Anyone who knows me has probably heard a few stories involving my good friend Martin. He was my roommate for the better part of my college days in Portland. After completing his master’s degree, he returned to his hometown in Germany and went to work building cars. We’ve kept in touch ever since and we never hesitate to stop in Stuttgart any time we’re in Germany. Martin and his wife - Simone - are superb hosts, and their extended family treat us as their own. It’s fantastic.

The Spanningers have two adorable girls. Leah just turned four a few days before we arrived, and Liv is about 18-months old. They both have blond curls and huge smiles. Leah is apparently just learning the not everyone speaks German. Martin asked that we bring her a CD with children’s songs in English. So Ann obliged with a a couple discs containing some classics like Old MacDonald and such. And it turned out to be quite a hit.

We usually don’t stay with Martin’s crew when we’re in town. That honor (ha!) normally goes to his brother and significant other (Stephan and Sandra). I stayed with them when I came over for Martin’s wedding, and when Ann and I came for the World Cup. But now Martin and Simone have a new house and plenty of room for everyone.

Stephan and Sandra were present most of our stay. They brought breakfast the first day (they live nearby, next to a great bakery), and they drove us to Heidelberg for some sightseeing the next day. They also came for a big family cookout on Friday night. Both sides of Martin and Simone’s family were well represented. Martin’s parents were there, along with Stephan and Sandra. And Simone’s parents also came, as well as her brother and his wife (Marcus and Gisela, who is due to have their first child in November).

I met all the parents back when I came for the wedding. None of them speak much English, but that never stops them from talking to me. I find it wildly entertaining that they just walk up and start chatting. Eventually they just laugh it off or seek out a translator. All of their kids speak English, so it’s never really hard to find someone to help communicate.

So one day to get acquainted with the kids, one day sightseeing in Heidelberg, and one day at a natural history museum with Martin, Simone and the girls before wrapping it all up with the family cookout. It was great to finally meet Liv and see Leah again. Last time we saw her she wasn’t even a year old, I believe.

And Martin and Simone are fantastic hosts. They cooked and cleaned for us, and made sure we had plenty of fun things to do. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.