lucky if we get a day above 45 degrees! Lots of rain and overcast days. We have been busy getting ready to head back to the states. So much to do, so little time. Luke has started his Masters program and is busy busy keeping up with that and working. I am STILL taking classes, I am down to like 40 credits to graduate! The dogs are good, Duke is huge! Luke thinks he weighs between 80-90 pounds, and he is still stupid. He loves nothing more than running through every mud puddle he can find. Rudy is just as dainty as always, hates getting dirty. We haven't been doing much traveling since Italy, just relaxing at home. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.