Christmas in Germany was certainly white this year! The last day of school before break was a snow day and we were worried that we wouldn't make it to Barcelona. Luckily, that wasn't a problem! We returned from Barcelona to even more snow, so Jason and the kids built a cool igloo/fort in our backyard on Christmas Eve.
It was big enough for all 4 of us to fit in!
We spent Christmas Eve with our friends, the Lowes. They stayed in Germany over the break, too, but are originally from Plymouth! We had to move halfway across the world to meet a family who's daughter would be in 2nd grade at Allen School (the grade and school I used to teach in!) if they weren't here in Germany with Opel! We had a nice early dinner at their house then went to church on the US Army base. After church we went back to our own house to open presents. The kids could hardly wait!
They passed out all the gifts and had fun tearing through everything. We skyped with Grandma Pat and Aunt Toni and with Mamaw and Papaw. It wasn't the same as being together, but it helped!
Aidan's big gift from us was this race track which has since proven to be a pain. Oh well, he still likes it. He also got some Frankfurt soccer team stuff, legos, Magic Tree House books, and a bunch of other stuff.
We got each of the kids their own "big kid" set of towels. Nice fluffy ones without the baby hood. I was surprised at how much they liked them!
Lainey also got a new camera, outfits for her Bitty Baby, some Zhu Zhu pets and a lot of other things.
Delainey and Aidan each bought us gifts and each other gifts with their own money which was so cute. Lainey got me this gingerbread cookie that says "Mama du bist Super!" and some nice smelling fancy soap. She got Daddy socks, and Aidan a magnetic dartboard. Aidan bought me a sparkly scarf, Daddy a hat, and Lainey a new Zhu Zhu pet. They were so proud to give their gifts. It is nice to see them realize the joy of giving, not just in receiving :)
Jason and I ended up buying most of our own gifts, but we still found a few surprises under the tree! Santa was good to everyone too. Aidan was beside himself to find that Santa had brought him a Nintendo DSi, something he'd be asking for for 3 years. I couldn't even take any pictures on Christmas morning because they were so excited! Lainey got a drum set and guitar-our budding Rock Star! She thinks she is the bomb! She likes to wear her sparkly tank top that grandma sent her that says "rock" on it and jam in the playroom. We have a little Hannah Montana on our hands I think!
All in all, even though we weren't with family, we had a nice Christmas. The kids are both making me promise to go home for Christmas next year. I guess my decorating can't compete with the Winter Wonderland at Pattone's house!
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