Christmas 2013

Before Christmas my gym hosted their annual party for the kids, complete with a visit from St. Nikolaus. He calls each child by name to come sit on his lap and then talks to them about how they have been naughty and nice (with some input from mom and dad), and gives them each a treat. It's been so fun to celebrate some of the holiday traditions in another country.

"Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this guy."

"Can someone get me a translator? Just tell me, bad or good?"

"Well, he gave me chocolate, so I must be doing something right."

Jake's shy face.

We also took the kids on the steam train ride with Santa Claus which we have done every year. 

Jake decided he needed to bring his new stethoscope (thanks Auntie Duds) to make sure Santa was in good health.

"Allboard.........." is what Bria says for "all aboard."

Shaking hands with Santa.

Jake loves this bread man that they give the kids at every German event. 

We were so lucky to have Grammy and Grandpa back again for another Christmas in Germany. Here's a recap of our Post-Prague Christmas in Heinsberg.

Jake showing Little Sis how it's done.

Passing on the secret of the Trumble family Christmas cookies to yet another generation.

Not sure if it was the Belgian beer or all the activity, but time for Grandpa's nap. Casey misses her napping buddy.

Watching "The Polar Express" on Christmas Eve. 

"Twas the night before Christmas..."

Santa found us in Heinsberg. 

The first present Bria opened was new butterfly rain boots from Auntie Linds and Uncle Tim and she refused to take them off all day. 

Check out my straw glasses.

New Scotch glasses and shirt. We only had a few Chevy Chase moments this year. 

Bria's new doll house (please take note of the rain boots and her X'mas dress).

Jake finally got off his new plasma car so Bria could give it a try (thanks Fays!).

Jake's new wheels, after only a few rides he has mastered balancing.

Thank you to all our friends and family near and far for making this a very memorable Christmas. It was so great to have family here to celebrate with us, but we were also thinking about all the Kelehers at Glen Hollow that we couldn't be with.