Three Christmas Markets in one weekend

 This market in Auerbach is held every year at the sight of an iron ore mine. It was our first time visiting. It was very unique, very very cold, and very crowded. If you go to this one, try to go earlier in the day.

After we got home from Auerbach, Erick and I headed for the tiny market in Grafenwöhr.

The following day, we visited a super cute market in Erbendorf at Schloss Wildenreuther. The kids tried out some archery and met St. Niklaus, his companion Ruprecht, and several other fun characters.

November 2016 Catch Up

David got a new hat at a craft market.

Youth game night at the church.

Spirit Week! Crazy hair day, superhero day, dress like a time in history...

Thanksgiving party at school with David.

Beautiful Bailey.

I have no idea. This is David's work. It is a little disturbing...

First weekend of Advent.

Dinner at the Thai restaurant with friends from church. We are all a bit strange sometimes...

Christmas is coming in Rothenburg

We went to Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the opening night of the Christmas Market. We watched a reenactment of some sort, we listened to fabulous music, and we got mushed in the crowds. Other than the crowds, it was magical!

Change of Command 7ATC HHC

Today Erick became the company commander of 7ATC HHC. I acquired the first three photos from the 7ATC photographer.

After the ceremony, we served hot soup with rolls and fruits and veggies. We had a beautiful cake, thanks to my awesome friend and neighbor Leslie. We even cut the cake with a saber, which is more of a cavalry tradition, I believe. But it's all done in fun, so who really cares? We had great friends there to support us. I feel so grateful for our Army family!

October 2016 Catch Up

The first weekend in October I ran my first half marathon. I ran in Nuremberg with my good friend and trainer Lita Holland. She helped me figure out so much about distance running. She's amazing!

A week later, in an attempt to work out the soreness still lingering in my legs from the run, Erick and I rode our bicycles to Speinshart Monastery, a few miles from our house. We walked inside the chapel to see the art and architecture. A monastery was first built here in 1145 A.D. It was renovated to its current design in the 1690s.

Our ward held Standards Night for the youth. Our theme was "We are All Enlisted." We decorated and dressed in military gear. Then we likened modern gear to the Armor of God. I love these ladies! I have a great presidency!

I took a tour of a local cave with a group of ladies from church. A restaurant nearby ages their cheese in this cave. They even call it cave cheese. We ate some after our tour. It was so much fun!

David had some fun in Kindergarten and with his buddy Isaac this month. The fire department visited. Isaac had a costume birthday party. And I was able to visit David's class for a party.

Joey had a fun month. She helped make sets for our community playhouse. They performed "James and the Giant Peach." She also celebrated her birthday. She had pumpkin roll with the family. Then Erick and I took her to Hotel Böhm for dinner and pumpkin-seed-oil covered ice cream. YUM!

We attended a Halloween party for Erick's new unit, 7ATC.

Joey and Bailey have a lot of fun on Halloween.