Fitting In

We are trying to 'fit in' culturally while we are here in Germany, by participating in as many German holidays and events as we can.  On November 11th Germany celebrates St. Martins Day  (wikipedia it if you are interested in the details).  But basically what happens is all the kids make lanterns in school and then they gather together in the evening and follow a Roman Soldier on horseback around the village with their lanterns.  At the end they are all given a Martins' Pretzel and we drink Kinderpunsch (kinda like cider) and enjoy a big bonfire.  So we were gone most of that day taking pictures but we had heard that we could just show up in the village that evening and participate.  Unfortunately, our kids aren't in school (aka, didn't make their own lanterns), and we ran out of time to try and buy one.  So Nate jimmy rigged some contraption using a stick, a flashlight, and a HUGE chinese lantern which he ended up ripping in half to make smaller.  It was definitely the most WT lantern in the parade...possibly of all time.  Also our children were completely grouchy during the whole walk.  And we were literally the last ones in the line because we had to keep stopping to help one of our grouchy kids.  The poor policemen at the end of the line had to keep waiting on us before they could proceed.  It was awful.  Next year we will be better prepared.  We will bring well-rested children who are bundled up nice and warm and have appropriately sized and functioning lanterns.  In the end, though, the kids were happy with their pretzel and enjoyed the bonfire.  Until the next tantrum ensued.  Such is life...

Sawyer was actually pretty happy with this flashlight lantern...not so much once the 'green ghost' was added...

So a little while later we were coming home from a walk on a Saturday and we saw a note on our door about the village 'Schlachfest' that was going on that night.  Literally translated it means 'Slaughter Festival', lol.  But really it's all about 'hog killing'.  So pretty much you just get together and eat a bunch of meat...and other traditional German foods.  I'll be honest, we stuck with Bratwurst and opted not to try the Liver Dumplings and Bloodwurst.  Although my mom told me later that Liver Dumplings are actually really yummy ;)  (i'll take your word for it, mom! :) )

The kids were happy with their Brats and Fanta...