January

We had neighbors moving out a few days after Christmas and rather than take toys with them that their kids had outgrown, they offered them to us.  Marcus and Dominic ended up getting a playhouse, teeter-totter, slide, two ATVs, and a ride-on tractor.  The playhouse was still in its box and the boys love it and all of their new toys.  They go outside every chance they get even though it's freezing out there.  These pictures make it look deceptively warm, but it's been snowing for the last four days and it's currently 30 degrees outside.

A few days after Christmas, we decided to make the rest of the french toast.  After we were done eating, and everything was cooled off, Dominic decided he wanted to make some too.

Getting caught by Daddy.

Serving up the french toast.

They played the Beaver game over here (at 3 am or something), so we recorded it and watched it the next day.  We were really good about not checking Facebook or the news until after we watched it.  

Marcus showing off his Beaver hat.

Getting excited for the game.

A few days after the new year, I set up the activity bouncer.  I thought Lauren was too young for it, so I hadn't pulled it out yet, but as soon as I set her in it she started bouncing away.  She loves that thing even more than Marcus and Dominic did.  She will bounce in there for hours if you let her.  

She loves sticking out her tongue!!

This is what our backyard looks like now.

Christmas

We started off the morning checking out what Santa brought in our stockings and testing out the cool workbench he left for the boys.  Then we had french toast, made with REAL brioche from the bakery down the street before opening the rest of the presents.

Marcus showing Dominic how Christmas works

Dominic playing with the workbench Santa brought the boys

Marcus checking out his Stocking

Dominic showing off his Kinder Egg (they're illegal in the states)

Marcus' Kinder Egg

Daddy showing the boys how to use their tools

Dominic checking out his new Legos

Marcus opening his new scooter

They each had to take a ride

Marcus' new remote control car

Lauren checking out Violet

I think she likes her
(actually, she loves her, she loves to listen to Violet sing)

After opening presents all morning, we decided to get outside and venture to the neighborhood park.  We've learned that playgrounds in Germany are nothing like playgrounds in the states.

The boys and I tested out the in-ground trampoline.  It's a favorite in this family!  Then we had to go for a ride on the tire swings.  These are nothing like tire swings that are in the states.  This one has one large vertical pole in the center and three tire swings suspended from horizontal cables extending from that center pole.  The tires themselves are hung on poles as well, so it's only flexible from the top horizontal cable.  You end up going side to side or back and forth while also going up and down.  Depending on who is on the swings, you can really get going up and down and Dominic loves it!!  Marcus isn't so sure, but he tries it out every once in a while.

After the park, we went home for Christmas dinner.  We had a basic meal with Turkey, potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and gravy.  We of course had to have the traditional English poppers as well.  Not sure how I missed getting a picture of Marcus with his crown on, he was wearing it during the whole meal.

Me and Dominic with the crowns from our poppers

After dinner, Dominic served us all tea from Lauren's new tea set.  The boys love it!!

First Bath

Okay, so first bath in the new house, but it's almost the same.  They wouldn't both look at the camera at the same time.  This tub is so big we could easily fit Lauren in with them when she can sit on her own too.

Bowling

Our last day before we got to move in to our new house, we decided to get out of the hotel and take the kids bowling.  Once we found  Marcus a light enough ball, he wanted no help from us.  He's a big boy now and wants to do everything on his own.  Dominic would still let us help him carry the ball down to the lane, but he wanted no help in pushing it toward the pins.  It was fun, but it would have been much easier if this alley had kid ramps.