It was in December of 2006, 7 years ago, that we first spent Christmas in Europe.
This was us, newly married and no kids; enjoying the views from the top of the Alps!
Since making the decision to move overseas, Aaron's family has been dreaming up and planning another Christmas in Europe! A fun way for all of us to meet in a neutral location, but also having some familiarity.
So, with lots of planning on Aaron's parents part, we spent this Christmas in Germany and Austria.
Warning: this post has LOTS of pictures!
Seven years later with two kids and one on the way! Oh how things change.
Our first two nights we spent in Munich, Germany walking the streets of the Marienplatz where the architecture is ancient and beautiful, the spirit of Christmas is in the air, food fresh and delicious, handmade goods for sale, shop windows filled with animated toy winter wonderlands, and people, young and old, are hustling and bustling about. There's something amazing about the atmosphere.
We enjoyed the cultural food and hot drinks of Germany while walking the Chriskindel Markets that were set up for Christmas.
One of my favorite things about Germany this time of year, is that everyone, from babies to grandparents, are out and about walking and enjoying the season. The cold weather doesn't keep them inside, but everyone is bundled up and babies are in their strollers that are fitted with custom sleeping bags.
Our next 6 nights were spent in Seefeld, Austria. We stayed in an Olympic Village which was created for the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Our first outdoor activity was sledding.
The boys, especially Easton, enjoyed playing in the snow. The last time Easton played in snow, he was one and a half. It was Titus' first experience. It felt like home for me, and made it feel a little more like Christmas!
I'm so thankful that my boys got to enjoy the beauty and fun of the snow.
On December 23, we drove to a little town called Igls.
We took the cable car up to the top of the Alps, and enjoyed the views, watching the downhill skiers and a cup of hot chocolate.
That evening we watched a Christmas parade retelling the story of the birth of Jesus. All the characters are represented; Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, wise-men and more. They even include live animals; shepherds carrying lambs over their shoulders and goats and chickens. It truly is a parade like you've never seen before.
Christmas Eve, Easton tried Ice Skating for the first time.
Christmas Eve we celebrated Jesus' birthday with an Antipasta dinner, cake and sparklers!
Christmas morning we went for a walk in the woods to see the reindeer. Easton and Nana built a snowman on the way!
Christmas evening we celebrated Titus' 2nd Birthday; another post to come!
After watching the downhill skiers, all Easton wanted to do was ski, so the day after Christmas, Aaron and Easton tried out the Cross Country Ski course.
Easton started out with Papa holding onto him on the course, but by the end, he was doing it himself!
One of our last days in Seefeld, it snowed the most beautiful snow. The boys were excited, and loved sticking their tongues out to try and catch it!
Our next two nights were spent on a Homestead in Unterpinswang, Austria. After the fresh snowfall, our drive was beautiful.
Here, we toured Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles and did LOTS of walking. 
Our next two nights were spent in a ancient walled city; Rothenburg, Germany. Such a charming old city.
We spent our last night back in Munich on New Year's Eve before heading home.
It was an amazing and memorable trip for our family. We are so thankful for the generous Christmas gift that Aaron's parents blessed us with. Thanks Ray and Nancy.
