Winter Break Success

Well, Winter Break came and went and we (I) didn't go stir crazy.  I can't remember a winter break where we didn't GO somewhere.  When I was teaching it was my favorite break.  I have a bit of trouble with months of cold, dark, winter days and having somewhere warm and sunny to go to for a week in February helps me get through the winter.  It helps get me to the February trip (by having something to look forward to) and helps me get through the rest of March and into April before the days become longer and the weather starts to turn.

I was honestly (I know, first world problems!!) worried about not having a warm trip on the calendar for February.  How would I deal?  It turned out to be a really relaxing and fun week here in Berlin.  I was in German classes daily so the kids and Marty hung out.  They went to the grocery store and lunch daily and were all in good moods when I arrived back home in early afternoon.  It did make me wonder if we made a mistake with Marty working and me staying home with the kids all these years.  They all seemed much happier with this twist of parental care. 

Benjamin finished a 500+ page book (!?!) and Josie did a bunch of art, read two books (one in German and one in English ?!?) We recently bought a German version of Monopoly.

There were a lot of Monopoly games played during the week.   We had several movie nights with yummy movie snacks. The kids took bubble baths together (these joint baths are on their last leg, I'm sure of it!!) 

On Friday we celebrated a successful Staycation and the kids finishing 1st Semester and their good grades by going to our favorite ice cream parlor.
Yay for Staycations.