The adventures of The Leadbetter Family

Friday, December 17, 2010

Touring Christmas markets

During this Christmas season we are truly thankful for spending this time with grandparents. Wyland and Barbara are celebrating with us this holiday season.

Nick wakes up in the morning so happy knowing his grandpa is downstairs waiting for him. We love that grandpa is there, but we just wish he would stop giving Nick coffee - hahaha!. Shane gives Barbara that heartwarming smile on a dime and she is showering him with all sorts of pampering.

In this photo - Shane was enjoying a little stroll with his grandparents. We had JUST missed the bus to Nurtingen for the christmas market (we were literally running up the hill as the bus FLEW by) so we had a 1/2 hour to entertain ourselves before the next bus ventured out our way.

Every Christmas market seems to have a special twist. The Nurtingen one holds a special candle lit procession through the streets. It was a bit of a rainy night, not perfect for a christmas market - but if you base your adventures on the weather, you may never have adventures right? Farrah orchestrated this beautiful evening and we were thankful to experience it. Thanks Farrah!!

On Monday we headed to the Medeival Christmas market in Esslingen (sadly we all forgot our cameras) but Barbara signed up for the egg toss and Nick made a candle. The food was amazing and the gluvine mugs are the kind you don't want to give back!!

Next, the Leadbetters explored the Stuttgart Christmas Market on their own. This market goes on and on and on with beautiful and unique items not to mention amazing food! They were chilled when they got home - but enjoyed the exploration of the striking german tradition.

Shane the stomper

In the recent weeks, Shane has tranformed himself into a true 'upright' toddler. He stumbles all over the house often toting his favorite tag blanket or a toy Nick was playing with. Every time you catch him, he offers up this super cute 'pursed lip' grin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbGQZvM8_Os

We went to MOPS on Wednesday and that was the first time his girlfriend Macy noticed the change in him.

I just missed the moment when Macy grabbed Shane's hand and walked him into the playroom for his first time. Precious! He was at her level again and I loved watching her figure that out.

Shane had no idea the excitement he had been missing in the big kid playroom.

He even joins us at the big boy table - heart melting grin =)

Our Good Shepard

This year Nick was at the age to participate in a Christmas pagent that was put on by some wonderful ladies at the church on post. For Nick, anything is better with Tate - even a Christmas pagent.

I treasured how much he learned during rehersals. I about cried watching him shout out the words to Silent Night, Oh come all ye faithful and of course Joy to the World which he still loves to sing in the car!

Chelcy, are you still looking for that tacky Christmas sweater? This one is for you =)

Trimming the Christmas Tree

Reently a landscaper came by upon my landlords request to remove some trees that she beleived were too big. He didn't speak english, but some how I managed to ask him to keep this portion for a tannenbaum.

So on Saturday after the Leadbetters arrived we told Wyland we needed to go cut down our Christmas tree. Having no idea where we were headed, he bundled up and walked out the door. At that point Nick stopped and pointed to our future Christmas tree. From our own yard! Truly a tree to remember!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PtA3cx3Lvk

Nice decorating little Nicholas

A Christmas Party

The company christmas party, another reason to celebrate! Chris was just about finished with his major project for 2010 - so he was feeling ready to celebrate the hardwork he has invested.

The band was playing, the buffet line filled and conversation everywhere. Great night!

Part of the MC Dean Brain trust

The reason we all had a head ache the next day - never try to keep up with the McDonoughs!

Camera malfunction or operator error?

There is the lovely couple

Farrah - remember that sparkel purse? Yup, I was still carrying it the next day =)

Celebrating with cherished friends

Having wonderful friends in your life gives you so many oppurtunities to celebrate life's landmarks with them.

Here is a treasured photo of Farrah and I celebrating her birthday in downtown Stuttgart. It was a snowy fairytale day where we got to start the early afternoon with a glass of gluvine. I managed to surprise her with her birthday location (she asked me if she needed to pack a bathing suit - knowing I love swimming and she hates it, I couldn't imagine a worse idea) So instead to chose a hip cafe at the top of a glass building in the downtown of our wonderful city.

Two is better than one right?

Not only were we celebrating Farrah's birthday, but also hosting an early celebration for Angela too - another wonderful reason to celebrate. She was thrilled to find this cupcake shop downtown and enjoyed every morsel!

Here are the lovely ladies at our posh lunch location

Onto our next treasure celebration - Diane is having baby #3 - wow missy!!

It was tricky to plan a shower for her as she was convinced she had everything she needed (that and the fact that I mistakenly sent the evite to her - it was erased quick enough that she had no idea when it was coming...)

We enjoyed a lovely dinner that night in Times Square, toasting the new baby.

After dinner we watched our super star friend Amy in her role in Chalres Dickens Christmas Carol. Thankful to have talented friends as well!!

This morning we transformed the Wisneski office into a beloved baby room. It was an act of love from some wonderful ladies. We know Diane and the new baby will feel the love everytime they walk into the room.

To get us in the holiday spirit - we also enjoy a night of wreath making - check out these crafty ladies

With these celebrations I get to say thanks to these cherished ladies that have truly enhanced my life. Thanks ladies - I love you all!!

Let it snow

We returned from Rome to a winter wonderland in Stuttgart. Nick (who was sick upon his return) took a few moments out of his sick day to construct a snowman. I know there are snowman kits out there - but who can resist some walnut shells and sticks.

Are you warm in there?

This was the night that Chris invited us to see the final stage of his all consuming project. We all jumped at the chance to drive in the pouring snow to share some time with dad. It was an impressive project (no photos as it was a secure area) but here is Shane in our festive hat with two super dads!