Merriest Christmas Ever

I think we had the best present ever this year for Christmas--our family was all together again! It was such a wonderful reunion to have Max and Tal join us in Germany. They flew in with Bruce's dad. We were disappointed that his mom couldn't come too, as planned, but we are so grateful that she is ok after her heart attack. It is soooo fun to have our two oldest boys back with us again. They are such a joy to have around and they have brought a wonderful spirit into our home with them. Thanks to Bruce and Mary for taking such good care of them.

Ava couldn't get enough of Max. She had an instant affinity for him, and wouldn't leave his side, even when he had crashed on the couch!

We have enjoyed showing Grandpa Gunther a few of our favorite sites in Munich. The Hunting and Fishing Museum was really cool. They transformed an old church into the museum. The architecture was really beautiful. It has been such a pleasure to have him here in Germany with us!

The Petting Hall

The Main Hall

Saying good bye to the warthog

 We were happy to have Boston with us...he had decided to hide in a secret tunnel he found in the museum and spend "A Night at the Museum". It took us a while to find him, and that was after we had all left the museum and realized he was not with us! He was so disappointed that he could't sleepover with all the cool creatures and weapons.

We enjoyed Boston's nativity play with him as Joseph. (Yes those are burning candles in his kindergarten--only in Germany! Every morning they would have all the lights off when the kids arrived and about 20 different candles burning to set the mood of the Advent Time.)

Here's Ashton in his play. He was "Snowflake #7" and did a fantastic job memorizing and reciting his lines-- in German of course. Here he is leading the snowflake dance.

We are so thankful for all our friends and family members near and far! We are thinking of you all with a longing for home at this special time of year. But we are so grateful for this unique experience we are having abroad. Thank you to all those who remembered us and sent us a Christmas card. It was especially appreciated and brought us much joy.

Frohe Weihnachten!

All together at last! (Ava is on Bruce's back)
Boston's sad because we just busted up his sleepover with the moose!