We Remember

Dad with Sean

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye

And though time is passing, your beautiful memory lives on.

Somethings in Life are Worth Repeating

When it comes to Grindelwald, and Berghaus Bort, it is a destination worth revisiting despite our policy of never returning to the same place twice, as there is simply too much to see in this incredibly vast world.

And the magical thing about this location that we truly hold so dear to our hearts (for so many reasons) is that each time we visit, whether there is a thick blanket of snow on the ground, or an array of wildflowers spread out before us, is that it is ever changing, and never the same place twice.

Each time we venture out for a long weekend to one of our favorite places in the world, it feels like receiving a package…not knowing what to expect, we slowing unwrap the box of adventure, one fold at a time!

Grindelwald...still lots of snow on the mountains.

Cool little ice bridge.

The gang...friends of ours joined us on our visit to Berghaus Bort.

Lee, Janet, Daniel and Thomas...yes, they are twins!

The boys at breakfast.

Family shot on our way to Bachalpsee.

Noah and Robert taking in the views.

Still lots of ice on the lake.

Melinda and Noah at the lake.

Diego, Daniel, Robert and Noah.

Robert and Noah at Bachalpsee.

Noah and Daniel at Bachalpsee...nice playground!

Family shot at the lake.

Mom and Noah at the lake.

Ice covered and lots of snow!

You know you are in Switzerland when...we love this picture!

So much snow!

Another lake view.

Wildflowers.

Diego, Daniel, and Robert measuring the snow.

Mom and Noah making our way to the lake.

Diego, Daniel and Eva with us on the hike.

Family shot.

Hiking with toddlers...

Sunset...

Melinda...enjoying the views.

Robert and Noah.

Green meadows and...

Swiss cows...

Noah feeding the cows...

Noah loves the playground at Bort.

Robert and Noah at Bort...great place to play and enjoy the views.

Happy Father's Day!

To all of the Father’s out there, today is your day.

A day to celebrate all of your many accomplishments, the lives you have created and so greatly impacted. It is a day to reflect on the past and the present and know that your presence has influenced the lives of those big and small.

And as we celebrate you today, we also wish to thank you. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your unconditional love and your unwavering support. The world is a better place because of all of the father’s who have not only touched our lives, but the lives of many.

We love you and we deeply admire the men that you are.

To my husband who has become a fabulous father to our incredible son!

To Jacques, a wonderfully insightful man who shares his insights on life and his love of Europe we us. We love you and all of your knowledge.

To my father...the years may pass, but your legacy and your love still live on.
You are still so greatly missed.

Sweet, sweet Siena

Now that Europe has become our home, we feel compelled to explore the beauty that surrounds us, not only in Switzerland, but also in our neighboring countries. Every journey we take, and are fortunate enough to experience, we take the time to reflect on how grateful we are for this unimaginable gift. After three years, we still feel blessed that we are immersed in ever changing cultures so very unique from our own. And now that we have Noah, we feel even more appreciative that he is being raised seeing and beholding sites we were only able to witness in our later years. So thank you for reading and periodically “stopping” by our site and please know we truly appreciate this exceptionally rich experience we are able to call LIFE.

_______________

Siena

Siena is a beautiful city with a rhythm that makes visitors feel a deep sense of welcome. We strolled the streets, played in the square all the while meeting friendly faces and never once feeling out of place because we were not native. Siena is enchanting with a contagious, vibrant energy. Unlike most urban centers, Siena abandons the hustle and bustle and makes each visitor feel welcome with outstretched arms encouraging you to meander a bit longer and enjoy just one more delicious gelato.

Cool statue in Siena

Il Campo...known as the "best square in Italy"

Cool well

Architecture and nature...a beautiful combination

Amazing pottery shop right in front of the Duomo

The magical Duomo white & dark green

Inside the Duomo...the detail was amazing

Inside the Duomo dates from 1215

Details of the inside

The pulpit (1268)

Another perspective inside

Ahhh....

The art was also incredible

Details on the outside

The faces of the Popes...the same four faces are used over and over again...

This was the part of the cathedral that was never finished

The front of the Duomo

The Fountain of Joy

City Tower

When in Siena...have a slice of pizza...not a typical day for Noah

Noah and Robert catching the birds...

Siena was so much fun!

Noah determined to catch a bird

Noah and Mom enjoying Il Campo...taking it all in

The square is amazing

Full shot of Il Campo

Siena...just beautiful!