Here is a pre-holiday update on what’s going on with us.

Migle, Kostas, Greta, and I went to London. I worked most of the time but had some evenings free. All of us really enjoyed it. Greta stayed with Kostas one night and Migle and I were able to grab a show. Then I stayed back and Migle and Greta saw the Lion King. They said it was incredible. And they wandered around London while I worked. Greta had not been to London before so it was good to be able to bring her along.

Thanksgiving was great. Friends invited us over to their house. Thy live a short ride or long walk from where we live in Esslingen. They did it up right and it was one of the best Thanksgiving meals I have had in a while. I brought two desserts that I made (bourbon-orange-walnut pie with fresh whipped cognac whipped cream) and (double chocholate pie with a brownie cake bottom, chocolate mousse middle, and fresh whipped cream top). And I brought some German dessert wine and dessert sekt (german champage) from our town (Esslingen). Everyone ate too much and had a great time. Our friends have children and a Son Kostas’ age so it was cool to see them interact. Kostas hasn’t had much other-kid time yet.

Greta was here for a month. As last time, it was GREAT to have her here to spend time with Migle and to help take care of Kostas and the house. I was traveling some of that time so it was good she was here. We are hoping she can come back again next year for a month or two.

Migle’s Parents are coming to visit for the holidays. They get here next Monday and stay until the 3rd. We’re really looking forward to it. Usually we go to Lithuania for Christmas but with Kostas 7 months old, we decided to stay here and Migle talked them into coming to visit. Which is always a big deal because they don’t particularly like to travel.

Steve (my cousin) is also coming for the holidays. He gets here next Wed. We (and he) are pretty excited about that also. He’s been trying to make it over here for a while!

The Esslingen Christmas Market and Festival is going on now. It is broken into two sides: (1) a pretty standard German Christmas Market and (2) a Medieval Christas Market. The Medieval side is super interesting and unique. We love it! It is one of our favorite things to do in Germany. And it is walking distance from our house. It is very authentic (medieval look and feel) and has great food and drink and things to do and see. It is here until the 22nd. If you live in Germany - I HIGHLY recommend it!

I am planning a package tour of Vilnius for a bunch of friends in March 2007. A large arts and crafts festival is going on then. It should be lots of fun!

If you subtract out the Eczema (which we have under control but only barely), Kostas is going absolutely fabulous! A while back we started teaching him how to eat baby food and that has been interesting. Overall, he’s doing great and growing like crazy.

We bought Kostas a swing and here is a video of him trying it out. Looks like he is enjoying it! Sorry the video is so dark.
My new job is going well. I am learning alot about the other side of the fence. Things I wish I knew years ago. The move has been a great one. I’m glad I did it!

I have a new US address for here. I will email it out to those who need it.

That’s all for now …

Happy Holidays!