Maisie is 10!

We took Maisie to Paris for her 10th birthday (although she really wanted to go to Phoenix).  We spent the big day at the Eiffel Tower and lounging in the park nearby.  We had a great time and couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.

I took these photos with my phone so they were easy to upload.  I'll post more when I have time to get the photos off of Michael's camera.  Thanks to everyone for the birthday greetings.  I can't believe my baby is 10.  I'm psyching myself up for another 10 great years with her!  I'm the luckiest Mom ever (except for my Mom, of course).

No Snowshoes Required

When we returned to Switzerland it was a completely different place!  Most of the snow was gone and everything was in bloom.  Last Friday we hiked in Puidoux partly along paved paths and partly in the woods.  About half-way along we found a small shack where the locals place their homemade jams, confitures and caramels and you can buy them using the honor system.  The cash box isn't even secured to the shelf!  I love the trust and honesty here.

A shot overlooking Lac Leman

a section of the wooded path

Looking down toward Cully

A farm house 

The End

Spring Break in Arizona

We spent our Spring Break in Arizona.  After the 14 hour flight we were very happy to land in the Valley of the sun (and wind).  We enjoyed beautiful weather, great friends, our favorite foods and good times with the family.  On my birthday the Kennedy's took us to the Desert Botanical Gardens to see the amazing Chihuly glass sculpture display.  Here are a few photos from that visit:

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The Kennedys plus Maisie minus Zane

 

Miscellaneous

It has been a pretty quiet week for us.  The weather has been beautiful (sunny, high 50's) but all of the snow is melting which made for a slushy, soggy (but still fun) hike on Friday.  I don't know why I'm compelled to take photos of chalets buried in snow but I can't help myself.  This one is in Le Mont-Pelerin.

This shot shows the melting snow, the not-yet blooming trees and a gorgeous lake in the far background.   Not the prettiest photo but one signaling the change of seasons, or maybe not.... we have snow in our forecast for three days next week!

Maisie's friend Michelle spent the night with us on Friday.  Here is a photo of the girls in the courtyard getting ready to play some competitive ping-pong.

Happy

 

Thursday we had an amazing, sunny, spring-like day (with temperatures in the low 50's!) so when I saw these potted herbs at the garden store I couldn't resist bringing "a little hope of spring" home with me.  It's still too cold to leave them outside so I set them on the window sill every day to get as much sunshine as possible and every time I catch a whiff of their delicious scent it makes me happy.  Yeah, I know, I'm easy to please.

Class Assembly

Just in case you were actually tired of my snow-shoeing posts....

(don't worry, I'm hiking again next Friday)

Maisie's class had an assembly where they presented the "Wonderful World of Words"  the fascinating world of English grammar.  Maisie played "Gloria Garble" the host of the show where she had guests such as Norman Noun (played by Akshay Pradkhar) and Ashley Adjective (played by Michelle Lovstad).  As usual, she gave an Oscar-worthy performance.   Below is a photo of the entire class singing.  The teacher, Ms. Williams is conducting the audience in a sing-a-long.  Good times!

Are you sick of my snowshoeing posts yet? I'm not!

We (my new Mom friends) hiked in Moleson this past Friday.  It's near Gruyere  (I posted some castle photos from there in the Autumn).  This hike was about 5 km (3 miles) with lots of uphill and lots and lots of snow...

When the usual words of encouragement weren't enough to coax us uphill we started telling silly stories to detract from the uphill punishment.  I had a great time getting to know my new friends!

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