I was four months pregnant our first New Year's Eve in Germany.  That year we were ringing in 1986.  (please don't gasp, even if it was in the last millenium….)  My husband was a medic and working long hours.  I was in the throes of early pregnancy drowsiness.  Between us we had enough good reason to be out cold at midnight. 

We were awakened from that sound sleep by a thundering explosion outside the apartment.  From all sides.  For a split second I thought it was the Apocalypse.  Kid you not. I was spinning through my foggy brain trying to recall bits of the recent news to see if how likely it was we were under fire.  (our base had been bombed less than 6 mo earlier) 

It was none of those dire things however.  Just our initiation into German New Year's, a wildly thrilling event, especially in a large city. 

This year we got to bring that 'baby' back to see his first New Year's in the land of his birth.  Things are a little lower key here in the sticks than they are in Frankfurt but still pretty amazing for homegrown.  And yes, dangerous.  Don't try this at home.  We didn't!

The fireworks went on 'til nearly 1am.  Being situated on one of the highest peaks in the region, on a rare clear winter's night, we could see the glimmer of celebrations in villages all around. He said if it had been all he got to do on this trip it would have been worth it.  (video from last year here)

Before bed Tess declared this to be the best day of her life.  The best part of that statement is that it marked the third time in as many weeks that she breathlessly announced same.  Life is often hard.  What kind of wonderful is it to be able to say you had three of the best days ever inside a month. : ) 

We were saying the other day how our Asher and Tess in particular both have such a gift for finding life positively amazing.  They take such delight in small things as well as large.  I hope to be more like them when I grow up. : )

 Here's to making lots of best days in 2012!