the shortest days of the year...

...and so much has been happening in them!  I have more to report from this last week than I could ever manage to fit into one post.  I will attempt to give you the highlights, along with some pics, and not make this go too long.

Last Thursday I traveled with the family to Aachen, in northern Germany - right in the corner, bordering the Netherlands and Belgium, to be exact.  We stayed with some of their friends, who also have an au pair.  Our two families hung out, and we got to explore the city, see the beautiful church (the oldest part of which was built in the 8th century!), the Weihnachtsmarkt, the Lindt factory outlet, and some touristy things, such as the European equivalent of "Four Corners" in the U.S. - Dreiländereck.

On the Sunday after we returned, I took part in our church's "Raclette und Schokofondue" night.  With the other young people, we did a short skit about Advent, and then sang a song, for which I was nominated to sing with the mic.  I generally avoid singing into a mic of any sort, and definitely not as the only one with a mic!  :-)  Thankfully, the entire group was singing, and the focus was on preparing our hearts for Christ, not so much on us.  Afterwards we enjoyed a very traditional holiday dinner, with melted Raclette cheese over potatoes, with fresh veggies or sliced meats.  Then each table had their own fondue pot - sharing chocolate with friends was the best way to end the evening.

Over the next couple of days, I did some craft-ing with the kids and our neighbors, and then some on my own, to deck out my room with a little bit of holiday cheer.  I happened to decorate just in time to usher in the wintry weather.

Last night, I experienced a different sort of Weihnachtsmarkt.  In Esslingen there is not only the traditional market which you will find in many cities, but there is also a Middle Ages Market.  Here, there were many people dressed up in period costume, various types of craftsman, and a dose of cheesiness as well.  Overall, I found it to be very well done, and perhaps a little reminiscent of the type of crowd you might see at a Renaissance Fair.  Many of those in costume seemed like Middle Ages hippies, complete with dredlocks and drums.  :-)  However, some really did preserve the art and craftsmanship of that period.  My favorite, of course, were the food stands where they cooked, kneaded dough, and baked right in front of you.

This last one is for my Mom, who requested that I find someone who spun their own wool.  Not only did I find the spinning wheel, but also an entire loom.  What can I say...we are kinda fiber nerds in my family.  :-)  Finally, to wrap up my post, here are links to recent pictures:

Weihnachtsmarkt

Wintry Adventures