German Christmas Markets

We went to the Esslingen am Neckar Christmas market last night and it was truly spectacular.  This particular market is one of the few medieval markets.  The vendors dress in traditional garb selling their carvings, jewelry, ornaments, candles and other holiday delights.  There stalls that are for traditional tests of skill like archery, and throwing.  Similar to a fair but done up with scenery to make it look like you are in some medieval village.  There is a tiny ferris wheel for kids that is done to look like its made of leather and forged iron.  There are small but high, metal mesh baskets where fires burn to keep warm.  We bought the traditional warm wine called Gluh Wein which is wine with mulled spices.  It was delicious!  We had warm, spicy bread on a stick which Chase loved and looked so cute as he tore off the bread with his teeth from the foot long stick.  It was Chase and my first night in Germany and we didn't have our luggage so we had no camera.  We plan to return and hope to get pictures that can somehow capture this amazing market. 

Fixation

Yesterday we were at the local botanic garden.  It was beautiful there and the weather was warm and sunny.  After a week of overcast skys and cool temps it was a real treat to be outdoors with my great pals Natalie, Isla and my little man.  Lil dude didn't notice the water fountains immediately which surprised me.. As soon as he did he made a bee lines (sp?) for them and that was that.  I would move him to the grassy area far from the water but he found his way right back.  Alll the ladies in the area were getting a chuckle over it and I did too actually.  Soon however we had to leave.  His shirt was soaking wet in front and he just couldn't leave the water alone.   Thank god I had a spare shirt in the car but until then... shirtless...

My sweetie man

Love Of My Life well one of them...
My little man. I can't possibly say enough about him. He brings such joy to our lives. He is 11 months old already. He is walking and getting into everything lately. He loves to climb so we practice going down steps at play gyms. He loves the books Mr Brown Can Moo (especially mooing and knocking) and Tails. He is obsessed with Ratatoille but cries a little when the lightning strikes and when the old lady shoots her shot gun. He arches his back like a gymnast when he has gotten in his carseat for the last time of the day. He loves to shout and does so at home, parks, stores, libraries.... He has been taking one long nap since 7 months when he started swimming lessons and sleeps 11 or 12 hours a night since 3 or 4 months old (lucky mommy!!!!!). He is all over his crib when he sleeps and sometimes we just watch him on his video monitor. He sleeps like an inchworm with his cute little butt up in the air. He has 6 teeth. He loves Mac and cheese and yogurt. His favorite place at home is standing at the glass front door and watching people and dogs go by. He sings at them. He loves to see daddy off everyday and is learning to wave goodbye to him.

My Wonderful Jeff

This picture is in front of the Hotel Coronado

This is Jeff when he was in Camp Fallujagh Iraq

At the San Diego Zoo gift shop

Olbrich Gardens Madison WI

I walked through the garden on a day off last fall and took these photos.

Allen Centenial Gardens UW Madison Campus