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!
Kim....seriously, you have to stop bringing me to tears with each and every post! I agree with Tess and Asher, life is SO amazing and so impossibly short. And despite the crosses, the blessings shine through. Happy New Year from Colorado (where the kids stayed up to watch the redneck neighbors do their very best to light up the world with their fireworks)
Posted by: Barb | January 01, 2012 at 11:06 PM
1986? You were a child-bride, right? I was 16! :o)
This is wonderful! I love
your adventures! Sharing them with the children...
We too decided we were too old, sick and weary to stay up till midnight, but dh and I ended up talking in the darkness until we heard a drunk neighbor yelling "Happy New Year!" and heard many echoes of that near and far followed by some illegal fireworks for about 15 minutes from our usually quiet neighborhood. I think one thing we have learned this past year was to laugh at the unexpected and enjoy the simple little things. Having girls that will be 18 in a few days makes us realize that every seemingly little thing is all too precious to just dismiss. Blessed New Year, dear lady!! {{{HUGS}}}
Posted by: Donna Marie | January 01, 2012 at 11:22 PM
Happy New Year to all of you. Yes - it is a joy to be around those who find the wonder in everything around them.
Posted by: Linda | January 02, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Wishing your entire family a joyous and blessed New Year! xoxo
Posted by: Rebecca | January 03, 2012 at 05:39 AM
We were renting an apartment in Nuremberg on New Years Eve 2006. We could not believe how the sky filled so completely with fireworks and to this day, that is the best New Year's Eve we've ever experienced.
Hannah
Posted by: Hannah | January 13, 2012 at 04:59 AM