We celebrated Carnaval with lots of friends from school in "The little white church" in De Voorstad. There was lots of space to perform; Julie and Fleur and their friends took their chances often. We had drinks with the other parents. 
In Roermond you really have to dress up for Carnaval. Wiggs and lots of make up are necessary.
Julie in front of the Limbo-train at school. Unfortunately it rained...
Fleur opening the school with gunshot confetti. The bee is Fleur's teacher Ilse.
Fleur is elected Princess Carnaval of all the 4, 5 and 6 years old of her school Aan de Roer. She and the Prince had special chairs to sit on and watch the competition. They have the key of the school and will open the school tomorrow and will go in front of all Carnaval activities.
The lady with the red hair is Fleur's teacher Petra. Of course she has to change in an official princess dress and obtain the big key.
Fleur on stage. How do you feel?
Exciting!! Who will win the draw? All the kids are in red, green and yellow the collors of carnaval. So it was good to have some Cameronian soccer shirts.
Fleur with best friend Matisse, before the ceremony.
New year's day; our car is on the train through the mountain for the last 15km to our destination Mallnitz, Austria.
Sleep well!
Fleur and Julie were having ski lessons every day from 9.30 till 15.00. They had lunch with all their friends in a special kids restaurant.
Ready for the slalom competition.
Robert at the middle station at 1.950m on the Ankogel mountain.
First price for Fleur! Party in the local disco.
First price for Julie aswell!
and medals of course...
In front of the hotel waiting for the ski bus.
On top of 'Kids mountain'.
Blowing storm at the middle station. Only afternoon we didn't ski.
Town square at night. Our hotel is in the back.
Julie and Fleur in front of our hotel.
A better day on top of the 'Ankogel' 2.940 m.
At 1.950 m the sun was shining.
You had to work before you could have lunch at this small cafe. Climb all the way down (or ski) and up after lunch.
Today, Sunday, we went to Snowworld in Landgraaf. The largest indoor skiing piste of Europe. Fleur told me this was the coolest day of her life going up the hill with the special ski-lift. They are learning quick! See the short movies at the bottom. 
Saturday we went to the famous Christmas Market in Dusseldorf (Germany, about 40 minutes drive from our home). The whole city was decorated with lots of lights and X-mas decorations. In the stalls you could buy all the special winter treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen (kind of sweet bread with marsipan and raisens) Gluhwein, pancakes etc etc. There was even an ice skate ring! 
So Julie and Fleur had to try on their special beginners iceskates. Double irons so you dont fall easily.
Sinterklaas is comming to town. On his birthday, the 5th of December he is giving all the childeren presents. But only if you've been 'sweet' otherwise he takes you home to Spain.
Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain.
Of course he needs lots of help to deliver the presents and check if everybody has been nice, that help are his 'Piets'.
Julie and Fleur with Zoe and Matisse at the St. Martin's fire on the 11th of November. They ate a lot of Nonnevotten, like donuts/beignets.
In the Church they listen to the story of St Martin. After the play all the childeren walk with their ligths through town towards the place where the big fire will be lightened.
Julie and Fleur in front of the Munsterkerk in town.
Nice weather in Autumn; playing in te woods with Julie's friend Lois.
Fleur in the ropes of the play area.
Julie making a Jackal Lantern.
