My father learned the German language as a young man and later taught German to FBI agents in the early stages of WWII. (More stories to come about that.) He loved the precision and specificity possible in German. Every night at dinner he would say, “Guten Appetit, meine lieben Kinder.”
Tonight as my sister, her husband and daughter; 3 of my 5 children and their spouses; 4 of my 10 (almost 12) grandchildren gathered for a meal we began with all those who could say it, “Guten Appetit, meine lieben Kinder! Lass es euch angenehm gut schmecken!” Now four generations are blessed by a few words that to us, mean family and joy together.
I missed my dad tonight, but he would be proud of these great grandchildren. The youngest shares his name.
pelicansandprose 
I love this. It’s so original and a lovely trademark that I’ve never come across before. We all have our toasts and prayers and special mentions, but this isn’t as simple as say a Slainte or Salud. I find it amusing these quirks and I do enjoy German phrases very much, Great slice!
Vielen Dank!
So enjoy envisioning the large gathering and all those voices speaking in German, making your dad so proud! Thanks for sharing.