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

Trip to Snowdonia, Wales

This past weekend we had a 3 day weekend so we finally took advantage of it and went on a little trip. We and 2 other families headed to Northern Wales. We rented a cabin together and hung out for the weekend. Owen and I tried to climb Snowdon Mt while the others took a train ride to the top. I say we tried to get to the top because when we reached the base of the peak it was all out rock climbing. We were all for it and started our ascent to the top. About 10 min into the climb I realized I really had no clue how to do this and it was getting more and more difficult to figure out where to climb next. Then Owen spoke up and said we probably shouldn't be doing this. It took him a couple of tries to convince me but then we were about to reach a point of no return. I started to freak out because we were pretty high and it was getting rather difficult so we turned around and descended back down the peak, which was difficult in itself. Although we didn't reach the top I was glad we tried the rock climbing.

On Sunday before we headed home we stopped and saw Caernarfon Castle. It was a pretty big castle and was built right on the coast. If you want to know more about the castle you can go to this website

http://www.caernarfon-castle.co.uk/

Then on the way home we got stuck in traffic and Owen's car started to over heat. By the time we reached a safe stopping place the car was really hot and died. We had to coast to the parking spot. We were just sure we had ruined the engine but found out one of the hoses had come off. After an hour of Owen working on it he got it fixed and we were back on the road. It sure made for an interesting drive home as we had 3 hours still to drive but we made it safe and sound. I am so glad I married such a handy man :).

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdon Mountain. (this was the peak we tried to climb, sorry the pics not that great)

Caernarfon Castle

windows made out of rock

mineral deposits off the castle
Caernarfon Castle

Atlantic Ocean in the far far background

Owen's Colorado Camping Trip

Owen's camping trip took him and his friends Ben and Jeff to Colorado. They went hiking in the Rocky Mt National Park near Grand Lake, Co. The trip included hiking and camping for 4 days. They saw some beautiful country, wild animals, and their favorite rain and hail. They had a great time together and are already planning their next camping trip together. (As you can see from the pictures Owen definitely enjoyed not shaving for the 2 weeks at home.)

Jeff, Owen, and Ben

Owen and Jeff trying to cross the river- hope they didn't fall in :)

Beautiful view- Owen is the red dot in the picture

Ben, Jeff, and Owen

Jeff and Owen- taking in the view.

Gorgeous site

An Elk sighting.

One of their camp sites.

Another wonderful site

Ben, Jeff, and Owen- Nakai Peak

Owen, Jeff, and Ben

Hail Storm

That's a lot of hail

Our Trip Home!!!!!!!!!!!

The end of July found us going home for 2 weeks. It had been 2 years for Owen and 1 yr for me since we had been home and boy was it great to see family again. We flew home space available into Topeka where my sister Stephanie graciously picked us up and drove us home. (thanks a million sis). We had a great time. I got to see my sister, niece, and nephew show there animals at the fair and spend some quality time with family. Also while home we had a birthday party for Leighf and Zahara. It was a great weekend as more family came and we got to visit with them all.
Owen went on a 5 day camping trip with 2 of his high school friends in the Rocky Mt's. during our two weeks at home. They had a great time. I am posting those pictures in another blog. Then we got to spends some time with his family and hold the newest addition to the Walker family. Owen's brother Ethan and wife Lacy had a little girl the beginning of July and it was great to hold her and spoil her all that we could. Her name is Shy and she is so precious. We saw so many people while we were home but I am sure we didn't get to see everyone we would have liked to. Just remember we will be back to the states in less than a year now (around August 2010) as our time here is slowly coming to an end so if you are wanting to come over and visit you better do it SOON :) . We are missing everyone dearly and want to hear how you and your family are doing.
Miss everyone,
Sara and Owen

Fair Time- Zahara putting shaving cream on Shayla

Zahara when she was finished
Zahara-Bobbing for eggs
Leighf- bobbing for eggs
Shayla after her balloon popped
Zahara with her goats she showed at fair
Leighf with his goat at fair
Shayla with her crazy steer.
Zahara and Leighf's birthday party
'Zahara's new princess outfit
Zahara and Dad cuddling (so sweet)
Shy Ann Walker
Proud grandparents- Marc, Sylvia, and Shy
Walker gathering- family and friends
The Robey family-our Air Force friends in Wichita. We got to stay the night with them before we flew back home. It was great to see them, it had been 2 years and Luke was 2, Hannah was a baby, and Andrew was not in the picture. It was great to catch up and see how they have grown. Thanks again Kim:)

Owen's Newest Purchase

In June, Owen gave in and bought a motorcycle. He purchased it from a company in Germany, so that meant that he had to go there and pick it up. He bought an 08 BMW R 1200GS. He had a great time going down there and then driving it all the way back through some beautiful country. Below are a few pictures.

The bike

right after the purchase before driving it home (notice 2 miles on it at the bottom of the screen)


on the ferry ride back to England
total miles when he reached home 569 miles

Owen in Heidelberg, Germany