Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Jackson and Grace dressed and ready for the Christmas Eve service. 

 I forgot to get a picture of the kids with their milk, cookies, carrots and water for Santa and the reindeer. Here is the note and goodies the next morning.

We have a rule that the kids are not allowed to come downstairs until they hear the Christmas music so we can turn the lights on the tree and see their sweet faces the first time they see the presents under the tree. They were anxiously waiting to hear the music! 

 Emma with one of her many toys. This one lasted about 45 minutes before the stuffing and squeaker were out.

The kids and their gifts:

It was the first Christmas in a few years where it was just the 4 of us. We truly enjoyed watching the joy on the kids face the whole morning. We would of wanted nothing more than to be with family in the States during this special time...maybe in the years to come. We took plenty of video and will be sure to send the grandparents a DVD of all the action.

Micah the Elf

Our friend Micah the elf came to visit us again this year. This has become a great tradition for the kids that they love. Here are just a few highlights of the places he was at when the kids found him in the morning. (Thank you to Pinterest for some of the ideas!)

In the manger holding baby Jesus.

 Eating cookies

 Building a castle for Jackson.

 Drinking syrup through a straw.

 Eating marshmallows out of the bag.

 Fishing in the toilet.

 Toilet papering the kids Christmas tree.

 On the last night he painted the kids nose red while they were sleeping. There was a note (not pictured) that said it was Rudolph's idea. They thought that was so funny!

We enjoyed our time with our little friend, Micah. Now I'm sure he's off to a beach vacation (aka Kenny and Amanda's in Okinawa). I'm sure the kids will be getting pictures in the mail soon. 

I love this tradition with the kids and will carry it on as long as we can. 

Until next year, Micah!

Nuremberg

We took a 2 day road trip to Nuremberg with the Yosts. The Christmas Market is the biggest in Germany and definitely worth the visit. The city is beautiful with all the Christmas decorations!

 

The kids hanging in the hotel room.

 Jackson enjoying his Nuremberger brat. It has 3 little brats in a brotchen...yum!

 Brat stand.

 The Kinderweinacht. It was an area especially for the kinder that consisted of rides and activities for the kids to do. It was perfect for them after walking around the market area and needing some kid things to do.

 The carousal has two stories.

 Sweet Cooper.

 The kids couldn't wait to ride the train.

 Kinder ferris wheel

 One of the stands that has hundreds of ornaments.

 Jackson and Ella wrestling in the market area.

 Market area at night.

 On the second day we dressed warm for our walk to the Documentation Center and Nazi Rally Grounds. This area of eleven square kilometers was intended as a backdrop for the Nazi Party rallies staged to demonstrate their power. It was quite a sight to see! The museum was very interesting. Jackson loved learning about the good guys and bad guys. Times like this are great to live in Europe and experience the sights instead of learning about them in books.

(Notice Jackson and Ella wresting in the background, again.)

 Our snowy walk to the center.

 Laura bought the kids these reindeer antlers. So cute!

Grace and Jason turning the golden ring at the Schoner Brunnen fountain. Legend is you turn the ring three times and your wish will come true. The ring is known as a glücksbringer, which is like a lucky charm. 

 Market area at the church.

 Great (quick) trip! Nuremberg just might be one of my favorite Christmas markets so far.