December in Morges

Sorry, I haven't written for awhile. Here's a little update. The month of December went by quickly (in retrospect). We love our new apartment. Anna Claire loves riding her bike on the balcony just like Daddy does (with his trainer on cold days). She also loves the wide hallways that give her a chance to clomp around the apartment in Mommy's heels. I enjoy getting to do laundry in our own apartment and walking to town to get everything I need. After grocery shopping, Anna Claire and I stop by the little park on the way home, where she plays in her own little "house" and then we feed the ducks in the canal just a block from our apartment. Now I understand even better why people love Switzerland. In many ways, we are really living the dream life!

Anna Claire riding her bike on the balcony

(Just like Daddy!)

Down the slide at the little park near our apartment.

Feeding the ducks in the canal

(She really does enjoy this, but doesn't enjoy

posing for pictures!)

Skyping it! Anna Claire loves talking to

relatives and friends through Skype!

Walking the lake trail in the Vallee de Jeux.


Clomping around in Mommy's shoes.

CHRISTMAS 2007!

It was hard to be away from family this Christmas, but we've had a great time here. Bishop Balmer invited us to spend Christmas Eve with them at their daughter, Natalie's, home. They served up a fabulous candlelit gourmet Swiss-French Christmas Eve dinner. Fortunately, Andreas and Natalie's two kids and especially their cat provided Anna Claire with enough distractions for us to make it through the meal in relative peace. We started with raw oysters (a French delicacy which I probably should not have been eating while pregnant) and moved on to toast and foie gras. We did feel a little like the little duck or goose that produced the foie gras as we were stuffed with giant slabs of the duck liver pate and then proceeded to be fed huge portions of duck and chicken with rice. Afterwards, we enjoyed not one but two courses of dessert, including super rich (and delicious) chocolate mousse, made from only the finest Swiss chocolate. Afterwards, we sat around the Christmas tree and sang French carols while Anna Claire opened some presents and almost destroyed the family's ostrich egg collectibles. Ah, the joys of a toddler! The Balmers were so kind to host us at their home and we had a wonderful time learning all about Swiss-French Christmas traditions.

Anna Claire opening a duckie gift from Sister Balmer.

Christmas morning was nice and quiet. Anna Claire fortunately doesn't quite understand the concept of Santa Clause or gifts, but was quite happy to find new toys under the tree. She especially loved her little doll stroller, which she now rolls all around the apartment piled with toys, stuffed animals, crackers and anything else she can find along the way. I think she may be turning into a bag lady.

The missionaries came to eat breakfast casserole (Rob's family favorite) with us and read the Christmas story. This year I have particularly pondered Mary and her role in Christ's life as I too have been "great with child". What a huge responsibility she must have felt to bear the Son of God. And what a courageous woman to willingly take on such a responsibility.

In the afternoon we ate real turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and even American rice krispie treats at the home of another American family. What a treat! There is nothing like good food to bring back feelings of home!

Hmmm, what gift should I open next?

ANNECY

On the Saturday before New Year's Day, the family made a last minute pre-baby outing to Annecy, France (the little Venice). Annecy is a darling little town about 1 1/2 hours from us. It sits on Lake Annecy and is crossed with lots of little canals, just like Venice. It was a beautiful sunny day and we discovered a nice bike path along the lake. Rob spent a lot of time jealously eyeing the bikers going by. Next time, we have to bring our bikes (or at least Rob's -- I'm a little too large for my bike right now).

In front of Lac Annecy.

Just outside of Annecy is a gorgeous 14th century castle. It was closed for the winter so we just walked around it, imaging what life would have been like as royalty in such a place. When I had to use the restroom, I realized that I'm glad I live in the modern day. :)

The castle near Annecy, France

Hey guys, look at me!

Our Move to Morges

We switched apartments last week. The company called us Thanksgiving Day and told us that we were moving to a new apartment the next day. So after we enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner with the missionaries, complete with pumpkin cheesecake (better than pie) and turkey breasts (a whole turkey was nowhere to be found), we packed up all our worldly wares and made several car trips down the road to our new apartment. We love our new place -- we have lots more space and a huge covered balcony so that Anna Claire can ride her little bike to her heart's content. And, JOY, we have a washer/dryer in the apartment so no more rushing up and downstairs during an alloted laundry time. Plus, we now live right across the street from Lake Geneva and right next to the town center where we can buy most anything we need.

Standing on the Main Street of Morges

In front of Morges Castle (and Lake Geneva)

I must say that although I enjoy the "quaint" ways of the Swiss, I sure do appreciate good old American convenience. Yes, it's nice that the Swiss all drive tiny, fuel-efficient stick-shift cars and park in midget-sized spaces. They save space and help the environment. But a gas-guzzling SUV is sure nice when it comes to dragging around kids and bikes and strollers. Plus, I have grown to truly appreciate our spacious suburban parking lots. The parking spaces here just scream out "Ding my car!" In fact, in order to park at the Lonay apartment, I had to do a five-point turn and wedge the car between a station wagon and a fenced wall. I was quite the sight each morning as I oh-so-gracefully squeezed my pregnant belly several different ways to try to get into the car. Pulling Anna Claire out of her carseat while squishing my belly to the side of the car was yet another sight to see. Forget the environment . . . on behalf of pregnant moms around the world I say bring on the suburban parking lot sprawl and the SUVs!