Christmas Markets

For the last few weekends, we've been trying to hit the Christmas markets.  Unlike where we've lived before, where most markets last a few weeks to a month, some of the smaller cities in this area have one-day markets.  We went to one in the city of Gangelt in Germany last Sunday.  Since it was only that one day, it was very crowded, but pretty, and we had a nice time.

We've also gone to markets in the German towns of Geilenkirchen and Aachen.  Wally loves to walk around and try all the different foods, and I love to look at all the crafts with a nice hot cup of gluhwein. The kids' excitement with the markets is already wearing thin...little do they know there are still three weeks to go in the season! Usually there's at least one little kiddie ride that Aiden and Lexie can enjoy, and Julia likes to look at the vendors who sell jewelry. 

Things have gone well for all of us the past few weeks.  Wally's been busy at work.  I've been enjoying my new Children's Literature class that started in November.   It's the first class that I've ever enjoyed the homework! It's so much fun.  I'm still volunteering at the school with the PTO and SAC.  (School Advisory Committee)...I was also asked to join the International SILT (School Improvement Leadership Team)...so many meetings!! :)  It's good though. I enjoy being part of the groups that make decisions about our school.   Along with those activities, attending some events with the spouses club has allowed me to meet a ton of ladies in the area, which is nice when the community is so small.  Again, let me stress how much I truly love it here. 

Julia, Aiden, and Lexie are doing well too.  Julia just had her first concert.  She played Oh Come All Ye Faithful on her clarinet with two other kids during the winter musical this week.  She did a great job.  Aiden and Lexie are both doing great in school and learning a ton.  Aiden's reading like crazy, and Lexie's drawing like crazy.  We're so proud of all three of them. 

It's getting cold, but we've only had a little bit of snow.  It's supposed to snow more tonight and tomorrow, so we'll see what happens.  After living in Graf for three years, I've been thoroughly disappointed in the snow department in Kansas and here so far.  I want the ground to be covered.  I want to shovel my sidewalk.  I want to spread salt.  And I don't care how nuts that sounds!!

Oh yes...one more thing.  My sub paperwork finally went through, and I was able to start this week.  I subbed in a preschool class, and it went really well.   I'm really glad I'm able to work in the school... I miss having a classroom of my own so much! :/