Tannenbaum

We went this afternoon with Jurgen and Jutta to cut down our Christmas tree.  It was a bitter-sweet time as this will more than likely be our last Christmas here in Germany.  The Mullers are hunting buddies with one of the top tree farm owners in our area, so they invited us out again this year to find the perfect tree for our family.  The kids LOVE going to the tree farm, seeing the owners dog, and running around.  This year Charlotte got in on the action and went everywhere the Isabella and Jack went. 

After we found the perfect tree we headed a little further into the countryside to see the tree stand that Jurgen built and then head to a cute pond to see the ducks.  The kids had a BLAST and can't wait to go back in the spring. 

On the hunt for the perfect tree.

Clara (nicknamed Ferrari)

The hunt for the perfect tree quickly became a "sword" fighting event.

Jurgen and Jack

Charlotte walked the whole time.
She has to be wherever her brother and sister are!

Jack and Jutta playing pretend bow and arrows. 

Our tree.

Isabella helping to cut it down.

Jack's turn.

Along our walk.

The tree stand that Jurgen built for hunting.

Isabella and Jack up in the stand.

We will miss the gorgeous scenery.

Our tree all ready to be decorated!

Heidelberg Christmas Market

Our favorite thing to do the Friday after Thanksgiving is head to the Heidelberg Christmas Market.  We love Heidelberg all year round, but it's so beautiful at Christmas time!

Isabella all bundled up!
It was actually the best weather we've had at a
Heidelberg Christmas market.

One of the main areas for food and gluhwein.

Waiting for our pommes frites and sautéed mushrooms

Isabella excited for her nutella crepe.

Charlotte was happy to sample everyones food!

Cooking brauts

Jack and Isabella on the train ride.

One of my favorite parts of the market
is the giant pyramid.

Thanksgiving 2012

We are so incredibly blessed! We have had a wonderful family Thanksgiving...our last in Germany. Steve smoked a yummy turkey, and we had potato, yam, green bean, and stuffing sides. We all enjoyed some pumpkin pie for dessert. We had a great day as a family, something we're very grateful for!

Our Family "Thankful Tree"
Each leaf had one thing that we're thankful for.

My girls helping me bake pies yesterday.

Isabella and Jack NICELY playing a game.

The best picture we got of the three kids today. 
Charlotte never likes to stand still.

Still running.

Not happy because she was caught
trying to escape out the door.

Yes, I'm crazy.
I let Isabella and Jack eat off of our china.  :)

Charlotte enjoyed her pumpkin pie!

 

Tuscany - Florence

We spent a fun day in Florence, seeing the amazing Cathedral, tasting some yummy food from the market and going to the famous Ponte Vecchio.

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte



Piazza del Duomo

Neo-gothic façade in white, green and red marble

 

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Gorgeous gold doors.

Vasari's fresco begun in 1568,
and completed by Federico Zuccaro in 1579.

Fountain of Neptune



A reproduction of Michelangelo's statue David.

The Vecchio Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence.
Butchers initially occupied the shops, but the present tenants are jewellers. :)

Beautiful Italian mountains.

Having fun!

FINALLY asleep
(for a total of 30 minutes in the car for the whole trip!)