Arizona!!!

We're so happy to be back 'home' even for just a few weeks. The weather has been awesome - mid to upper 80's, and just absolutely perfect in the evenings. We've had such a good time so far, just relaxing and reconnecting with our families. Jen was able to see her family last year briefly, and they've been to see us in Ireland, but it's been two years since we've seen Seth's family. So it's been great. We've just been eating some good food (Mexican mainly!!) and enjoying time at the pool. So far, it's been great! Sorry we haven't posted a lot of pictures, but taking time to be on here has been limited! Here's some shots for you though of the trip so far...these first ones are of Isaac as he's meeting Seth's family.

Meeting Grandpa Deibel

Meeting Grammy Deibel

3 generations :)

Isaac has been full of smiles this whole trip!

Off we go!!!

We're so excited! At the moment, I'm sitting in our hotel lobby in Dublin, looking forward to tomorrow. We are getting to have 3 weeks in the states visiting family and a few friends. We wish so bad we could see everyone, but on this trip, there's just not enough time! We'll hopefully be sharing lots of pics, and stories so stay tuned!

Prague

I was in Prague last week at some meetings. I thought I would share with you some of the pictures I got while I was there. Thankfully I had a little bit of time to get out and explore the city. It really is fantastic! It's a city that was barely touched by WWII, and has retained much of its original architecture and feel. I didn't know really what to expect going over, though I had seen some pictures from some of my friends and heard it was a great place. It was my first experience in a post-communist country, and I have to say that my first taste of seeing Prague from where the airport is made me think it wasn't going to be very good. However, when I got down into the city and began to look at it, I really was amazed. Overall, it's a very interesting city with some great things to see!

This is a pic of the Charles Bridge in the middle of Prague and Prague Castle behind it. You may recognize this from the first Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise, and again in XXX with Vin Diesel...

Prague's famous Astrological clock which tells time and the seasons (solstices)

On the Charles Bridge looking at Prague Castle at night

Random city building. I took this while waiting for my tram.

Czech National Opera House

This is the decor of the Metro's in Prague - one of my favorite shots from my time there

Yes, I know...don't take pictures on the tracks while the tram is actually going by. Typical street with high buildings and a cathedral in sight.

This building was used as barracks for the German forces when they occupied the area during WWII

Another view of the same building...

One of the squares in Prague. In 1945 during the Prague uprising (taking control back from the Germans) this was filled with people and tanks.

One of the strangest things I've ever seen...this is at a massage shop, and is one of the treatments. You put your feet in hot water filled with these fish that suck the bacteria off of your feet. It's supposed to be a holistic cleansing technique. I did not try it, though I have to admit I was very curious!

Creepy Pic of the day...

There's always something special about watching your kids sleep. (And no, it's not just because they're quiet and not moving, but we won't decide that it's not a slight bonus, ha ha) Ever since Hannah showed up, it's always been a moving thing for me to watch them. It gives me opportunity to reflect and pray over them, as well as just to think of all the things I enjoy about them. Isaac is no exception. But, each time I see him sleeping in his little Moses basket, all bundled up nicely, there's just something creepy about the way he looks. All nice and peaceful, but at the same time, a little like he's perhaps a little too peaceful.

New Playground!!!

Something VERY cool has happened in our village...they opened a brand-new playground! Just in time for spring! The other day, we all got out on a nice (yet cold) day and just played and laughed and enjoyed the glimpse of Spring coming right around the corner. The great thing is this ground is just a couple minutes' drive from the house adjacent to the local sports grounds. Already having been there a couple of times, we've run into loads of people that we know. It's going to be a great place!

Got a capture of Isaac's face when we put him in the swing for the first time. I'm not sure he was liking where this was headed...

But then, the smiles came out! He loved it!!!

Hannah showing off some hopscotch skills

First time all 3 kids in what we refer to as the "bubba-tub" swing

Now THIS is the main attraction. It's a zip line! You get up on a ramp on one end, and zoom down to the end where there's a spring mounted on the line which both softens the end of the line, but shoots you up in the air a bit too. This is a continuous motion capture of Hannah all stitched together...came out cool!

And, not to be outdone, Cailyn had a go. I'm no longer allowed to walk next to her on the ride after this, her first time. She's a pro now...

This is actually the first picture I took at the park that day. Jen just ran and jumped on it! The girls thought it was hilarious seeing mommy do it!

And of course, I wasn't to be left out!

3 cuties...

3 happy kids!

Finally...

After a long break, we're finally putting a post up on the blog. YAY! Literally the day after the last post we had, Seth got a really awful case of bronchitis. Couple that with the adventure of not having water in our house for the week leading up to Christmas and him having to haul water in buckets up into the attic to fill the storage tanks, and the fact that Isaac is still just a newborn and hasn't totally figured out this whole concept of sleeping, it's been a long, long month. Seth was on some serious antibiotics and steroids to get rid of the bronchitis, and praise the Lord, they worked well, but the effects took a large toll on him. He just in the last week really feels back to somewhat normal after everything.

We have been quite busy as well, which is the best thing, and has taken up a lot of time. We've met with several friends, actually went out one night without kids (the first time since Isaac came along!!!) and celebrated a 6th Birthday (that's for another post...). It's been a busy time around here, and for those of you who are still following us, thanks for keeping us in mind!Here's some pictures of Isaac and what he's been up to lately...

Jen found him a very cute Santa suit for his first Christmas!!!

His new thing...he is a VERY smiley baby! Such a sweet smile! The laugh is just about to start, so hopefully soon we'll have that for you too!

I love this look he gets on his face. Kinda looks like he's about to ask a question, or spit up...we can't tell.

And the best picture of the night...my cute wife holding her boy.