Christmas and family....part 2

 So after the Christmas and birthday festivites, we ventured out to the Black Forest to see the famous cuckoo clocks of Germany,

 We all had a good time looking at them and Lauren was always helping me wrangle Abby!

 Then we visited the store where we got ours and the kids loved this big clock outside, then ofcourse, Wade and Thomas took turns throwing one another into the snow banks....boys!

 When we got back home, we decided to go to the local gast haus literally right next door to our house. It was warm, comfortable and the food was great and the kids were well behaved!

 While most of us got the brat and kraut, Lauren ordered up a side of cold chicken and bread with butter.

 Abby got to pester Grandma for stories....however I am sure she didn't mind!

 Then, when Grandma went to check email....Abby moved on to uncle Russ....who was very entertaining!

For New Year's, we went over to our friends John and Shelley's place! They had chili and gluhwein ready and waiting! We played a neat game called "Hand and Foot" which was a blast once I learned how to play it. Then we ventured outside to watch the fireworks up the street!

 
 But not before taking in a few more glasses of beer!

 Lauren bug was ready to get the party started!

 Light em....

 .....and run!!!!

 Ben and Abby, both wrapped in their blankets, watched the night sky light up as the clock tolled midnight!!!!!

 The fireworks made the snow light up and darkness dissapear. It was snowing gently, but heavily and everyone was toasting, the kids' faces couldn't leave the display. It truly was a magical feeling and we were all together to share it! Happy New Year 2011!!!