Where Have You Been?

I saw a neat site that allows you to create a graphic map of where all you have been. Kind of humbling to realize how big the world really is!

It's actually easy to create your own visited countries map! The site also has map to document what states you've been to too. I guess I've done a bit better in our own back yard of the United States. Although I think I've been to Idaho and Montana when I was a wee lad with Mom and Dad, I don't recall either way.

Deutsche Weihnachtsmärkte (German Christmas markets)

A wonderful tradition during the Advent season here in Germany is the Weihnachtsmarkts or Christmas Markets [de]. Most townships have one at some point. Some a are just a single weekend while others set up shop for the whole month of December. The largest one we've been to by far is Stuttgart's. It spans many city blocks and three market places.

I think the one that is the most fun (especially for kids) is Esslingen's with it's Midevil theme. All of the vendors are in period dress, and much of the games, attactions and goods are inspired by that period.

Although not as big as Esslingen's, Bebenhausen's seemed to be more authentic. Set in it's senic monistary couryard, it was full various musical entertainment and performances.

The most photogenic award goes to Ludwigsburg's market. Set in it's large square, it has an angelic theme. Fluttering above the booths are some delightful angles that are suspended between the Catholic and Protestant churches on opposite sides of the square.

Frohe Weihnachten! Our Christmas letter

Once again we have been in transition and once again we have been exploring with four kids in tow. We wrote a poem to describe our year.

In November of ’05, on a balmy, fall night,
The plane lifted off and I realized my plight.
To get four ornery children and ten bags too
From Hawaii to Germany without losing a few.

We stopped over in Texas and spent four weeks there,
Enjoying the relatives and Taco Cabanas to spare.
With no dry eyes we bid the U.S. farewell,
And began the long plane trips as well.

To Stuttgart, Germany the Air Force had sent us,
Now we stayed in a small hotel over Christmas.
We found a townhouse with a guest room to spare,
Grandma and Grandpa have visited there.

Over the glorious summer we did travel
To places with castles and churches and cattle.
Victoria looked for princesses wherever we went
Ethan cried, “No more castles, please!” but on we sent,
The boys climbed town walls, high church steeples,
Learned more history than many of the peoples
That lived in the other places we’ve been.
We wonder aloud the things they’ve learned and seen
And are thankful for the opportunity!

We took a long road trip and saw the great Alps.
Even in summer the mountains had snow caps.
We visited Italy and saw the tower in Pisa
Hiked a rocky coast and ate lots of pizza.
We saw lots of cathedrals and paintings too
It also had a beach with a lovely view.

Back through Austria we did travel
Lots of ruins and lots of cattle.
Spent a week near Germany’s highest mountain..
More castles and alpine peaks, but who’s countin’.

Two trips to France round out our year,
Strasbourg is nice and made us glad we are here.

When we don’t travel, we have much to do,
The kids are in scouts, AWANAs, and TaeKwonDo.
Homeschool group is growing and the kids are glad.
Lots of friends and activities to be had.
Neal’s job is with DISA; He loves it there.
I’m still at home trying to do my share.

Yes, our family is still continuing to go
But we would not have it any other way, you know!

Merry Christmas to all and to all lots of cheer
Let us know if you are coming our way this year
Our phone number is German so drop us a line
Email will find us most of the time.
God bless you and keep you this fine time of year
Again Merry Christmas to those we hold dear!

May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year!
Neal and Vivian, Matthew, Daniel, Ethan, and Victoria Schneider


P.S... Here's the thumbnails for the printed newsletter border: