Holiday Joy!

We had such a busy wonderful holiday! First, we spent five days up in Garmisch, Germany. The girls had a wonderful time playing in the snow, making snow men and snow angels. We visited the Neuschwanstein castle, also known as Cinderella's castle. It was a very foggy day when we visited, but the interior was beautiful and the tour was interesting. Ludwig II of Bavaria built the castle as homage to his friend the composer Richard Wagner. The castle is entirely painted in scenes from the composer's operas and works. (As a singer, this was really cool!) We also spent a day visiting Munich, and had a great time shopping at the Christmas market, and ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. We also made a day trip to Oberammergau, home to the Passion Play
The Oberammergau Passion Play was first performed in 1634 and is the result of a vow made by the inhabitants of the village that if God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague then sweeping the region they would perform a passion play every ten years. The play is now performed in years ending with a zero, except 1984 which was the 350th anniversary, and involves over 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all residents of the village. ( Wikipedia.com)

Germany is so beautiful, clean picturesque. So charming! I would love to return.

After our trip to Germany, we came home and had a lovely Christmas. The girls got their new jeep, and Sophia especially has really enjoyed it. Ellie got several barbie dolls, and sophia got elmo books and a new elmo plush doll. We enjoyed dinner at our good friends' the McCullaum's.

The day after Christmas was spent in the car travelling to Sicilly! Chris was so sweet and planned a trip for my birthday. We loved Sicilly, it is an amazing place. Lots of history and interesting sites packed into a small island. We loved Taurmina. Unfortunately, it was raining most of the time we were there, but we enjoyed our stay. I had a great birthday, and Chris took me out to dinner once we got home to celebrate even more!

New Year's Eve was spent again at the McCullaum's house, great food, fun games and fantastic fire works, courtesy of Naples. We are excited for what the new year will bring!

Garmisch, Germany

Christmas Morning:




Ellie and Rachel McCullaum Singing on Christmas Day:

Sicily: