Thanksgiving

It's that time of year again! Colder weather, twinkling lights, strands of garland all through the town and grungy old men dressed up as Ol' St. Nick. No...seriously.

Okay lets back up a bit though. This was not only our last Thanksgiving in Germany, but also one of the last times we had our whole group together. Everyone is parting ways this year, and half of them will be gone within a month! So we made it special. Everyone came over and helped cook, play games, drink plenty of gluhwein and eat their weight in Thanksgiving food. I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was a blast! I am so incredibly thankful for the friends I have made here that turned into family, all our wonderful memories together and for reunions I hope to have in the future. Also for the fact that my husband was able to spend it with us this year, as he has and always will miss his fair share of holidays.

The day after Thanksgiving we got up early, took Dylan and Moose to baby sitters, and took a road trip up to Holland with our friends for an amazing Christmas Market! This market was held inside a huge cave structure held under the city and castle of Valkenburg. It used to be a hideout and medical center for US and allied soldiers during WW2. Many soldiers drew murals on the cave walls and signed their names, so it was awesome to have that American history at such a beautiful place in Europe.

The caves were all decked out in lights and displays of santa with his elves, and there were different venders set up with different products they were selling. Mostly Christmas items but there were also other things like winter clothes, candles, even swiss knives and kitchen ware. Chad and I got some awesome wool gloves that can be finger gloves, or fold down into mittens. They are REALLY warm though which is a must here in the winter! We also got some Christmas tea light nick nacks, sausage and candies. Then we had dinner on the main street that the caves run under. It did rain most of the day, but it wasn't enough to bring us down! We left Valkenburg and drove back into Germany to make a stop in Aachen, for their martket as well. This was a really pretty city and is home to the oldest church in northern Europe. Here we got ornaments for our tree, a gluhwein (hot wine, sort of like cider) mug, a flickering christmas decoration and also stopped for a famous german Crepe with nutella. Delicious!

We're greatful to have such awesome friends to have shared this day with! It was a great time and we love new experiences. We lugged all our loot to the car and headed home just in time to pick up Dylan and Moose.

Needless to say we all slept in today, and were able to get up as a family and eat breakfast in good spirits! We busted out the Christmas decorations and started going to town on our home. Our tree is lookin a little shaggy but its still good for our smaller on base home. Next year we'll definitely be upgrading. I love getting out the oranments we've collected so far from different cities and can't wait to add to our collection this season!



We still have a few things to hang up and set out, but its all coming together! I love decorating for the holidays. We plan to spend the rest of the day hanging out as a famiy and enjoying the left overs from Thanksgiving. Next stop, Christmas. 

I got this at the Valkenburg market. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus hand carved from a peice of wood. Pretty good find!

Dylan watched daddy set up the tree, he wasnt interested in helping lol.  

Out with the leaves, in with the snowflakes and snowman friends!!

Merry winter!

Fall update

This past month has been one for the books! Chad and I went to our first Oktoberfest, which I will also say, will be our only Oktoberfest! It definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Some advice for any one in Germany going next year - go during the week! We made the mistake of going on a Saturday, but it was an experience and at least we can say we've been there! We had some beautiful weather in October and were able to enjoy pumpkin and wine festivals, quality family time and nights out with out friends. We also got Dylan completely potty trained! huge accomplishment for us, I was not expecting him to do as well as he did with it.

Dylan went trick or treating dressed as Woody, and his friend Xander dressed as Buzz! He did great saying trick or treat and thank you at every house. Its amazing how much he is learning right now, I never want him to grow out of this stage!! Everyday he says something new that shocks me. This is going to be his first year playing in the snow, we are really excited to take him sledding! It wont be long now until Germays grounds are white. We went through his room and got rid of all his baby toys and donated a bunch of his clothes that dont fit him anymore. Now when Christmas comes around we will actually have room for new stuff.

We have just about 10 months left in Germany and are trying to soak up as much of it as we can. Although we are ready to be back in the states, I'm definitely going to miss this place! The past two years have been an awesome experience and we've seen more than most people see in a lifetime. We feel truly blessed!

We are starting off the holiday season with crhsitmas shopping, thanksgiving with our Germany family, and a day trip up to the Netherlands. Cant wait for all the exciting things to come!