Trimming the Christmas Tree

This November, the kids and I decided to trim our tree. I had bought some very pretty hand painted bulbs and a few other ornaments to add to our tree. This year I decided to go with a color scheme: red, white, and gold. Geno never really seemed to grasp the concept, but broke a couple ornaments along the way. Once the tree was trimmed, I took some pictures of the kids, including Charlie. We then ended the evening by sipping hot chocolates and watching the movie Elf. Perfect way to end the night.

Christmas Market in Baar Switzerland

Geno, Nick, and I decided to drive into the village of Baar for their Christmas Market this year. Geno was upset because he thought he was going to see Santa. He was easily assuaged by bratwarts, petting zoos, and the playground in no time. Nick drank gluwein which is a hot wine spiced and spiked with rum or kirsch. I, on the other hand, enjoyed looking at the stalls at this market looking at all of the knitted goods, jewelery, candles, pottery, wooden toys, and ornaments. Always great people watching.

Geno Finally Has a Big Boy Bed

Geno's big bed finally came today. I think I may have been more excited than Geno, who already hates bedtime and anything associated with it. I guess in a way it symbolizes another milestone of my baby boy getting bigger. I decided to go into Steinhausen to see if I could find any reasonable bedding to go with his new bed. Every store I went in wanted roughly 75 CHF for a duvet and pillow. Finally, I lucked out when I stopped at Aldi. I found a blue flannel duvet with space aliens and dogs on it that matched his room, and it only cost 19.99. I also found a matching rug for 30 CHF. I couldn't wait to get it on his bed. I found what we rarely find: A Switzerland deal.

Once home, I de-cluttered some of the things in his room, re-evaluating the amount of toys were of current interest or not, and discarding the latter. Once the duvet and pillow were on the bed and the rugs laid in place, his room was coming together. I now only need to purchase some curtains and some wall decorations, and it will be done.

Tonight was his first night in his big bed and he slept soundly.

Christmas Market in Colmar France

A few of my friends and I decided to travel to Colmar France for the day to take in the Christmas markets and to get into the Christmas spirit. They have several stalls set up where artisans sell their handiworks. To me, this is one of the highlights of the Christmas season. They have Christmas ornaments, toys, sweaters, pyramids, and so many other things.

Christmas Market in Konstanz Germany

This by far has to be one of the best Christmas markets I have ever been to. They are set up all around the train station as well as several more near the lake. Here I bought my first German pyramid. When you light the candles, the manger scene moves on the bottom. I also bought a wooden smoker of Santa which the Germans are also known for. You stick a incense cone into it and the smoke blows through Santa's mouth. Very clever.

Coretta's Campus Choir Concert

Coretta auditioned for the Campus Choir this year, and made it. They travel throughout Switzerland, and their first performance was for the opening of the Baarburg building at the International School of Zug and Lucerne. Below are two videos of the 100 person choir singing for the concert.

Decorating Christmas Cookies 2010

Last night, the kids decorated their Christmas sugar cookies. Geno likes to refer to this activity as "painting cookies." Although he enjoys the painting part, he will not eat a sugar cookie to save his life. Coretta on the other hand, can't get enough of them. Here is a slideshow of their creations and talent.