Carnivale in Venice

Carnevale was first celebrated in Venice in 1094. Every year for the few weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, the city transforms into masks and elaborate costumes. Evan and I made it this year. We missed our local Carnivale celebration in Sacile when we were in Rome, this day trip made up for it!
We arrived early and stayed for the day. Masks were everywhere--for sale, in windows, and people were wearing them along with their costumes. We talked to people from all over who visit Venice just for this and stay through the big celebration on Fat Tuesday--walking the streets in their costumes, taking pictures with tourists, and "becoming" a piece of Carnivale history.
Sidenote: The large fish market we pass each time we visit Venice, was finally open!Everywhere we turned we were met with people in costumes and masks. We made it to St. Mark's Square where the main festivities occur. There was a huge stage and a costume contest going on at the time. There was a wine tasting outside Doge's Palace. See the actual wine in the fountain. We had a great time meandering around, buying masks, and taking in Venice. It was cold in Venice. FREEZING cold! And windy and downright cold! We woke up to this the next morning. Snow! Glad we went the day before to see the sights! These are a few pictures of the next few mornings of the boys at their pre-breakfast spot--the windowsill. They eat cereal off the window and discuss the city street below."Really? You're taking us out in this weather?"

Thanksgiving 2011

This year for the office Thanksgiving, I made pumpkin soup. It's one of my favorites for many reasons: it's a yummy comfort food, it's easy to fix, and reminds of Kim Schatz (it's her recipe). She was my first encounter with a (now) General's wife in Little Rock. I was new to the Air Force and the Wing spouses used to meet at her house once a month for lunch and some sort of activity. She is so down-to-earth and kind. She made pumpkin soup for the October get-together and I took some to be nice, but I knew I wasn't going to like it. How wrong I was. It sounds cheesy but I think of this a lot in our adventures the past 5 years. I knew I wasn't going to like that soup, but I loved it and now make it a couple times each fall/winter. Just like I knew life in the Air Force was going to be different. Never in my life could I imagine that this is where I would be. I couldn't think of a better to be thankful on Thanksgiving than to share yummy pumpkin soup with everyone else.
Thanksgiving morning we were up bright and early to get on the road to Garmisch. We dressed Porter and Eli in their Aggie gear in honor of the "final" A&M-UT football game.
We did not stay at Edelweiss but we did eat Thanksgiving dinner there--along with about 500 other military members and their families! While we waited for our reservation, they had the entire downstairs area converted to a Kid's Zone for all ages. Porter and Eli loved the tunnel and see-saw the best. We finally made it back to Maria's guesthouse where we have stayed before. While we got the boy's beds ready and all the luggage inside, they hung out in the shower of all places.Dinner the following night: Schnitzel (mine) and Pork Knuckle (Evan's) aka: Heart Attack.
We went back to Edelweiss the next afternoon to play on their safe playground and we took advantage of their Fall display for some pictures.Porter and Eli with each of their vices: thumb and paci.One of the many quirks I will miss about living overseas. The honor system shopping. Would you like a bag of apples or apple jam? Great, take a jar and leave the money in the tin can. Don't mind if I do. Sidenote: I dropped the jar of apple jam putting it away when I got home. It smelled delicious but it's a terrible habit I have.
I hope I always remember the feeling of Garmisch. It is so inviting and friendly and charming. We were lucky enough to catch the Christmas markets this year.Flipping the lights on and off in our room. They were so proud!