Skiing and sledding

Nathan rented skis for the season back in December (something very common here).  We debated whether or not we should get some for the kids or not.  We caved.....there were about 5 skis left in Zach's size.  We rented them last Wednesday and decided that Sunday would be the day.  We drove a little over an hour up the mountain and into France to a little ski slope.  Elizabeth LOVED it!  She even got to ride up a drag lift (where you keep your skis on the ground and a pole/rope thingy pulls you up - does that make sense?) Zach will tell you "i tried and we got to sled."   We are already planning on a return trip this weekend!

Happy winter sports!

Love, Nikki

We are back....

We are back.   Our summer was wonderful, hot, busy, hot, fun, hot and exciting.  Did I mention, HOT!  I hope to post some of the fun soon! Today, I wanted to document Elizabeth's first day of Foundation 2! 

 Before leaving for school

Zach choice of clothing and glasses.  Hats and glasses are a must!

 Time to go

 Wonderful teachers

 While "sister" was at school....Zach and I went to our weekly Baby Gym class.  We even got to do Zach's FAVORITE thing.....the parachute!

Lunch at 'Donalds (He left his sunglasses in the car)

iTouch in the car on the way home. 

NAP (sorry no pictures)

 Playing with a friend at Elizabeth's school playground.

 LOVED her day.  She enjoyed every part of it.  She also informed me that she needed a "tissue, which is what her teachers call it, not Klennex!" 

 Then on to dance class. 

Home for dinner (breakfast for dinner!), skyping with grandparents, bath and bed! 

What a wonderful, full and exciting day!  Did I mention that it was BEAUTIFUL outside!

Love, Nikki

SICK

We have only been in Switzerland for two months - I had started getting information on doctors for the kids but had yet to make appointments until the 25 (the day before E's birthday).  I called, asked for the receptionist that speaks English and made appointments for both kids for a check up!  I was pleased that it was fairly simple!  HOWEVER - the afternoon of E's birthday she started complaining of not feeling well.  She woke up in the middle of the night complaining of a sore throat but after checking her temperature (none) and giving her a little Motrin she was fine!  She woke up okay a little tried but okay.  She went to school - Nathan was going to take a half day off so he was going to get her from school - I was going to the grocery store(s) by myself!!!!  When Nate got there to pick her up, they said that they had been trying to get ahold of us and that E did NOT feel good.  Probably strep throat or scarlet fever (which had been going around her class), GREAT!  We held off on Thursday, checking her temp and giving her Motrin on and off.  On Friday morning she woke up with a rash...so I spent the next two hours trying to figure out how to get into the doctor - I kept getting a recording, in French of course, which meant that I had NO idea what it was saying.   IN THE END, I had to call Nathan at work and get him to find someone who spoke French to call and figure out what the message was saying.....the doctor only works half day on Friday - so I waited until they opened and got an appointment.  The doctor was very nice - speaks English fairly well - and diagnosed scarlet fever.  Really I think just a BAD case of strep throat!  Thank goodness mom and dad were here.  Mom went with us and Dad stayed with Zach! 

With that done I got the then figure out the pharmacy - another experience under my belt.  It took longer than I expected partly because they had to find and wait for the one person who spoke English to explain that the medicine needed to be kept in the refrigerator and to shake it before we gave it to her! 

All in all, Elizabeth was better by Sunday but we could not have her friend over on Thursday afternoon for a little birthday tea party - sad!
Love, Nikki

Happy Birthday Little Girl!

I can hardly believe it.....can she really be four years old.   I know it is cliche but - it really does go fast!
Dear Elizabeth,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  We love the compassion you show everyone around you and how you can tell how your friends are feeling.  We love that you try to make them feel happy no matter what!

We love how you have started to talk with your hands!  Don't know where you get that from : )!

 

 We love your infectious smile!

 We love the fact that you LOVE school and everything about it!  (Mrs. Peterhanns, assistant, Freya (a friend), Elizabeth with her handmade birthday crown and Mrs. McGregor, her teacher!)

 We love how love and treat your little brother, even sharing your toys!

 You are very social, can write your name - even though you tell us that it is TOO long, know your numbers, love singing songs, have just started to enjoy Disney movies (Little Mermaid, Snow White, Cinderella, Lion King are your favorites) and can use 50 pieces of paper coloring or making "handbags."

 FOUR - really?

 We LOVE you so much!

 We wish you love, happiness and joy...

 everyday of your life!

Love, Mommy and Daddy!

Mimi and Papa's Visit - 01-23-11 thur 01-25-11

Mimi and Papa came to visit at the end of January - to see us and help celebrate Elizabeth's fourth birthday (yes, she is really four!).  We had an amazing time, even though mom got to experience the first doctor's visit with me.  Really we spent time together at home as we were still getting into a routine with school and all.  It was wonderful to have someone to help cook (DAD) and the kids loved playing and getting quality time with them!

 In the middle of Monnaz - the day they arrived!

 Elizabeth and Mimi making cupcakes for her birthday treats at school!

The reason she will help make cupcakes!

 Getting ready to ice the cupcakes - yes both in underwear.  Zach had just gone on the "potty" for the first time.  (side note:  he has gone a few times since but his interest comes and goes.)

Love, Nikki

Cars

People have asked about the cars we got....here they are!

This is the European version of a "mini van."  It seats 7 (with little room for anything else). It is plenty of space for us and still fits on the road and into the parking garages.

This is Nathan's car.  It is small, fast and perfect to drive back and forth to work!  He has only had to fill it up three times since he got it in January. 

YES, both cars are Volkswagen - VERY common over here! 

Love, Nikki

Odds and ends

Zach and I are really enjoying our time together while Elizabeth is at school.  We go to a Baby Gym class one day (like Gymboree), a Kindermusik class one day and French lessons on another.  The other two days we spend going to the grocery store - several.  Here is after we have gotten our food and he was wonderful so he got to pick something to ride!  There are these things all over the "mall" where the grocery store is! 

 These are not great pictures but I wanted to show how the grocery stores and carts work.  There are two major grocery stores.  Grocery stores are NOT a separate building, they are "like" malls in that their are several stores with the grocery store being the biggest "store."  In order to get a cart (you pick them up where you park the car) you have to have a 2 CHF (~ $2) coin.  You put it in the slot and then get the cart.  You get the coin back when you put the cart back.  The carts are also made to go on a "moving ramp."  People here get a cart and use it all over the "mall."  Yes, that means that you go get a few shirts at one store, groceries at the other and a radio at the electronic store.  The carts have "stoppers" by the wheels so that they will NOT move on the ramps - no worries I did not leave Zach to fly down the ramp! 

 The kids think it is really great that I can let go! 

 Here are some pictures from the road down the hill towards the lake. 

 Here is the front of the house with the kids! 

Love, Nikki