Trip to the Wilhelma (German Zoo and Botanitcal Gardens) and our little Bowler!

Today we took the train to the Stuttgart Wilhelma (Zoo) it was BEAUTIFUL. Too much to see in one day (especially if you have little legs) This is a self portrait in the Botanical Gardens portion. The flowers were amazing and smelled MUCH better than the animals =)
These Long horns just aren't that long!
This is what Chris and I feel like after minimal exercise over these passed 6 weeks. Chris said he went from being in the best shape of his life after tearing up the Austin Marathon - to the worst shape!! We need to get cracking! The bikes are due to arrive soon!
Every Zoo has goats right??
Our own little monkey
Picnic time (we didn't have enough EURO for lunch and since they don't take credit cards - its time to see what mom packed!)
Here Fishy Fishy....


Friday night, MC Dean had a family night. It was great for meeting folks and making friends. Nick learned to Bowl.... Or at least push the ball down the lane. He was MUCH more excited about the ball coming back. He never watched it long enough to see if he knocked down any pins.....



Remember that part about making friends? Well Nick isn't trying to hard since now he is HOOKED on this bowling thing. Little Ethan just wants to join in. I think Nick gave him a little glare as he waddled his ball away. BTW - I have never seen this bowling contraption - but its handy!

St Patty's Day and The first signs of life - the car arrived!

Happy St. Patty's day from Nick!
Sadly, my mom was struck by the Army Mail system - she sent a special green shirt for Nick but it still hasn't arrived. She was even weeks early - Ah, the CMR...
For St. Patty's Day, Nick taught Dad how to ride the Train. We went downtown for some yummy beer and a much needed Doner Kebap. This is a photo of the Scholzplatz. The photo below are the tables we sat at while Nick ran everywhere.

I passed my Drivers Test on Wednesday and now its time for the car's arrival! This is Nick and I waiting for Dad to pick us up. We are headed to Customs in hopes of clearing the car.
Ta - da!! All the way across the ocean. Only 6 weeks. All our stuff is in the rest of the container. Since our home is not available until April 1, they will download our stuff to a storgage container.....
Funny thing about the unloading - never goes without a hitch with the Germans. The shipping company disconnects the battery (no one knew this and no one had jumper cables!) The battery for my car is in the truck which you cannot open without battery power (smart engineering right?) It surprised Chris that neither the haul truck driver nor the tow truck driver had cables. Guess being prepared isn't all its cracked up to be =)

I drove it directly to the American Post to get it registered. He initially denied me because my front windows were tinted. (perfect for Texas) He told me to come back in 30 days. I assessed the situation - no one was behind us so I said, can you help me do it right now?? He was confused at first, but had two razor blades, so we pealed it off right there! Passed, Mission Complete!
This sign is VERY typical of every store on post. Setting low expectations - you are excited if they are open!!
One more great typical military custom. These are the first four parking spots for the PX. They aren't reserved for the handicap.... They are reserved for the Post commander (who is always out shopping) The CSM - The service member of the year, etc..... Just take the last spot, you MIGHT be safe!
Nick was showing mom how to do Sit ups
And proper treadmill technique

Another week in Temporary Apartment paradise

We are another week closer to leaving the paradise we call our temporary home. The other night Chris commented - gosh, it really has everything we need. Guess I am realizing I have more needs than hot water (at a VERY low pressure) and electricity. The beds are just fine, but a kitchen would be great and removing the obstacle I call the spiral staircase will be Heaven - an internet connection that doesn't disconnect by breathing on it... and maybe some American TV that isn't already dubbed over.....only two and a half more weeks....

So onto news you may want to hear about... This first photo is us in Ikea on Sunday. It was a special sale celebration since they don't appear to be open on Sundays. They had a band (not sure if you can see them in the background...) and were serving Champagne. Sweet! Makes me love Ikea even more! Crazy Germans!
This is a quick photo of Nick about to explore the local market. They put up their tents every Wednesday - rain or shine or bitter cold! They are hearty out here!

This is what five munchkins in a Mini-van looks like - Luke, Anna, Nick, Lauren and Grace. After our English playgroup, Erica offered to give us a lift to the train station. It was GREALY appreciated after our aventure getting to the play group. Our trip home was a breeze. Nick and I are pros now!
I just love this rotating Mercedes symbol. They seem to have it everywhere around here. This is in front of a Diamler Chrysler building which is only a mile from our temporary place. We walked by it one morning on the way to post to pick up Chris's car.
They serve Mexican in Germany - you just have to seek it out =) Thankfully the Modbley's are showing us their favorite hot spots. They have lived here since August 2006 and are a wonderful source of knowledge. Its no Austin Tex-Mex, the salsa had to be Ketchup and hot sauce mixed.... but the enchiladas were just what I was craving, and can you really mess up quesadillas?

This is Nick's pure excitment when it comes to riding a train. He actually thinks he is 'hailing' it. Once it arrives, he hops right on and finds the closest window seat. I am sure there are Nick nose prints on every train we ride.

On Wednesday we used the train to successfully get to our English play group. Upon arrival at the right stop, we walked in the wrong direction for about 500 meters until we managed to translate the address to a sweet German. Once redirected, we walk straight up hill to the church (no wonder I picked the other path first!) Of course Nick wasn't interested in walking anymore - so I got my fair share of a work out that day! How many different ways can you carry your child?!?!

On the way home on the train, Nick sat across from a guy about my age. He was coming home from work and had his head phones on. The guy was gazing out the window tapping his finger to his music. Nick reached his hand across and starting tapping along with the guy. Than somehow they formed a little game of tapping eachother's fingers. It was so super cute. The guy played right along with Nick and they were both entertained for the rest of the ride. Once we hit our stop - Nick waved and tossed out a German 'Tschuss' (goodbye). Made my day - just wonder if the tired guy felt the same way, who knows..!

Snow - Just for the Leadbetters!

We are learning - in the Stuttgart area - during winter and spring, there is always something falling from the sky. Most of the time its a watery mist. On Thursday evening it got cold enough to make snow. About 3+ inches of it. Everyone else is rather tired of the snow - but not the Texas Leadbetters! Nick and I suited up and headed out for some snow walking. Pauli isn't quite sure what to think of it yet. Right now it just makes her paws cold and her walks shorter =)
Nick was trying to make his own footprints
Not sure why I love nap time photos - but here is our post-snow nap. Pauli prefers the downstairs with Nick on her own bed.
Meanwhile Cayman is much more civilized. She likes the fresh sheets and super soft comforter on our bed.
Nick's 'lady and the tramp' moment at the spaghetti house up the street. He loved the noodles. Dad ordered steak that was so good, he didn't share any of it!!
On Sunday Chris and I decided to venture back to Neuhausen (where our future home is) Chris found these awesome trails walking distance from our home. They literally go for miles. You can bike, run or walk. We were passed by several German running groups. It was very motivating! We hope this photo will serve as motivation for a certain Andrew Bury! You would love it out here!!
Nick was watching Pauli and she finally got to run off the leash. She did about 2 big laps and than resumed sniffing everything in sight. She cannot get over how different life smells out here.

The first week in March and my Bday!

Mom rolls the playdough into little balls and Nick loves to 'smooch' it with his thumb.....
He is mesmerized by the construction project outside our window. The 'hook' and the 'back hoe' are his favorite.
The background is actually the street where we do most of our shopping. They have a few small grocery stores and some drug stores for shampoo and toothpaste. Some stores will let us bring Pauli inside, but at other stores we tie her to a little pole outside (meant for dogs) At the top of the hill is our little Train station.
This is my birthday lunch at none other than Taco Bell!! Yum Yum! Its a little spot on Patch Barracks. When Chris discovered if a month ago he was thrilled knowing I would feel right at home! Of course this is nothing like Texas mexican - but Taco Bell is Taco Bell in Germany or the States!
Nap time - You can see our little balcony. We haven't used it much, but its perfect to let the light come in. As you can see, the animals think its great!
This was our first trip on the train. Nick loved the Choo Choo. He could stare out the window for hours. At one point the train went 'beep'. Nick was astounded - he looked at me and said - "choo choo go Beep?" and after all this time he thought they only said Choo Choo!! On this trip we never made it to our desitination (a playgroup in Esslingen) but that didn't bother Nick at all!
Nick is 'chilaxin' while we wait for our birthday dinner.
Mom shared a bite of her Tiramusu with a very eager Munchkin.

The place you will ALL need to visit!

On Sunday March 1, we met with our future Land lady, two realtors and the current renter. It was a successful meeting as they decided they would like to have us as renters. Chris and I were nervous since they weren't thrilled about renting to Americans, much less, those with dogs! It was a rather formal morning. We are convinced that Nick was the one to win them over.

I tried to capture some photos to further entice you all to visit!!

The family room as a wonderful wood burning fireplace. They also have a separate wood burning stove that can be used to heat the rest of the home.

73765 Neuhausen a.d. Fildern, Neuhausen auf den Fildern
This is actually the guest bathroom area. The home has so much room-to include a huge guest room and bathroom. Perfect for visitors! Right now there is a Sauna downstairs too. Chris and I decided we didn't want to buy it from the current renters as we may turn that space into something else, however, the landlady may opt to buy it and leave it with the home. Either way, not a bad deal!
The kitchen is great per german standards. It doesn't have the HUGE fridge and freezer we have grown accustom to - but you cannot have everything!
This will be our breakfast area. The table stays as well as the cabinet which is awesome.
This photo is actually Sunday night after the viewing. While we were at the home, the boy that currently lives in the home gave Nick a Polizei car to play with. When we left, we returned it. However the boy came back out and gave it to Nick. It was such a super cute moment. Now Nick takes the car EVERYWHERE he goes, to include sleeping with it! He calls it his 'wiii wiii' car since that is the sound the siren makes.

The upstairs has two bedrooms and this bathroom. Its huge with two sinks, a shower and separate tub.
This is the master bedroom with built in bed. Behind the bed is all wall full of built in closets. This is awesome!! Most German homes don't have any closets so we were thrilled to find one that had so many built in! Wonderful!
This is the back yard - you can see to the left side there is a blocked in Garden area. Chris has high hopes that Nick and I will be able to mass produce Tomatoes, Squash, and other fresh veggies this summer. The dirt here is so RICH. It should be a breeze to work with since I am used to the Texas rock and clay -) We will see.
This is a photo of the back terrasse. The top window is our master bedroom and the below window is the breakfast area. Behind this photo is a small little fish pond. Nick will have a lot of little chores to include feeding the fish! Wonder if we can grow them as big as Grandma Sue does? The land lady already has tons of great plants that I hope to keep alive during our stay there (to include about 7 different rose bushes). I cannot wait to see everything blume!

We get to move in April 1st. It works perfect since that is the same time our shipment will arrive. Now I am just counting through the LONG month of march!!

After viewing the home on Sunday afternoon, we went to visit with the Mobleys in a town over. The boys went running (about 9 miles along a ridge line - I believe it included a beer stop too) I stayed with Erica and got to know her and their four kids. She gave me some tricks of the trade as they moved to Germany in August of 2006. That night they prepared an amazing meal with Goose, Ham and home made mac and cheese! It was awesome! Great evening.

Joining in a Birthday party - German Style!

We were in country for 5 days and Nick received his first birthday party inviation. Lauren Mobley was turning 6. We were thrilled to be invited. The Party was at Jolo's Kinderwelt. It proved to be a great adventure for the family. The place was PERFECT for munchkins. From huge slides, to trains, to the famous 'ball room' that mom still loves. Best part - since its Germany - they serve beer!! What more could you ask for! Nick started the day by being a bit clingy, but by the end he would check in to make sure we were still there, than he roamed around finding friends with his cool german car!
He did this slide several times! Huge hit =) I loved the sound of the little rollers as he zoomed down. At the bottom he asked mama of dada to grab the mat to go again. Looks like he may already have this sledding thing figured out!
60% of this cool place was a 'netted in maze' it had three or four levels you could climb through. I loved fallowing Nick up. We finally figured out how to get to the big slide. The slide was huge and ended up in the room of balls. I sent Nick down and he dragged his fingers the entire time hoping to slow himself. I went down afterwards and must admit - it was pretty steep! Needless to say, he only went down that one once!
Nick is watching for Mama to follow on this death defying slide!
Bellie up to the bar for some cake time! I loved this shot since it looks like Nick is prepping for another snack :) The plates and glasses were all Ikea - ah, feels so good! We are hoping to encourage this place to open at night for the adults!!