First Advent 2018

I have to say, I've gotten to really like the Advent candles.  Countdown to the big day, but not every day.  Every week. One down, three to go.

We had a small breakfast at home and lit the first candle before heading off to René and Rima's. The little Santa is getting worn - I noticed several spots where his paint has flaked.  Replace?  Naahhh.  We're all showing our age.

I don't remember our First Advent at René and Rima's, but it was quite a while ago - 13 years?  In those first years it was quite the celebration with three sets of grandparents and a great-grandmother and godparents and later other friends and family.  It's changed over the years, sometimes smaller, sometimes a bit bigger. Some of the early participants have left us.  But there's always First Advent.

And Rima loves decorating for the holiday and the table is always festive.  I was tickled to see the place mats I'd done for them so long ago!

Meanwhile, Amina is getting older and doing some makeup experimenting.  Her natural lashes, which 90% of womenhood worldwide would die to have, needed enhancement -- in her opinion.  So, longer and thicker lashes.

To eat:  this year, chicken soup with Eierstich, lamb, Brussels sprouts in browned butter, potatoes and gravy.  Was it good?  Well, yes, it was.
V E R Y.

Here's the happy group.  Later of course other friends dropped by.  There's always something to share later on.

My pecan pie was a hit, as usual.  It's not me, it's the pie!  I asked Rima if I should take the left-over slivers home with me.  She said NO really fast!  Love, love bringing a little of my traditions to our German family traditions.