The Christmas markets in Europe are quite impressive. We went to the Maastricht and Valkenburg markets in the Netherlands and one in Aachen, Germany. They have local foods, craft items and rides for the kids. I have to say, I like Maastricht's best. We enjoyed delicious potatoe pancakes, bratworst, waffels, and chacroute. The kids rode the carousel and "cho-cho" numerous times and Katie tried ice skating for the first time. I didn't think she would like ice skating but she went around about a dozen times and never complained. However, I think arm of the hand Ned was holding may be a few inches longer than the other one!
Grumps, Katie and I "attempting" to put the star on our tree
Christmas Eve - ready for dinner
Christmas Eve - ready for bed!For the last 5 years, we have read the Night Before Christmas as a family. We all cuddle in bed in anticipation. We leave milk and cookies out for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. This year Katie wanted to write Santa a note to leave with the cookies and carrots. It said:
Dear Santa. Thank you for the toys. I love you Santa Clause. Love, Katie and Andrew
This year, Katie received an email from Santa himself. She was glued to the computer screen nodding with agreement, smiling, and listening intently. He told her that he knew she was trying very hard to be good to her little brother. (If you are interested to watch it, here is the link. It takes a few minutes. http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/e8b1d8ea54e127db4ea5104d562187c1 )
Christmas morning, as you can imagine, was very exciting. The kids slept in until about 8am and all six of us went downstairs together. The kids "big" gift was a plastic playhouse for the garden. They loved it. They got a lot of other things...too many to list. Andrew's favorite was a hammer from Grandma and Pop and Tic Tacs that were in his stocking. Katie's favorites were her princess dolls from Grammy and Grumps.
(Thank you to all their aunts and uncles and grandparents for making it a wonderful holiday!...our kids are SO spoiled by you)
Dear Santa. Thank you for the toys. I love you Santa Clause. Love, Katie and Andrew
This year, Katie received an email from Santa himself. She was glued to the computer screen nodding with agreement, smiling, and listening intently. He told her that he knew she was trying very hard to be good to her little brother. (If you are interested to watch it, here is the link. It takes a few minutes. http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/e8b1d8ea54e127db4ea5104d562187c1 )
Christmas morning, as you can imagine, was very exciting. The kids slept in until about 8am and all six of us went downstairs together. The kids "big" gift was a plastic playhouse for the garden. They loved it. They got a lot of other things...too many to list. Andrew's favorite was a hammer from Grandma and Pop and Tic Tacs that were in his stocking. Katie's favorites were her princess dolls from Grammy and Grumps.
(Thank you to all their aunts and uncles and grandparents for making it a wonderful holiday!...our kids are SO spoiled by you)
Andrew fixing the plastic house with his new hammer.This went on for hours...days
First Tonka truck
Daddy opening jeans
Reading new Olivia book
Hanging out in the house
Fireman Andrew
Hording the tic tacs. He took them out of other peoples stockings!
Katie discovering her craft desk
Opening new dollhouse peopleTop video: Andrew and Katie singing "Jingle Bells"
Bottom video: Katie singing "O Christmas Tree"
Andrew with his wine glass at Christmas dinner.Ready to make a toast?
Family picture
Andrew definitely has a sweet tooth!(those are chocolates in the ornament)
Grammy and Grumps with their favorite grandchildren
