Merry Christmas

Santa made it to Spain - Merry Christmas to all!

Donkey Polo

Yes, you read it right, Donkey Polo: a fun-filled, and comfortable uncomfortable (due to the lack of a saddle), tradition here in Spain in which you ride on a donkey and play polo with a broom stick.  It is a good time had by all who play because you cannot help but laugh while you ride around on an ass (no pun intended) and swat at balls all while moving at about the speed of a turtle.

Christmas at Cristobal Colon

Just prior to beginning winter break, Tatum's school held their annual Navidad program.  While we are not able to understand much of what everything that is said, it was still fun to see Tatum perform with her class.  After the program ended everyone piled outside while the kids ate homemade goodies baked by us parents.  We were told that the "American" treats were loved by all and they were not kidding, our cupcakes were gone in about 30 seconds - at least the kids enjoyed them!

Christmas Markets in Southern Germany and Austria

We recently took a trip to Germany and Austria in order to tour the infamous Christmas markets.  We based ourselves out of Edelweiss in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany where we originally visited in October 2011 with our good friends, Josh and Rebecca Arthur.  Coincidentally, our trips to markets overlapped for a day and we were able to start our trip by meeting them for lunch in Munich followed by touring their Christmas market in the Marienplatz.  After this, we headed south into the Bavarian Alps where we did day trips to the Austrian cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg.

11 months and growing!

It is hard to believe that in one short month this cutie will be 1 - we love you MJ!

Santa arrives in Spain...

via Helicopter!  Why not?  Although it is not as traditional as a reindeer-led sleigh, it was still fun to watch Santa fly in and make his annual debut here in Rota.

Madeline braving the mid-40 degree temperature

Getting closer...

closer...

here comes Santa and his elves!

A walk around town...

Here are a few shots from our leisurely stroll around town on Saturday:

Tatum takes the lead!