GERMANY 2008

We're back! Actually, we got back late yesterday afternoon and have been extremely exhausted. We had a GREAT trip! It was so nice to spend time with Dave's family in Deutschland. We have quite a bit to blog about so I figured I would somehow break it up over the next few days. So keep checking back for more.

Day 1: We're a Long Way from Home

I will be honest and say that I was absolutely dreading this trip. Think about it....9 month old infant-9 hour flight there/10 hour flight back.....does not sound fun, right??? Well Dave and I were actually pleasantly surprised with how well David did on the way there and his adjustment to the time difference in Germany (7 hours ahead of CST-we cannot say the same for the trip back and his adjustment to the US time-yep he woke up 5 times last night and is still struggling). I am that mother who is a stickler for schedules and it has worked well for us; he did start sleeping through the night at 8 weeks. The only problem with my tight schedule is that when we get off of it in the least bit we can sometimes run into problems. This did not happen and it made our trip to Germany very pleasant. Of course these bassinets on the plane were in our favor- they hooked onto the wall in front of our seats.

Aren't these great? It makes traveling with an infant a lot easier; I did have to stop thinking about the germ factor involved though he got a thorough washing once we got to Dave's parents house.

That evening we went out to one of the many German restaurants that we hit along the way. We all had to get bundled up to go out; it was around 28 degrees. Living in Houston we are not used to that type of weather.

Tenne's, the restaurant we ate at, had a beautiful live Christmas tree in their courtyard. We stopped briefly for a few shots of the Roser's first night in Germany. On the menu; goulasch soup and schnitzel..yummy!! Also, David's first introduction to pommes. (French fries) Again, we were desperate. The one thing that I realized about eating out in Germany is that they do take their time and with a tired 9 month old infant time is not on our side!

Day 2: Kaiserslautern Christmas Market and Family Fun

Friday morning, we tried to take it easy and get David acquainted with Grammy and Pappa's house. For some reason, we think that he really loves the cold weather. He was really giddy and silly when we were out and about. Could of been lack of sleep and time change, but he did seem to enjoy it.

This is the view from Dave's parents house. It overlooks Essweiler, the village that they live in. David loved going outside each day and observing the beautiful scenery. We were a little disappointed because it did not snow, but that's okay.

Friday afternoon Dave took David and I to our first Christmas market in Kaiserslautern, something the German's are well known for. It is usually held near a town square and involves socializing, drinking Gluhwein (warm mulled wine) and lots of food and shopping. It is such a neat tradition and David loved the people watching.

That night the family had reservations at a restaurant that is in an old castle in Kusel, a town outside of Dave's parents village. It was such a cute restaurant; I just love how the Germans get into decorating for Christmas; my pictures just don't do it justice.

I just love this picture. Check out the pomme in his hand!!

After dinner we left the baby at home with Grammy and Pappa and went out to enjoy some German beer in Landstuhl, where Auntie Schwest lives. We had such a good time visiting with Melissa's friends and having a much needed night out in Germany. Thank you Grammy and Pappa!

Drake, Mis, Me, Dave and Jim, Melissa's Scotish friend that gave us a three pence to put in the baby's right hand for good luck. It is a Scotish tradition.

Our cab ride back to Essweiler....just kidding. It was a neat British car that the owner of the pub was driving. It was hilarious!