Brooklyn's Baptism

Sunday December 21, 2014

After mass before the baptism

getting Brooklyn dressed in her gown, pre-spitup 

getting Brooklyn dressed in her gown, post-spitup

getting Brooklyn dressed in her gown

getting Brooklyn dressed in her gown, bonnet for Grandma, she was not a fan

College friends from Raleigh and their babies

Chrissi & Cait

Chrissi & Jackie with our girls

twins? 

parents 

Deacon David said something funny

Chrissi doing the reading

Baptism 

oil on her chest 

kiss the baby

oil on her forehead 

lighting the baptism candle 

mother blessing

father blessing 

man times have sure changed in the past 3 years 

guys with their babies (minus Noah)

we had twins? 

parents 

grandparents & parents 

Chrissi, Ryan & Cait

family (minus those sick) 

godparents & parents 

godmother & mother (sisters) 

Brooklyn conched out on Aunt Starr's lap

Starr, Susie & Brooklyn 

baby swap! 

Jackson & Jackie

Jessie & Madolyn

Cake 

Girlfriend & boyfriend 2 weeks apart in age

Brooklyn in her Baptismal gown, made by her Grandma & worn by all 3 of her Shugart cousins

Brooklyn 2 Months

2 months old

Cologne Christmas Market

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Today we were all feeling a lot healthier so we decided to drive 1.5 hours to Cologne to their famous German Christmas market. We got there in the late afternoon. We finally got in a parking garage and we head towards a German restaurant we ate at last time we were in Cologne visiting with Todd and Ken who were travelling Europe from Seattle. As we walked Jackie noticed a redhead pop out of a store doorway, low and behold it was Lindsay, our neighbor 2 houses down visiting the markets as well! Such a big place and we still run into each other. Too funny! We tried to cut through the market at Heumarkt which was a bad idea with the stroller. The market was packed with people since it was a Saturday. We decided to duck into a nearby hotel that has shops. We knew the toilets were free so we used the opportunity to nurse Brooklyn there in the warmth before heading back out to the market. We decided we’d rather eat the food from the stalls at the market than at the restaurant since we can come back to it to eat anytime.
When we returned to the market, it was dark and all the lights were on. Heumarkt, Wintermarchen Kolner Altstadt (Winter Fairy Tale Cologne Old Town) 

Brooklyn seemed content as we explored the market 

We got some meat in tube form because no trip to Germany is complete without it. 

We loved all the special decorations on each market booth 

We had to get some gluhwein (mulled wine) and fried potato fritters which their choice of dipping sauce: applesauce! 

We watched some people play curling. 

There was a long loop route through the market for the ice skaters and even a bridge overlook over it. 

There was an active ski lift running from a rooftop with Santa’s riding in the chairs. 

Now that’s a lot of meat hanging over the grill fire 

Joe got some roasted chestnuts that remind him of his childhood since he would often get them at the market in Taiwan. It wasn’t until years later that he learned in English that they were chestnuts. 

We continued on our way to a second market, Weihnachtsmarkt Kolner Altstadt, in Alter Markt 

Cologne City Hall in Alter Markt 

Brooklyn was much more alert at this market. I think she knew how good this one was comparatively and wanted to see it all. 

Wood carvings of the Nativity: the 3 maji 

Wood carvings of the Nativity: Joseph, baby Jesus and Mother Mary 

Wood carvings of the Nativity: the ox and ass 

Next we walked through Weihnachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom, the Christmas market next to the Cologne Cathedral. 

I love that the booths here are so personalized to the Cologne Cathedral 

Cologne Cathedral at night 

Still looking for a lower sign at the right angle, but we are getting closer to getting the perfect photo of our favorite German exit sign