Happy 3rd birthday, Lincoln.

Lincoln was the only baby born on Christmas day at the

National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

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Lincoln tore through his presents with such intensity.

He was more focused on tearing through the wrapping paper than on what was actually inside.

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I know, I know. This a a pretty sad birthday cake compared to his brothers'.

I guess that's what happens when your birthday is on Christmas.

Next year, Lincoln, we will try to make you a more creative cake.

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Dear Lincoln,

We can't believe you're already three years old. You've spent most of your little life living in Sicily, and traveling all over Europe. We moved here when you were almost 7 months old. The Italians love you. They all say you look like a little Brad Pitt. So far, you've traveled all over Italy, and have been to Germany, Austria, Scotland, Paris, London, and Malta.

This has been a busy year for you. You were potty trained within a few days at 2 years and 10 months. You were the easiest so far. You also learned how to ride a bike without training wheels that same week. Everybody stops and they turn their heads as you speed past them on your bike with no training wheels. Nobody can believe it. You look too little to be doing that! We've watched you race down hills, jump over speed bumps, and lift your feet in the air and say "wweeeeeee" on your little bike. You have no fear.

You've grown very attached to your brothers, and you are always asking "where is Noah?" and "where is DJ?" and "where is Max?" if they are not around. You love sharing a room with DJ and Noah. Soon Max will join you. He's just a little too young now. You've learned all of your letters and the sounds they make. You are anxious to join Noah in his reading lessons. I think you are growing and getting some of the benefits of homeschooling your big brothers.

You are also difficult some days. The whining can drive us a little crazy, but we know it's all part of being three. We love you and can't wait to see what God has in store for you. We pray that you will love Jesus, and that God will show us how to best love you, teach you, and encourage you. Happy birthday, Lincoln!

Love,

mom and dad

Buon Natale

Merry Christmas everyone. This is our last Christmas in Italy. We had a fun time staying home this year. No traveling. Just spending time together.

We added a new tradition this year. We've done an advent calendar for the past few years, but nothing like this. Thanks to an idea from a friend who passed along this blog post (http://lillightomine.com/light-em-up-2011.php), we had an extreme makeover on our Christmas countdown calendar. As we counted down to Jesus' birthday, we did a random act of kindness each day for the past 25 days. Jesus taught that it's better to give than receive. Each day we did a little something to give to others. One day, we brought in all the shopping carts at the Commissary. Another day we brought plastic candy canes filled with candy to the guards at the Navy gate just to say thank you and Merry Christmas. And another day we left money at restaurant with a note saying that our family was excited to focus on others this Christmas and that we hoped this little act of kindness would make their day. Each day, our boys were excited to find out what we were going to do. Such a simple thing, and yet it felt life changing to me and our family.

The Paudler tradition of Gummy Bears in the stockings continues . . .

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There is our Advent Christmas Tree countdown calendar.

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Our monkey bread tradition was started by our friends the Bosnyaks when Carey was in elementary school.

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Max had fun wearing Carey's stylish new slippers.

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Our private jet to Naples

The boys and I think Tom has a pretty cool job. For the past few years, he has been flying the Admiral all over Europe and Africa.

Last weekend, Tom surprised us with a trip on the Gulfstream! We flew from Sicily to Naples on the mainland, and we were the only passengers on this 12 seat jet. It was only about a 45 minute flight, but it was so much fun. As long as the Admiral isn't on board, military dependents can fly Space A (free!). We stayed two nights in Naples, and then flew back to Sicily.

On our flight to Naples, there was A LOT of turbulence. Poor Max struggled and ended up throwing up all over me! At least it didn't get in the Admiral's seat! DJ and Noah were able to go up to the cockpit and learn a little more about flying. That was definitely a highlight for DJ. The transport safety specialist didn't make any meals for this short flight, but he did give the kids lots of candy from his stash in the back. That was definitely a highlight for Noah.

One of our favorite stops in Naples was at L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. This was the BEST pizza we've had in Italy! I don't have the words to describe it. If anyone has read or watched Eat, Pray, Love, this restaurant is the one they talked about in the book/movie.

We also took a train to Sorrento and walked around the Amalfi Coast. It was beautiful!! Oh, and Max got his first real haircut at the barber shop at the base in Naples.

The base airport in Sicily.

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From the base airport, we took a quick shuttle ride to the jet.

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Oh boy, this is going to be fun!

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A view of Mt. Etna from the sky!

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L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

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Taking the city bus to the train station.

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At the Naples train station.

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It was about an hour train ride to Sorrento, which is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

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Ever since Noah was about 3 years old, he has had this strong urge to draw. He amazes us sometimes with his drawings. We always make sure to pack a sketch book and pencil in our bag. We'll be in the middle of doing just about anything, and Noah will say "I need to draw something" and ask for paper.

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Just got off our hour train ride! We made it to Sorrento. Now it's time to explore.

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We had such a fun day exploring the Amalfi Coast. The weather was beautiful too. Now it's time to get back on the train and head to Naples.

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We had a few hours before our flight home and grabbed the chance to get the boys' haircuts.

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This was Max's first haircut! He was not happy about it.

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Noah needed to stop and draw this fire hydrant.

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