Julia's Birthday Festivities

Hi All!

I think I left off last Saturday. Evan had a great time at his sleepover party on Saturday night... I think they finally went to sleep at 2am. He was tired, but had a blast -so great for him. We went sledding for a little while after picking him up and then headed home to decorate our tree. Eric then scooted off with Eric downtown to meet up with his collegue from PNNL, in town on business. I took Julia to a birthday party at a "Chuck E Cheese on Steroids" place. All I can say is: YUCK and TOO CROWDED!!!!! She had fun though - so that is all that counts! :)

Monday, December 6th is a big day here in Austria as they celebrate St. Nicholi day. The tradition is that the kids put their shoes out on the night of the 5th and depending on if you are good or bad, you get chocolates in your shoe or a whip and rotten potatoes. Well, Evan had a whole sack of rotten potatoes and 2 whips in his shoes. Just kidding!! They both received a nice chocolate St. Nicholi (sp?) in their shoes and a candy bar.

The other part of this tradition is "Krampus" This is like our version of 'coal' if you are naughty. Krampus is a 'devil looking' thing. They have Krampus chocolates and apparently Krampus 'sightings' around town to show the kids to be 'brave' (well behaved) not 'schlecht' (bad). Julia thought this tradition was really cool and put out all of our shoes really nicely by the front door. Then... when it was bedtime here little brain starting going 100 mph and she was very upset that Krampus may come INTO our apartment. I calmed her down and after getting her to sleep, went looking for the shoes. Well, she couldn't be too careful, so all the shoes were lined up on the step OUTSIDE of our front door. She is so cute!

Monday also brought a new sport for Evan. He went to try an Austrian Basketball league out and really loved it. We were so happy to see him so happy and playing basketball again. We went again tonight and I think he will join the team. It is interesting because like soccer, he has to play U11 since he turns 10 in 2000 (even though it is the very END of 2000)... well, this league doesn't have a U11 so he has to play with U12 (U11 and U12 kids) Needless to say, some of the kids are HUGE, but he holds his own and moves well on the court. I think Eric is SOOOO happy watching him play!

Tuesday we met downtown to do Julia's carriage ride for her Birthday. Her big day was Wednesday but we had no school that day, so we decided Tuesday night was a good night for it. We had so much fun!! The funny family picture is the horse eating Julia's flowers while we were trying to take a picture - we all laughed so hard. Daddy brought Julia flowers, she wore the pink veil thing that she had dreamt about for months. The night even started with her choice of dinner which was... McDonalds!! (so American :)!) A beautiful 40 minute carriage ride around downtown -- couldn't have done it at a better time with all of the breathtaking holiday lights up.

Wednesday was no school so it was Julia's Choice Day. She chose veg out at home in am and watch a movie (I was all over that choice) then meet Dad at the UN for lunch. We then went to famous Demel's (bakery, cafe...) for hot chocolate. She opened a few presents and just like that -- Julia is another year old! She will have her little friend party here on Sunday. I think we have 10-12 coming - yikes. (Have I mentioned how small our apartment is?! :))

Today was a fun day as Mom got to go on a field trip. There was a trip planned which some friends and I went on to a castle about an hour from here. It is a beautiful place and happens to have a really nice Christmas Market at it. It was a great day hanging out with friends and enjoying beautiful surroundings.

To come: Saturday night is Evan's B-day celebration ...we are taking him and 3 friends to the Rapid soccer game.

Busy but fun times!!