I haven't forgotten about the blog, I swear.

We were having some technology issues with the camera (and still are, but Ryan found a workaround for me today; it's good to be married to a computer guy) so I stopped taking pictures for a few days out of frustration.

On Tuesday we all loaded into the car and headed to Luxemburg City, Luxembourg. It was a European country that Ellen had never been to, so we were excited to take her there. Unfortunately, we didn't realize that in Europe the Christmas holiday lasts three days. So, nothing was open. We did find a restaraunt and ate a nice meal before wandering around a little.

Even though everyone else had the day off, the palace was still guarded. Ellen volunteered to hug the ceremonial guard for a better photo.





Peeking through the gates....



Katy loves birds, so we thought that feeding pigeons would be a good thing. The pigeon didn't want to cooperate though.



As we were leaving we decided to get some hot chocolate (ok, we wanted some spiced wine, but they don't sell it on holidays). Ellen had me coach her on how to do everything in German. She was so excited to have her first German (language) ordering experience; I snapped her picture right before she placed the order. Unfortunately, the man asked a question neither of us understood, so he had to switch into English for us.



On Wednesday we headed to Strasbourg, France. We'd read that the Christmas market there continues until December 31, so it was a good chance to give Mom and Ellen a taste of the markets we'd been experiencing. Strasbourg was gorgeous! I really wish that I had my camera along because it was simply incredible; a very charming town. We stopped for lunch in a little restaraunt tucked into a side alley and had one of the most fantastic meals we've experienced in Europe. The Christmas market was obviously at about half strength from what it was pre-Christmas, but it was still very nice. A good time was had by all and Ryan and I are talking about heading back to Strasbourg soon since we only saw a tiny portion of it.

Katy enjoyed having so much company and new things. She got a new DVD from her Aunt Ellen and snuggling up to watch was a nice way to end the evening.



On Thursday we headed to Heidelberg. We found another charming and tasty place for lunch before heading out to explore. I really like Heidelberg; the castle above the town is an imposing sight and it has lots of fun shops to poke around in. Ryan had to head to work for a few minutes on Thursday morning before we left, so the rest of us went to the post office. It was like Christmas all over again; I suppose that the advantage to being overseas is that the holiday lasts a long time!

On Friday morning we headed to Trier. Even though we'd been fairly recently, Ryan and I had forgotten how much we really like Trier. We took in the sights and Katy even got to go into the churches; she was very good. There was some exuberent yelling from time to time, but we stayed close to the back to slip out when she got loud.

Saturday morning brought our visit to a close. Ryan had been desperately looking for an appropriate time for Katy to wear her new hooded vest from Uncle David and Aunt Heidi; a trip to the airport fit the bill. She looked like a little rock star.



Some last play time with Nana before we all packed into the car.





During the course of the week Katy learned how to clap. She also figured out that every time she either clapped or waved we would all do the same. One night at dinner she led us on a rousing game of "Katy Says" and would switch up whether she was clapping or waving to watch us follow her. When we'd do what she wanted she would cackle in absolute delight.



We had a really nice visit. Who's next to come travel Europe with us?

Katy's first Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

On Christmas Eve she got to play with everyone's stockings and had a really good time of it.



Unfortunately, with Katy fighting a cold and not sleeping well the night before, she got sent to bed early on Christmas Eve. Her Aunt Ellen beat her to the punch though and slept most of the afternoon. Lia joined in too.



Our luminarias were a huge hit. Ryan and I stayed up to watch the Saints game (remember, we're pretty far ahead from you all, the early game for you still keeps us up past 10 to watch) and while we were sitting here we would catch a glint of a flash outside every once in a while. Our neighbors were taking pictures of our luminarias!



Here we are coming into the living room for Katy's first Christmas!



Santa conveniently left Katy's stocking on the floor for her.



Santa left Katy lots of bath toys, entertainment for her favorite time of the day. She had a good time testing everything out to make sure it tasted right. She was also quite fascinated by her new SpongeBob plate; she didn't set it down for a long time.







Santa didn't forget anyone and Ellen and Nana were able to enjoy a stocking too (as did Ryan and I).



And finally, to the moment everyone is waiting for; the opening of the first present!

It didn't go quite as I expected. She mostly just wanted to put the boxes and paper in her mouth. Considering how much she loves to tear magazines when she gets hold of them, I expected a flurry of tearing activity. So, without further adieu, the licking of the first present.



A little bit of victory. So delicate, she almost looks like it smells bad....



A little bit more tasting....



Success at last!!



Of course, as expected, the box was the most interesting thing of all.







Onward to more fun!!!



At some point, it became more interesting to take whatever Ryan was opening instead.





This was a gift to Ryan but it sang and danced, so it became an instant Katy classic as she chased it around the floor and laughed.





Then we added the Cheerios container that didn't leave her hand for quite a while.





And more toys! Katy received more toys than she knows what to do with. She was very overwhelmed.



But, at some point the lure of good ol' paper took her away from it all...



More cute pictures...







And back to the paper for more playing!





And finally, Ryan wrapped himself up as a present.







There were too many presents for me to get a photo of her opening and playing with every one. I hope no one is offended by their gift not being pictured. We're very thankful for all the gifts that were sent to all of us. Christmas was very good for all of us this year.

As a side note, we had a wonderful illustration as to why we love living in Germany this evening. After we put Katy to bed, Ryan went outside to pick up the luminaria bags. He got to one, looked inside and the candle was gone. In its place was a collection of chocolates and Christmas decorations. St. Nick really did come to visit us!

We're off to start taking Mom and Ellen sightseeing tomorrow!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

We went to the airport this morning and picked up Katy's Nana and Aunt Ellen. They arrived without a hitch. Unfortunately, Katy's struggling with a bit of a Christmas cold, but she's taking everything in stride.

As we left the airport our navigator (that we use to get everywhere here) died. Luckily we've been here long enough that we have a generalized idea of how to get places and we only ended up about 30 minutes out of our way. Ellen and Katy decided to bond by taking a nap together during the drive.



After we got back and got settled we started on the traditional luminarias. For those that don't know, it's a southwestern tradition. They are essentially paper bags weighted with cat litter with a candle inside. They are to help light the way to lead the Christ child into your home. To make them the top of the paper bag needs to be folded down once to keep the bag from collapsing and catching on fire. Of course, it's never too early to start the little ones helping!!





I just wanted to take a brief moment and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Yes, Ryan is pretending to make the sock puppet "throw up" on Katy. She thought it was HYSTERICAL, which means that we all were laughing. I couldn't keep the camera still....

Standing!

Katy's started getting good at standing while holding on to things, as long as we stand her up. Unfortunately, that means it's been hard for me to take a picture since I try to stay nearby to reduce the impact from potential spills (and there are lots of them!). So I had to wait for another set of hands to be home to capture it.







On Sunday night Katy decided that she wanted to learn to pull herself up. So, she did. All of the sudden she used Ryan and up she went. Twice. Since then she's been doing it over and over, but only on Ryan and I. She hasn't fully figured out how to use other objects (my skin wishes she would; she can PINCH while trying to grab hold of something). But, lack of skills or knowledge aren't stopping her from trying!!