Yesterday we took a quick drive to Ludwigsburg. We walked around the garden and palace area. We decided it would be prettier in the summer when all the flowers were in bloom; so we will explore more in the summer. It was nice to get out for a little bit.

 
The day after Christmas we headed to Hohenzollern which is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Royal House. The Hohenzollern Castle sits on top of the Swabian Alb. The parking lots are located at the base of the mountain; so visitors can choose to climb the mountain or take a shuttle. We decided to hike to the top instead of waiting for a shuttle bus. The castle was very busy with guests. We waited for a English speaking tour and took a quick tour of the inside of the house. 

On the way home, we stopped and walked around downtown Stuttgart. It was super pretty with the Christmas lights.

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas. Our first Christmas in Germany was a relaxing day with warm weather. Trooper and Sissy wanted to wish everyone a happy Christmas. Trooper is looking a little like Scrooge in the picture, but Sissy is super ready for the holiday!

 
It was a nice warm day for exploring so a friend and I went to the Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market. We decided instead of dealing with parking and traffic we would take the train. It was about a 30 min commute by train. We got our mugs filled with kinderpunsch (mulled wine without alcohol) and a yummy dessert. It was like an elephant ear but tall like a tower ( see below). 

Time is flying by and I can't believe we are almost at Christmas. This week has been a busy one. The weather here has been warm with a few rain showers. This warm weather isn't helping to make it feel like Christmas. I need some snow, a white Christmas would be great, but I am not getting it this year. Maybe my friends and family back home will have one for me. Send me some pictures!

This past week I celebrated a birthday. It was a good day. The teacher that I work with got my co worker and I  birthday cakes. We both share the same birthday. We got a chocolate cake and an ice cream cake and the students sung us Happy Birthday. I have been enjoying my early birthday present from my hubby which was the Fit Bit Charge HR. I am loving it, it keeps me motivated to get my steps in. I just need to work the gym into my work schedule. It is interesting to see how many steps you are taking during the day.

This week we also had Mario's Winter Ball. We got all dressed up and enjoyed a nice evening out. The food was good and the dessert was interesting. It was a Redwine poached pear with mascarpone creme. 

It is crazy to me that it is mid 50's in the middle of December. I guess all those snowy cold winters in Ohio has me thinking December should be cold and snowy!. The dogs and I spent some time today at the dog park. I love watching them run and smell. Sissy is standing guard.

Today we took a trip to the Mercedes Benz Museum. It was very interesting to see how the vehicles have changed over the years. An audio guide was included in admission so additional information was learned. At the end of the tour, we were able to keep the lanyard which held the audio guide.

One tradition here in Germany are the Christmas Markets or Weihnachtsmarkt in German. Most start at Thanksgiving and run until Christmas, but some are just a weekend long. Yesterday we went to Tubingen, which is a short drive from where we live. The market place was filled with vendors. Since this market is only this weekend, it was packed!  There were many vendors selling lots of different items and of course there was food. No Christmas Market is complete without a cup of Gluehwein, which is a hot spice wine.

At times walking with two dogs becomes painful. Often times the leashes get tangled or in my situation Sissy pulls ahead and Trooper pulls behind and I feel like a clown trying to tame the circus. I have seen in pet stores and friends have had a connector leash where you only needed one leash but can walk two dogs. The other day while shopping at the thrift store, which is one of my favorite places on base, I came across a connector leash called Take Two. It was only a couple of dollars so I figured I would try it out. I learned that it was created by a 12 year girl who had tangled leash issues while walking her dogs, so she created this helpful y-shape leash connector. I have to say Trooper and Sissy did awesome for their first time. Sissy still wants to pull away but she made Trooper keep up. I am hoping with practice we will become pros at it. I do have to say walking with them today was much more enjoyable!

After patiently waiting 1.5 months our car has finally arrived! It will be nice to have it. We still have to get a car inspectation and plates but it's here! I guess that means I will have to start driving again instead of relying on my hubby the chauffeur, it was nice while it lasted.

I can't believe it's December already! I put up a few decorations and Christmas cards are sent! I still need to check out the Christmas markets here, hopefully one of these weekends.

I have been staying busy by subbing at the middle school. The great part is that it's a 10 minute walk from the house.

The dogs are good getting used to life here! They got their haircut last week. I found a groomer who comes to the base and picks them up and then drops them off when they are done. It's great!