Ascension in Yvoire, France

The kids had Thursday off for Ascension Day. We decided to visit a midieval town in France, just minutes from Geneva. I had pretty low expectations. Someone had told me it was boring. The first thing we did was take a forested trail down to the lake. It reminded me of day-trips to the beach from my youth. We walked along the rocky beach, skipped little rocks, and climbed on the big ones. The kids were having the best time.
We walked around the castle and then through the ancient city. The streets were lined with boutiques that sold lovely things like hand blown glass (the blower was looking at us through the window), art, and homemade gingerbread. There was also a sensory garden. I can't wait to go back and see, hear, taste, feel, and smell what that is like.

Vevey, Switzerland

Have I mentioned that I think it's a pretty good thing we live in Switzerland? Saturday morning Greg woke determined we were going to have a great day and go on a little trip. Honestly he was the only one with that thought. The rest of us were barely along for the ride. As it turned out. . . 20 minutes down the road he'd nearly given up on all of us. That's how we ended up in Vevey!
We parked and he pulled out a most amazing picnic-which he bought groceries for and prepared entirely on his own. The picnic included the most delicious chocolate eclairs. I believe they were my first eclairs since we've lived here.
After eating, we were all starting to feel much much better. The day was beautiful and Vevey has a beautiful park that we enjoyed for a couple of hours.

That's why I'm glad we live in Switzerland (and married to Greg). We'll do Basel another day.

Amelia

Amelia was here last week. Yeah! It was such a great time being with Aunt Amelia. We kept very busy. Here are some pictures of our day spent in Lyon, France.
This is how Henry and Elsa enjoyed the Textile Museum.


This is how they enjoyed the ruins.


Here we are crossing the pedestrian bridge.

This is why I think Lyon is funny. A mini Eiffel tower. Serious.

This is why I don't intend to spend too much on a badly needed new camera. Any suggestions?

We love you Amelia. Thanks for coming.

Annie Was Here!

Annie came and I haven't any pictures. I just wanted to document how much we enjoy visitors. Annie why didn't we take any pictures?
She brought us a cupcake pan that I am so grateful for. Sarah and Alma are probably thrilled too. I made banana muffins in my new pan. I didn't spray it-they don't sell non-stick spray here-and not one muffin stuck to the pan. It's that nice. We have gone way too long without a muffin pan.
Annie you rock.

Sunday Walk

A couple of weeks ago we decided to enjoy our Sunday morning at Lake Divonne in France.

The kids enjoyed the meadows, flowers, bike paths, the prospect of going to the beach, and the boats. Henry brought his scooter, Elsa brought her bike and Ansel brought Elsa's old scooter.

Then Elsa fell down a hill and Ansel wet his pants and it was time to go home.

Fits.

I embrace every aspect of my children's lives including the "terrible twos." Ansel's tantrums are mild-he doesn't kick or throw himself on the ground. In fact they are quite endearing. Runny nose and all.