Summer Days

Noah and his best buddies, Daniel and Thomas.

 Noah is having quite the summer.  

Between the array of wonderful parks, great swimming pools, zoo visits, and library time, our little man is thoroughly enjoying the slower days of summer.  

I am most appreciative of these days as well, spending as much time with him before our newest family member arrives.  

We are feeling most grateful for living in such a child - friendly, safe city, cooler summer temperatures, great friends and wonderful opportunities.   

Here is to a great summer and all the promise that lies ahead!

 Noah ready to travel with his new pants! He will love this picture in a few years!

 Noah at Kannenfeld Park

 Noah at the zoo with Lilly, Thomas and Daniel

 Noah watching his buddy get a band aid.

 Fun in the fountain ...there are fountains all over the city and they provide endless joy!

 Fun in the creek with Dad!

 Ready for library time.

 Library time with his new friends.

 Taking it all in.

 Craft time.

 On the tram heading to the pool.

 Pool fun in Aesch.

 Frogs get hot too!

Swimming...lazy summer days.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

Bliss in the Alps

 The beautiful thing about the Alps is that they are ever-changing.  

Each day, each passing moment is different from the next and each season brings with it its' own sense of wonder.  

We have been visiting the Grindelwald area for years now (how quickly time passes) and despite the fact that it is one of the only places we continue to return, we never grow tired of the scenery, the hiking and the Berghaus.  

Now that we have Noah we are certain our love for the Alps has rubbed off on him.  

He enjoys the train ride and loves the "dolas."

And to make an even more perfect location all the more ideal, Berghaus Bort added an incredible playground with a backdrop that is beyond special.  

So, as our little man swings, jumps and frolics in the stream, he is breathing fresh Alpine air and basking in some incredible views.  

For everyone, it is the ideal retreat.

 Noah taking in the views from the "dola."

 Noah checking out the cows.

 Views like this never grow old.

 Views from our hike.

 Noah passed out on the hike.

 Melinda happy to be in the Alps and still hiking.

 Robert enjoying the hike too!

 Noah on the "dola."

 One happy child!

 Noah and Dad in the Alps.

 My happy boys!

 Watching the "dolas" pass.

 Noah at the playground.  He has the life!

 Just another swing the in the Alps!

 Trampoline fun!

 Swing, swing, swing.

 Alpine child.

 Wow...

 Family shot.

Noah on the train going home.

Lausanne - A Day Away

 As a mother, I don't often leave Noah and Robert to venture out without the family.  

But twice this year I was able to sneak away and enjoy a night with a good friend in a new city.

I must admit, as much as I miss my family, I do greatly appreciate my solo time. 

We managed to do some hiking through vineyards, explore the harbor region and have a delicious meal.

Overall, the trip was a success and much needed!

A beautiful church

A boat in the harbor

A market in the city...

Remembering

Each time I hear the song below, I think of my father.   

There was still so much for him to do, so many hugs to receive, so many grandchildren to meet and so much life to be lived. 

A life that was cut short all too soon and memories that dance in my mind daily. 

Today marks the 5^th year of my father’s passing and though time continues to march on, I still have moments when I, too cannot really believe he is gone.   

Here is to a beautiful man - an incredible legacy resides in your absence.  

So for today, I am missing my father and remembering his many gifts.

Can’t Be Really Gone

Tim McGraw

His hat is hanging by the door
The one he bought in Mexico
It blocked the wind,
It stopped the rain
He'd never leave that one
So, he can't be really gone

The shoes he bought on Christmas Eve
He laughed and said they called his name
It's like they're waiting in the hall
For him slip them on
So, he can't be really gone

I don't when he'll come back
He must intend to come back
And I've seen the error of my ways
Don't waste the tears on me
What more proof to you need
Just look around the room
So much of him remains

His book is lying on the bed
The two of hearts to mark his page
Now, who could ever walk away
At chapter twenty-one
So, he can't be really gone

Just look around this room
So much of him remains

His book is lying on the bed
The two of hearts to mark his page
Now, who could ever walk away
With so much left undone
So, he can't be really gone

No, he can't be really gone

*I have taken the liberty to change the song from “her” to “him.”