Prague Christmas Market

Per our family tradition while we've been in Graf, we headed to the Prague the day after Christmas. I can't believe that it's the third year we've done this and that next year at this time we'll be in KANSAS!
WOW!






One day I will miss this.

Partnoch Gorge & Partenkirchen

I decided our afternoon at the Gorge needed it's own post because it was absolutely incredible.  Everything is frozen, I've never seen so much ice in my life.

The girls walking the long trail to the Gorge


Frozen waterfall




















We hadn't spent much time in Partenkirchen so we headed there for dinner.




This was SUCH an amazing day for our family! I can't stress enough how happy we are to be back together! It only reaffirms our strength and reminds us that when Daddy has to go back, WE'VE GOT THIS!

Family Happiness

My man is back, Daddy is home, our family is complete, everything is back to normal for a few weeks! What a relief! We picked him up around lunchtime, and just had a wonderful afternoon snuggling and spending time together as a family.  We are so happy to be back together.
Of course, we headed to Puttner Brau as soon as possible for salmon and noodles! Here's Wally with the sweet owners, Johannes and Christina.  They knew he wanted chocolate souffles, so they gave us four wrapped in foil to take home! YUM!


Some friends joined us for dinner too! We love Wendy, Dale, and Pam!


Then we headed out for our Christmas vacation.  First stop was the Christmas market once we arrived in Garmisch.


Aiden took this one...






From my Facebook page: Had a great first night in Garmisch and a wonderful morning....amazing dinner last night at Pullman Place and slept in till 9am (even the kids!), then I headed off to my anniversary gift/spa appt while Wally took the kids sledding. Now we're off to lunch and the pool. Later today a horse-drawn carriage ride thru Garmisch and tomorrow we're headed to the Munich Christmas market!



Aiden looks so small!


Incredible views




So cute, like little ducks in a row...


This boy is beyond happy to have his Daddy back home!

Almost time!

It's almost time for Wally to get here, and we're so excited! Aiden, our little party planner, has decided to celebrate we need to have "The Smif Family Party."  He wants to serve pizza, popcorn, and chocolate covered raisins...what a surprise..some of his favorite things!

Before She Leaves...

We fit in some more fun...

Sampling some Christmas cookies..


Julia before her Holiday concert




Lexie watching Julia sing.



Here we are before going to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince...oh and YES we were absolutely the only people who dressed up! Slackers.




Julia was a little embarrassed, but she pushed through and we had a great time! I think it's important that she learns that it's ok to be silly and not to worry so much about what others think! I wish I had learned that lesson much earlier!

It's almost time for Moshie to go back home and get ready for Christmas with Bubby, Erik, Karl, and Kayla.  We'll miss her so much, and I'm grateful for all of the help over the past few months! We love you, Moshie!

I have a babysitter for a few days, and then Wally will be home for two weeks of R and R.  During that time, we'll pick his mom up from the airport, and she'll be with us through March.  Phase 2, here we come!

SNOW

It started snowing around 1pm today, and it hasn't slowed down yet! We're expecting 10 inches tonight! Aiden was very cold!












Someone didn't want to come inside...