Ansel's been tagged.

Elsa definitely is our artist. She's never without a notebook and a pen or set of markers.

The downside of housing such an artist is we end up washing more walls, and the way she stylizes our couch cushions with permanent ink. We thought she was getting better and taking the "world is my canvass" thing a little less literally...until she tattooed her little brother.

I'm not sure which is funnier: the fact that she placed this so perfectly between his shoulder blades, like Ansel sauntered into a tattoo parlor and asked for it, or the V-shaped angry eyebrows.

Elsa's 5!

Congratulations Sweet Elsa! She had a terrific birthday. We celebrated with all our usual family traditions. The kitchen table was decorated with gifts and the birthday ring. She learned the song "I'm Five." Her picture garland was hung and still hangs. She chose her favorite breakfast-Cinnamon Toast Crunch. And she invited some friends over for a celebration. The party was actually a week after her birthday. Birthday on the 19th and party on the 25th. Grandmas and Grandpas sent lavish gifts that also included treats for everyone. Thanks.

Her party was a hoot. We chose a magical pony theme. All the guests received headbands and tails to become magical ponies. They colored princess paper dolls because every magical pony's best friend is a princess. We played some games and then I performed some magical tricks. Definitely a highlight. ha ha. Five little girls are a breeze to entertain. Definitely the most enjoyable party for me.

Elsa has had a great year four. She has shown so much courage and strength. If I could make a peacemaker, she is definitely it. She has such a generous heart and always trying to make sure everyone is happy. What an important role she plays in our family. We love her.

Ansel is social!

The social life of the third child-or any child after the first- is really an after thought. We have recently discovered how much Ansel enjoys his buddies. Yesterday I asked Ansel if we were buddies. "Abrham's my buddy!" He quickly informed me. Then he mentioned all of his friends in nursery by name. I guess a few playdates may be headed his way.

Skiing is his passion.

Henry came home with a silver medal from his last day at ski school. He couldn't have been happier. He is totally convinced he is going to grow up and be a professional skier (and an inventor). He also enjoyed the new hat and shirt. So much he wouldn't take it off. He wore it three days and two nights in a row.

To add to his obsession he has chosen a hero.

My First Public Election!

My goal upon moving to Switzerland was to integrate myself as much into my community as possible. I know this is a difficult thing for a foreigner. When the school sent home a sheet looking for volunteers I thought, "Here's my big chance." I sent the form back with a big check on the "Yes." or "Oui."
When I had to miss the meeting because it was the same evening as the Primary activity I was pretty bummed. But then the school called me and asked me if I was still interested. Sure. Then they asked me to write an application 500 words or less why I'd be qualified for the job. Whatever this is Switzerland. The PTA could be that intense.
Three days after I submitted my application I go to pick up the kids for school and find it on the front door of the school translated into French!

Apparantly I wasn't joining the PTA but running for the school board. Rad.
Bummer, I didn't win. The election was last weekend. Apparantly voter turn out is a problem. I received 9 votes and the winner received 15. His name is M. Schweizer. Translated that means Mr. Swiss Man. I can't consider losing my first Swiss election to a man named "Swiss Man" a loss.