Zurich Switzerland March 17 to April 1

We arrived to Zurich On March 17 the weather was beautiful. Our first day in town was spent relaxing and catching up with Rene and Doris. They had went out of their way to see that we would be comfortable in their home. And we were comfortable very comfortable. Zurich is a nice to visit. Clean, friendly, easy to get around and no shortage of things to do places to eat and people to watch. Next time we will go back in the summer as I hear this already fantastic place gets better when the sun warms everything up.
A quick picture by lake zurich
Not the best picture I seem not to have great ones of the inside of their house. It is a very modern apartment that is located on the top floor of an industrial building.
The building they live in. A five minute walk to the train station.


Rene with Julian sitting at a cafe.

I have to say it took me a very long time for me to post about this trip. I may need to add a few pictures from time to time as I know I missed a few good ones. We also went to St. Gallen and to the capital of Bern both were day trips. Bern was a city that needed more than one day. Next time..

Luzurn March 19 a day trip

A Swiss flag blows in the wind. A true Swiss flag is the worlds only true square flag.

Doris on the Left and her sister Bea on the right.
A river front view. A cold day but we still managed to sip coffees outside.
All of the water in Switzerland is drinkable. And very good. The wtaer running is very cold but it does not stop Julian from playing.
This is Kapellbrucke (chapel Bridge) It crosses the Reuss River it is made of wood. It dates back to the 14th century. However only the octagonal water tower is original. In 1993 a fire left it in a disastrous state.

Appenzell Switzerland March 21 -23

This cabin in the mountains of Appenzell was built by Rene's grandfather. The family over the years has changed very little. It has three bedrooms one bath. A nice sized living space and of course a great fireplace. Getting here in the winter you have to park down below and hike up.
Here is the small town of Appenzell. This town is best know for its strong smelling cheese. Which can be used to make excellent fondues when mixed with herbs, and alcohol.
The sun soon will be set over Appenzell. It is very quiet all you here is the gentle sound of the wind.
Doris made an amazing fondue. We almost ate it all.
Our trip down Chris carried baby.
a cafe is were we left the car before heading up the hill to the cabin.

Ascono Switzerland March 24-28

The snow was coming to Zurich so we headed south to Ticino. We found a fantastic hotel lakeside in the town of Ascona. We stayed 4 nights 5 days soaking up the sun.
Spring has arrived in Southern Switzerland
Doris and Jules enjoying the day at a cafe.
The view from the hotel terrace.
another view from the terrace.
A little side trip to Valle Verzasca. Mother nature has sculpted this valley which has an emerald green river running through. There were still spots of snow on the ground and all the leaves had not shown their colors but, it was still an amazing sight to see.
The old stone bridge over the river.
Simply beautiful. Lakeside in Locarno
Locarno old town
A silly picture but, I loved it.

London March 12 to the 17th

This trip to London was all about family time. Our son and their daughter were born the same day. We had such a good time watching the babies together. We did manage a few outings as well. Taking the underground was enjoyable for all. The babies loved all the motion. Thank you Tim and Ruth for showing us a wonderful time. Your home is comfortable and stylish. You make us feel like family.
Out to Lunch in Hampstead Heath. Julian does the ordering.
This photo is taken on their street we were out for a walk.
The photo here of Chris and Little P is at Camden Market. A fun day outing with lots of people watching and shopping.
Ruth has two rabbits frida and bun buns this is frida trying to get away from Julian
the two of them played so well together.

She is a sweet as apple pie. We just fell in love with her. She started to crawl as soon as we left. Bummer to have missed that.

And we thought it was winter

Were having such nice weather that a camping trip was in order. So on Friday we packed up the lance with some food and wine and headed North for three amazing nights.
We just love watching the sun go down. Something about that last few seconds never gets boring. I always say to Chris "Do it again please."
Happy boy

We walked a couple of miles looking for a remote campsite. This is usually a pond. A bit dried up at the moment.
I dislike this picture of myself but, Its January and I'm in a tank top and Julian is in a tee shirt. The sun shines so bright that the pacific ocean shows all her gorgeous colors.
The waves were great. At night we slept soundly hearing them crash against the shore.
Point Arena Lighthouse

Some of my favorites from the past month.. or two

When you have a baby in the house most everything else is put off until later. I can't believe he is now 7 months old.
A little lemon never hurt anyone. His Grandma Carrie loves lemon I guess he takes after her.
On Christmas we had a fantastic salt encrusted prime rib.
One of our favorite things about where we live is being able to walk everywhere. Our best friends Cristen and Nathan and their son Louis live really close so we often meet up on the trail and head out for Peets coffee a nice long walk.
Our first Christmas with Lil P
This year I spent Christmas Eve at home with my mom and dad I had not slept over on Christmas eve since 19. Santa found his way to their house too.
A family game of 21 Dad was the dealer. sitting around playing cards is much fun especially when your winning!
Go Cal!!
Watch out Ladies.

Lake Camanche November 10th to the 12th

Sunset over the Lance. We took a real quick camping trip with my parents. Two short nights but it was still lots of fun.
Night one Julian slept with grandma and grandpa. Lucky little boy
Thanks Mom and Dad for showing us your favorite little camp site. The fishing was good the food was great!
Dad and son
Chris's birthday was just right around the corner so mom made him turkey cupcakes. They were very tasty and so darn cute.

The one trout Chris caught.

Lake Tahoe October 14 to 17

Our 9 year anniversary we headed to Lake Tahoe. The days were warm and the nights O so chilly

On the 16th we sat lake side and sipped champagne and ate cheese and crackers
Campground by the Lake south Lake Tahoe
Fall is all around us
A small lake
on a morning walk outside of Sugar Pine Campgrounds north Lake Tahoe
We all can snuggle buggel in the camper bed
At Emerald Bay

Kauai Hawaii September 27 to October 4

It was my parents 20th anniversary this October so they decided to take the whole family to Hawaii for a week together. The week was wonderful. Chris and I and baby made it up to see 3 sunrises this was the first.
The little house they rented. A view from the pool.
swimming with little P way too much fun. He got his first tooth the very first day. Must be all that fresh island air.
At night after dinner we would listen to music, laugh, play games, and catch up with each other.
Aunt Stephanie with Julian
Chris and I were spoiled by getting to stay in the guest cottage. A little house with a kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom. The best part was the pond in the front of it. Each night frogs would serenade us to sleep.
Lots of room to run. boys will be boys Justin running after Stephanie.
One day the guys went golfing.
lots of snorkeling was done too.
In the morning Julian had lots to say to his grandparents.
Watch out Michael Phelps
My brothers and sisters. Marriage brought us together but Love made us family.
As a surprise we had a private luau. Here the musicians and hula dancer sing to the parents.
After a down pour of rain we moved under the deck for a little hula dancing 101
Then we kicked it up a notch... Tribal drummers and a fire dancer.

The night was a thank you to our parents. It was exciting, special, and even a little emotional. I could not have asked for a better night.
Little P's toes in the warm Hawaiian ocean.
Coco Frio for 5 bucks. Someone call the police we were robbed..
Kauai has the most beautiful chickens. Here they finish off the coconut.

All in all it was a perfect week. I had about 200 pictures but these were a few of my favorite. We closed the week with watching the sun fall into the ocean. It may have been the last sunset in Hawaii that week but, we will be back to see another.

There's no place like Camp Tuolumne

Here we all are on our last morning at camp. I have posted about camp before but this year felt so special and so different. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was carrying on the tradition of camp Tuolumne to the next generation. Or maybe it was because being with my family felt so good. Or maybe it was the beautiful weather. Or maybe it was the fact that each morning when you wake up you hear a song sang from a blue jay and you realize how lucky you are to wake up to yet another beautiful day with fresh air in your lungs and your husband lying next to you.
The warm afternoons allowed for some swimming and relaxing by the swimming hole.
The hard part is not jumping into the cold water it is climbing up beaver head rock. A task so hard it may take you 6 tries to make it up the slick rock.
At night campfire and camp songs.
I choose this picture because Dad has such a proud look on his face. This year he was honored for all the work he has put into camp over the years.
I love these men
mornings are a good time to sit in the green chairs and read.
happy little camper.
Jim and Marcia soaking up the sun. First year campers. I hope they come back.
After lunch it is in your tent or out of camp. Little P played while we read.
Mom sunbathing in style. She looks so pretty.
In the early morning we would bring the baby in bed with us. He loved looking up into the trees. It must be amazing to see such things for the first time.
A view of the swimming hole in the morning. It rarely changes over the years.

All in all it was a great weekend. Can't wait until next year.

So long Ritz Carlton HELLO koa

A few years ago when our friends Rene and Doris came to California and got ready to leave on their two year trip South America we were introduced to a Lance cab over. Chris has wanted one ever since. We spent a month with them in Venezuela and I had to admit it was a nice way to travel. So here we are. We have no plans to head that far south but, we will manage to see as much as we can.
We headed North to Mendocino it was cool and foggy and we loved it.
We stayed in the town of Caspar. A tiny little camp ground that was full of abalone divers.
In the cute town of Mendocino we went out to lunch and walked around.
Chris darling, even though we had a few bumps over the few days it was a really good time with you. You have given me everything and more. Being with you and our son is all that I need. Thank you for the gift of camping. It brings us closer even if it is in a stinky mattress laying next to Jazzersize man. I love you for it.

Sunday lazy Sunday

A nice break from our daily chores. We all sat pool side and tanned our legs. Little Julian slept until I woke him up.
His first time in the pool. The water was a little cold.
So cute.. He was just starting to get used to it.

One special man.

I have been meaning to blog about a special birthday party we had. Our Dad Ron had a birthday. He is such a wonderful Dad I could not let the day get away from me. Ron came into our lives sometime ago. He had a huge part in raising my brother and I. It is never an easy task blending a family. Somehow we did okay. Not only is he a great father, and a wonderful husband to my mom but he is a terrific person. He is a kinda guy that won't sugar coat things too much. Lives by telling the truth and keeping it real. He loves his family and cherishes time with them. He loves to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. Some of our greatest times together have been just sitting around talking. I was so lucky this guy came into our lives. I am blessed that he calls me daughter.
His grandkids Emma and Jacob came for a weeks visit over his birthday. Emma picked out a perfect cake.

Jacob showing off his style. Emma looking up with pride.
Uncle J and Little J. Hmmm could they be related?
My mom started making jewelery out of her rocks. Now everyone wears a piece of love from mom. Ron this was just a little post to let you know how much I love and cherish you. I wish you the best year ever!! May you be healthy, happy, and surrounded by love. And one more thing, Make this year count!

Utah July 25 to July 28

We boarded the southwest flight and were off. Little P slept like a travel pro. Chris and I were so excited to go and see the family. We really just love to go.
One evening after dinner we sat outside with Grandma Darlene and watched the clouds go by. This was wonderful. We could talk easy and enjoy each other. We even kicked off our shoes and let the warm air hit our skin.
Grandma Darlene has 10 great grandchildren. With another one on the way. Grandma was a baby nurse for many years. She loved being with Julian and seeing how we care for him. She told us how proud she was of us. Thank you Grandma.
Grandma Margot lives in Tucson but, just so happened to be in Utah to visit her kids. She also just could not get enough of our little June Bug. She fell in love with him too. We had a thunder shower that afternoon. Chris and I love a good thunder shower.
Smile
Uncle Dan and Aunt Clifta live in South Jordan. The view is fantastic. Even better in the morning when you see her Dad working his Clydesdale horses at 90.
Uncle Jim got all smiles.

A friendship that will last a lifetime..

It is hard on a kid when their parents pick up and move away. That summer I left my neighborhood was one of the biggest changes in my life. I had grown up knowing a family of girls that lived around the corner from our house. A family that I have grown to love and cherish like my own. I met Colleen when we were in the first grade. Funny I don't remember how we met but I am so glad we did. We would walk to school together everyday. We played after school making up dances, hanging out with the other kids on the block and just forming a wonderful friendship. We did things that kids don't do so much anymore. We played Mississippi until the street lights came on. We had lemonade stands, we toilet papered the neighbors, and walked everywhere in our town. I moved away the summer before the 6th grade. The hardest part was not saying goodbye to my friend. She was away on vacation when my folks moved us. She tells the story of that summer better than I ever could. She remembers coming home from her vacation and running over to my house only to find it empty.
Lucky for us we had wonderful parents who would drive us back and forth to see each other. Then her parents moved her even further away. Our friendship did not end there. We kept it strong by weekend visits and expensive phone bills. She even came out to a dance I had at my junior high this may have been the 6th grade. One weekend when we were in our freshman year I remember learning to dance in her bedroom. Her sister put on the music and we all danced and learned how to find our rhythm. And that is just one of a thousand stories.
Over the years we had plenty of ups and downs and learning experiences. We grew from each other and relied on one another too. Even though we both have busy lives and we live in different towns. I feel it is safe to say we will always be like family. When we are together it takes no time to get on the same page.
And once again another chapter of our book is being written. I now have a son for her to love and get to know. Thank you Colleen for being my friend. For understanding me and supporting me. I am sorry if I ever hurt you over the years. If I ever said anything that stuck out in your mind that was hurtful. You have been an amazing part of my life. A piece of my heart will always hold a spot for you. You are truly an amazing person. I am so proud to call you my friend. Your beautiful inside and out.