Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft

Quite the title of the blog, isn't it?

While Jason was skiing in Switzerland for the long weekend we took a drive to Frankfurt to the Natural History Museum. I have wanted to take Jackson for some time so he can really see how big the dinosaur bones really are. He had so much fun getting up close and personal with them! It was about an hour and a half drive, but well worth it. We will definitely go back in the future.

Jackson's favorite dinosaur...the T-rex.
Look at that foot!
This picture goes to show they really do have love for each other. Just kidding...they have their moments.
The museum had interactive things for the kids to do. They really enjoyed putting together the dinosaur puzzle.

Grace's face says it all...

Hard to believe anacondas can swallow something so big.
Grace was insistent that she carry her baby like this. It took a while to figure out the correct way to attach the blanket, but when we finally figured it out she was walking around so proud. Oh, Grace!
Jackson's favorite animal, the eagle.
This shot is of one of the hundreds of birds that were displayed. The feathers up close are so beautiful!

The mammal section.

This shot was a little strange. Who knew moose liked to hang out at the beach?!
Sweet shot of Grace.

Daddy and Gracie Date Night

Jason and Grace went on a date day yesterday to see the play Beauty and the Beast on base. Both of them were so excited to have special time together. A few days ago Grace told Jason, "I'm so excited to go on our skate!" She is too funny!

I know this is just the beginning of many "date nights" for them.

Ski Jump Competition/Oberammergau

For New Year's Eve we took a trip with the Yost's to watch the qualifications for the ski jump competition at Garmisch. It was quite a sight to see. It is amazing they jump off that steep of a ramp. I had no idea they went so fast...over 90 miles an hour!

It was a fun trip to take before their new addition makes his debut in April. We loaded up everyone in their car and took the 5+ hour drive. The kids did great all sitting in the back together. It was a special treat for them!

We stayed in Oberammergau (where the Passion play is every ten years) because all the hotels were booked in Garmisch. The village had such a magical feeling to it. It was a trip we will all remember for years to come!

Tom and Jason hanging out in the hotel room before the kids' bedtime.

Awww....they are so sweet together!
The kids had fun playing in the covers.
Our walk up to the competition.
The ski jump...WOW!
All bundled up and ready to watch. It was cold...-1 degrees celsius.


I loved this guy walking around selling gluhwein strapped to his back.
Ella's gloves cracked me up.
Gorgeous view!
Now that's a happy boy with his brat.
Below is Oberammergau on New Year's Eve night.

We were not party animals that night.

The kids went to bed, Tom right behind them because he was sick with a cold, and then the rest of us adults didn't much longer. I guess that's what happens when you get old! ;-)

I love all the painted murals on the buildings there.
I have a thing for doors here in Europe. They are very unique and beautifully carved!

Triberg Festival of Lights

After Christmas we went on a trip to Triberg in the Black Forest. They have a festival of lights show at the largest waterfall in Germany. It was a spectacular sight to see! It was very cold, but well worth the trip.

Here is what the entrance to the waterfall area looked like during the evening hours.

And here is what it looked like at night.
Walking through the entrance before the main lights.
Ever night they have a fire dancer show at the top of the waterfall. It was amazing! Jackson especially loved it.
Awww....Kenny and Amanda. I <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC62Ar8FUMTPYtmR-OuBBYA41LXx5GnUONTx9Fg6_d_0FiEpmoBVvnG7Zdrt3crQ4rnEVGep55_TcbKx7Q2QBSEkhXlibH8YVRm2NG2IXKBYyfm-3B21ADOVwkDtIKYInX5Uu7Un0pk4W/s1600/DSC_1299.jpg">Gotta have the family shot!


This is where the main Christmas market was held. I love the next shot of Jackson looking over the market area.

They had a nativity scene with some animals for the kids.
Framer!
The next day we took a drive to Titisee. The drive was great with the snow covered trees and fields as well as the blue skies. You don't see that very much in December in Germany, so we loved having that as a bonus.
Grace loved to see the horses ride through the streets.
What's playing in the snow without sliding down a hill? Our little snow boy can't get enough of being outside.

Our Christmas Morning

The kids were so excited when they woke up Christmas morning. It was a priority to get downstairs and see if Santa came. We started a new tradition this year for that...the kids are not able to come downstairs until they hear the Christmas music. It worked SO great that Jackson wouldn't even step out of his room to tell me good morning when I woke up. I guess he was just doing what daddy told him to do! We had a great morning opening presents with Kenny and Amanda. I didn't get any pictures of them, but they were here joining in on the fun.

After the presents were opened we had a great breakfast casserole that Amanda made the night before.

Not long after relaxing and picking up the wrapping paper and boxes we headed off to the Yost's house for Christmas dinner. It was so wonderful to have our friends together enjoying and celebrating Jesus' birthday!

Jackson's reaction when he saw the presents under the tree.

Santa and the reindeer did come!
I found the pickle (with Amanda's help).

The tradition with the pickle is someone hides it on the tree on Christmas Eve, and the first person to find it Christmas morning gets to open the first present.
Jackson got his lightsaber!
Grace got more baby stuff!
Testing out the razor.
Oh, Grace! You and your babies!
Our first white Christmas in many, many years.
Check out that breakfast spread!
Emma got a few toys, but this one she really loves.
Off to the Yosts' dressed in new Christmas clothes with new toys.
It was a Christmas to remember for years to come. Each year it gets more and more fun with the kids. I am truly thankful for my husband, children, and friends. Especially all of the other treasures God has given us!