Joyeux Noël

Hailey celebrated her 8th birthday with a sleepover with 3 of her friends from school.  They spent the day getting manicures from Sydney and making their own gingerbread houses.  Surprisingly enough they were all asleep by 9:30 even the older two since Sydney also had a friend sleep over.  They all enjoyed their favorite breakfast of French Pancakes, which is a recipe from Randy's mom.  Sydney is now calling them crepes and rolls them up with Nutella.  A friend of Hailey's holds the record of eating 25 pancakes/crepes for breakfast.  I am not sure where she put them all, but it is a record that still stands at the Rude household!

Hailey and her friends making their gingerbread houses.

We started off Christmas break by heading to Strasbourg, France for one night to check out the Christmas market capital.  We stayed outside the city and took the tram to the center and found ourself in the main square where they was a group of people singing.  It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit as it was just magical with the caroling, big lit up Christmas tree, and decorations.  They also had a children's section with a large tent filled with games and activities.  Aaron's favorite game was a table top football (aka soccer) game and another table top game where you would blow air on a ball to score a goal.  The girls loved the mismatched toys where they would take 3 different parts from stuffed animals and sew them together.

Below is a short video and pictures of Strasbourg Christmas market.

Kids in front of the main Christmas tree.

Girls admiring some yummy looking desserts, unfortunately we just had some gelato.

Hailey introducing King Aaron.

Nativity scene carved out of large logs.

Strasbourg lit up at night with life size snow globes on the right.

Streets of Strasbourg at night.

The lights were amazing!

The second day we headed back and fortunately it wasn't raining anymore!  We headed to an area called "Petite-France" where many canals run through an area once known as the slaughterhouse and tanning house area in the middle ages.  The kids also asked to head back to the Children's tent so that was also a stop along the way.  There were many spots for food, wine, and shopping.  We all had fun eating our way through lunch with baguette pizza, waffles and crepes filled with chocolate or caramel, and of course a huge variety of candy!

We spent the next two days celebrating Christmas together as a family and counting down the hours until the Anderson and Stanger family arrived the day after Christmas.

Getting ready for our Christmas dinner.  Sydney made the centerpiece at school, which we happily bought at their Christmas market at school.

The boys working hard on getting Aaron's legos from Christmas put together.

I should mention the centerpiece Sydney made at school included carved out pieces of wood that spelled Joyeux Noël.  She did everything on her own from using a saw to cut the wood to using a different tool to carve out the decorations.  I don't think I used that type of equipment until I was in shop in 8th grade!

We had a nice relaxing Christmas as a family and were looking forward to seeing Chelle and the family over the holiday season.  With this being our second Christmas in Switzerland, we are enjoying starting our own traditions, but still miss the big family gatherings.  Randy did a fabulous job on the meat this year and the kids had fun playing with their new toys.  We started something new this year where they could open a present every hour starting after lunch.  At first Sydney wanted to wait until Christmas morning, but that only lasted one hour as she watched her brother and sister open their second gift.  I think they enjoyed opening and playing with their gifts rather than ripping through all of them at once.  Yes they still received duds, otherwise known as clothes for kids, but they quickly moved on to the toys they had opened knowing it wouldn't be long before they could open another one.

The Girls...

The first week back at school was going to be a bit stressful with Hailey's surgery, but Sydney decided to add to it herself.  Randy was in the UK for the week, so I was on my own when Sydney's coach called to say she fell again and most likely needs stitches, again.  There was no way I was taking the other kids to the Children's hospital for Sydney to get stitches.  Fortunately, I was able to find someone who was kind enough to come watch the other two and get them to bed while I took Sydney to Children's hospital.  Randy took her the first time she needed stitches and I was able to experience myself how efficient the process was.  It was even easier this time round since Sydney knows French and could converse and translate for me if need be!

First snowfall of the season!

Carriage ride after touring Neuschwanstein Castle.

Two days later we were back at the Children's Hospital for Hailey's surgery for a second pair of ear tubes.  Here first set was removed before we left for Switzerland and discovered she still had fluid behind her eardrums and hearing lost when we were at the Dr's office.  He referred us to an ENT and he recommended tubes to improve her hearing and prevent ear infections due to the fluid.  They also removed her adenoids to help her ears drain properly.  I did my best at using French but there was an issue so in came a nurse that could help translate for reception.  Apparently we were suppose to get a pre-authorization form for our insurance.  Or I received it and had not idea what it was : )  After that was resolved we were upstairs getting Hailey settled into her bed.  They wheeled her back and one of us was able to go into the operating room until she was asleep.  Hailey picked Randy to go in with her and joined me after 5 minutes.  While we waited for the procedure to be done we talked about how much we would like to be in and English speaking hospital or be fluent in French.  It is not easy when your child needs surgery, even if it is minor, to not be able to effectively communicate any questions or concerns.

Hailey at Legoland.

We were allowed to go into the recovery room as soon as they brought her in, which is another difference from the US.  The procedures the kids had in the US we were not allowed in the operating or recovery room.  I should also mention we did not see a single Dr to explain or verify the procedure before the surgery.  We were there as she started to wake up and were able to calm her when she woke up and complained of her head hurting.  They were able to give her some relief and she quickly went back to sleep.  We finally got her to wake up enough where she ate a little something and were ready to be discharged.  The nurse was giving us final instructions and a note stating she couldn't go back for 2 weeks.  Wait a minute, the Dr said 1 week and the nurse said it was because of her tonsils.  Mind you this is all in French!  I told her she didn't have her tonsils out and she looked at the paperwork and said she did.  What, wait a minute, if she really had them out, 1. she wasn't suppose to, 2. she hasn't complained about her throat and Hailey would if she did in fact have them out and 3. you gave her a biscuit for a snack.  After looking into it further she confirmed she did not have her tonsils out so only needs to be out of school for 1 week.

Kids at a park in Munich.

We finally got her home and was quickly on her road to recover.  I ended up making a quick trip back to the US for a week to attend my Grandfathers funeral.  It was nice to get back and see family even if it wasn't under good circumstances.  I got my shopping fix, including a trip to Target, which may be my last until we move back.  Randy and I decided we won't be back in the US until we move back so we can take full advantage of our time here.

Sydney had her first competition the first weekend in December.  She didn't have her best skate, but had fun none the less.  After that competition it was decided we would change her music and program. Part of her score is music interpretation and she wasn't real excited about her music so didn't score the best and ended up placing 11th out of 17.  Even if it wasn't her best, I have included her program since there are good and bad days in life!

Munich

The kids were off for 2 weeks for October break even though it seemed like they just started school.  The first week we stayed at home since Sydney had skating camp and then on Saturday we headed north to Munich, Germany for a week.  We rented an apartment and planned day trips to Legoland, Salzburg, as well as exploring Munich.  After arriving and getting keys and instructions we explored the local area and grabbed some dinner.  I should also mentioned we spent some time on the Autobahn where the kids got a kick how fast we were going and we were still being passed.  There was also an accident where they were very quick and efficient at closing the Autobahn and rerouting traffic.  We were very fortunate to be able to exit and not be stuck on the Autobahn.

Yikes - 100mph!  Aaron wanted Randy to go faster since we were still being passed.

The next day was Aaron's 5th birthday and what better way for him to celebrate his birthday then head to Legoland!  It was also a bonus that his entry was free : )  We all had a great time and it was perfect for the ages of our kids.  It is definitely geared towards younger kids and the kids had so much fun they convinced us to go back before we headed home.

Randy and the kids at Lego City in Legoland.  They had awesome displays of landmarks and cities.

Allianz football (aka soccer) field made out of Legos.

Kids have fun with R2D2.

Hailey having fun on their first ride.  I don't do well with spinning so I took pictures.

Sydney is all smiles.

Aaron getting up close and personal with sea creature, not sure exactly what it was.

Monday we headed into Munich to see some of the local sights such as the Glockenspiel, Hofbrauhaus, and get some shopping done.  Sydney was in need of some shoes and we have gotten into the habit of waiting until we are out of Switzerland to do our shopping.  Our first stop was the Glockenspiel, which while interesting and a must see, didn't really hold the kids attention.  I should mention it could have been due to the chilly weather and rain, but I think I am fairly certain good weather would not have made a difference.

The famous Glockenspiel.

The kids did enjoy the Hofbrauhaus, which is where we went for dinner.  They enjoyed the music and liked see the waitresses carry the large mugs full of beer.  The next day Randy took the kids to the Deutsches Museum while I stayed behind with a migraine.  They had a great time and could have spent much more time exploring all the different exhibits.

Randy and the kids outside Hofbräuhaus.

Enjoying some music inside.

On Wednesday we were off to Salzburg just after we we took a small detour to Hallein Salt Mines.  There we would put on white coveralls and take a small train into the mines.  After walking deep into the mines we took a couple long and fast slides as well a boat to learn about the mines and their history.  Randy went down the slides with the girls while I went with Aaron.  He was a little scared on the first one, but that quickly changed after we were down and he kept asking when we were going down another one.  It ended up being a great family outing as the kids seemed somewhat interested in the history but had a great time on the slides, boat, and little train.  We brought home some salt from the mines and it has much more flavor than the salt we are used to.

All suited up and ready for the salt mines.

Randy and the girls at the bottom of the long slide.

Taking in some of the all colors even if it is a little cloudy!

We grabbed some lunch at the kids favorite place when we are out and about.  I am sure you have guessed it, yup, we stopped at McDonald's.  We try to mix things up a little, but there are just times we need to play it safe for our sanity and financially.  We arrived in Salzburg and walked the streets taking the shops, including the Christmas shop, which I had visited more than 20 years ago with my Aunt Bette.  The girls and I had a great time picking out ornaments for us and as gifts.  We purchased traditional ornaments that are hand painted hallowed out eggs.  They are absolutely beautiful and will add them to the ornament collection.  The kids all have their own ornaments that they receive for Christmas every year and we have been trying to pick one up for them at every place we visit.  It is my hope that it will help them cherish the memories we have made while living in Switzerland.

Hailey and Aaron having fun with some hats in a store.

Statue of Mozart in Salzburg.

Fortress in Salzburg.  Didn't make it up due to tired kids.

At the end of the day we took a carriage ride to take in the sights and learn a little more about Salzburg. It was a great day out and by the end it was decided that tomorrows destination was Legoland.  The weather was great for our second day at Legoland.  While we were purchasing birthday and Christmas gifts, Aaron decided he was tired to walked himself outside to rest.  This was all on his own without mentioning anything to mom or dad.  After a few stressful minutes of us all looking for him he was found and didn't understand what the fuss was as he was just tired and wanted to rest.  I don't know what I am going to do with that boy!

Sydney and I at the end of our carriage ride.

Kids posing with Lego sculptures.

Looking down at Legoland and Amsterdam airport.

Randy and Hailey on the other side of the pirate ride which would be great on a warm day since you are squirting water at other people so watch where you stand!

Aaron and his race car that is finally ready for the races!

A part of Legoland was decorated for Halloween.

We ended up heading back a day early due to a potential snow storm that was suppose to move through on Saturday, which was our original return date.  We did stop over to see Neuschwanstein Castle on our way home.  It did add to our drive time, but needed to the the "Disney" castle while we were in the neighborhood.  This was also another stop I made with my Aunt Bette 20 years ago.  We went on a tour of the castle and took another carriage ride down the hillside before heading home.

Time to leave our fishbowl apartment : (

Randy and the kids on Mary's bridge overlooking Neuschwanstein Castle.

Not the brightest day for seeing the fall colors.

Looking down from the castle at the village and his father's castle in the middle.

Kids with Mary's bridge in the background.

Celebrating Aaron's birthday with cake.

It did start raining as we were driving home and it did turn into snow in some areas, so it was definitely a good decision to head home a day early.

Sydney 1st babysitter

It seems like just yesterday Randy and I were picking up Sydney's first babysitter when she was only 12 weeks old.  Alexis was a very responsible 11 or 12 year old at the time and a daughter to a dear friend.  Who would have every guessed that 10 years later she would be studying abroad and we would be living in Switzerland.  It was great to have her and her friend, Brittany, come visit for a long weekend.  While the weather wasn't the best, we managed to make the best of it and it did work out all things considered.  They arrived late Friday night and Saturday morning we headed toward Sion to check out another Parc Adventure.  The rain had fortunately stopped by then and we pretty much had the park to ourselves.

Aaron on his highest obstacle yet!

Alexis and Hailey getting ready for the zip line.

Looking back towards Sion and the castle.

and Sydney is off...

Alexis and Brittany waiting on one of the platforms.

Kids trying out the climbing wall on the way back to the car.

The sun was shining by the time we left and it ended up being a beautiful day even if it was a little chilly!  Things cleared up on the second day so we could head up for a close up view of Mont Blanc.  We packed another picnic and found a beautiful spot to eat lunch.

Alexis, Brittany, and the kids at our picnic spot.

Looking out over the Alps.  There were hikers on the snow ridge towards the bottom to the left.

Mont Blanc is the peak to the left.

Britanny, Alexis, and I with Mont Blanc in the background.

Zooming in on Mont Blanc, which we can actually see from our house on a clear day.

Kids getting a little silly trying to stay warm.

Looking back down the valley at Chamonix.

Mont Blanc was absolutely amazing and if the sky were clear we might have been able to see the Matterhorn.  Regardless, the views were breathtaking and absolutely amazing!!  It was great to catch up with Alexis and meet Brittany.  They were only part way through their studies and have some great destinations ahead of them and wish them all the best!  The kids had a blast hanging out with the "cool girls" rather than their "old mom".  Sydney and Alexis also swapped stories about figure skating since Alexis was also a figure skater when she was younger.  We all hope our paths cross again.