Priceful Memories: switzerland

Showing posts with label switzerland. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Christmas Celebrations in Cali

Finally, our Christmas card from 2009. I hope this suffices for all those I didn't send one to. I didn't get around to sending a lot this year.

I dreamed up this picture before I even had Aiden. My friend gave me a painting of baby Jesus and it is hanging in Kelsey's room. I thought, 'I could do that with my camera.' Along came Aiden and with the help of my friends Jenna (location, assisting, getting the sheep help, etc.), Jessi (wardrobe), Mary (round 2 couldn't have happened this way without round 1), Wolfgang (manger & clean hay), and the people at the farm - this picture was able to happen! Jenna knew the people at the Adliswil farm and came and assisted me. This was my favorite picture because it's a. one of the few with the sheep in it. b. Kelsey looks like she's pondering the baby. c. Aiden is serenely looking on. I wish I could have gotten more of his face/ a slightly higher angle (I did in subsequent shots but the sheep wasn't in them). I kept the kids in color because I think it makes them stand out and since they are representing Mary and Jesus, I wanted to keep focus on the most important subjects. Plus once I did this effect, I feel in love with it and Tal did too. So, voila! Thanks for helping me make a dream, reality (even if it's just a picture).

Runners Up

This is more like the painting my friend Rachel gave me

Aiden's Birth Announcement (he was 5 mos. old by the time we started getting it out)

Tal's Favorite

My parents' card

Pictures with Mimi

My mom gave her this dress last year, but I never got great pictures of her in it.

Good thing it still fits her this year!

The FIRST round of Christmas Presents...

A baby from Grammie & Tom

And cool Christmas jammies that have reindeer on the feet

And from (my) Aunt Lisa & Uncle Steve

Arkansas Gear!

GO HOGS!

Kisses for Grammie, Tom, Lisa & Steve - hope she gave them out to ya'll.

Second Christmas

Twas two weeks before Christmas
When Santa Claus came
To bring toys to Aiden & Kelsey
because they couldn't bring them on the plane... (and Santa wanted them to be able to play with their new toys before having to leave them behind) We did it at night because there was no better day - we woke her (and Tally) up from their naps!

Peek-a-Boo with Papa

A new doll

Cool rain jacket for spring

The kids are more interested in the new toys

The stockings were hung...

Picture with Santa - from the ward Christmas party

Maybe Kelsey will be happy to see him next year, but probably not as happy as Aiden

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Average Snowy Day

We woke up this morning to MORE SNOW! I'd rather have grey & cold WITH snow than grey & cold without snow. Unless the snow is so bad that it's scary. But this is good snow. I used photo booth (built in computer cam) to take these pics and MAN is it a whole lot easier than having to upload, convert, edit and post!

Here are the kids playing by the window right after waking up. Kelsey loves when it snows. Mind you, there was already snow on the ground - there's just more of it today! I heard there is even snow in Spain right now, which boggles my mind. Mike & Anna, you're missing out ;). Poor Aiden basically gets tackled when Kelsey finds him playing by himself.

I did a photoshoot this morning for Oscar, who I shot when he was one (he's now two). He and Kelsey got their snow suits on and sledded down the snowy sidewalk in our backyard. They thought it was great. Check. I took Kelsey out today and played with her in the snow. I'm a good mom today. Aiden happily slept upstairs while we played. I mention this shoot because it is my last photoshoot in Switzerland. This makes me painfully sad. There is so much potential here, such an untapped market.

We've had lunch, and I told Kelsey it was naptime. She freaked out. We've been having trouble with sleeping these days (she's waking up several times a night, wanting to sleep in our bed or the couch - we chose the couch. She's fallen off a couple times which wakes her up even though we have pillows on the floor. She's waking up early and going to bed late and sometimes not napping STILL. I hope it's just a phase that passes quickly). I told her she at least had to have quiet time and she could have it in her crib or on the couch. She protested even the couch quiet time. Only moments later...

YES! Now for this one...he's almost there. Uh-oh, he heard me come in!

Now here I am blogging. I showered today AND dried my hair. No make-up, but oh well. I'm making a stupid face - but I'm not going to sit here and waste time taking pictures of myself on my computer.

I'm trying to enjoy every bit of Switzerland I can before it's time to go. I'm fighting off the daily pangs of sadness in my heart. It breaks my heart to be leaving right now, in Winter, when Switzerland's finest seasons are ahead. There are so many more trips I want to take, so many friendships still in the blooming stages.

A lot of my friends will also be moving this year, so I guess it wouldn't be the same anyway. And don't get me wrong, I'm stokt to be around family and friends again in Utah. It will be such a blessing. We'll just have to get out and DO in the US. Off to bake my favorite chocolate chip cookies (thanks Erin). Ciao!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Paisley and Chi come to visit!

Tally's sister and brother-in-law booked some last minute flights from Dublin where Chi had been on a business trip. Tal picked them up from the airport late Friday afternoon. Paisley had brought Kelsey and Aiden a Dora book and several Sandra Bounton books (Kelsey LOVES them and I'm sure Aiden will too). They got settled in at our house and then we headed to Marco's in Rapperswil for some YUMMY pasta. Marco was there and served us in addition to cooking for us! We walked around sleepy Rapperswil and went up to the castle. On the way home, we picked up some Mõvenpick Swiss Chocolate ice cream. When we got home, Paisley read the books to Kelsey and they became fast friends. Once the kids were in bed, trip leader Tally mapped out a route through Europe with Chi & Pais.

Saturday morning, Pais & I went for a run and then Tal & Chi went for a run. I was supposed to have a photoshoot but it cancelled because of sickness, which in this case, was okay with me! We all headed up to Zurich. We had fairly warm, nice weather and had a great time walking around together.

Our one child? I guess Kels was in the stroller.

The circus was in town

The kids and I waited downstairs in Grossmuenster while they all went up to see the 360 degree view of Zurich. Kelsey wanted to hold Aiden. He's getting a little big for her and it scares him to be held by her. Can't imagine why.

We ate lunch at this restaurant that I've been wanting to try. It's called Felix in Bellevue. It reminded me of Angelina's in Paris. Notice the woman in the bottom left corner. I swear that's not why I took this picture ;). I loved how everything was decorated for Christmas! It made it a bit magical.

Paisley and Aiden cuddling

Kelsey eating my hot chocolate. I was feeding her too slowly so she took matters into her own hands. She spilled less than I did...at least at first.

Paisley showing how TALL this club sandwich was! She had to eat it in pieces.

We went to the Sprüngli Store to get some fresh, delicious chocolate. When you buy something, they give the kids a free Luxembourgli. Kelsey is showing me her's here.

Paisley with all the chocolates behind her

Then we went jumped in the car and went to Lucern. It was already getting dark so we quickly visited the the bridge and the Lion Monument and then picked up some Italian pizzas on the way home. Paisley and I wrapped some presents for Kelsey to open when we get back from the states, made pumpkin bread, and talked "Clean Eating" recipes while Chi and Tally firmed up their itinerary (Of course, Tal had the BYU game on as well).

Sunday morning we went to church and Chi and Paisley entertained Aiden and Kelsey the whole time. It was nice to be able to pay attention. We had a quick lunch and then took some pictures before they headed off to Lake Como and Venice.

I love the expressions on their face - they're having a conversation.

Paisley is currently the favorite aunt for sure!

We loved having you guys here and miss you already. We hope you are having fun in Italy and that it doesn't rain too much!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Weekend in Geneva

We packed up and went to Geneva for the weekend. We met the Bergs at the Bern temple on Saturday and Jessi took the FOUR kids while Jacob, Tally & I got to do a session (Bergs went early & Jessi did a session before us - they are definitely more of an early bird family than we are ;)) Thank you Jessi! It was great to be able to go.

It was rainy and cold so we went back to their place and let the kids play. The girls:

The boys: Abram is sharing his cheese and crackers with Aiden.

Jessi pointed out that our kids start out with the same letter/sound: Abram & Aiden, Kelsey & Chloé. Guess we'll wait for them to have the next one. ;)

Tal and Jacob hiked in the rain in preparation for their Kilimanjaro hike in February. They were soaked. And the kids were so excited when they got home.

To our surprise, Jessi had prepared Thanksgiving dinner the night before. It was SO yummy and yes, I really think she is super woman. Among everything else, she made this sour cream and corn dish - I've never had anything like it! It's fun to have Thanksgiving dinner more than once a year.

A little TV so we could have some adult conversation

The kids helped make brownies

Jessi let them lick the beaters - YUM!

On Sunday, their church didn't start until 2pm so we went to Morges and walked around the cute town. (Roberta, we loved your old town and can see why you miss it!)

I took family pictures of them at a gorgeous lakeside park, but I don't want to spoil the Christmas card surprise ;). Here they are getting set up. It was really cold but the kids did great. It took all of about 7 minutes. New record for me.

Then we went to Geneva for church and drove past the United Nations, WHO, UNESCO, and Broken Chair (all shot from inside the car).

Here is the LDS church in Geneva

Thanks for a great weekend you guys, can't wait to do it again in the spring!

Kelsey Speaks

April 14: Advertising works, even for kids. Kels just came up to me with my iPhone and the app "Team Umizoomi" ready to purchase. I asked her how she knew about it and she said, "this mom put team umizoomi on for her kids and it teached her kids and he did it all by himself!" I've seen that commercial too, but never realized how much she soaked in! I'm a sucker, I downloaded it.

March 14:

We were having a new babysitter come and Kelsey wanted her to play a game but wasn't sure she'd know how. "What language does she speak?" I said, "English." Kels said, "Oh no!" I said, "Kelsey, did you know that YOU speak English?" She looked surprised, "I do!?"

October 17:

We had our carpet pad replaced today and the carpet guy was using a heavy duty iron that smelled like burning. Kelsey came in and said, "Mom, is that dinner I smell?" Thanks Kels, thanks. Says a lot about my cooking!

October 11:

So I'm on the phone and the Kelsey does soemthing that makes Aiden cry. I tell Kelsey, PLEASE make it better, say your sorry and make him stop crying. She starts singing, "Flower gleam and glow, let your power shine, make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine..." I started cracking up. I think she's a little too obsessed with Tangled.

February 19:
Family prayer
"Thank you that Aiden is incredible and that he could watch Incredibles with me. And thank you that mommy can change things."

February 9:
Family prayer tonight by Kelsey: "Thank you that mommy could be a good listener (?), thank you that mommy can be so stretchable...in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I laughed and asked her what stretchable meant. She said it meant that I can read Aiden books and change his diaper, put us to bed, play with us, and wiggle us and throw us, stuff like that. Does that mean she's grateful I can do mommy stuff?

January 5:
While at my mom's house in California, she said, "I want to stay at Mimi's forever!" I asked, what about your toys and our home in Utah?" She replied, "I like Mimi's toys downstairs." "But what about your friends back in Utah?" She replied, "they can get in the car and drive really, really far and come see me!" She has it all figured out.

January 4, 2011:
Tally read aloud a sign as we passed a church, "Jesus is making a list." She said, "No, Santa is making a list, and checking it twice."

December 20:
She was sad after I scolded her for taking her brother's food. I asked her why she was sad and she said, "My life hurts right now."
"With Christmas just a few days away?" I said. She perked right up.

December 13:
Tal was going to bed early and we all jumped in bed to give him hugs and say goodnight. Kelsey said, "I like it when our whole family is in bed together. Dad, you're hot. But I like it hot. You're the hottest."

December 9:
I had made a big effort to go to the gym and literally had 30 minutes to work out and then be back before everyone came over for play group. I get Kelsey out of the car and walk around to get Aiden. Kelsey says, "Mom, you can't wear THOSE shoes to the gym!" I looked down and sure enough, I was wearing my Crocs. I'm so glad she saw it before I'd gotten Aiden out of his car seat, gotten the kids checked into day care, and stepped on the treadmill. 10 points for trying, right?

October 22:
"Mom, I don't wanna have a baby in my tummy. I don't want to have a baby doggy come out."

October 3:
"Mom, you shut up and I'll shut down." (playing around with the word shut up to get a reaction from me).

September 30:
"Aiden, you have pretty eyebrows."
August 15
While sitting in our master bathroom, Kelsey said, "You guys have two sinks."
Us: "Yes, we have two sinks, isn't that nice?"
K: "No, I don't like it, you need to take one out. I need more room to sit."
Tal: "When you get married, you can have one sink in your bathroom."
K: "When I marry Aiden?" (who she said she wanted to marry when we were talking about weddings the day before).
Tal: "You can't marry Aiden, he's your brother."
K: "I want to marry DADDY!"
Jess: "He's mine, darlin. Daddy is already married to mommy."
K: "My cousins?"
Us: (Laugh, gave up...we'll have this talk one day when she's ready) She is constantly playing with my bouquet of silk flowers in my room and saying, "I'm getting married mom." I guess she picked that up on her own...I don't think I've ever talked about the flowers with her!

August 11:
As I'm putting her to bed I said, "Kelsey, your little body is so tired because you didn't take a nap today and little bodies need naps."
"And sometimes big bodies do too?" she said.
After the gym today, we caught her doing her hand clasp thing. Tally said, "Don't do that, you're doing it so hard you're getting sweaty."
She replied, firmly, "Well I just back from the gym." (which is true, but she was at the play place at the gym)
May
(While shutting herself inside the kitchen pantry)
K: Alright Aiden, I'm going bye-bye to Lily's house, 2 seconds, and when I come back, I'm going to Zoe's house. Okay? Okay, see ya later.
(about 2 seconds later, she opens the door)
K: Oh, hi Zoe's house!
She has been cracking me up (mixed with a little worry) with her imagination. If you ask her what she did today, she'll say she played with her cousins. We don't play with cousins everyday, but she does, in her imaginary play. She'll tell Libby and Zoe to come downstairs to the playroom or come outside with her. Then I'll hear her telling one of them to go hide or that this doll is for them or that they are nice. She will also throw in Lily and Edie, and an occasional Colton, Carter or Spencer. But that's more rare. Maybe because she sees them the most? Or because they are boys.
She also loves to pretend she's mommy and I'm Kelsey. She'll ask me, "is your pee-pees coming, mommy?" (No, is yours?) She'll also say, "you want a treat Kelsey? Okay. " Or my favorite, "You go in time out mommy, no-no." When I ask what I did wrong she'll say it's because I hit Aiden. Shocking.
She is also such a good sister. When I was reading my friend Mary's blog today who just lost her baby girl and bawling, she came over and gave me a big hug and said, "it's okay mommy." Then, because I wasn't paying attention to the fact that Aiden had run out of Cheerios and was "asking" for more, she fed him her Cheerios. Then she came up to me and said, "mommy, Aiden wants more Cheerios." She's a great little mommy.
5/?- (while Tal is at work)
K: Mom, I want to tell dad I had fun at the doctor today - daddy, I had fun at the doctor today - oh you did - yeah, dr. M was really nice. Yeah? Yeah.
She has little conversations with herself as she imagines the conversation she had or will have. These crack me up. She does it all the time, I just need to remember to write them down.
5/29 -
K: Mom, don't let Swiper come swipe our new house, okay?
M: Okay, I will. I'll tell him, Swiper no swiping, okay?
K: Yeah!
She's on this kick where she says "everytime" or "everday" with almost every sentence. I guess she's learning how to tell time/days?
She also sings all the time, usually "I am a Child of God." How can I ever get mad at that sweet little thing?
February 1, 2010
J: "Kelsey, get up on the stool so we can wash your hands."
K: "Mommy, you need to pull my pants up first."
J: "Okay, sorry"
K: "You don't need to say sorry mami."
She's been saying sorry to EVERYTHING and so I think she's heard that a lot lately from me. It's funny to hear your own words come from the mouths of your little ones.
January 28, 2010
K: "I want to be baptized."
J: "You do? How old are you?"
K: "TWO! Aiden wants to be baptized too."
J: "You have to be 8 to be baptized."
K: "Oh, I EIGHT!"
A little boy was baptized last Sunday and she started noticing it more in her books about Jesus and we talked about it a few times this week. But the subject hadn't come up this day - she said it out of the blue.