Signs ---

Well, I'm finally done with all my traveling for the time being. I returned, and Jen survived...and so did the kids! A BIG thank you to K. for coming over and helping out!!!

While I was in training last week in Switzerland, I didn't really get the opportunity to take a lot of photos, but it was a great week, and I was able to come home with a bunch of good information that will hopefully be useful in the coming months.

I did however, get one picture I wanted to share...a sign that I saw from the tram. I don't know why, but I found this sign really funny...maybe because of what went through my head when I saw it:

In case you want to know where France is, it's, uh, down that road. Right there. France. The whole thing...not Paris or anything, just...France. Where's France? Right there. Down that road...go past the airport, and you'll be in France.

Anyway, that's what I saw... :)

Welsh Lighthouse

I took this picture last week...unfortunately, as I'm learning photography, I didn't get this captured as well as I wanted...as often happens. BUT, I thought I could share this one anyway...it was truly amazing with the sun rays over the ocean in the background.

Couple more castle pics...

Caernarfon Castle

One of my favorite things in North Wales are all the castles that Kind Edward I built in the late 13th century. History wise, I don't like what they stand for since they were built to keep the Welsh under control. But there's 6 castles built along the northern coast, and they're all magnificent. The "prize" though, is Caernarfon. It was built in a way that it would actually house the King if he chose to come, as opposed the other ones being simply garrisons. Over time it has been abandoned, attacked, rebuilt, and eventually restored and used as a place where Princes were invested. It now stands as an awesome structure, and for many, the intrigue of medieval times.It was never actually finished, however. The use of the title "Prince of Wales" originates from this castle; Edward II was born here, and was presented as the "Prince of Wales" beginning a still-used tradition of the heirs to the English throne being invested as such. Prince Charles, the current Prince of Wales, was invested at this castle in 1969.

North Wales

I'm on the road this week with work, and fortunate to be in a place that I've been several times; now though, I have a good camera! We've had some really gorgeous weather, and the views have been spectacular. Yesterday the group we're with went to a village that's situated at the base of the mountain range here and spent some time. It really was beautiful. I've been to this area, again, several times, but this time was stunning...just so beautiful! Here's some pics for your enjoyment ;)

Valley near Snowdon Mountain

Dolbardarn Castle - built in 1230 ad

Cute pic of the day...

Got this picture a couple weeks ago...Hannah giving Isaac a kiss!

Cutie of the day...

So, you've been seeing a lot of Black and Whites lately...I don't know why, I just am really liking the way they're coming out. Hope you've been enjoying! Let me know what you think!

Happy 4th of July!

Whew! We just got home from a great 4th of July celebration at a friends house. Dressed up in our American Flag Old Navy t-shirts we had Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, game of something resembling baseball, and lots of laughter. I have to admit, today I do miss being in America. I was asked by a couple of people what I'd be doing if I were home. Not much more than we did today I had to admit, but I know that I would be with family and friends, (hopefully at a Diamondbacks game!) I do miss being in America today, but I love the freedom of my country, and that freedom allows me to continue to be proud of my country no matter where I am. Actually, it was interesting; several people that we spend a lot of time around asked us a lot of questions about our 4th of July and its significance. It was such a great feeling to be able to explain why our country was started the way it was. I found myself having a lot of pride as I explained some of the details to the people on why America became a country, and how it all went down. They asked about all kind of things like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere and the lamps in the tower; all things that I have taken for granted because we had to study them so much in history classes! Having those conversations did a lot for me in other ways though; It did make me dream of chances to talk about Ultimate Freedom, and was a great reminder of why we are living here. Today especially, we thank those of you who think about us and support us and are following our lives here. We hope this blog occasionally shows what is truly happening here with us, and helps you as you do think about us.

Blessings and with our love,
The Deibel Crew

PS...We also would like to thank Youtube. When we got home tonight, we watched some fireworks displays before the girls went to bed. Even on a computer screen, they're amazing!