The snow finds us

Last week we decided that we needed to have some snow this winter. Never mind that we're visiting Canada in January in the snowiest snowful winter ever. So with our neighbours we drove a few hours north and went schlittenfahren. Fun time had by all. Except the kids. We should have maybe more paid attention to the fact that ALL the families returning to their cars included multiple children bawling their eyes out. I made a mental note not to stay THAT long, and set forth.
Every trip to the bottom of the hill was met with, "Noch mal! Do it again!" Lia had a blast. We didn't stay that long, we really didn't. And yet, all 4 kids were crying as we returned to our cars. We had a lovely time at a bakery to warm up, then drove 3 hours in a snowstorm to get home again. Yes, the snowstorm lasted for the duration of our drive. Yes, that means the snow came with us. First time since 1997, there is snow in the Ruhrgebiet.

Here are some shots of our adventure.

Kaboom!

New Year's Eve/Silvester 2009 was celebrated with a bang. We went to a friend's house for
Raclette - YUMMY! - and drove home at 12:45, despite warnings to wait a while. We should have waited, perhaps. It was ... how do I put this ... CRAZY! After enjoying a full 45 minutes of do-it-yourself fireworks surrounding us, there were still lots of explosions around our vehicle. And under our vehicle. I drove, and it was freaky.
In the morning, we took a walk to survey the damage...





























Marc found an unexploded package and was VERY excited. Even though Silvester was over, he lit it up on our balcony...









































So, Kaboom! I mean, Happy New Year! Also, Frohes Neues Jahr!