Wasselfest

Well, the more we live in our quaint little town, the more we like it. So far we've been to the largest county fair in Texas (tiny), Wurstfest (great beer and sausage), and we just attended our first Wasselfest. In case you don't know what wassel is I'll explain. It's pretty much warm apple cider with lots of spices in it. Many people add different liquors as well. Wasselfest had a mixture of both alcholic and non-alcholic. They shut down all of the streets leading to downtown and a lot of the little shops stayed open for browsing and to hand out wine, cheese and crackers and wassel. I think that there were about 50 different stands where you wait in line for a cup, the size of a shot glass. Then they wanted you to rate the different stands. At the end of the night, a winner was awarded. The whole thing was free, which really suprised us. It was a great night to have it, the weather was cool and brisk. Who would want to sample a bunch of warm wassel in 70 degree weather.

We met up with a group of people that we've been hanging out with occasionally. The munchkins in the picture are our neighbors and friends that we've made. Our neighbor girls are the two on the end in the pink jacket and striped scarf. They come over to play often, and C and M have really become buddies with them.

There was a live nativity in the center of the square. It was neat to see. Off to the side was a real lamb as well. The kids loved to see it, but the poor thing was so scared, I felt really bad for it.

There's a big Christmas tree in the center of town as well and we (meaning I) thought it'd make a great family picture.

We got to the end of one of the streets and what to our wondering eyes should appear? But a life size santa and the local HOG chapter (that's Harley Owners Group, for those of you not a HOG). Well, of course when you see a santa riding a Harley you simply must have your picture taken with him and tell him what it is you want for Christmas. So that is what our little group of kiddos did. As you can see Miss M was THRILLED to be near him. She did decide he was ok to tell her Christmas wish to a little later on and after all of the other kids had done so and were able to tell the tale. I'm not sure if she decided he was ok because the other kids did it, or because she figured if she didn't tell him she may not get any presents come Christmas morning. Either way. I also must note, down here in what I consider Southern Texas, our santa was hispanic, which is new for us :)

Our town square is so pretty year 'round, but with all of the lights up, it is beautiful. This picture does not do it justice, but you can see that they go all out.

And here is the court house. It is AMAZING! There are lights all over this thing! Come visit when you have a chance. It is a fun, party, but family inviting town. We are anxious to see what else it has to offer us.