Disney 2 - Jedi training

Liam loves Star Wars.  Truly.  There was a time when he wanted nothing more than to watch Luke and Darth Vader and play fight with his light sabers.  His nerdy parents could not be more proud.  So naturally, we thought he would LOVE Jedi training.  We were wrong.  He didn't cry or pitch any kind of fit.  It was more like he was just humoring us.  Oh well.

 Excited to start...

 then the gradual fade.

 The actor who plays Chewbacca was nearby, signing autographs...

 but we had to move on to the training area.

 "Hmmm.  Why do I have a green light saber?

Everyone else has blue."

 "What is everyone doing?

Am I supposed to be doing that?"

 Time to fight Darth Vader!  That is NOT Liam, who adamantly refused to fight him.

 I suppose he IS a little scary.

 Our little Jedi got to graduate nonetheless.

Congratulations, padawan Liam!

Disney part 1

2 days of our home leave was spent at "the happiest place on Earth", Walt Disney World.  On Sunday, we visited Hollywood Studios, to experience Star Wars Weekends.  For one month each summer, the focus of Hollywood Studios shifts to a "galaxy far, far away"; Disney characters dress in Star Wars costumes, Star Wars actors sign autographs, and kids can attend the Jedi Training Academy.  As soon as we arrived, Geoff and Liam headed to stand in line to sign up to learn to be a Jedi.

After signing up, we saw the Indiana Jones spectacular, rode a Star Wars ride, saw some of a Star Wars parade, and Liam got to build his own light saber!  More on Jedi training next post!

 Someone was a tad intimidated by Chewbacca.

 Sam is not too sure about Indiana Jones.

 Captivated by Indy!

Bosnia's World Cup Schedule

Photo courtesy of: Sportskeeda

It should come as no surprise that the Howards will be cheering for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup.  Not only is the team good, but national pride in the Dragons, a team made up of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, could go a long way towards healing and unification in a country still divided by ethnic lines.  Here is the schedule for the BiH Dragons.  Please tune in and help us cheer them on!  Idi Bosni!

Sunday, 6/15 at 6 p.m. EST, vs. Argentina (ESPN)
Saturday, 6/21 at 6 p.m. EST, vs. Nigeria (ESPN)
Wednesday, 6/25, at 3 p.m. EST, vs. Iran (ESPN2)

If you can't watch live, you can get updates here: Bosnia's FIFA homepage

a beach day

While in Bradenton, we took the opportunity to hit the beach on nearby Anna Maria Island.  It was a gorgeous day, but very windy, so Sam and I needed an extra layer while hanging out in the shade.  Liam had a blast chasing the seagulls and playing in the sand and Gulf.  We enjoyed our morning very much!

Jet lag remedies

Jet lag is no joke.  Anyone who has ever had to experience it (by traveling across time zones OR working the night shift every other two weeks, right Dad?), knows that it can be grueling to adjust.  One of the best methods for us is to get outside and get some sun when we start fading.  GG and Grandpa's pool proved to be VERY good at helping us get over the 6 hour time difference from Sarajevo!  And having GG and Grandpa around to play may have been the best remedy of all!

Mother's Day in FL

As most of you know, our time in Sarajevo has ended.  We left our home of two years the day before Mother's Day to fly to FL to relax and spend time with family before beginning our next tour in Jerusalem.  I will write a special "Goodbye, Sarajevo" post later, when I can process all the emotions we felt during that time, but for now, let's skip ahead to happier times.

After a full 24 hours of travel door to door, it was nice to get some rest and awake to the Florida sunshine at GG and Grandpa's house.  Grandma Sally made the trip down from The Villages to visit with us, and that was a real treat.  Many of you know that Walter and Sally Childs used to live in my hometown, even attending the church my family attended, so our families have known each other a LONG time, despite the fact that Geoff and I really didn't meet until many years later in Virginia Beach.  It was wonderful to see her, and the boys enjoyed their great-grandmother very much!  Thanks for making the trip, Grandma Sally!

Sammy and Grandma Sally shared some smiles and giggles.

Liam got to hear Rhymes for Kindly Children, a book older than his GG!

Four generations

5 months old!

Sammy boy is now 5 months old.  We can hardly believe it.  He is growing so quickly and learning so much.  Current stats:

Height: 26 inches (50%)

Weight: 17 pounds (75%)

Accomplishments: Constant smiling, rolling from back to front,
"scooching" an inch or two, talking "Ahooo" and "Ga,"
riding his first ride--It's a Small World at Disney World, 

teething, and laughing at big brother.

He is such a happy baby!  We adore him!