Here are some picks from our December here in Dresden. We had a wonderful Christmas with lots of snow!

The Christmas market this year was better than ever. It was the 576th year.

And some shots from around town...

A party for three birthday kids, including Ashlyn, the 11 year old! And some fun time spent with friends.

Christmas Eve, the presents!

The kids and I went sledding today up on the hill not far from our house. Caedon and Logan had a good time, but Ashlyn and Jonah got frustrated pretty quickly. The weather was nice though, about 32 degrees and lightly snowing.

My camera was acting up and I couldn't get a decent picture but I managed a couple.

Caedon looks old to me in this picture. I guess he is 8 but he will always be 3 to me!

I don't know what happened with this picture either. He didn't have black eyebrows on his hat!

Ice cream is a beloved treat here in Germany and is enjoyed all year round and all day long. I have seen people eat it as early as 9 a.m.. There are many different and interesting flavors and one can even get their alcohol fix.

Here is a pic of downtown from the riverside flea market. It was a rather rainy day, which is typical for fall. This fall has been really mild and sunny and we have enjoyed it immensely!

The other day we made a trip downtown and decided to eat at one of only a couple "mexican" restaurants in town. I asked for an english menu because I knew it was not well translated! Here is a sample. The third is especially funny.

Chicken stripes anyone?

Whistle rolled? and they used the french word for mushrooms (champignons)

Good thing it is only a little covered. But what if I want it completely covered?

Compilate yourself (not sure how to do that?) Nipple, anyone?

We went to the Amarillo amusement park the last night in the Borger/Amarillo area. Mike and Janis, Joel and Mama all went with us. They are only open from 7-10 pm so it was just right to get in all the rides the kids wanted to ride. We started off slow...

Then the older kids did the Rainbow with Jason, it went a little too high for my taste.

To finish up, they let the kids have one final spin on the Merry-go-Round.

I was a little sick from the dizzying rides that I rode in quick succession. That was a new experience for me but overall it was a good night. Here is a picture of us at the end of the night.

After our week in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area we headed to the Panhandle. Jason's grandmother, aunt and uncle, and many of our friends live there. We stayed in Jason's Mama's house the whole week and saw friends there and drove into Amarillo to see others. We caught up with several college friends and their families and some of my high school friends. We went one night to Wonderland (the local amusement park) and encountered a typical panhandle creature!

At the water play area in Borger with a college roomate of mine and her in-laws who came to take care of the kids a couple years ago for a retreat here in Dresden!

Here is a pic with the aforementioned creature. I (Cheryl) found him at the local shopping area and brought him home for the family to see. Logan was the only kid who would hold him.

Popsicles, a great summer treat!

Meeting with my friend Stephanie from high school and her mom, who was like a mom to me for a few years in high school and college. Good friends and a good time at Chilis!

Stephanie and her girls, Cora (12) and Sydney (10)