Weihnachten has now come and gone. We have been enjoying a few days of slowing down as we were up to our ears in getting things done before Christmas. As you can see the Weihnachtsmarkt were in full swing and they are a lot of fun to see and look around. Lots of food to eat and fun things you would like to purchase. Pumpkin cream soup and dampfnudeln with vanilla sauce are among our favorites. We'll try for a couple more pictures of these markets.

Ginny found a new friend who was interested in giving her a ride but he wanted a carrot and some hay first.

These are balls made of dough strips and are covered with cinammon, sugar, chocolate, fruit toppings and a bunch of other really good and tasty delights. Try taking a bite,they will make you want more.

The Klein family invited us along with a couple of senior sisters to their home for Christmas Eve. This is the evening on which presents are delivered by St. Nicklaus and it is also a time for talking about the true meaning of Christmas before presents are opened. It was a very delightful evening and St. Nicklaus found us here.
This is a life sized choir carved from wood which was located at one of the Weihnachtsmarkt we visited. We kind of felt as stiff as these folks as we sang christmas carols at the Friedrichsdorf temple on December 20th. The temperature was -15 degrees centigrade and we sang for those who visited the temple grounds that evening. It was a lot of fun, eventually we did get warm and we had a chance to think over the events we celebrate this time of year. The birth of the Savior, the gospel which he brought and was later restored along with his atoning sacrifice for all of us remind us of why we are spending this time here in Germany. We give thanks for His birth and know we have the opportunity to return to be with Him as well as with all of those whom we love.