I'm making an effort to record Izzi and Xavier speaking Swiss German, so that months from now, when the language is long forgotten, we can all look back and get a taste of it.
In this video, Xavier is playing Legos with his friend Dario Demenga.
Xavier Chatting on Video
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
School Choice
Preparations for our return to Minnesota begin...
We completed and submitted school choice cards for Minneapolis Public Schools today. As in our move here, Isabella and Xavier starting and feeling comfortable in a new school feels like our "critical success factor" to a smooth transition.
I'm not sure which school(s) they'll end up attending at this point (we're exploring more than one avenue), but I admire the open and positive attitude they have toward the impending change.
One step at a time:)
We completed and submitted school choice cards for Minneapolis Public Schools today. As in our move here, Isabella and Xavier starting and feeling comfortable in a new school feels like our "critical success factor" to a smooth transition.
I'm not sure which school(s) they'll end up attending at this point (we're exploring more than one avenue), but I admire the open and positive attitude they have toward the impending change.
One step at a time:)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Post from October 2011
As we approach the end of fall break's week 2, I find myself acknowledging a presence that goes unnoticed during the busy days of school.
Both kids have at times scolded us for making this move with them. From their point of view, they will forevermore be missing people and places dear...either in MN/Iowa or here in Ittigen. We can't argue with that!
As we approach the end of fall break's week 2, I find myself acknowledging a presence that goes unnoticed during the busy days of school.
The weather has been sunny and warm, and we've been staying busy with fun activities - some alone, many shared with friends. But in the midst of this relaxation and fun, a subtle sadness has made its way. Maybe it's not so much sadness, but a feeling of loss for the life we left and the one to which we will soon say goodbye.
Izzi and Xavier both have been feeling sad in the evenings and struggling to fall asleep. We've seen this during breaks from school in the past, but never this strongly.
I've started tutoring the kids in several subjects to prepare them for the return to MN next school year. And although our return remains 10 months off, we all seem very aware that our time of "lasts" has begun.
Both kids have at times scolded us for making this move with them. From their point of view, they will forevermore be missing people and places dear...either in MN/Iowa or here in Ittigen. We can't argue with that!
New Year's Eve with a Splash
Being the Wisconsin boy that he is, Todd planned our New Year's trip to a water park. We spent one night and two days at Tropical Island (http://www.tropical-islands.de/en/visitors.html), complete with swimming, rides, musical entertainment and mini-golf. And we all stayed up until midnight to watch the fireworks on the beach.
Late afternoon on New Year's Day, we trained back to central Berlin and spent a few days seeing the sites. The weather was cool and wet, but we had a great time. The interest that the kids showed in the landmarks and their stories got us all excited about history.
Late afternoon on New Year's Day, we trained back to central Berlin and spent a few days seeing the sites. The weather was cool and wet, but we had a great time. The interest that the kids showed in the landmarks and their stories got us all excited about history.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Storytelling Over Lunch
Isabella's friend and classmate, Lara, joins us for lunch each Thursday. Back in early December, Isabella was telling her about a dream she'd had. I secretly captured it on video which you can view it by clicking on the link below. It's quite long, and of course she's speaking in Swiss German, so you might have to abort. But at least you'll get a taste for the language.
Izzi's Story on Video
Friday, January 13, 2012
December Grilling on Mannenberg
We took advantage of the warm, sunny days in late December to grill on our favorite tiny mountain, Mannenberg. Izzi and Xavier are big fans of the campfire bread...one batch plain and one with shredded cheese. We grilled in the spot that Xavier's class uses for their weekly forest day. It was a clear day, so we captured the beautiful view on the way back to our flat.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Second and Last Christmas in Ittigen
We had a nice, quiet Christmas this year. Although the children were very disappointed that there was no snow. Izzi even refused to pull up the blinds on Christmas day so that she could pretend it was wintry outside.
As is often the case, Todd and I took few photos. We do have a few from gift opening on Christmas morning. Both kids felt very lucky with all the gifts that arrived from home this year.
As is often the case, Todd and I took few photos. We do have a few from gift opening on Christmas morning. Both kids felt very lucky with all the gifts that arrived from home this year.
Celebrating 45!
I turned 45 this year, an age I've always considered to be truly "middle-aged". Since my birthday is just two days before Christmas, it is often a bit overshadowed by the holiday. In recent years, I've taken to really thinking about how I want to spend the day and planning it for myself.
This year, I decided that I wanted to visit Strasbourg, France. It holds, and is famous for, its Christmas market that began in 1570. I took the early train from Bern, and in just 2.5 relaxing hours of reading on the train while enjoying a coffee, I arrived at my destination.
Strasbourg now hosts more than 5 different markets in its old town. I enjoyed a vin chaud (hot wine), visited most of the markets, saw some of the landmarks and just enjoyed being in a new place.
I returned home early evening to a thoughtful meal designed by the Isabella and Xavier. Staying true to my love for tea and chocolate, they chose to prepare a variety of "tea" sandwiches, a pot of tea and a mixture of chocolates for dessert. After the meal, I opened the very thoughtful gifts from them as well as from family and friends who had sent things.
Turning 45 was lovely!
This year, I decided that I wanted to visit Strasbourg, France. It holds, and is famous for, its Christmas market that began in 1570. I took the early train from Bern, and in just 2.5 relaxing hours of reading on the train while enjoying a coffee, I arrived at my destination.
Strasbourg now hosts more than 5 different markets in its old town. I enjoyed a vin chaud (hot wine), visited most of the markets, saw some of the landmarks and just enjoyed being in a new place.
I returned home early evening to a thoughtful meal designed by the Isabella and Xavier. Staying true to my love for tea and chocolate, they chose to prepare a variety of "tea" sandwiches, a pot of tea and a mixture of chocolates for dessert. After the meal, I opened the very thoughtful gifts from them as well as from family and friends who had sent things.
Turning 45 was lovely!
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