German Christmas Market

The weekend after Thanksgiving, Oconomowoc hosted its second annual German Christmas Market.  We had a great time last year, so we were happy that we could take it this year too.  Although it is fun to go at night and walk around with a cup of hot Gluhwein, this year we decided to go on Sunday afternoon after church.  We had only gotten home Saturday night so, we were too tired to go then - Sunday was a better option.  They added more vendors, food and entertainment this year - and we loved it.  Santa was awesome (and free), and the kids got to decorate Christmas cookies after they visited him.  There was also a polka band performing in the food tent.  As cheesy as the music is, it is really catchy!  The kids wanted to square dance even!  It was too cute watching them "bow to their partner" and "dosey doe!"  There were some wonderful vendors that I would have loved to have bought everything they had, but alas, no money for that.  One vendor was out of Madison, but all of their items were handmade items direct from Europe - Swedish, Italian, and French dish towels, handbags made out of the Swiss Post's mail bags and the Swiss Army's blankets, German wood and felt Christmas ornaments, German scarves!  It was all sooo cool - sooo beautiful!!  Maybe next year... I'll need to remember to save up before we go.  Anyway, what a great way to kick off the Christmas season!!  Thanks Oconomowoc!

Thanks Santa!  We've been great this year!

Do you see the frosting in her teeth and all the goodies
she piled onto that cookie?!

Yum!  Brats and a pretzel!  Tom sipped a Gluhwein, while
the kids and I shared a hot cider.

Gotta love the polka band.

A little play time before leaving the festivities!

And we came home and Jackson got to open a couple more birthday presents.
They came while we were gone to Nebraska.  Thanks Aunt Jen, Uncle Ricky,
Ryder and Jake for the hockey stick.  Now we just need Santa to bring the skates!

And Monday morning, I enjoy some coffee from my
souvenir mug!