Basketball Season

Both boys decided to play basketball this year.  They were on two different teams, but that is no problem for us.  Off we go to the different games.

Michael bringing the ball down the floor.

He had a good time playing with his team!

They even had cheerleaders at the games.  Though I did worry about their safety being  right there.

Michael did enjoy being in charge of the ball!

Next it was AJ's turn.  He was the team captain at this game.

AJ was playing some wonderful defense during the game and going for the rebounds!

AJ trying to be a point guard.  He did a pretty good job.

He was really enjoying playing basketball!  It was a great season and a good last sport season to have as their last one in Germany!

New Year's 2017

We were invited over to our good friends' house for New Years!!  We LOVE spending time with the Rogges.  It was a full house and so many laughs!!!  We had a wonderful dinner and played games and of course watched Dinner for One!  All German New Years traditions!

Right before midnight we headed up to their top floor to watch the local fireworks.  We were checking out the ones on TV before they started there.

The one thing I LOVE about Europe is how they celebrate New Years!!  It is all out!!!  All the ones you see are from people, not the towns.

Michael enjoying the fireworks!!!  We could see the fireworks for a long distance from their balcony!  It was awesome!!!

After watching them from up top, we decided it was time to light our fireworks off!! 

The boys were very excited because this year they were able to light the fireworks!!   I was standing waaaay back just in case.  LOL

Of course we had to do some sparklers!  That is one of my favorite parts!

There goes Michael lighting the next firework!

They had the best time lighting all the fireworks off!!  It was such a fabulous time!!  We so enjoyed hanging out with the Rogges!  It was the best way to spend our last New Years in Germany!!  We are sure going to miss these times!

Christmas time!!

It's Christmas morning!!!!!

The boys both bought Christmas Stich at Disneyland and wanted to bring them down Christmas morning.  And of course they sang Jingle Bells for us!

Walking into our living room, excited it is Christmas morning!

AJ showing David one of the cool gifts he received!

Time to tear into their stockings!!

They decided they needed to be on the couch to open the big gifts Santa brought!

Good thing we have David around to help put things together!

Michael decided he needed to try out his new Nerf gun!!  That thing shoots fast and hard.  

Now it is my turn to open my gifts from Santa!  I received a Nerf gun as well!!  I can see what is in our future.

David's turn and look what Santa brought.  Now he can protect himself.

And some great socks!!!

The boys are so great - they were very attentive while we were opening gifts and wanted us to open them.

AJ received some extra protection for the Nerf war - a Rival mask!

Michael's turn to open a gift.  The boys want to go in turns and watch everybody open their gifts as well.

David lounging while opening up his gifts.

Love my new Cougar gear!

The boys had a joint gift - they are great opening them up together. 

Can you see the shock on their faces?  I LOVE it!!!  They had no idea they would get a PS4. 

David and his new Cougar gear!  I love the bow on top! 

David's expression is priceless!!!  I Love it!

The aftermath - the boys enjoying their PS4.  It was a chill day just like we wanted.  We had plenty of leftovers from our big dinner the night before.

The finished product of Jesus' birthday cake!  Another great Christmas!!!!

Christmas Eve Fun

On Christmas Eve we also make a birthday cake for Jesus since it is his birthday!  The boys love making it and always make sure we are going to make one for Him.

They are excellent helpers and bakers!!

We have had a busy December so we hadn't had time to make our gingerbread houses, so better late than never!

AJ concentrating hard to make sure it stands up.

Michael decorating his gingerbread house.

The finished projects!!  I love how they have all the same things but they look totally different.

One of our other traditions is to let the boys open one present on Christmas Eve.

I love how they act surprised even though they know it is always pajamas!  They humor us.  Though they never know what theme we will choose. 

Michael in his PJs ready for bed.  He wanted Santa to see the gingerbread houses.

Cookies and milk are our - we are ready for Santa!!

Looks like Santa came and the boys must have been pretty good this year!  Now time for bed to get ready for tomorrow.