Memory Lane Series: Grammy & Pappy in Bamberg!

Circa, yeesh... April? My preliminary New Year's resolutions are already set:  I vow to do two big, fabulous, outstanding things before 01 JAN 2013:

1.  Finish the INSANITY program (Day 17 of 60 and counting!). With a successful conclusion. Despite the fact that (1) I am hosting a kickass Thanksgiving potluck and (2) my dear friend Tiffany and I will be stalking every single Bavarian Christmas market within her 4-Runner's reach. Oh yes. It is ON.

2.  Get this blog back up to date... which means reminiscing about visits from grandparents, a bittersweet deployment update, pictures and videos of Sir Cuteness, and photographic glimpses of some of the most amazing views in Europe.  Oh, and rundowns of almost every single one of the 25+ Christmas markets throughout Bavaria. It is ON.

So in true Grammy & Pappy fashion, Steve and Maralyn made it out here as soon as we got comfortable in our Euro ways and Zeke had the ability to take some time from work.  We raced them down the Autobahn at 100 MPH in our Ford Fiesta (I still remember how white Steve's knuckles looked as he "rested" his hands on his knees in the passenger seat). 

And also in true Grammy & Pappy fashion, they settled in here at our home and fit right in, making coffee, helping with dishes and meals, and bringing more joy and laughter into our days.

Showing Grammy how good he is at eating noodles while playing cars

Grammy was my saving grace, wanting to take this picture...
because she knows I jump at the chance to smother this guy
in hugs and cuddles

On the shoulders of the very best giant

Grammy wanted Stateside folks to see the prices on these accessories.
Remember it's in Euros, so 216 earrings? Yeah, around $300 a pair. OUCH.

I'm allowed to brag because he's deployed: we are so beautiful together.

Grammy and Pappy thought this was both hilarious and odd:
This cigarette machine is permanently fixed on the siding of a private residential home.
The profits go to the State.
Welcome to Socialism, America.

Perfect depiction of The Grandparents' Bill of Rights:
(giving a grandchild candy he'd never be allowed to have before dinner 
while letting him play on toys too expensive for any toddler to appreciate)