Weinwanderweg in Freinsheim

While Jason and Grace were home sick with the flu, we drove about 45 minutes to Freinsheim to the rotweinwanderweg, which translates as the "red wine walk."

A few years ago when my mom was here we did this and it was a request she had during her visit this time. Thankfully, it was just a few days after her arrival.

The snow made the walk that much more beautiful!

Neat picture my mom took along the walk.

Just the beginning of the 7 kilometer walk.

 Jackson brought his razor, which was a good choice to keep him busy and on the go.

 Nothing like being with my mom, drinking red wine along the snow filled vineyards!

 There were 14 food stations along the walk. Each station had different types of food to offer. This one was so good! 

 I was trying to get a picture of Jackson's steam coming from his mouth. But it didn't work out, so I thought I'd post it anyway.

 Having fun jumping in the vineyard paths.

 This greasy pig on a stick looked sinfully good! Everyone eating it had a big smile on their face.

 This will definitely be something that we do each year!

AJ's First Tooth...Gone!

Finally! The infamous wiggly tooth came out last night!

This tooth has been loose for many, many weeks. 

Jason and I have tried to pull this tooth a few times, but it just wasn't the right time. Last night Jason and Jackson came home from Wednesday night church and the tooth was hanging out of his mouth sideways. Gross! So he tried a few times and then asked me to help him. All it took was a little pull...and pop...out it came. His reaction was so funny! He ran downstairs and showed Jason with full joy and excitement. These are some of the things I remember about it:

1.) He wanted to wash the tooth because he didn't think the tooth fairy likes dirty teeth.

2.) He was so excited about writing his name on the "Lost a Tooth in January" board at school.

3.) After we put the tooth under his pillow he wanted to sleep on the other side of the bed so the tooth fairy can get the tooth easily. 

This morning he ran in our room so excited that the tooth fairy brought him a 2 euro coin!

These are the moments that I love being a parent. I know we have many more teeth that are going to come out in the years to come, but there is nothing like that first baby tooth gone. Sweet memories!

 YaYa bought Jackson this tooth box to put under his pillow. He loves being able to put it to use!

Ice Skating at the Gartenshau

To ring in 2013 we took the kids ice skating. They really wanted to do it in Belgium, but the weather was nasty and wet so we didn't do it there. They were so excited when we told them we were going today!

The ice skating rink is indoors in Kaiserslautern at the dinosaur park. It was very nice!

The kids getting ready.

This penguin became Grace's best friend to skate with. She loved skating, but couldn't quite stay up by herself.

 Jackson did absolutely amazing! He went from not being able to stay up without the penguin...

 to me staying with him for a little bit...

 to skating around the rink by himself. He fell down about many, but not once complained about it. 

He is one determined boy!!

 It was a great first day of 2013!