Chateau Chillon and Montreaux (23/12/2010)

We packed up and went about an hour down the lake road to Chateau Chillon.  It is a Castle build on a rock island in Lake Geneva.  It is amazing.  This is one of the things that Nathan and I did when we were here house hunting.  You can go into almost every room and really see what it would have been like to live there. 

Taking a much needed break from walking and climbing steps!

Then we went back to Montreaux, a resort town just up the lake, to walk through the last day of the Christmas market.  It was so much fun.  They had tons of food, trinkets, people, and things for the kids to do!  We rode a huge Ferris wheel and the kids got to ride a carousel.  We ate a plate of potatoes, ham, onions and I am sure LOTS of butter, and chocolate crepes.  WOW - it was good!  The whole day was wonderful. 

Love, Nikki

Village Church and Community Event (21/12/2010)

We live in a small village with about 400 people.  It is up the "hill/mountain" and away from most main roads.  There are no restaurants here or places for people to come see so really it is quiet.  Every year they have a Christmas service at the church and a community "pot luck" get together after.  We got a flyer in our mail box early December but were invited by our neighbor that day so we needed to go.  It started at 7:30, a little late for the kids but we got them ready and walked up to the church.  We sat in the last row, the church was already packed and more came.  It was fun to listen to Christmas music being sung in French and watching the Christmas story being acted out by local children.  The kids were ok....Elizabeth kept yelling - "I can't see" and Zach was tired but I think they enjoyed it.  After the service we all went to the commune (community center) and had food and hot wine.   We enjoyed ourselves!  Hopefully we can continue to met more people.

Love, Nikki

Christmas Cookies

It is a family tradition.....making (eating) of Christmas sugar cookies.  This year was going to be an experiment with ingredients.  I think I have found sour cream here - but it does not taste exactly like it does in the U.S. and of course it comes in much smaller portions.  SO, I decided we were going to try it.  If they turned out bad....at least the kids got the experience of cutting and decorating! 

The cookies turned out to be extremely edible!!!!  Elizabeth even asked if we could make these cookies for her birthday! 

Love, Nikki