Florian & Finn: Ending 2012

We ended 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Every time we touch ground in my "Heimat" I feel like walking in old shoes. For me, the smells, the endless trees, the S-Bahn, the bakeries, people walking - all those things come together in one great dance. Very poetic, I know. :)

The boys and I flew to Berlin together before Ryan. We still have a layover into Berlin, this time in Copenhagen. Both boys did very well and we arrived in Berlin with little stress. This time, even my luggage made it.

In Berlin, we met up with my sister and her family, Jonathan and of course, Benjamin. It was very nice to have everyone together for two weeks.

The boys loved it. They enjoyed playing with their cousins all day long. How many times can you run up and down two sets of stairs? Many many times. The same goes for playing with old (but new to them) toys, running in the back yard or going to the park.

Florian and Finn also got to spend a night with Omi and Grandpa, an adventure they enjoyed very much and that also included a visit to the Aquarium. I enjoyed a full -nights sleep to break through the jet-lag. :)

Ryan joined us on Christmas Eve. The kids were excited about all potential gifts and all the excitement surrounding Christmas in general.

We spent a few days with Ryan's parents which resulted in Florian learning the game Dominos, lots of down time and a few lessons in fossils.

We celebrated my Grandmother's birthday a few days after Christmas with Kaffee, Kuchen and a nice dinner. Although Oma cannot really hear anymore and is also blind, she seemed to have enjoyed herself.

Our trip ended with a traditional Sylvester celebration that started at my parents and ended at my brother, Benjamin's house. Sylvester (new years) is much like a 4th of July celebration, except for on steroids. Once mid-night hits, fireworks are everywhere and for hours. People are on their balconies, the streets just ringing in the new year and having a good time. Driving is not recommended, as fireworks may negatively connect with your car. Finn and Abner were the final hold-outs amongst the kids. Both fell asleep sitting up in the living room.

The next morning, we had an early appointment at the airport for a flight home. Again, my boys did great and we landed in Chicago tired but happy to have gone.

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