Schnee!!!! (snow)

I Love that sweet face!!!

The snowball fight begins :-)

Ein kleiner schneemann (a little snowman)

The battle continues :-)

We had our first big snow storm of the season yesterday. After an early morning run, the flakes began, and then soon the roads and sidewalks were covered with fluffy white snow! Nothing like a nice snowstorm to bring in the Christmas Spirit!!!

Bamberg Christmas Market

The crowds were not bad at all!

I adore the "natural" decorations

I love the "stars" too!

Bailey ordered a "snickers" crepe - delicious!!!

This year they have a "Rauchbier Gluhwein" Rauch Bier is what has made Bamberg famous in the bier world.

Bailey's photo :-)

Cozy feeling of Christmas!!!

Bryan, Bailey, Camden and I spent the afternoon at the permanent Seasonal Christmas Market in Bamberg. Mia was making Plachen (did not spell that correctly, but basically it is an array of German Christmas cookies) at a friends' house. It was the first time in forever that she was not with us when we were out as a family - a very weird feeling not to have her there. Anyway, we had a nice afternoon taking in all of the stalls at the Market, and enjoyed a very light dusting of snow fall as well. I love the snow - even if it is freezing cold, there is something special about snow! Each year, the set up is similar. Our favorite gluhwein stand can always be found in the same place, as well as the crepes stand, and candy stand. For the ambiance, you would think everything would priced quite high, but everything is extremely reasonable, and allows for the ability of multiple family visits throughout the season!

A beautiful Gift!

December 6th, is the day that St. Nikolaus fills the boots of children up with chocolate, nuts, and fruit. It is a wonderful tradition, based more on giving than receiving. Last night (Dec. 6th), as we were eating, the door bell rang, and  I selfishly rolled my eyes wondering who could be ringing and interrupting our dinner. I ran downstairs, thinking I would find one of the kids' friends wanting to play, but instead it was another neighbor. We have so many nice neighbors, but  this particular lady is married to a nice man, and they are always very friendly. They often take part in our little "get togethers" that we have every so often in our common space. She handed me three little bags filled with chocolate and a small gift. She is Turkish, but speaks perfect German and explained to me which of the bags was for my: son, older daughter, and younger daughter. I gave her a hug and thanked her - what a very kind gesture. As I was walking back up the stairs to deliver the kind gifts and to join my family again for dinner, it hit me how very special this gift really was. Our kind neighbors are Muslim. They don't celebrate Christmas, yet thought enough of us to offer this beautiful little gift. It was such a meaningful gift, and it struck me how difficult we make things sometimes on a higher level. Kindness is kindness. They respected our holiday and beliefs, even though it is not the holiday that they share. Isn't that the way the world should turn...

The Christmas Season has begun!

Bustling Weinachtsmarkt!

The Blacksmith is always the best entertainment

Mia getting ready to draw a picture of what will be her handmade nail...

Beautiful St. Elizabeth Church

All handmade wooden toys - so much fun!!!

Always hidden alleys filled with lights...

I love this time of year. It is cold outside, it gets dark early, and the first of advent is here. Mia and I enjoyed a fun evening out at one of our favorite Christmas Markets. Bamberg has a permanent Christmas Market in the center of town, but also has several special "weekend markets" that don't last the entire season. One of our favorite spots each year is at this particular market where they have a Blacksmith. It is amazing to see how he makes things out of iron and steel. He allowed the kids to draw a simple picture, and then he created handmade nails with the design that the kids drew. Mia drew a cat, and the nail is fantastic. The other thing I always have to laugh at is the lack of liability... they have; fire, bolts of sparks, and no eye protection - but nobody ever seems to get hurt. A great evening out with my youngest one!

Photo op

I had to take this photo. It the epitome of what I find great about this town we live in. Camden and I had to run a few errands in the city. One of our favorite candy shops is right on the corner of the big square where the Christmas Market and many other events take place. It is always a bustling spot, yet as we were walking by, we saw this dog, patiently waiting for its owner outside the candy shop. He had a leash, yet it was attached to nothing. Just a good dog, doing what he is supposed to do. Not bothering anyone, and not being bothered by anyone either. Definitely the good life!!!

Bamberg Lichthofe

All of the back alleys were lit...

Even many cellars were open...

On a super funny note, this sweet face (Camden) came up to a man with a similar jacket as Bryan and "scared him" by grabbing his back - definitely one of the more embarrassing, yet hilarious moments...

more lights...

gluhwein brewing over an open fire

adorable window sills

Bustling shops

Gorgeous!!!

I LOVE that there is ALWAYS something going on in Bamberg. Last night we went to the "Lichthofe."  In order to promote businesses and services in a certain area of town, they have this   "evening of lights". It is truly beautiful. It is really cool too, because just like the "Sankerwa" in August, all of the back alleys and "gartens" are opened up. It creates a labrynth of new areas that are not traditionally on the beaten path. The weather was cold, but with; hats, gloves, scarves, candles, fires, and gluhwein, it was a perfect night to get into the cozy feeling of the Holiday Season. I adore this town!

The Way of St. James

Here is the map showing "the way" from Bamberg to Santiago de Compostella in Spain.

Here is the trail shell symbol - "links" is left, "rechts" is right, and "geradeaus" is straight ahead

The Pilgrimage Church - Viersehnheiligen (14 Saints)

Inside the Baroque Church - Gorgeous!!!

There are always Candles to light

And there is almost always beer associated with the Churches in Bavaria  :-)

2 cute stragglers

My silly husband (notice the directional arrow  - and off he goes...)

Gotta have the hiking sticks, and a good leader...

The destination of Staffelberg  - way off in the distance...

Can't believe these kids are almost all as big as I am...

Marking our territory :-)

taking it all in...

Yes - we are soon finished!!!!

A little love shown among siblings

And Bailey even found a Lady Bug - definitely a lucky day!!!!

Last year, Bryan and I watched a Martin Sheen movie called "The Way." It is a great (very simple) film about a father whose life changes drastically after his son dies. In honor of his son, he ends up walking the "The way of St. James" to the very end in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  Over a Hundred Thousand people complete the pilgrimage each year  to reach the site of the "grave" of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela. We really enjoyed the film, and when we were talking to our German friends about how much we enjoyed it, we were shocked to hear that "the way of St. James" comes right near Bamberg!!! One of the famous pilgrimage churches along "the way" is in a town about 20 minutes from here in Bad Staffelstein. The church is called Vierzehnheiligen, and translates to the "14 Saints." We visited it this weekend, and are now inspired to hike much more of it next summer.  The trails go throughout parts of Europe, and are marked with a special shell symbol, that not everyone would recognize as being "the way" (see photos). It is supposed to be an extremely spiritual experience to hike "the way of St. James" - for us it was very special to hike a small piece of it!!!! Now we want to do much more of it!!!