ShellyGa, I ordered them via school from Original Works. I think you can also order them direct via originalworks.com if you have your own pics. If you need their 800 #, email me directly. Good luck. I love the ones I got this Christmas. Unfortunately the posts do not come with the flags. So I have been looking for them. I will save the flags now for Mother's Day since I can't find the posts/stakes. Think once this Xmas thing is over, the stores will start bringing them out. Pike might have them too. I haven't checked. Good luck. tc

I like the disposable camera idea--I know that the thrill of being the one to pick what to take a picture of what a neat thing. As far as the "disappointment over only 1 present" problem goes, you have 2 paths: 1) let them adjust; 2) give them 2 presents. Your choice, I think; either is fine. You can make the second present something silly and inexpensive. (I give my kids a box of cereal for Christmas each year--Cocoa Puffs, or Rainbow Rice Krispies, or something else that I might not get them anyway. It's big and colorful and sweet, and it goes away after they eat it, and they get to have fun eating "their present" for several days. If you're a member of a warehouse club, a HUGE box is about $7; at the grocery store, a regular large box runs about $6)

I was going to suggest too, things to do on the trip on the plane to keep them busy. Small items and things when used up can get rid of so they aren't over burden with too much. Yes, check the library for an up to date book of Germany and they can check out what there is to see. Journals are excellent to have, light ones though and make sure you have pens extra in case of losing one pen. Or run out of ink. Make sure you have a good camera for all of you to use and take pictures of. Maybe a scrapbook for them to make up about their trip when they come home? The library may even have language tapes to listen, can check on that too. Check out travel sites for good ideas to bring and see with you all. Rick Steves? has travelled with his kids and wife all over and so he should have good ideas. I know the one thing he suggested on tv was with kids is that they carry their back bag and only what they can carry is all they can have in it so that way you aren't loaded down with huge suitcases which you do not want in those countries. You want to bring and be very light, so rehearse way ahead and everyone pack all they want to bring on their trips, see if they can carry their backpacks with it all in? What can be illiminated? What is really necessary. Or bring stuff that can be dumped over there and left behind. There is nothing worse then too much stuff and being a hinder and ruining a great trip. Also make sure everyone has good comfortable walking shoes to walk lots. Check weather if you need to bring umbrellas or not or what? Less is better remember so check it all out ahead of time.

Oh, I'm doing much better than those--LOL! Your list looks extravagant to me this year! I'm making patchwork checkers, backgammon and tic tac toe boards from my leftover fabric scraps. For the teens, I made scarves (from my bin of leftover yarn). I'll be filling in with some home-baked bread, homemade jellies and candy. So far, I've spent exactly 3.98 and I already have about 8 gifts put together.