ART, Skulls, and the Eiffel Tower

We just got back from our "last" trip to Paris and Disneyland for the kids. We still hadn't been to the Louvre and the first Sunday of the month entrance is FREE. It was crazy-busy, but we didn't feel bad when the kids were ready to leave after a quick sprint through the exhibits. AMAZING!!! It was so incredible to see these statues and works of art that are world famous, and to view them (rather quickly) but to see them was an experience I will never forget. The kids did pretty good too, Brielle only cried for a little while, then she finally fell asleep. And the boys were good to follow Ben around as they navigated their way using the "treasure" map. Of all the amazing pieces in the vast collection, the boys were drawn to the little cherub choking the goose. Ben was attacked as a young boy by a rouge bird and never forgot that encounter. He said "This is what I would have done to that goose" and the boys reenacted the event with stark realism and enthusiasm to one another. It was a funny "Platt" moment.

We also had never been to the underground catacombs and thought we should give it a go. We waited longer in this line to get than at the Louvre, but they only allowed 200 people to be under there at a time. I'm sure the people around us were entertained by our "pass the time" activities, the kids were always doing something embarrassing or completely hilarious. Connor had fallen asleep on the metro ride there and didn't wake up until we were deep underground. He didn't like the millions of skulls and bones lining our path, but he made it through alive. As did we all! It is interesting to think about all the bodies that were hauled there at night across town during this monumental project



I liked the name of this shop- + a little daugher too! :)



Then to end the day we got off the metro at Trocadero to get a good view of the Eiffel Tower for our last photo opportunity with the family. The kids were climbing and dancing, smearing Nutella all over their faces from their hot crepe and waffle, and singing their own little Eiffel Tower song. I am the first to admit we were not prepared for how chilly it got when the sun began to go down. Everyone around us were bundled up tight in their winter apparel and we were in shirts with no coats. We stayed until everyone got their picture taken. My favorites are the ones where Brecon has his arms in the air, smiling so big, and singing some crazy song. We just could not get him to hold still. He loves that dang tower so much! I am only posting the clean shots... so just use your imagination with the Nutella :)

Back to the Louvre... I am having a struggle getting them in the right order









Ben and Cael go Skiing

Ben wanted to take Cael out on a day adventure while school was out for the holiday. It was a bitter cold day, but they had a great time out on the mountain.

Cael is all ready to go after hitting the bathroom first. I don't think he is going to have any fun...

.... never mind... He had a blast. Ben taught his son about carving and being able to control his trail down the mountain. They talked about how icy the runs were, but they still had a really great time.

Ben had to show Cael how to do some tricks off a jump. I'm just glad he didn't crash or break a leg. Those boys like to be crazy when they are together

Fake snow from Kent

Our fun neighbors decided to share some winter enjoyment by bringing over some fake snow to play with. The chemical reaction with water cause the substance to multiply and swell up. The squishy-feeling stuff entertained the kids for quite some time, although after some time it ended up all over the floor and table. I'm starting to see why Kent brought the "snow" over in the first place. He actually didn't want the mess at his house!

Cael Brecon Connor and Gabby (or Babby if you ask Connor) have some indoor snow time!

Brecon digs right in and make the bucket overflow with fun!

Even baby Brielle got in on the action. We just had to keep her from eating the green stuff.

New Years 2012-13

We stuck around the neighborhood this year. Our neighbors from Texas invited a few other neighbors and friends over for a feast. Tacos, enchiladas, cinnamon tortillas, and fresh pico de gallo! It was so delicious and fun to get to know our neighbors a little bit better. I am always amazed at how competitive adults can be during a group game. While we were letting the "first round" of food digest we went out to start on the fireworks which were big, exploding, and dangerous! ( Ben still couldn't believe he had bought an entire box of "dynamite" ) The kids were running around like crazy people in the freezing cold night. Luckily no one was shot in the face and we brought in the New Year with a BANG! Lots and Lots of exploding BANGS! There is one thing I would like to say and it is that the Germans sure know how to party with fireworks- really dangerous ones :)

Christmas Party Time 2012

Vilseck Health Clinic Holiday lunch and party

There was the biggest white elephant gift exchange... over 45 people opening presents, fighting over the liquor, and trying to get rid of their junk. We were lucky to take home a sweet firetruck pinata and a plastic fighting robot. The kids each got to sit on the "young" santa and Brecon's face is pretty classic-- I'm grumpy!

As you can see, baby girl was pretty tired from all the excitement and didn't make it to the end. It was nice to have a gathering with everyone from the clinic and get to know them better, at least who would like to drink more than others :)

GRAF Ward Church Dinner and Party

I loaded up the boys and baby to help decorate and set up for the evenings activities. Dinner started and I had made sure everyone got their plate of food before sitting down myself. Brielle was handed around the room, Brecon waited to get a plate with me, and Connor and Cael were already running around the room chasing girls after eating a roll and plenty of goodies. A couple of people kept asking "where is Ben?" and frankly I didn't know. I had even left a bright pink note before heading out the door which said "at the church party- meet us there". Finally our friend, who is also named Ben, answered his phone from a caller. It was my Ben wondering where his wife and children were. This is the funny part. He got home right after I had left, set his keys and hat RIGHT ON TOP OF MY NOTE... and started eating a snack and reading a book while he waited for his family to get home- f rom wherever they were! He was pretty cute about the whole thing, and would have won the ugliest sweat contest, but his entry was past judgement time OH WELL!

Making Rosettes and goodies plates to take to the Neighbors

Ben and Cael had a great system of making Rosette cookies together. A great family tradition kept alive!

I love this picture. Ben is in charge of the game while the boys watch. Our smallest guys falls asleep while the other two are wide awake. Is this father/son bonding?

 

Sorghof Program in the Forest

Our village does a neat presentation with singing and acting in the forest. I love the German songs about the Christmas nativity story. There is also a big bonfire with sausages and kinderpunch, potato pancakes and rolls. We found these two crazy guys and had them over to our house that night for games and goodies.

CHRISTMAS

We spent Christmas Eve at home, a quiet time of reading and scriptures, stories and poems in the candlelight. The boys were starting to get really excited, but surprisingly enough they fell asleep really fast! We didn't wake up until 7:30 when we heard the baby stirring upstairs and we had to wake up the boys. I sure love not waking up too early... I will enjoy this time while I can!

Stockings and gifts from Santa

CONNOR and his New BIKE!

 He is quite the rider and the weather was perfect for taking it out on a FIRST RIDE!

It was also neat to talk and see our families in Wyoming and see how their holiday was. It was almost dinner time and we were still in our pajamas! Gotta love the holiday relaxing time!

FAMILY PHOTO at the end of the day. I LOVE how we were all together this year!

Winter Fun

Cael had a "Poetry and Pie" activity in his class. They read different Christmas poems and sang a few songs followed by tons of sweet treats that the parents brought in. I enjoyed watching him read and sing along, even if I could see only half the time. There were other kids blocking my view... it was still a good time.

 This was the first (and so far the last) time we went sledding. SO MUCH FUN! The kids all had a blast and even though the snow wasn't optimal, everyone still had a great time. Cael was hiking to the very top with two other boys, but on the way down he always lost his sled and was seen running after it like a wild man. We were pretty shocked when this happened not once, but 3 or 4 times. Crazy kid!

I hate folding socks! So after about 2 months worth and everyone in the house complaining about not having any to wear... we finally tackled the job and had a little fun while we were at it. It was amazing how many socks have, way too many!

BOWLING NIGHT

 The family enjoyed a bowling trip, along with a couple of young men on a snowy night. Connor has such a furious look yelling at his ball to knock over the pins, makes me laugh at his tiny body and his intensity.

I almost beat Ben tonight! Too bad his score was higher in the end.

St. Martin Lantern Sing and Walk

Brecon's German Kindergarten celebrates St. Martin day. We met in the church and watched the children sing a few songs...  We loved watching Brecon sing the words that he knew and mouth the rest. Then we all bundled up and went for a walk around the village.

It was a bitter cold night and we had not really been prepared for the cold weather. Brielle and Connor both fell asleep during the walk making it a bit painful to carry the "dead weight" around. It was so neat how the community had put out candles in jars along the path, or in their yard hanging on the fence to add to the evening atmosphere. After the walk there was a bonfire with sausage and rolls, pretzels and warm drinks to buy. We ate our pretzel and hurried to the car as fast as we could.

I am always impressed with the kindergarten teachers at St. Martin's. They are loving and kind to each child, making sure everyone is involved and helping when it is their turn. Sweet and beautiful women and I will miss when we move from here.