Dec 2009 - Christmas Day

Christmas morning....

What little girl doesn't love unicorns?

Luke and Mallory looking for the pickle ornament on the tree.

It didn't take Mallory long to put on her purple sweatsuit.

Grant and Luke got the presents at (or very near) the top of their lists -- oversized Nerf guns. Scott and Nash got normal-sized Nerf guns, just to defend themselves.

Santa brought Beatles Rockband.

Everyone took a turn....

And then we went up to the attic for a Nerf gun war.

Dec 2009 - Christmas Eve

December 24th -- all of the preparations have been made:

All the windows opened on the Advent Calendar.

Fire in the fireplace.

Time for the traditional re-enactment of the story of Jesus' birth.

Starring Heidi, as a shifty-eyed angel.

Nash, Grant, and Luke as 3 wisemen, plus Mallory the sheep.

Grandma & Grandpa were recruited to play the parts of Mary & Joseph.

Those shepherds look really afraid.

Grant as Narrator / Wiseman.

And our traditional almond pudding game.

Sherrie was the winner this year -- I think she had us all fooled.

And the prize.... a big bar of Toblerone.

Dec 2009 - a few days before Christmas with Heidi's parents

Mallory made a sign for Grant, to show him how he will look when he gets his braces.

Scott and Sherrie endured many performances by Mallory.

Not the greatest photo, but we do have evidence of Nash being taught how to cook a roast.

Mallory was constantly climbing the door jamb.

Luke & Mallory with cinnamon sugar crepes at the Christmas market in Bonn.

Nash went off and got his own Bratwurst.

The Bonn Christmas market has great fried fish...

...and really good Hungarian goulash.

Apple pancakes. Can you tell we like the food at the Christmas markets?

Dec 2009 - Trip to Nuremberg with Heidi's Parents

Nuremberg claims to have one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. We took a fairly quick overnight trip with Heidi's parents to see the market and to find out what kinds of good food they have in Nuremberg.

Luke and Mallory liked the kids' section with all of the rides...

...and cotton candy.

In the morning at a bakery for hot chocolate and pastries.

Rows and rows of stalls selling everything imaginable.

The Christmas market is in the square in front of the church in Nuremberg.

Nash is either eying some candy he'd like to buy or thinking about that last Weckla he just ate (3 Nurnberger Bratwurst in a bread roll).

Corn on a cob...on a stick. Genius.

Nuremberg Castle.

Three brothers, making sure they are on their best behavior, because they know Christmas is only a few days away, and Santa Claus is watching.

Scott and Sherrie getting ready to cross the street.

We met up with some friends of the family to warm up, have some Apfel Schorle, Nuermberger Bratwurst, and potato salad.