My 26th Birthday

On January 2nd I turned 26. We celebrated by having a few friends over for pizza, drinks, and games. I had a wonderful time and wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way. We have made some pretty awesome friends while here and are starting to realize how much we are going to miss them when we move this summer. We know though that the Air Force is small and we will probably see each other again in the future. (fingers crossed).

On my 26th B-Day

Our wonderful friends (minus many)

I, Owen, Jake, Sarina

Andrea, Kyle, Jordan, Lexi, Courtney

Is 2009 really GONE????

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR'S

Ok, Ok, Ok, so I need to greatly apologize to all of you. I have totally let the Holidays go by without updating you all. Plus I looked at the blog and realized I haven't posted anything since September. How awful is that? I had good intentions to having this done and a Christmas letter typed up and mailed out before Christmas but wouldn't you know when I planned it all out the Postal service would fail me. I had ordered cards the 1st of December to get them here and sent to you all in plenty of time but guess what I still have not received them in the mail. :( I am pretty sad. So when they do finally arrive I will send them out. I know that is not a great excuse for the blog but I was going to use my Christmas letter here but without it I guess I will just give you " A YEAR IN REVIEW of the WALKERS!!!" ENJOY.
(All of these are posted in depth throughout the blog website if you need to catch up or want more info about all the trips)

In January two of my wonderful and amazing friends and I went to London for the day. We went out to lunch at a pretty good Mexican restaurant and then went to a show. We were so excited for a girls day and to see WICKED. What a fabulous show to see. If you get a chance I would definitely recommend you see it. After the show we did a little shopping and then headed home.

(The front of the theater)
Us at the show
I, Sarina, and Christina at the restaurant

March found us making our way to France and Switzerland for a week long ski trip. Wow did we have a blast. A group of us from Owen's squadron rented an all inclusive chalet for the week. It was amazing. Skiing everyday and coming back to the chalet every night to a 3 course meal and hot tub. Who could ask for a better vacation!!!!!!

Skiing in Chamonix, France
Me having Sushi for the 1st time
(didn't go so well)
Geneva, Switzerland
In May we went on a 7 day Mediterranean Cruise. We went with a group of friends and also met up with some old college friends of ours. We ported out of Venice, Italy and visited 4 other places: Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Santorini, Greece and Corfu, Greece.

We traveled with Royal Caribbean on "Splendor of the Seas"
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Corfu, Greece

June found us investing in a new vehicle. Owen flew to Germany and picked up his new BMW motorcycle and then drove it back to England. It was only a 2 day trip. I was pretty impressed. He took along our little Garmin and navigated his way back to the island. He said it was a great way to break it in. In June, Owen also pinned on Captain. We had a big "Captains" party for a group of them that pinned on.

Owen in Heidelberg, Germany
The bike right after he picked it up. It only has 2 miles on it.
When he finally reached home-569 miles on the bike.
His latest project after purchasing. He rewired everything and added more lights, GPS, and a few other items (can't remember).
Front of bike with the 4 extra lights added (makes such a big difference)
Our new luggage boxes. We also have a top box but are working on getting it attached.
Captain's Party (it was rather cold)
Captain's Party: Andrea, Courtney, me, Meghann, Jamie, and Stacie

In July we were able to go home for 2 weeks and see family and friends. It had been a year since I had been home and the 1st time for Owen since we moved over here. It was so great to see and catch up with everyone. While at home we were able to meet our new niece Shy Ann Walker born on the 9th of July, celebrate our niece and nephew's (Zahara and Leighf) birthday before they moved to Pennsylvania, and Owen got to go on a camping trip in Colorado with his 2 childhood friends: Ben and Jeff. It was a great trip that is never long enough.

Jeff, Owen, and Ben on their camping trip
Rocky Mt. National Park- near Grand Lake
Jeff, Ben and Owen camping
Zahara- 3 and Leighf-9
Marc, Sylvia, and Shy
Holste clan

September we decided to pack up and head across the island to Wales. We drove to Snowdonia, Wales, were we spent the weekend with the Houston's and Lamer's families. We hiked Snowdonia and visited a castle but mainly just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and each others company. Wales is a gorgeous place to visit and is really different from the part of England we live in. Also in September I finally was offered a new job. I took on a job at the Intermediate school on base (4th-5th grade students). I am a Special Education Aid and clerk for the Special Education Department. I am truly loving being back in the school setting even if I am not in my own classroom. I enjoy working with my group of students and have been reminded how much I love teaching and can't wait to start up again with my own room. September also found Owen starting his upgrade process to become Air Craft Commander (pilot in command).

Owen and I at Caernarfon Castle
A road in Wales
Caernarfon Castle

Thanksgiving was special for us as it may be our last Thanksgiving in England. We wanted to go somewhere but found that we really wanted to spend it with all our friends instead. We spent the day at the Lamer's house eating way too much food and playing games together. Owen fried his turkey again and of course it was amazing as always. We were sad to think this was our last but happy to be spending it with our family away from family.

Thanksgiving Day
Owen, Christina, Andrea, James, and Jessica,

Christmas was also special for the same reason as it was our last. We had a great time with friends. It was a small group compared to our last couple Christmas's but just a memorable. We had new and old friends over who will also be greatly missed when we leave.

Christmas Day
Table decor (looked better before dinner but forgot to take a picture)
Eric, Heather, Ben, and Erin
Owen and Mitch playing a little Mario Cart Wii

Then New Year's Eve we went to Lexi and Jordan's house to bring in the new year. They did a great job with decorating and making it special for all. They had blowers, streamers, balloons filled with confetti, and a cup of confetti. At midnight their house became one huge confetti mess but well worth it. It was perfect. Thanks Lexi and Jordan :)

Mary, Courtney, Lexi, me, and Andrea
Owen trying to beat the game :)
Confetti raining down
New Year's Eve

This brings us to a close for the year 2009 with the Walkers. We hope you had a great 2009 and pray that God will bless you with a healthy, prosperous and exciting 2010. As for us we will be having a busy year doing last chance traveling and having lots of family visit before the military packs us up and moves us to our new base in August (hurray but has gone way to fast). We have grown to love it over here and sorta want to stay for a while longer but are really ready to be closer to our friends and family. We hope to find out our new assignment in February or March. Merry Christmas to all and to all a great New Year!!!!!!!!!!

(Here is an update for Owen's upgrading process, he is doing his check ride today and tomorrow(January 6th-7th) and then he will finally be an AC. He can't wait to be done upgrading and to start flying again with out the added stress

Love and Missing Everyone,
Sara and Owen