This is Halloween, This is Halloween

Brooke wanted to be a clown, which totally threw me for a loop since she is a princess every other day of the year. Andrew wanted a real knight's helmet that moved up and down (I did my best with cereal boxes and tin foil) and Matthew made a fearsome pirate. Since there is no Halloween in Switzerland, we did our best with homemade costumes and trick or treating at Daddy's office. We even scored some granola bars from the neighbors upstairs.

The kids loved carving pumpkins this year. My favorite lines were, "There are gunk everywhere," and "Hello, gunk. How was your day?" And Brooke made sure Daddy made her pumpkin not cool, but scary.

1st Snow!

It started late Wednesday evening and continued all night leaving perfect white fluffy snow for play all day Thursday. We had too much fun on Thursday to take any pictures (snowmen, snowballs, snow angels and sledding), but I made sure to get these first pics on Wednesday night of the kids munching the first falls. When I asked them what it tasted like Brooke quickly answered, "strawberries!" Here is to strawberry snow in October!

Birthday Trip

Brooke and Andrew have mentioned Disneyland almost every single day since our trip last May, so we thought there would be no better place to celebrate their birthday. Two complete days in the park, good weather, no crowds, no lines. We rode any ride they wanted (and were tall enough to qualify for), as many times as they wanted, and saw almost every character with ease. It was a perfect time to visit the happiest place on Earth.

Day 1

the parade

the rides

the exhaustion

Day 2

See ya real soon Mickey!

Birthday Celebration

Since all they really wanted for their birthday was to go to Disneyland, we waited to celebrate until the day before we left for Paris. Andrew got his "dangerous Buzz Lightyear," and Brooke wanted a "yellow dress just like Belle." Throw in a karaoke microphone, lots of new books and cupcakes and we've got two happy three year-olds!
(side note: Brooke's friend Emma gave her her first Barbie doll. Is it so embarrassing to admit that I got emotional? I mean, it's her first Barbie!)

Uncle Kael & Aunt Heather

Krienseregg on Mt. Pilatus (Near Luzern)

Interlaken

Trummelbach Falls

It was so much fun to have Kael and Heather visit us. We came to the sad realization that we don't spend enough time with family: Andrew just couldn't get his brain around the concept of Uncle/Aunt. He kept referring to them as "mine cousins" "Daddy's sisters" and at one time even asked where his "sons" were. Titles mean nothing, however, and these two very quickly won over our three.

Trampoline

3 years ago today

Route de Vin (Take 2)

Since it rained on most of our Route de Vin trip a few weeks ago, we decided to head back for a day trip.

First stop: The Cité de l'Automobile, home of the Schlumpf Collection (one of the world's finest automobile collections).

Andrew with Luigi in the parking lot (not part of the collection, but very cool)

The pioneers

The classics

The sports cars

and the kids' favorite: the toy cars

Next stop: La Montagne des signes (Monkey Mountain)

Here our little monkeys fed some real monkeys popcorn (and animal crackers after one monkey wouldn't take no for an answer). Andrew was especially brave, chasing after monkeys with popcorn, Matthew was excited as long as the monkeys weren't too close, and Brooke just thought she was a monkey all day.

Final Stop: Eguisheim

Just as cute as last time

Jucker Farms

We celebrated a friend's birthday and the coming of Fall at an amazing pumpkin patch / apple farm. The fresh apple cider alone made the trip well worth it.

Fun with Popcorn

A very spontaneous photo shoot. They just all looked so cute and were so happy with the popcorn that I grabbed the camera and started snapping away. Some of my most favorite moments are just watching them enjoy each other's company.

Maybe F for Farmer is better?

Is this guy classic or what? He mows the hill right next to our house. I know it's out of focus, but you should click on it anyway to truly appreciate the beauty.

My Knight in Shining Armor

He's been killing all the monsters in our house the last two days, and today after having a conversation with the green monster he told me this: "Mom, the green monster said to me, "cool sword" and then I turned around and he said, "Wow, that's a beautiful cape!"

Route de Vin

The charming streets of Eguisheim, France

Colmar, France: The Unterlinden Museum
This museum was such a great mix of modern and medieval art. The kid's loved the Picassos, the huge wine presses (that's a lot of grape juice) and the audio guide headsets. I loved seeing art through their eyes.

Andrew's Favorite:

Knights, swords, shields and guns. Can you see the awe in his face? He's not this reverent at church!


Driving the Route de Vin: Matthew, too tired to even enjoy his balloon and sucker. Sweet boy.


Strasbourg, France and the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame (and a high class Merry-go-round with a motorcycle)


The Black Forrest, Germany: Schloss Ortenberg
We actually slept in this castle on Saturday night. It has been made into a youth hostel and the kids could not have been more excited. They kept saying things like, "Who put these bunk beds in this castle? That's so silly!" and "Are we going to sleep with the Knights?" We ventured around Sunday morning and picked a few grapes right off the vine...I'm not sure if I've ever tasted such incredible grapes before.


Freiburg, Germany and the Freiburg Minster

It was a great weekend. It felt like we hadn't done a trip with the kids in a while and this was a perfect short getaway that was not too far away. I have a feeling we'll be visiting "too cute" Enguisheim again.

More Backyard Fun

We enjoyed the most perfect week of fall weather, and then skipped right to winter. These are the last pictures of backyard fun before we had to break out the hats and gloves: swimming pool and bathing suits, and light hoodies. Emma and Brooke are the dynamic duo on their Bobby Cars, racing down and then yelling, "Again!?" Both Brooke and Andrew are getting more into the scooter too, and can pick up some serious speed on the little hilly sidewalk.

One Year Old! (plus three months)

Words: Daddy, Mama, uh-oh, more, "vroom" for car, "moo" for cow, spits for the elephant sound, ball, hi (or "hello" when talking on the phone), no-no, yea, this, and up
Loves: Dancing, being tickled, playing peek-a-boo, reading stories, baths, and his blanket ("deet-deet")
Favorite foods: Hot dogs and anything sweet (especially ice cream, chocolate, and suckers)
Favorite toys: Cars, balls, Little People school bus, and the sand box
Wants: Anything Brooke or Andrew have
Teeth: 8 plus incoming molars (not so fun)
Skills: Throwing a ball, waving goodnight, snuggling, and (most recently) walking!

He's still a little wobbly, and although late for his age, he beat Brooke by 2 weeks!

Favorite Tree on a Hill

Take 2: Summer, with cows no less. Now, everytime we drive by our kids say, "Look, Mom, that's your favorite tree on a hill!" I love it.

A thank you note...

Dear family and friends,
I was so overwhelmed by all the posts on my Birthday Blog. It made me feel so good to hear from so many loved ones on my big 30th, especially when I am so far away.
Thank you thank you Holly, Anthony and Jenn for putting the whole thing together. You guys are the best.
We're planning to print the blog into a book, so if you are still interested in posting, I'd love to have you on there! Just leave a comment if you need more info.
Thank you so much for making my 30th so memorable. Grey hairs, achy bones and baggy eyes here I come!!!
I miss and love you all so much,
Ashley

Birthday Surprise!

Happy 30th Birthday to Ashley! Thanks to Holly for coordinating, Jenn for artistic direction, and to all our friends who contributed to a great birthday surprise for Ashley:

http://happy30thashley.blogspot.com/