Merry Christmas 2007!

Well, it’s time to write of 2007. Now, where do I start?
Lists of trips, activities or just the funny parts?
The year was full of activities,
Here are just a few of them, if you please….

We are still in Germany. Here we will stay
Till September 2009 as the orders now say.
We are thankful for the extension here
Now we can travel both far and near.

We’ve traveled all over as our Flikr site shows
My favorite is still Italy esp. Rome
The kids love the Alps and the beautiful Bodensee
More castles, lovely roads, and history we’ve seen.

When we are not traveling, we have activities galore,
AWANAs, Cub and Boy Scouts, run us out of the door.
Homeschooling, piano, and homeschool co-op.
Neal and I work on these some weeks till we just drop.

Neal is still in the Air Force at DISA on Patch,
I am still homeschooling this little batch
Of four children Schneider, here in our home.
Needless to say, I am seldom alone!

To Texas to find more of our heritage,
Neal’s parents celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Shopping and eating were the must do’s there!
Teach the children of the missions and history where
Brave men laid down their lives so that we
Can be free Texans living in Germany.
All of the foods not found in Germany were eaten
Mexican, BBQ, Taco Cabana, and Sonic could not be beaten.

We wish you a blessed CHRISTmas and Joyous 2008.
May you and yours remember WHY we celebrate!
To those who find themselves in our area of the world,
We have a spare bed and tour guide books galore.
God bless you and keep you. Please drop us a line
Of your travels and family when you find some time.

Neal and Vivian, Matthew, Daniel, Ethan, and Victoria Schneider

Twilight Camp

Twilight Camp was an evening adventure for Tigers, Bears and Webelos, 14-18 August. The highlight of the camp was the trip to the stables and getting to go riding. Our Webelo scout Daniel gave it two thumbs up!

Events through the week:
Closing and opening Ceremonies

Equestrian

Sports

BB gun Riflery

Archery

Arts and Crafts

DISA Day 2007

DISA Europe had its annual DISA Day picnic day, 3 August 2007. The theme was "Reality TV"
There were 4 competitive events:

Dancing with the Stars, Where the mainline event was the Commander strutting her stuff,


DISA Idol


Fear Factor


Survivor


And then of course there were the Kids Events, too.


See the DISA Collection for other DISA events or the DISA-Europe Group that everyone can add to!

Easter in Rome

After the weekend with David and Laura, we took a tour with Interra Reisen
and went to the sites below over an extended Easter weekend. The trip
had a grueling pace, but we got to see lots in a short amount of time!

Sites visited on the tour:

6 Apr: Pisa[flickr][Wiki]

We actually got started on the trip the day before, late on the 5th of Apr. We climbed aboard the bus around 10 pm for a rough night's rest. I didn't understand why, but the driver made us get out a time or two during the night, so there we were in the middle of the night, stumbling around some deserted rest stops. When we finally arrived in Pisa we were somewhat rested, but we didn't have time to worry about that. When we arrived, it was a beautiful day, but we only had 90 minutes before we had to meet to go back to the bus... Start speed walking and take a few quick photos and get back! The next available tour up the tower was over thee hours later, so that wasn't an option. We were glad that we were able to spend more time there when we visited in 2006. Most of the photos on the flickr set are actually from that visit when we had more time to wander and explore. One of the neat things we saw (or perhaps heard!) then was in the basilica. Since it was round and solid stone interior, sounds would reverberate for seconds. Our guide sang a few notes and made a wonderful harmony with himself!

7 Apr: Rome[flickr][wiki]

Reluctantly, we boarded the bus and spent the afternoon driving down to Rome. We arrived about sunset and didn't do any sight-seeing that day, but welcomed the sheets of a real bed without road noise and plenty of legroom! It was spectacular to see Michelangelo's Moses at the top of the hill and then walked past where Nero's palace was down to the Colloseum, after which we went to the St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. That was the rally point go get into the line to go to the Vatican Museum where with the highlight being the Sistine Chapel. The museum was remarkable... Though much of the art contained within gave glory to God, I thought more of the collection was an expression of human excess and greed.

8 Apr: Pompeii[Flickr][Wiki]



8 Apr: Sorrento and Capri[Flickr][Wiki]



9 Apr: Florence[Flickr][Wiki]

In florence, we visited the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo's David is on display. After that, we wandered around the city and ended up up at Michelangelo's Sqaure, so I guess it was quite the day for Mike!