Fasching

Jackson's german immersion class (along with the other 3 classes) had a Fasching party in the gym on Thursday. The kids dressed up in all sorts of costumes. 

Fasching is Germany's carnival season just as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans. It starts on the 11th day of November at exactly 11 minutes after 11am and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday. It's a time to break and poke fun at the rules. The day of the party fell on Thursday and by tradition women are allowed to cut off a man's tie if they are wearing one. So most of the teachers had scissors with them. If I was thinking I would of put Jackson in one of Jason's old tie's. 

It was fun to see them sing and dance to the traditional german songs!

 Jackson and his bud, Luke

 Jackson's teacher, Frau Whitely was dressed up so cute.

Face Painting with Gaga

The kids have always remembered when my mom painted their faces the last time she was here. So this time they couldn't wait for her to do it.

The kids hung out with Gaga on Monday (no school for Jackson) while I went to work. I came home to their faces painted like this:

 Amazing!

 Darth Maul

Grace didn't want her face painted, so she had a pony on her arm.

'

 Round 2 of Alex and Jackson

Holly and Hannah the kids other neighbor friends.

Tongeren, Belgium

Tongeren is one of my favorite places to shop for unique items here in Europe. When I went there last May with some friends, I bought our coffee table that I love so much. 

While my mom was here for a visit we took a short weekend trip to Belgium. We stayed in Liege which is located only 30 minutes from Tongeren. On Saturday we drove around to some shops and upon Jason's request went and bought a handful of the yummy Belgium beer.

At about 6 on Sunday morning we drove to Tongeren and began shopping.

This black swan was so pretty!

This is a bread bowl from India I got for 30 euro.

(I bought it from the same man I got our coffee table from.)

 I couldn't pass up the the beautiful golden demi john!

 This is the corner rack I got including two wooden dough boards and one metal one. It is what the dutch used to use (way back in the day) for their dough to rise. According to the woman we bought it from it is from the early 1900's.

I love it!!

 Tongeren didn't fail our expectations at all! I love picking up unique treasures and bringing them into my home to admire for years to come.

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!