Munich Red Bull Hockey Team

We've been taking the kids to hockey games at Cornell since they were little and they all love going. They love the atmosphere, the cheers, the competition. We didn't know what to expect here in Munich but we happy to find that the Munich team has it's own cheers, chants and songs. We certainly couldn't understand everything but it was lots of fun to watch! We had a fun evening and will definitely go again! Plus, Munich won!

Merry Christmas from Us to You!!

Steve, Stefanie, Rachel, Missy, AJ & Dom

We had a fabulous Christmas Day here in Germany! The kids weren't up too early but not too late either.

Dom, Rachel, Stefanie & AJ

We had fun opening presents and spending the day together playing games and watching movies. Everyone got at least one present they loved and at least one that was a surprise. A victory for Mom and Dad!

Santa was generous...

Dominic and his new rucksack

AJ is ready for running with his Gore Windstopper gear!

Stefanie is thrilled to have her own backgammon set

Rachel is the happiest pandacorn!

After our yummy dinner - which included Steve's specialty - friend turkey! Our friends who hadn't traveled for Christmas this year came over for a little dessert party. We are so thankful to have such good friends as our away from home family!

The Moms

The Dads

The Teens

Happy Birthday Missy!

Stefanie, Rachel, Missy, Dominic & AJ

Once again my family has made my birthday very special. We had a lovely day together and I was completely and totally spoiled by everyone. And I had this delicious cake - baking by Stefanie and decorating by Rachel!

Munich Family Day!

AJ, Dom, Stefanie & Rachel

We continued our family tradition of spending December 23rd in Munich. We started our day with a little shopping, everyone had one or two things left to buy for Christmas! Then we watched Rogue One. We all thought it was a great movie, although we were all surprised by the ending.

Stefanie, Missy & Rachel in Marienplatz

After the movie we did some more shopping as well as some gluhwein drinking at a Christmas market. This is an important part of the Christkindlmarkts. A warm gluhwein keeps you warm for seemingly ever.

Gluhwein at the Medieval Christkindlmarkt

Then we had dinner at Burger Lobster Bank, a trendy burger place in Munich. Dinner was fun and delicious and the kids enjoyed checking out such a popular place.

Valerie Visits!

A fun Christmas treat for me. My friend Val, a forever friend from Ohio State stopped in Munich on her way to Hannover. We had a terrific day catching up on the last 25 years - it was so awesome! It was freezing outside so we sandwiched a very short walking tour of Munich between sitting inside warm and cozy, eating good food, and talking nonstop! I love being able to connect with people for short times or long times as they make their way through or to Munich!

The Boys are HOME!

Stefanie, AJ, Dominic, Rachel

WOOOHOOOOO!  Dominic and AJ are home! We are so psyched to have them here for the next 2+ weeks. So much fun for all of us!

Although they were supposed to arrive together, bad weather in Newark kept AJ from meeting Dominic in time. And Dominic talked to everyone to try to have them wait for AJ but in the end they closed the gate as AJ was running from his plane to Dominic's plane.

There's Dominic!

Luckily, it finally occurred to me to call the German customer service number when AJ wasn't having any luck getting through a line in Newark or on the phone and we got him on a flight a few hours after Dominic left.

Yay! AJ made it too!!

So happy to have them all home!!

Army BEATS Navy!

Dominic and friends and the Secretary of the Army

This is a BIG deal! Army beat Navy this weekend, the first time since 2001. It was exciting for the team and the cadets! We loved watching the celebration on tv afterwards as the cadets flooded the field and hearing Army sing second.

Both schools sing the alma mater after the game and the winner always sings second. My favorite t-shirt from the day was "Win First, Sing Second". We were thrilled to get these pictures of Dominic celebrating with the rest of USMA. Also, we get him for one more day of winter break, a bonus because Army WON!

Dominic is down there somewhere!