CONCLUDE ENGLAND

So, tragedy struck our family. I don't remember a ton I feel like after that. I remember after the accident my Mom was remarried and lived in Germany, and we went with her for Christmas. 

She lived in an apartment and had the cutest little town around her. We used to take lots of walks to get ice cream or go to the store and get kids beer (it’s a thing I promise) and candy cigarettes. The beer was malty, gross, but we loved it. My brothers and I thought we were so cool. For Christmas that year I got this McDonalds food creation set. Almost like an easy bake oven except I don't think there was anything electric about it. You would stick a piece of bread in a slot, crank the handle and "French fries" of bread would come out. Pretty sure I still dunked them in ketchup and ate them! 

Princess Diana passed away in 1997 and we were still in England when that happened. It was such a strange time. I remember flowers everywhere. The entire country grieved. 

We made so many amazing friends while we were in England. Like I said, I still talk to a few of my British friends. My Dad's best friend at the time were our neighbors next door. I'll never forget when he bought this jaguar (car) and it being such a big deal. Haha. I get it now :) 

We traveled a lot while in England. We went to Scotland, Whales, France, Germany (a lot of time in Germany), Belgium... I'm sure more. I was so lucky to explore so much of the world at such a young age. I think even at that time I understood how blessed we were, I just don't think I appreciated it. 

side note. Do you ever have those random memories or conversations that you remember so prominently for no reason at all? I remember I was on a walk with my friend and her mom. She had asked me about my olive skin and where it came from. I told her "Its probably because I was born in the summer".... Well I wasn't born in the summer and if I was, we all know that has nothing to do with skin tone! I have NO idea why that sticks in my mind so much!

When we left England I was really sad. Really sad. We were on our way to Colorado Springs and I believe I was in the middle of my third grade year. I don't remember much about our flight back. I think my bonus mom and I stopped in Baltimore and stayed with my Aunt and Uncle. I don't know why the family was split up traveling back... military or having something to do with our stuff/ travel I am sure.

So the Stippel's were on our way to Colorado Springs - which offers a WHOLE new whirlwind of stories.