December 2014

The month of December started with us returning to Chicago for Dad's memorial service. While it was a really hard trip, it was so nice to be surrounded by family again. We were definitely feeling lonely way across the ocean and so far away from any of our loved ones.

Auntie surrounded by nephews and a sweet niece

Erica being silly with her little one

As soon as we got home, Heather had some major work to do. In November, the apartment above ours opened up and we decided that the Guadagnolis should move on up! The new apartment has the exact same layout as the old one, but is on the top floor and includes a 60 square-meter terrace! Of course, since Nick was at work, Heather had the task of cleaning the new place, carrying everything (besides the beds and the couch) upstairs, and then scrubbing down the old place. This was accomplished in just under a week. Then, with the help of some strong men visiting from the US (big thanks to Chris and Vince), the remaining furniture came up too. 

The move was finished just in time for Christmas! To celebrate, Nick and Heather hooped the train to Copenhagen and went to the Nutcracker at Tivoli. The Nutcracker is one of our favorite Christmas traditions. We have gone each year, be it in Denver, Chicago and now Copenhagen. The ballet was wonderful and Tivoli's Christmas decorations were not to be missed! 

On the train headed to the Nutcracker

Tivoli lit up for Christmas

Nick checking out the Christmas lights with new, warm leather gloves

Heather outside the theater ready to enjoy the Nutcracker

The Danes celebrate three days of Christmas. Christmas eve (Juleaften) is when Danes traditionally dance around the Christmas tree, open their presents, and then enjoy family dinner. Christmas day (Juledag 1) is a day when kids play with their new toys and the immediate family spends the day together. And, the 3rd day, Boxing Day, (aka Juledag 2) is a mellow day to recuperate from the Christmas celebrations.

The Guadagnoli Christmas was very low key, but Juledag 2, the Poole's joined us to explore our new country! The trip was marked with sickness (both for Mary and Heather), but that did not stop us from showing them around our new home or around Fyn. One of the first things we did together was enjoy a Danish pastry! 

Too busy eating kanelstang to look up for the picture

We took the Pooles all around Nyborg to explore our town and see how we live. This included visiting some local grocery stores and shops, and going furniture shopping for a new coffee table. We also took them for a walk at the nearby Holckenhavn Slot which was built between the late 16th century and early 17th century and is a Renaissance-style manor house. The estate includes a 12 hectare park that we walked around in.  

Heather with her parents at Holckenhavn Slot

Denmark's national bird, the swan, framed by the bridge over the moat

For New Year's Eve, we had a mellow night at home. Nick make us a traditional Danish meal called tarteletter. It consists of personal-sized pie crusts filled with chicken breast and white asparagus in cream sauce. 

Yummmmy! 

We were all pretty tired, and some of us still sick, so we decided we would call it an early night...well earlier than midnight night. Denmark had other plans for us though. Right about midnight, the world exploded. It sounded like a million bombs going off! Fireworks erupted into the night sky. From every angle of our window-filled apartment, we could see bursts of light! Apparently, December 31st this is the only time of the year fireworks are legal in Denmark.  

Danes ringing in the New Year with fireworks! 

Happy 2015! We wish you all a very happy, healthy new year filled with laughter, love, adventure and just a touch of craziness!