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!!