Langlaufen

Steve and I tried out our new cross country skis today. It was my first time ever and it was super fun! I'm not good or fast or coordinated but I plan on continuing to practice!

The Germans are so great about getting out in the snow and cold. It doesn't matter how old or young they are or how cold it is. They get outside and do something. So this is us embracing our new culture!

We are lucky because there are plenty of cross country (langlaufen) trails near our house and within an hour drive there are lots more. The countryside is so beautiful covered in snow and it's peaceful and quiet.  A great way to spend an afternoon!

Sledding and Doughnuts!

Sledding Selfie - Dominic, AJ, Rachel, Stefanie & Steve

We have had a fair bit of snow over the last two days so that meant it was time to go sledding! We have some excellent hills within walking distance of our house which makes sledding very easy.

Dominic in the forefront and AJ WAY in the distance

 Steve is the brave one and he takes the kids out in the snow and sleds with them. I don't go for two reasons. First, I'm a baby about the snow and cold AND second, I worry too much that someone is going to get hurt, which is absolutely no fun for anyone!

Stefanie having fun?

Stefanie

And after seeing some of today's photos, I know I made the right decision!

AJ

While I do enjoy the quiet while everyone is out sledding, I am busy. I use Steve's great-grandmother's recipe to make homemade doughnuts. It is actually easier than it sounds and they are truly delicious. The kids LOVE coming in to hot chocolate and fresh doughnuts.  Wouldn't you?

Notice - professional doughnut cutter courtesy of Grandma

Almost ready....

And they are done!

Merry Expat Christmas

Steve, Missy
Dominic, AJ,
Stefanie & Rachel

We had another great Christmas here in Germany! And although it wasn't white on Christmas day, it did start snowing the next day and has just kept going so it's an almost white Christmas!

Cute girls with their mom

We had a wonderful day together and then since like us many of our friends also our without families we had the ones who had stayed "home" for Christmas over for dessert! It was a fun party with many families. The picture is a little blurry, but you get idea! It's nice to have such good friends when you live so far away from home and family!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Stefanie, Rachel, Missy, Dominic & AJ

It was a a great day! Most people tend to think a holiday birthday is rotten but my family has always done a spectacular job of making it a special day for me! I got to run (what I like to do) and had a great brunch!

Steve and I met friends for drinks by the lake and it was a beautiful day. And then I got to spend the rest of Christmas Eve with my family and attend a beautiful evening mass at our local German church. And this stunning sunset ended the day!

D Day (Dominic's Home!)

Rachel, Stefanie, Dominic & AJ

WOOHOO!!! Dominic has made it back to Germany safe and sound. First semester at West Point on the books! We all went to the airport to collect him, because we were that excited!

Ready for the brother!

Is he ever going to get here?

YAY!!!!!

Then, since we live in Germany and it's beautiful day, we stopped at a Christmas market in Erding!

Stefanie, Dominic, Steve, Rachel & AJ

Our view (sometimes)

That's our house with the red slate roof

When we drive down the street to our house sometimes we get an amazing treat. The mountains occasionally just pop out of the sky. When they "come out" it is thrilling to come down the hill and see them.  Most of the time however we can only see a hazy outline and some days we can't see anything at all, it's like the mountains aren't even there.  This just makes us appreciate days like today even more. It also means I park my car and walk back up the hill with my phone trying to get a picture that will show how amazing it is to see! I wish I was better at it!

Christmas Tree Hunting

AJ, Rachel & Stefanie

We went back to the Christmas Tree Farm we found the first year we lived in Germany to find our tree. It's out in Unterweikertshofen. They have a great system and we really enjoy it. You can ride a tractor out to the farm and then trek around and find your tree and cut it down. There is also a great market. We have a delicious snack and gluhwein by the fire and then shop the little stalls. We always find some fun treats to take back with us.

Finished Product!
AJ, Stefanie & Rachel