Family Affair!

My entire family (except for my 33-year old daughter, Christina) lives in Germany and I have to express my thankfulness for my parents still being alive. If all goes well, I may get to see them one more time. I have a tentative trip to Germany planned for my 60th (June 2012), but I don't want to go in June. I want to go in December and visit the Nuremberg Christkindlsmarkt.

Here's my dad who turned 83 in December 2010

My parents have been divorced for decades and my dad has been remarried for many years. I have a sister, Daniela, that was born when I already lived in America. She's just 3 years older than my daughter, Christina.

Here's a recent photo of my sister, Dani.

Here's a photo of my mother and a nurse (she lives in a home.) My mother turned 84 in December, 2010, and I call her on a regular basis. She worries about me. I recently sent her a bunch of my crocheted hats so she can wear them because she doesn't want to fool with a perm anymore. (I don't blame her.)

I was born and raised an only child. My cousin, Brigitte, and I were very close growing up and always competing for our Oma's affections. But, we loved each other and have many fond memories of our childhood escapades. She has her own family, but she is very diligent about keeping in touch with me, sending me packages and photos and updating me of family affairs. This is Brigitte:

Brigitte is 3 years younger than I (55) and this is a recent photo of her at the Christkindlsmarkt in 2010.

The last photo was taken on my last visit to Germany back in 2003 and I have gone through a lot of changes since then, both physically and emotionally.

Wishing you and your family a happy Sunday!