Thanksgiving

This year we decided to go with the nontraditional and take a trip over the Thanksgiving break. It is a great time to travel, because Thanksgiving is not a European holiday. Also, since is is normal freezing cold, no one wants to hang out outside. We decided to take a trip to Disneyland.

We got a great deal at one of the Disneyland hotels. It included tickets for 4 days, a three night stay, breakfast every morning, and parking at the park. Upon arriving we were pleased with our arrangements. The hotel was actually a single wide trailer with a full kitchen, two bedrooms and two baths. We quickly unpacked and headed to the park for our first day. It was cold, but the kids did not complain. In fact, there was NO COMPLAINING the entire trip, even with the cold and early mornings.

I didn't think we would have the energy for 4 days of Disneyland fun, but I was proven wrong. The lines were non-existent, so we ran up to every ride. Micah proved to be a thrill seeker. Sadie was moderately brave and Taylor liked only the buzz light year ride. We mistakenly took him on some scarier rides (Peter Pan, some rocket ship ride and the Haunted Mansion BIG MISTAKE! I didn't remember it being that scary). He quickly learned that if is got dark, or moved, it wasn't for him. Before we got on any ride, he asked, "is it scary?" Greg and I took turns on the buzz light year with Taylor, while we took the other kids on rides more suited to their tastes.

All in all, it think this trip was my favorite trip since coming to Europe. It was truly magically. The park was decorated for Christmas. Christmas music played constantly. Fake snow fell (bubble foam) on the fake streets, although real snow fell too. It was a pleasant way to start the holiday season.

Bern Kastel Kues

A very large Advent Calender.


Notice the very thin house in the background. Yes, it is real. I think it is a bar.

The reason why we left.


Christmas markets are a German tradition. Starting around Thanksgiving time, ever town opens up their main market to holiday vendors. We chose to go to Bern Kastel, known as the "Pearl on the Mosel." Although the market is small, the half-timbers houses and narrow streets create a quaint shopping experience.

Although the weather was freezing, we managed to meander for nearly three hours, before Sadie's cold toes ended the fun.

The fun included: Flamkuchen, crepes, Brats. The kids picked out their presents for the family. We bought smokers, ornaments, fun scarves and jewelery. Grandpa found some cool slippers (well actually the were HOT) that you heat-up in the microwave. The vendor warmed them up for us, so that we used them in the car on Sadie's poor frozen toes.

We came home for yummy soup, hot cocoa and the warm fire. Once the kids were in bed, we played card games and enjoyed the holiday treats that we were supposed to give to neighbors.....

Playing catch-up

Our last entry was on Halloween. We have had two holidays since then, with all the excitement that goes with them. This is a picture of Sadie's holiday program, the first one was canceled due to the weather, so the music teacher invited us for a private program in music class. It was a small group of parents and Sadie's class performed quite well, complete with real Christmas songs.

Micah got to watch to, since he had to go to the doctor and we discovered that he had pink-eye and a sinus infection. It was the perfect way to start the Christmas season. Good job! Sadie!