Dec 2009 - Visit from Heidi's Parents

Nash, in an almost GQ pose.

Heidi's parents came for a visit in mid-December. We took them to the Christmas market in Cologne, right in front of the Cologne Cathedral.

At the first of many visits to the Christmas market in Bonn.

And this is the only picture we took at the Siegburg Medieaval Christmas Market -- it was so cold that day, that I don't think any of us had much fun, not even on the hand-cranked merry-go-round.

They also went to Luke's Cubscout activity -- the Raingutter Regatta. Cold.

Dec 2009 - Visit from Heidi's Parents #2

Luke and Mallory going sledding on the hill near our house.

YUM! Enjoying the best Hot Chocolate in the world at the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Cologne

Mallory happy with her free sample at the chocolate factory.

Heidi's parents came for Christmas. We really enjoyed taking them to Seiffen. A small town in the mountains of Germany on the boarder with the Czech Republic. Here they make all the wooden German Christmas ornaments like nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids etc.

Nash jumped out of the car and ran across the border just to add one more country to his list.

Dec 2009 - School Christmas Concert, Primary Christmas Party

Heidi planned and lead the church Christmas party for the kids.

Luke played the cello in the primary school Christmas concert.

A dog was high on Mallory's Christmas wish list. It didn't happen.

Dec 2009 - St Nikolaustag & Putting up the Christmas Tree

Annual tradition of St Nikolaustag filling up the kids' shoes with candy, oranges, and presents.

And Mallory reading a book to us as we prepare to put up the Christmas tree.

December 2009 - Christmas markets in Cologne & Bad Neuenahr

I took the kids to the Christmas market in Cologne one Saturday. One of the stands was selling Indonesian food, which we thought was a bit out of place in Cologne, but we didn't complain. The food was good and reminded us of our old home.

It was a cold day, but a crepe will always warm you up.

We then went to the Christmas market in a town just south of where we live, called Bad Neuenahr.

December 2009 - Christmas Market in Aachen

Heidi and some of her friends at the Weihnachtsmarkt in Aachen.

They dropped the kids off at school one day, then drove over to Aachen to see the Christmas market and do some shopping.

November 2009 - Thanksgiving & Everything Else

I don't know that I'll ever understand the appeal of face paint, but Mallory loves it. Face paint looks much better before it has been smudged and worn off.

Thanksgiving with friends.

Mallory's school performance / dance programs.

And in late November we went to the Christmas tree farm to pick out our tree....but we didn't bring it home yet.

November 2009 - Mallory's Birthday Party

The weekend after her birthday, Mallory had a birthday party with her friends here at the house. All the kids came dressed up as princesses (and a knight or two thrown in for good measure).

Heidi made an elaborate castle cake.

Heidi, Lisa, and Nash helping the kids make crowns.

I think Nash was enlisted to tell a story or play a game with the kids.

10 Nov 2009 - Mallory's 5th Birthday

Mallory, on the morning of her 5th birthday -- waiting to open one present at breakfast. The rest of the presents had to wait until later that night.

She's all teeth in this photo -- she just cannot contain her excitement.

November 2009 - St Martin's Day

Mallory and Luke with their friends at the primary school celebration of St Martin's Day.

The kids love making their lanterns every year.

November 2009 - Family Photo Shoot

In early November we attempted a family picutre.

Credit goes to our friend, Rich, for taking the photos....and who patiently waited for our family to get organized.