Our extended family lives in Germany and in the U.S. We stay in close contact with our loved ones, and visit each other regularly. Roland’s sister has a family of her own, and Monika’s brother does as well. Our children will have many summer vacations in Europe! Philip is absolutely adored by the whole family, and everyone is very excited about our second adoption. Philip’s sibling will be loved just as much.

We also keep in touch with Philip’s birthmother, and exchanging emails or occasional visits are very special for us. Since we moved to California in 2008, we have made a lot of good friends who we meet on a regular basis for barbeques, parties and day trips. Monika often meets with other moms for playing and taking walks in the nearby parks.