The Swiss Adventure...: June 2015

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Incredibly Grateful!

What a magical weekend!

With the help of a dear friend, I surprised Robert for our first - ever weekend away without children!

Yep, 6.5 years and finally we were able to spend a night away in the gorgeous Swiss mountains as a couple.

Despite my initial worry, everything went perfectly - the children were so happy and well cared for, Robert was surprised, the hotel was great, trains ran on time and Sunday we woke up to a glorious day!

When days like Sunday appear, the only thing to do is strap on your hiking boots and make the most of the scenery and that is exactly what we did.

We hiked for hours, just the two of us taking in the views, chatting away, and then quietly relishing in the magic of the moment.

We did a four lake Alpine hike, crossed passes, ran into snow, all the while ever so grateful for each other and for the opportunity!

Thanks to everyone who made this possible - we are ever so very grateful!

What a memorable pre-birthday celebration!

Robert crossing a snow field just down from Jochpass.

On the decent and an amazing view of Trübsee.

The view from our breakfast table Sunday morning.

Robert looking out at the valley.

Such incredible alpine flowers!

Tannersee

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Things She Says...

Oh dear, this little gal keeps us on our toes and filled with laughter with the little gems that emerge from her mouth.

Here are the latest installments because we can all use a little laugh.

"Mom, I have to go pee really bad - like 100 meters."

Mom - "Tessa, do you know where we will be this year for your birthday?"

Tessa - "No, where?"

Mom - "We will be in Norway."

Tessa - "What!?" "No!" "I wanted to go to Canada...ugh!"

Noah - "Tessa, your hard boiled egg looks brown."

Tessa - "I think it looks genius!"

Noah - "Sorry Tessa."

Tessa - "I don't accept it."

Tessa - "Mom, are you a girl pirate or a boy pirate?"

Mom - "I am a girl pirate."

Tessa - "NICE!"

Mom - "Today might be a pool day!"

Tessa - "I'm pumped!"

Today while Tessa me baked, she looked over and said, "I'm getting really close to being a baker."

On the way to Kindergarten to get Noah last week, Tessa looked at me and said,
"I want 15 cats when I grow up Mom, don't worry, I'll clean up all the piss."
Oh dear, not sure where the "piss" came from, but 15 cats would sure make a ton of it!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to this awesome guy!

Thanks for being the best Father in the universe to these two crazy kiddos!

They love you, I love you and we are grateful to have this day to share with you!

Thanks for making this life so wonderful in every way.

And a BIG Happy Father's Day to you Dad!

Wishing you a beautiful day!

We love you!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Good-bye Josie

Last week was a tough week.

After 14 years with Josie, it was time to say good-bye.

A gut wrenching decision that had to be made after months of prolonging the inevitable.

Josie will be remembered as a fighter, a spunky, feisty cat that at the end, became the most loving animal, especially to the children.

She adored Tessa and every time Tessa would cry, she would locate her in the house and sit by her until she was finished. A heartwarming gesture to observe and one that we will remember.

While Josie certainly had her moments, she taught us a lot - lessons on patience, on enduring hard times, on not taking moments for granted.

The children handled the situation well, but Noah still asks for her and the other night, just before he drifted off to sleep, he looked me in the eye and said, "Mom, I know what we can do. We must find a wishing well and make a wish that Josie comes back to us." My eyes filled with tears and though I commended his brilliant idea, I then had to go onto explain that unfortunately that is not how the process works.

Josie Lyn - May 2001 - June 2015