Only caution I will throw is what does momma do? Is she happy being wifey/mom? Or does she need a career to be happy?

Did 2 years in Germany in late 90s and enjoyed a lot of it but also had a wife that was eager to get back to work when we were back stateside. Good news is she got a Masters over there--lots of options for some very solid distance learning programs if either of you is inclined....

But yeah...if momma ain't workin'...go to Germany. We'll still be here for you in Florida when you RTB...

We did 10 years in Europe, 5 in two separate tours in Germany and 5 in the UK. Anyone who says it's hard with kids didn't get it. Our son was born in the UK then moved to GE. Our daughter at 3 went to our German village Kindergarten was was 3 year old fluent in 2 months (she just graduated from Pepperdine, SCL a double major in Inat'l Relations and German). We hauled the kids all over Europe, they've seen the Roman empire from Hadrian's Wall to Pompeii. They've skied the Alps and eaten snails in France and walked on Omaha beach. Kids are easy in Europe, although they will start complaining about "Not another old musty cathedral". Just work in fun stuff for them on any trip. My son thinks he was born in Legoland, Denmark. There is a Haribro factory tour in Provance, stuff like that. Oh, by the way, the G time is probably more useful when looking for a corporate job IMHO.

Dang CW...you must have a house over there you need to rent...w/ that kind of salesmanship!!! ;)

Thanks!

European Vacation
 

Nope, nothing to sell, just don't want nay-Sayers to affect anyone's decision because they are afraid of taking kids or themselves into strange cultures that exist in Western Europe. I'm not joking when I tell you this. There were folks I saw over there that would never leave the base unless they were forced too, which usually meant taking a chartered bus to the airport so they could go home on leave. And I'm talking about an entire three year tour, and they'd complain the who time about how much Germany sucked. Their idea of shopping on the economy was a stop at the Kathe Wohlfarht store at Ramstien. (I got drug to the real one in Rothenburg more times than I care to admit--I finally resisted and could be found at a nearby Gasthaus while the Mrs. cleaned the place out--you can visit the U.S. store here at my house in Enid now until early in the new year). Go to Germany, live on the economy, just be sure to learn a little about the culture, learn the polite words, keep your sidewalk swept, don't make any noise from 1130 to 1400 and after noon on Sat through Sun, and for the love of god, do not mow your lawn on Sunday and don't tip your movers with bottles of JD until after they are done. Prost!

Haha...this is awesome advice!

Enid? T1 or T6? How long have you been there? Bought a hand-made bag for my wife from a T-1 pilot's wife (Truman?) a while back.

Also laughed my a$$ off at the "Halle Berry's" flying in the pattern.

The other one
 

38s. Almost three years, wrapping up my retiree recall period.

Sweet. Congrats!

Tampa is awesome, but you can't replace the experience of an overseas assignment. I'd do it again if given the chance.

Disagree.
I have a friend in that unit, and he contradicts your comment.

"Go to Germany, live on the economy, just be sure to learn a little about the culture, learn the polite words,"

If you say "it's not the States" with a smile you'll love it. If you say "it's not the States" with a bite to it you'll hate it.

CW - you forgot to mention - don't jaywalk, even at 0200, if the 'walk' sign is red. They look at you like you've got 4 heads. ;-)

Taking a leak by the side of the road is OK. Littering is not. Spitting on the sidewalk, hopefully by the curb, is almost acceptable. Not using your blinker when changing lanes? Felony(almost). ;-)

OSHA/safety standards in old buildings? Like hand rails on steps? Steps evenly spaced and the same height? Don't plan on it. Almost fell last week. Every step was the same except the top one which was about an inch higher! If it angers you stay here. If you smile and shake your head you'll do fine.

Drink and driving? You don't want to go there. Lots of folks walk 10-20 minutes to bars/pubs. Walking is no big deal and lots of people do it.