Dear friends near and far, we hope this letter finds you well. Another year has gone by and while
some of you have been around and are up to date, some have been farther away and may be happy to
get an update. So here is the English version of our letter where you can find out what we have
been up to.
some of you have been around and are up to date, some have been farther away and may be happy to
get an update. So here is the English version of our letter where you can find out what we have
been up to.
Our Christmas Letter 2007
A Visit with the King - January
on a trip to Stuttgart downtown
we met the King at a museum
on a trip to Stuttgart downtown
we met the King at a museum
Tim's broze medal - February
His first medal, boy was he
proud!
His first medal, boy was he
proud!
Die Fischers
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February brought more progress on the building site, with the cement dried out and the weather
continuing to be mild and dry. Tim won third place in the gymnastics regionals... WOW! I was in
some back pain - had been since November the previous year - and despite cutting back on teaching
and resting a lot, the pain got worse. It culminated one Sunday afternoon, when I had to go to the
hospital because I was starting to feel a considerable amount of numbness in several spots. At
the hospital, an MRI showed a huge slipped disc in my lumbar spine and they had to perform
surgery that same night to prevent irreversible damage. Maybe a good thing that there was no
time or other options, this way the decision-making was easier - especially to me who so far was
able to dodge the bullet of surgery. Luckily, the surgery went well and the healing process too.
continuing to be mild and dry. Tim won third place in the gymnastics regionals... WOW! I was in
some back pain - had been since November the previous year - and despite cutting back on teaching
and resting a lot, the pain got worse. It culminated one Sunday afternoon, when I had to go to the
hospital because I was starting to feel a considerable amount of numbness in several spots. At
the hospital, an MRI showed a huge slipped disc in my lumbar spine and they had to perform
surgery that same night to prevent irreversible damage. Maybe a good thing that there was no
time or other options, this way the decision-making was easier - especially to me who so far was
able to dodge the bullet of surgery. Luckily, the surgery went well and the healing process too.
In March, I spent 4 weeks in rehab in the beautiful Black Forest area, trying to heal and nurse my
body back to strength. I made great progress and when I went home the day before my birthday, I
was feeling well. Still some way to go but on the right track. The workers had stayed busy on the
house and by the time I got back the move-in date was only a week away. Although I had seen the
progress on photos, I was blown away by the real thing! What a birthday present.....
body back to strength. I made great progress and when I went home the day before my birthday, I
was feeling well. Still some way to go but on the right track. The workers had stayed busy on the
house and by the time I got back the move-in date was only a week away. Although I had seen the
progress on photos, I was blown away by the real thing! What a birthday present.....
April was a joyful month for us: we moved onto our new home and Tim turned 9 years old. While we
had already brought the boxes from our house in Texas (we never unpacked them when we got back
but instead stored them at my parent's house) the previous weekend, we moved our furniture,
clothes and everything else from the apartment during the Easter weekend. Ralf's friends from
gymnastics days helped us haul all the stuff down 3 flights of stairs and carried it into the new
house. Tim got to wake up in his new room for the first time on his birthday! The following weeks
were filled with re-arranging furniture until we found out what looks best, buying and hanging
lamps and unpacking boxes and boxes (ca. 300 of them). I can't remember how many trips to the
trash collection site we all took with empty cardboard boxes and other wrapping materials.... Some
more items from Austin came out of the boxes broken, unfortunately it was too late to file the
damages with the insurance. We used this consolidation of two households as an opportunity to
review what we had - resulting in a huge trash container in front of the house which got filled
with clutter in the process. The new house has a small cellar and garage and no attic, but with our
possessions reduced to what is important to us we hope to stay clutter-free. Some very old
memories came up while we were sifting through the boxes from the last move some 15 years ago....
had already brought the boxes from our house in Texas (we never unpacked them when we got back
but instead stored them at my parent's house) the previous weekend, we moved our furniture,
clothes and everything else from the apartment during the Easter weekend. Ralf's friends from
gymnastics days helped us haul all the stuff down 3 flights of stairs and carried it into the new
house. Tim got to wake up in his new room for the first time on his birthday! The following weeks
were filled with re-arranging furniture until we found out what looks best, buying and hanging
lamps and unpacking boxes and boxes (ca. 300 of them). I can't remember how many trips to the
trash collection site we all took with empty cardboard boxes and other wrapping materials.... Some
more items from Austin came out of the boxes broken, unfortunately it was too late to file the
damages with the insurance. We used this consolidation of two households as an opportunity to
review what we had - resulting in a huge trash container in front of the house which got filled
with clutter in the process. The new house has a small cellar and garage and no attic, but with our
possessions reduced to what is important to us we hope to stay clutter-free. Some very old
memories came up while we were sifting through the boxes from the last move some 15 years ago....
May brought more sunshine and several long weekends with trips and festivals. Mona played the
role of the "Morning Sun" in the school choir's musical. Tim performed with his class at their
school festival on huge Djembe drums. Ralf's work hosted the annual picnick with many
attractions. Mona to to spend a 4-day-weekend with her Aunt and Uncle in Munich, meanwhile Tim,
Ralf and I stayed at nearby Ammersee. School was very busy, too with a lot of quizzes and exams
to study for.
role of the "Morning Sun" in the school choir's musical. Tim performed with his class at their
school festival on huge Djembe drums. Ralf's work hosted the annual picnick with many
attractions. Mona to to spend a 4-day-weekend with her Aunt and Uncle in Munich, meanwhile Tim,
Ralf and I stayed at nearby Ammersee. School was very busy, too with a lot of quizzes and exams
to study for.
In June, Ralf took the kids to Ulm to a huge Kid's Gymnastics competition. All of Ralf's old
teammates and friends and their kids went, too. They had a blast! Meanwhile, I used the weekend
to go see my friend Andrea in Munich, who afterwards came to stay with us. Conicidentially, while
she was there, we had another visit form Austin friends: The Kahle family came by on their trip
through Europe. Later in the month, another friend from Austin, Annette with her family came to
stay with us for three days. It was so much fun to see these friends again and to reminisce about
"old times" and find out what they have been up to since we parted.
teammates and friends and their kids went, too. They had a blast! Meanwhile, I used the weekend
to go see my friend Andrea in Munich, who afterwards came to stay with us. Conicidentially, while
she was there, we had another visit form Austin friends: The Kahle family came by on their trip
through Europe. Later in the month, another friend from Austin, Annette with her family came to
stay with us for three days. It was so much fun to see these friends again and to reminisce about
"old times" and find out what they have been up to since we parted.
The last month of the school year, July, brought another wave of exams and all the usual
end-of-schoolyear activities. Mona realized that she wanted to switch into another class (in
Germany the classes stay together throughout) which meant a whole bunch of appointments with
teachers, school counselor, principal..... Both kids got awesome report cards, all A's and B's - we
were very happy and so proud of them! They both worked hard and continue to be very motivated
students. Weather was very hot, and often we went for a quick dip in the public pool before or
after dinner to cool off the heads that had gotten hot during homework....
end-of-schoolyear activities. Mona realized that she wanted to switch into another class (in
Germany the classes stay together throughout) which meant a whole bunch of appointments with
teachers, school counselor, principal..... Both kids got awesome report cards, all A's and B's - we
were very happy and so proud of them! They both worked hard and continue to be very motivated
students. Weather was very hot, and often we went for a quick dip in the public pool before or
after dinner to cool off the heads that had gotten hot during homework....
August - summer break is here! Mona used the time off from school to spend long hours at the
riding stable and both kids went to a camp at a local arts school for kids. They both had a blast
and the teachers (sculpting, woodworking and collage from various materials) all said Mona and
Tim were talented. I used the "free time" to stick my toe into the water and teach some Pilates
private sessions and classes, subbing at a studio in Stuttgart. We also spent time with the
grandparents hiking, BBQing and visited with friends whom we didn't get to see to much during
the school year. Mid-month we started packing and on Aug. 18th we were off to Tuscany, Italy.
We spent a wonderful two weeks there and also had the opportunity to visit with our friends
Monica and Cesare in Rome. We found a good mix between lazy days poolside with badminton
matches, city/museum visits in Florence, Siena and Rome, and nice restaurant dinners/cooking
together at home. We stayed at a little cottage on the edge of the Town of Panzano. We had the
view as though we were in the middle of nowhere, but the bakery and ice cream shop were nearby!
We did forget to pack the camera so the one sad thing about this trip is that we only have the
few pictures Monica and Cesare took in Rome... but what pictures those are!
riding stable and both kids went to a camp at a local arts school for kids. They both had a blast
and the teachers (sculpting, woodworking and collage from various materials) all said Mona and
Tim were talented. I used the "free time" to stick my toe into the water and teach some Pilates
private sessions and classes, subbing at a studio in Stuttgart. We also spent time with the
grandparents hiking, BBQing and visited with friends whom we didn't get to see to much during
the school year. Mid-month we started packing and on Aug. 18th we were off to Tuscany, Italy.
We spent a wonderful two weeks there and also had the opportunity to visit with our friends
Monica and Cesare in Rome. We found a good mix between lazy days poolside with badminton
matches, city/museum visits in Florence, Siena and Rome, and nice restaurant dinners/cooking
together at home. We stayed at a little cottage on the edge of the Town of Panzano. We had the
view as though we were in the middle of nowhere, but the bakery and ice cream shop were nearby!
We did forget to pack the camera so the one sad thing about this trip is that we only have the
few pictures Monica and Cesare took in Rome... but what pictures those are!
In September, right after we got back from Italy, we had a great opportunity right outside our
front door: The Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart. We went to see the second day of
the finals, and the German gymnast Fabian Hambuechen won gold on the "single bar" (no idea what
it is called in English) right in front of our eyes! The atmosphere in the Schleyer Halle was
incredible and we got to see some very fine gymnastics that day, a feast for the eyes! Then, it
was back to school. Since the teachers have a hard time publishing a list of needed materials
ahead of time, I spent one week hunting down school supplies - but otherwise the start of the
new school year was uneventful. Mona switched to a different class, and it turned out to be the
one she wanted to go to the most. She was very happy and school has been going smoothly ever
since. Tim started 4th grade, for him this is a very important year since the grades in the first
half of 4th grade decide over which school he will go to from 5th grade on. There are 3 different
types of schools, but only one will enable him to go to college. Her party was a sleepover with
some friends from sports and school, but first we had cake at home and then they went to do an
arts project (mosaic picture) at the art school where Mona and Tim had been to summer camp. We
also took the kids to Legoland, which was a huge day for Tim, he is still loving his Lego's!
front door: The Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart. We went to see the second day of
the finals, and the German gymnast Fabian Hambuechen won gold on the "single bar" (no idea what
it is called in English) right in front of our eyes! The atmosphere in the Schleyer Halle was
incredible and we got to see some very fine gymnastics that day, a feast for the eyes! Then, it
was back to school. Since the teachers have a hard time publishing a list of needed materials
ahead of time, I spent one week hunting down school supplies - but otherwise the start of the
new school year was uneventful. Mona switched to a different class, and it turned out to be the
one she wanted to go to the most. She was very happy and school has been going smoothly ever
since. Tim started 4th grade, for him this is a very important year since the grades in the first
half of 4th grade decide over which school he will go to from 5th grade on. There are 3 different
types of schools, but only one will enable him to go to college. Her party was a sleepover with
some friends from sports and school, but first we had cake at home and then they went to do an
arts project (mosaic picture) at the art school where Mona and Tim had been to summer camp. We
also took the kids to Legoland, which was a huge day for Tim, he is still loving his Lego's!
October was here before we knew it. There was nothing big planned, the month somehow just went
by. We went hiking several times on the weekends, enjoying the colorful leafs on the trees. We
were amazed to see Mona go through a huge growth spurt - she grew by several inches within two
weeks and the braces which she had just gotten on her teeth at the end of August were already
doing most of their work. At the end of the month, we packed our bags again - we were off to the
Black Forest for a week, together with friends, to hike. We stayed at a cow farm and the kids
loved helping with milking the cows and caring for the calves. They even got to ride on the tractor!
by. We went hiking several times on the weekends, enjoying the colorful leafs on the trees. We
were amazed to see Mona go through a huge growth spurt - she grew by several inches within two
weeks and the braces which she had just gotten on her teeth at the end of August were already
doing most of their work. At the end of the month, we packed our bags again - we were off to the
Black Forest for a week, together with friends, to hike. We stayed at a cow farm and the kids
loved helping with milking the cows and caring for the calves. They even got to ride on the tractor!
After a week of beautiful sunshine in the Black Forest, the rest of November was mostly grey and
rainy - it felt like Christmas only a week into November. We even got the first snowfall of the
winter, everything was covered in white. Suddenly it didn't feel all that weird anymore to have
some friends over and make a batch of Christmas cards... The month went by in our usual routine -
the kids go to school at 7 in the morning, Ralf leaving about a half hour later. I spend the morning
working out (Nordic Walking or Pilates), teaching, cleaning house, donig laundry, shopping for
groceries or visiting with friends. By noon, Tim comes home from school and Mona a little later.
We have Lunch together before Mona (Monday and Wednesday) or Tim (Thursday) have to go back
to school. Tuesdays is our "fre afternoon" with no appointments and we use it for doctor's visits
or playdates with friends. On Friday, Mona goes horseback riding at 2PM, then Volleyball at 4PM.
At 6PM. Tim has gymnastics and I teach at 6.30PM. A full day.... Tim goes to gymnastics practice
4 nights a week, twice here in Holzgerlingen and twice in Boeblingen where Ralf's old teammates
run a team. Mona has Volleyball practice twice a week and goes to the dance and acrobatics groups
at her school. Ralf squeezes in gymnastics practice whenever he is in town - he is still travelling
a lot for work.
rainy - it felt like Christmas only a week into November. We even got the first snowfall of the
winter, everything was covered in white. Suddenly it didn't feel all that weird anymore to have
some friends over and make a batch of Christmas cards... The month went by in our usual routine -
the kids go to school at 7 in the morning, Ralf leaving about a half hour later. I spend the morning
working out (Nordic Walking or Pilates), teaching, cleaning house, donig laundry, shopping for
groceries or visiting with friends. By noon, Tim comes home from school and Mona a little later.
We have Lunch together before Mona (Monday and Wednesday) or Tim (Thursday) have to go back
to school. Tuesdays is our "fre afternoon" with no appointments and we use it for doctor's visits
or playdates with friends. On Friday, Mona goes horseback riding at 2PM, then Volleyball at 4PM.
At 6PM. Tim has gymnastics and I teach at 6.30PM. A full day.... Tim goes to gymnastics practice
4 nights a week, twice here in Holzgerlingen and twice in Boeblingen where Ralf's old teammates
run a team. Mona has Volleyball practice twice a week and goes to the dance and acrobatics groups
at her school. Ralf squeezes in gymnastics practice whenever he is in town - he is still travelling
a lot for work.
In the beginning of December, the last (lowest) terrace of our back yard finally got done - now
the trampoline has a permanent home (on the grass we had to keep moving it so ensure even
growth) and we have a boule track! All that is missing is a park bench, sunshine and two glasses of
red wine... but that will have to wait, I guess! Ralf and I celebrated our anniversary, we went to
"Palazzo" in Stuttgart. It is an old red-velvet circus tent with hundreds of mirrors and a very
special atmosphere. Several artists perform magic tricks, contorsions, juggling and more while the
guests enjoy a four-course meal by famous chef Harald Wohlfart (3 Michelin Stars). We also
visited several of the "Christmas Markets" in the area, and there is nothing like drinking
Gluehwein (hot, spiced red wine) when the weather is ugly! We will celebrate the first Christmas
in our new home, the house and front yard are decorated already since the beginning of the month,
but the tree will have to wait until the 24th - following German tradition. We are looking forward
to ringing in the New Year with a party at our new house.
the trampoline has a permanent home (on the grass we had to keep moving it so ensure even
growth) and we have a boule track! All that is missing is a park bench, sunshine and two glasses of
red wine... but that will have to wait, I guess! Ralf and I celebrated our anniversary, we went to
"Palazzo" in Stuttgart. It is an old red-velvet circus tent with hundreds of mirrors and a very
special atmosphere. Several artists perform magic tricks, contorsions, juggling and more while the
guests enjoy a four-course meal by famous chef Harald Wohlfart (3 Michelin Stars). We also
visited several of the "Christmas Markets" in the area, and there is nothing like drinking
Gluehwein (hot, spiced red wine) when the weather is ugly! We will celebrate the first Christmas
in our new home, the house and front yard are decorated already since the beginning of the month,
but the tree will have to wait until the 24th - following German tradition. We are looking forward
to ringing in the New Year with a party at our new house.
All in all, this was a memorable year - for good and bad reasons. It is behind us now and we feel that many of the puzzle pieces have
fallen into place so that we are in a good position to start the New Year. We are hoping for health, harmony and many smiles. We hope
to see many friends and find many reasons to celebrate with them. We love being so close to our families and our old friends, but we
miss "y'all" in Texas!
fallen into place so that we are in a good position to start the New Year. We are hoping for health, harmony and many smiles. We hope
to see many friends and find many reasons to celebrate with them. We love being so close to our families and our old friends, but we
miss "y'all" in Texas!
Our new home - March
We love it! There is much work
still to be done but we are feeling
wonderful here
We love it! There is much work
still to be done but we are feeling
wonderful here
Mona the
morning
sun - May
It was a
wonderful
night and
the kids
were
amazing!
Mona
shone....
morning
sun - May
It was a
wonderful
night and
the kids
were
amazing!
Mona
shone....
Tim goes Robin Hood - May
Tim had his knee in a cast but
his aim was great
Tim had his knee in a cast but
his aim was great
These walls are OLD - August
We had a wonderful time with
our friends Monica and Cesare
in Rome.
We had a wonderful time with
our friends Monica and Cesare
in Rome.
Trip to Legoland - September
The day was mostly sunny and
the lines were within limits. The
roller coaster was fun!
The day was mostly sunny and
the lines were within limits. The
roller coaster was fun!
Tractor ride - November
Sunny days in the Black Forest -
and Mona got to take her first
driving lesson!
Sunny days in the Black Forest -
and Mona got to take her first
driving lesson!
Hiking with a view - October
what a gorgeous day - unless
you are looking right into the sun
when your picture is taken...
what a gorgeous day - unless
you are looking right into the sun
when your picture is taken...
The first snow - November
It didn't last but it was beautiful to
look at! Boy do we have a view -
we enjoy it every day!
It didn't last but it was beautiful to
look at! Boy do we have a view -
we enjoy it every day!
The year started out somewhat peacefully, we had just celebrated the first Christmas back in
Germany with family and friends nearby. We were missing our friends in Texas, though! The new
house had been set up December 7th and 8th the previous year and with the windows and doors in
and the roof on top we rested more peacefully at night. Now the construction was resting as we
were waiting for the cement on the floors to dry out. So we had some time to enjoy the season. It
was an unusually mild winter, the kids used the sleds they got for Christmas in 2006 only twice.
It was very sunny too, though and that made it easier for us to adjust to the German climate.
Mona and Tim were getting along much better in school, the differences between the Texan and
the German school life turned out to be bigger than initially anticipated. The first few months
were a bumpy ride, but in January we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Germany with family and friends nearby. We were missing our friends in Texas, though! The new
house had been set up December 7th and 8th the previous year and with the windows and doors in
and the roof on top we rested more peacefully at night. Now the construction was resting as we
were waiting for the cement on the floors to dry out. So we had some time to enjoy the season. It
was an unusually mild winter, the kids used the sleds they got for Christmas in 2006 only twice.
It was very sunny too, though and that made it easier for us to adjust to the German climate.
Mona and Tim were getting along much better in school, the differences between the Texan and
the German school life turned out to be bigger than initially anticipated. The first few months
were a bumpy ride, but in January we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.