Christmas Markets

After Myles' work party, we had a chance to walk through a Christmas market downtown.

The quality of this pic. isn't real great, but you can see the traditional clothes some of the vendors are wearing.  At this stand, they are selling fresh candied nuts.  They smell and taste so good!

The girls in front of a fountain all lit up.

Part of a little fairy tale land they had.  Notice the mushrooms and hedgehogs on the bottom--very German.

 

A department store with a circus theme this year.  I remember thinking it was fun to see windows like this downtown Chicago as a kid.

A lot of the stuffed animals moved and were really cute. 

I was sorry I didn't have our camera with us when we went to 2 other markets.  They often have rides like carousels.  Last night, Robyn went ice skating at a one with some friends.  Whenever you buy food or drinks, you pay a deposit and use "real" dishes.  It's quite the experience to just walk around and take it all in.

Christmas Italian Style

My good friend from Italy brought over 2 huge traditional Italian cakes for us-one with powdered sugar and one with raisins and dried oranges.  She has been patient with my German and so kind about helping us out ever since we got here.  It was so "sweet" of her to bring an Italian Christmas party to me so Ivy wouldn't have to wake up from her nap early or go out in the cold.
The cookies in front are from a German neighbor.  Cookie baking is not something they do for Christmas in Italy, my friend told me.  I should have asked more about what they do, besides eat yummy cake! 

Especially during this busy season, time with friends and family is one of the best gifts of all.

German Christmas Traditions

This year, Carly made us a fun, big advents wreath.  On the first Sunday in December, we light the first candle and do something together as a family...

like sing Christmas songs.  Then, we light it every night at dinner or when we read scriptures together.  Every Sunday, we add another candle.

Macy checking out what she got from St. Nicholas.  They like it that they get to hang up stockings on Christmas Eve, too.  There are some benefits of embracing both cultures :)

Carly's Birthday

They have the cutest napkins here!

A double digits crown from Dad.

A bracelet loom from Gram.

One of my favorite parts of the day--Macy and Robyn giving their present to Carly.

Crepes for breakfast.

Gingerbread house from Aunt Rita.

Carly seemed extra excited for her birthday this year.  She got to bring American brownies for her treat at school and pick the game for P.E.  She continues to be creative and thoughtful.  We're so glad she's in our family!