"Fabelhaft !"

Max Starts Kindy

2009-04-30T03:19:00.002+02:00

My posts are very behind !!! Max started Kindy in August 2008 in Meilen Switzerland. He was so excited and so ready for it!!!.

Swiss Dream is Over!

2009-04-30T03:07:00.002+02:00

Sadly in November 2008 our Swiss dream ended and we headed back to Australia. We were not looking forward to coming back to Oz as we had to leave behind loads of friend, the big holiday we were on and all that we had come to know and love as Family Hibbard. Our friends held and an enormous party which was amazing and we said our farewells.
We headed back to Oz First Class on QF 1. I must say a great way to travel and boys think so too!

Places I have been!

2008-06-15T08:06:00.001+02:00

Create your own travel map or travel blog

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Zurich No.1 place to be!!!!

2008-06-11T08:10:00.002+02:00

Zurich has been once again been chosen the No.1 city to live in in the World, then why I am I moving to the 34th city in the world!!!! Let me tell you ....... God only knows!!!!!

The Winter Chores

2008-02-14T20:33:00.002+01:00

This is one of the disadvantages of not having a garage. It adds an extra 10 minutes onto your departure. It is much easier with 2. Thanks Bob!

Our Big Boys!!

2008-02-14T11:46:00.002+01:00

This photo was taken by Bob a friend of ours here with his fam. for Christmas. I love it . I can't believe how much they have grown.

Every Girl should have one of these!!!!!

2008-02-14T11:38:00.003+01:00

This is my birthday present from Hubby. I got in October and even though we are in the middle of Winter the roof has been off several times already. I love it and for those who have had the chance to travel in the "Sharon" . This is a loads more fun although passenger capacity is limited. Looking forward to Summer!!!!!!

Birthday Celebrations at Wadspielgruppe

2007-11-09T12:59:00.000+01:00

It was my turn to help out at Max's forest group so we did cake.
The morning was cold but sunny. Dad came to.
We made swing and balanced rocks. Max felt very special.
Sausage cooking over the fire is a regular thing.

Our 4 year old Maxi Bomb!

2007-11-09T12:46:00.002+01:00

He has actually lived more of his little life here in the Schweiz.
His German is amazing as a struggle along to get my past and present tense together.
The Kitchenette took these beautiful photo's

Happy Belated 6th Birthday Jack!

2007-11-09T12:27:00.000+01:00

I know it has been along time and I know this blog is very belated.

I can't believe I have a six year old big boy. He is in his 2nd year of kindy and the last couple of months he is going through a growth spurt and I can't fill him up.
Her are some photo's of his b/day celebrations at kindy. He was the last to have this special celebaration where on the day of celebration he is picked up from his home by the teacher and kids and taken up to kindy,where it his day and he gets to choose.
I made (as instructed) a half chocolate & half vanilla birthday cake with a "6" in smarties on it.

Cooking with Mum

2007-08-05T09:47:00.000+02:00

The boys are holidays at the moment so we are looking for cute activities to do.This was one of them. Once they were all cooked, the boys gave some to all the neighbours with great pride.

Mum note the fat angel . Thought of you when this came out of the oven.

Summer Fondue

2007-07-25T10:01:00.000+02:00

Fondue on our balcony with my cousin and her daughter. They were here for such a brief time ,however we had loads of fun!

Big Day Breakfast

2007-07-21T07:53:00.000+02:00

At our house it has over the past years become a tradition loved by all to have yummy pancakes on the morning of a special occasion. Sometimes we even come up with an occasion just for the sake of it so we can have pancakes. This one was for the morning of "The Musical".

Proud little brother! He was so excited for Jack and his big moment.

Boys are growing up! (too fast!)

2007-07-21T07:29:00.000+02:00

The past month has been really busy with the end of kindy, birthdays and the kindergarten musical.The musical was fabulous and of course as our first one we were as proud as punch and so was he. They were all little gnomes. Jacks name was "Zipf" and he was so cute. He made his little hat at kindy with a sewing machine. Kathy (Graham's niece )and her husband Dave were here on holidays and so could come and share in the fun. It was great for Kathy as she had spent a day earlier in the month at kindy with Jack and had seen them practising .

Still Functioning!

2007-07-15T10:26:00.000+02:00

Sorry to all who check in on us occasionally on this site. Just finding time to devote to this has been a little frustrating of the past months. All is good here and we have been busy with visitors, finishing kindy, and Graham with Glandular fever. Yes Glandular fever!!! He is off work for 2 weeks and feels greatly fatigued especially after having to battle Scarlet fever which was diagnosed before the Glandular. So we are taking things slow in the Fam. Hibb household at the moment.

Summer just around the corner

2007-05-02T08:17:00.000+02:00

Yesterday was May Day here so the boys and I went for picnic with our neighbours to a little park on the lake of Zurich.The sun was shining ,the kids were happy the water was freezing. The boys had their first lake swim of the season. Max is part fish and just loves the water so was not concerned with the temperature till he turned into an icicle. The weather is beautiful at the moment. The flowers and trees ar all blooming and the sun is shining.

Italy

2007-05-02T08:02:00.000+02:00

Holidays are good!
Although I must say my life here most of the time feels like I am on holidays.
We wanted to take a holiday just with the Fam. and hang out with boys and relax and we succeeded and Italy is the perfect place to do it. Great food good wine( although I must say we did make a couple of bad choices) and last but deffinitely not the least delicious gelato to be had.
We stayed in a little village at a friends house called Baveno , just south of the Swiss border and on the Lake Maggiore. Peter's house looks over the lake . We had an outing everyday which was mainly focused on the kids and included gelato and throwing rocks in the lake which was a favourite of the boys includibg the big boy!
One day we spent the whole day with our noses in our books and the boys just played around the house and watched a movie. It is the first time I have ever read a book in one day. Should be done more often.
We went and visited the Islands which are just off shore. One was a fishing village and the other an island owned by the Borromeo Family with a beautiful Palace and beautiful gardens with peacocks everywhere. As we walked around we played hide and seek with the boys and they loved it.
It was a great holiday and we came back very relaxed.
However no photos as I forgot the camera charger, however plenty of memories created!

Feeling Good Again

2007-04-11T22:45:00.001+02:00

I was in that stage of being sick that I was so over it and thought it would never move on. Well I was wrong today I felt nearly me again and even went to Yoga. I so like that class. As I am doing it I am cursing the instructor, however when it is all over I feel great. Tomorrow Kitchenette and I are going to try the reflex class which should be a bit of a laugh and I am sure we will be both complain at German on Friday morning.
The weather here at the moment is amazing . The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the kids are cheering because they don't have to wear jackets and the mum's are cheering because they can go outside and burn off energy.

Spring Time Fun

2007-04-09T21:52:00.000+02:00

We had a great day in the sun today with an Easter lunch including face painting, easter egg hunt for the kiddies and good food and wine. Hanging out in our communal play ground is so much fun and it was a great beginning to I am sure an excellent Spring / Summer season.
I also did face painting for the first time and it was lots of fun. The kiddies love it.

Easter

2007-04-09T21:39:00.000+02:00

Easter has been really beautiful this year the sun has shone and the boys have had loads of fun eating eggs playing with friends etc. Max has been really enjoying his Waldspiele Gruppe. For Easter Doris Max's teacher had them make baskets with moss and he also painted an egg . He was so proud!
The only bummer has been that I have been really sick which is starting to run really thin with me as I don't enjoy being sick. I even had to go to the Dr. and have just finished a course of anti-biotics. Yuck Hope to feel better tomorrow. That what I hope every day at the moment.

Following in Mum's Foot Steps

2007-04-04T14:03:00.000+02:00

Friends!!!!

2007-01-31T11:55:00.000+01:00

One of the things that I had not prepared for or had a realization of about moving into and expat community,was friends leaving.This happens on a regular basis as most people that you meet in the English speaking community are here on contract for 3,4 or more years. The friendship you make here are formed stronger more quickly as you rely on each other so much .Last night we had a farewell raclette with some beautiful friends who are moving back to the States in 12 days. Yuck!!! The really yucky part is that they had a fantastic Wine Keller which we visited frequently. There is an up side of making friends with all different people is that you have lots of places in the world to visit and also great people in these destination to visit. However the down side is that you are regularly getting your heart ripped out. Yuck!!!!!

Raclette is one of Jack and Max's favourite meals. Last night we tried it with red wine and it was good.

New Haus Shoes

2007-01-31T11:49:00.000+01:00

We went into Zurich yesterday and looked for some new jeans for Graham and to change a xmas gift. We took Max it was so much fun. I found a bargain ! Some new haus shoes. They were 70% off. Zurich has the best bargains at sale time.

Aren't they cute!

Sunshine and tulips

2007-01-27T10:56:00.000+01:00

The tulips are so beautiful at the moment, so many colours.
This was the view at my dining room window 2 days after the snow had fallen. "Fabelhaft"
Life is good.

Snow Yeah!

2007-01-27T10:44:00.000+01:00

It seems like we have waited forever for the snow,however this week it finally arrived. We woke to a white covering over everything. It makes the world from our apartment windows look so beautiful after looking at all the brown for so long. I just wish my family and friend had been here to enjoy the experience with us .

The boys woke and looked out the window and were so excited. Max took one look and through his arms around Jack and said "I am soooooooo happy!!!!!"

Jack had Kindy and Max had his forest group. Max was so excited to be going in the snow, he also didn't want me to walk him out to the car, he wanted to go alone. My baby is growing up. tear tear sniffle sniffle.

Christmas Babysitting

2007-01-27T10:23:00.000+01:00

This year I was asked again to supervise and babysit kids for a Christmas Party for a family in our church. They have a beautiful house on the Zurichsee. (Actually just like the house I dream of.) They supply babysitting for their guests in their apartment down stairs. The Crazy Kiwi and I managed kids and babies with blocks , DVD'S and the most fun thing. Making Gingerbread houses. The kids have a ball, make lots of mess , over load on sugar and go away with their own creation. Fun is had by all.

Day out!

2007-01-27T10:01:00.000+01:00

Graham and I took the opportunity while the car was being fixed in Germany to take some time out and spend a day exploring the cute, quaint , old town of Lindau on the Bodensee. The weather was not so great but we were together and there was no kids. We really need to make time for more of these days to touch base with each other.

As we were wandering we came across the setting up of their central Christmas tree. It was quite a feat with crane, a dozen men, gathering crowd and a lot of holding their tongues the right way so it would slide into the hole.

I still find it amazing even after nearly 2 years that some of our everyday needs take place in a totally different country. The reason fo this is cost as things in Germany are cheaper and we also get the tax back.
Kitschenette and I have discussed doing regular trips once a month to Germany to stock up on the staples , however time is not always on our side and with kinder this excursion can be fatal for all concerned.

Family Day before Christmas

2007-01-27T09:26:00.000+01:00

This was an unusually gorgeous warm day for the season we went to church in Zurich and we took a walk down to the Zurichsee, grabbed a hot dog and watched the world go by. Every man and his dog was out and about. It never ceases to amaze me as soon as the weather is great it is like there is this mass exodus of of Swissers from their homes, to find the best sun position in the winter to absorb some Vit.D. Us inclued.It is always so great to spend time with kids with no time restrictions and no rushing.

My Uncle is here!

2006-12-29T07:53:00.000+01:00

Morgan and Alysia have arrived and my friend Lisa has also landed. It was such a funny day on the 19th December. Lisa was due in at 10, Graham at 1400 and Morgan & Alysia at 1900. So it was all action stations in the family Hibbard house. Also in amongst that we had to get the car to Germany for further repairs. So after 3 return trips to Zurich airport , a quick trip to Germany, our little apartment was bursting at the seams with lots of catching up, excitment and yawning. It is so good to have a house full for Christmas. Also wonderful to have famiy to share this very special time of year with.

Thank-you

2006-12-23T08:07:00.000+01:00

To all I am so sorry I have not been up to date with my blog.
Since I have got back from Oz life has been a little too crazy with everyone needing there hair done because I had been away so long and then so they could look sensational for the Christmas season.
I am not complaining it has been excellent catching up with everyone. I have really lovely multi cultural clients over here that I love spending time with as I did in Oz. I am so thankful for my gift as I have made some beautiful friendships that have truly enriched my life. There are friends for reasons, friends for seasons and friends for life. I don't say it enough THANK-YOU for the parts you have played and will play.

Life in the Slow Lane

2006-11-08T10:37:00.000+01:00

At last I have 5 mins to myself you would think being on holidays I would have loads of time to myself, which I have had however not the mind to write. We have been having a great time catching up with family friends and some great Aussie tucker. I have lost count how many steaks and roasts we have had since we have arrived. I am not complaining at all, it has been so yummy. I am not game to get on the scales.

The flight over was a lot easier than I had anticipated. The first leg,London to Singapore, was in cattle class much to Jack's disgust as there was no [personnel TV's that he has grown accustomed to in his well traveled life. We were lucky to get away at all and had to take what was available which was the grew rest. Really cold , no TV, however business class food which was a blessing. The boys slept 3/4 of the way they were sooooo tired. Singapore we were lucky to get business class to Melbourne. Yes in the wrong direction. I was extremely happy to take 3 business seats to Melbourne then do a domestic flight from MLB to Brisbane, than an economy option to BNE from SNG. The boys again were sensational .Jack was far more comfortable in a seat that laid flat to his desire and the TV was good with lots of games to play. As we were landing into Brisbane on or 3rd landing Jack said to me "Mummy do we have to get on another plane"

Three wonderful weeks were spent with my parents in QLD.

More antics to follow.

Tri-Athlon Experience!

2006-09-24T08:24:00.000+02:00

We had the best week-end! Catching up with friends from Oz and being able to chant the Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! in another country for our comrades.
We trekked to Lausanne the French part of Swissland , stayed in a gorgeous B&B which is on the list to visit again,caught up with some great friends and had an awesome time. On the Saturday we cheered Craig on as he swam, cycled and ran his way around what I thought was a very long course and I give great credit to those who did it as I know it is not something I aspire to.On the Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the B&B while the kids were happy to play in the cubby house. Staying also at the B&B were a lovely Canadian couple and we spent the time over breakfast debriefing with the husband as he had competed in the over 50's section and had not done as well as he wanted. After breakfast we went to watch the professional race and it was amazing being among fellow Aussie cheering on our girl who came in first place and we were right on the finish line to see her do the deed. The boys were so excited and had a great time.

Kindergarten

2006-09-24T08:03:00.000+02:00

He loves it! His teacher is gorgeous and has the patience of a saint. There are only 13 kids in his class. The class is divided into 2. Hand kind and foot kind. Jack is in the foot group and his best mate Big Max is in the hand group. For the first week we walked together , however Mum was not need after the first day, but I insisted. He is so grown up and now walks with his friend Davide who speaks Italian,
so they are learning Swiss German together and after we get back from Oz they will be beginning German lesson which will be so great. He will be translating for me.

Two More Sleeps!!!!

2006-08-20T23:15:00.000+02:00

My little baby boy is starting Kindergarten on Tuesday. He is so excited and can't wait. The teacher sent him a cute countdown, which has spurred the excitement on. Graham will be here and we are all looking forward to it.
Max is looking forward to starting "Waldgruppe" as he calls it.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

2006-08-07T08:30:00.000+02:00

After Graham had recovered and was feeling understandably four walled we decided to take a few days and visit an amazing castle in Germany, about 3 hours from us. We stayed in a B&B With a view of the castle.
The boys were in awe and loved visiting a castle where Knights like Peter(from Narina) once roamed the halls.
We had the best time. The castle is the one Walt Disney modeled Cinderella's castle off in Disneyland.

Life

2006-08-07T07:48:00.000+02:00

Life has been full of all sorts of fun things the past weeks and some not so fun things. First the yucky things Graham was struck down with a bacterial infection in his throat in Hong Kong so had an extra nights stay in Honkers and then a first class ride home to recuperate. It took 10 days of bed rest, several trips to the doctor and antibiotics to get him right. He is on top of the world now thankfully. It was the sickest I have ever seen him and as you know as a wife full of concern I had him with every serious aliment known to man till we found out the cause. I must say he was an excellent patient.
Then poor little Max only a month after successfully conquering toilet training got a bout of diarrhea which he handled really well and only ended up with a few accidents. Jack and I have been super healthy and managed to keep away from any lurgies thankfully.
Jack is in count down mode for beginning Kindergarten he is so excited and can't wait to get started.He is looking forward to learning German, they give him German lessons privately. I am sure he will be giving me lessons and translating for me before I know it. Jack is enjoying being 5 ,but can't understand that now he is 5 why he isn't as big as his best friend Max upstairs, who is head and shoulders taller than him. Max is a big boy.They are the best of friends and will be going to the same Kindy together. Max is also counting down to his birthday, he really has an understanding this year of what it is all about.
The weather here has been awesome and we have really been taking advantage of swimming weather with many trips to the lake.
The boys have loved it and it has really felt like a Summer holiday. Zurich is amazing in the Summer everyone leaves and goes south to Italy for the Summer so everything slows down to snails pace and things even shut down. It is not unusual to head off to do something and find to closed for "Sommer Ferien".

I'm five!!!!

2006-07-14T08:09:00.000+02:00

I can't believe it however my eldest is 5. Where did those years go, where did my baby go. He has been replaced with a little boy who I am in awe of. We had a lovely morning on the 8th his actual birthday opening presents ,reading new stories and talking to friends and family on the phone and Skype. He got a huge Leggo crane. What was I thinking!!! I must have had a tempory brain lapse (actually that has happened a lot since kinder).I had kind of forgotten that it all comes in pieces and you have to put it together. Thank goodness for the wonderful Bruno up stairs whose eyes lit up on the site of such a wondrous Leggo creation.
We had a lovely birthday party on the Tuesday with some of his little friends. They had water play, rode their bikes and scooters and ate too much party food and cake.Thanks to our personal photographer (thanks Kitschentte) we have some wonderful memories.

The adults celebrated with a glass of Moet. Graham's fabelhaft idea. It has been an amazing 5 years, none of which I would exchange for the world.

Pulling at the Heart strings

2006-06-29T15:29:00.000+02:00

My little boys are growing up and it seems quicker than my heart can keep up. In the last 2 weeks there have been so many milestones in our little family, that my heart is about to burst with an amazing amount of pride and awe in their accomplishments.
Firstly Jack decided it was time for the training wheels to come off his bike, a little back strain, major cheering and racing after him he has conquered the 2 wheels. I think he is amazed at himself and his ability to be able to ride like his big friends.
Secondly last Thursday Max declared after his forest group that he was a big boy and that he didn't need to wear nappies anymore. Yahoo!!!!! I took on this quest with great hesitation as I knew once it began there was no turning back. However fears were easily over come as he took to the whole toilet thing like a duck to water, declaring with each urgency. "Mum! I am doing a wee". My little baby has become a boy and I rejoice in this new found freedom and more money to spend on holidays.
Thirdly and I think the most heart string pulling, we had Jack's orirentation to Kindergarten today. It took all my energy to hold back the tears as I watched another woman becoming a major part of his growing up and helping to mould him into the man he will become. He had so much fun and the teacher is so beautiful with the kids and has the patience of a saint. He came away from our hour of getting together with an orange reflector strip that he has to wear when walking to kindy . They begin on the 22 August and they encourage greatly that the kids walk to kindy by themselves. It is only 15 min walk, which I will do with him for a few months, as I think the stress of him going alone is going to take a little getting used to for this Mummy.
I am so proud of our boys and the little people they are becoming and I am thankful for this time to be a stay at home Mum.

Hopp Schweiz!!!!

2006-06-22T20:43:00.000+02:00

Well it is all happening over here with World Cup in full swing. It is such a wonderful atmoshere, as it was in Sydney with the Olympics. They have a big screen set up in the city and all the pubs are doing a roaring trade. I myself am not really into soccer, however have been cheering for my two favourite countries.
Saturday week ago I fell at the front door to our apartments and sprained my ankle quite badly, badly enough for them to put it into a soft cast. I have to wear it for 5 weeks. This has been rather painful and inconvenient as I am unable to drive for this period of time, however I am fully supporting the Swiss Team in the Cup as I hobble around.

The Romance Of Italy

2006-06-03T06:50:00.000+02:00

Life is "Fabelhaft" when you live in the land of holidays, you have just had one in Venice and you are having another one in a week .The only question one has is where do we go in a week for a week. Life is tough.
We just took the boys to Venice for 2 days and had a wonderful time. Jack was fascinated to see a place that had no cars and how everything operated. Venice had not lost its romantic charm , even with 2 children. Italy seems to have this amazing ability to put you at ease . Food, wine, coffee all seems to taste better. We travelled there by train which also had a great novelty factor attached , not only for the little ones, Graham rather enjoyed the experience too. The highlight for Jack was on our departure from our apartment. There was a green rubbish boat doing its rounds in our nearest canal. We had 2 full days in Venice, one was wet the other just awesome. We ate pizza,sipped coffee on the canals, got lost,shopped in the local supermarket,fed the pigeons in Piazza San Marco, watched glass blowing, chased pigeons,people watched and it goes with out saying ate loads of gelato at every opportunity. We had an amazing time. As always life is good on holidays.
Roll on more holidays!!!!!

A few of our favorite things

2006-05-06T08:29:00.000+02:00

Max's favorite is dressing up as a Knight since watching repeatedly "The Lion ,The Witch and The Wardrobe." The boys favorite movie at the moment and I must admit mine to. If you haven't seen it get it. It is awesome. Makes me want to read the whole series.
Jack's favorite thing is still his "sleep suit" along with taking photo's. This photo he took along with Knight Max this morning.

Spring has Sprung

2006-05-06T08:00:00.000+02:00

How wonderful it is to experience season's to there fullest degree.
How wonderful it is to experience season's to there fullest degree. As I sit and compose this Blog The sun glimmers on the freshly mown grass( which some other guy does) and my favorite tree in the whole garden filters the sun rays through my kitchen window on to the beautiful yellow buttercup flowers(not sure if that is their name) which I picked from a field on the way home from a haircut the other day.
The kids are having a ball in the playground and loving not having layers and layers on. The common question is" mum can we have no shoes on" Freedom!!!!
We have now made the full move to Meilen. Jack and Max on Wednesday will start a Waldspielgruppe together. Jack is going to go Wednesdays and Thursdays and Max will just go Wednesday.
A few week-ends ago I headed off to The Berg with the girls from my Scrap booking group . It was fantastic, loads of cropping , eating, scraping,eating, eating, chatting, cropping and all of the things you can imagine on a girls week-end.

The Naked Chef

2006-05-06T07:52:00.000+02:00

Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver. Max has developed a real love of cooking (some major influence from The Kitchenette). When ever I am in the kitchen he is behind me or beside me. He not only has a love for food he loves to create it.

Life

2006-04-12T22:46:00.000+02:00

Life just got a better today as one of my best friends and her sister arrived from OZ. It is always fabulous to be expecting visitors as it is an excellent excuse do a spring clean , as it it spring here in the land of Swiss their visit is very timely. There have been so many little things we have been meaning to do since we moved to our new home and this week has been the week with visitors arriving and some extra time on my hands. Some how with some culling of STUFF we found more room in our apartment.
The weather has been a bit yucky which has had the boys climbing the walls. I am thankful for the creche at the gym because they love going and I get to work out, this arrangement is good for all of us. Graham has also now joined the gym so we can train together, it is so much fun and I really enjoying working out. Some of you will smile at that as I have been known in my time to be very anti exercise. However I must say I feel really good. May even be able to enter a swim wear shop this summer and not freak out. Every woman over here is into bikini's and they are so not me, but it doesn't seem to matter what size or shape you are a two piece is the way to go here in the European world. I will keep you updated as I am sure this will be a funny ordeal.

Mango Mania

2006-04-04T23:13:00.000+02:00

Mango' are on the fruit shelves and they are good!! The boys especially think so.

A Week in Review

2006-03-18T07:25:00.000+01:00

It is still amazes me how hours become days ,days become weeks and weeks become months. This for me seems to rush past me like a speed train and I after my hair has settled I am facing the beginning of another week or month before I know it. It is strange this morning to wake and not see the world from my bedroom window covered in white dusting of icing. I am not sure however I think we have seen the last of the snow as the weather came above 0 degrees this week. This is a welcome change particularly for the Swiss as they are well and truly over it. For us the novelty has not warn off and we love seeing the winter wonderland. Hoping next week to take the kids skiing again before the season totally disappears. The biggest boy is really keen to hit the slopes. I am still not convinced about the whole sliding on 2 flat sticks down a hill is for me.
This week was highlighted by an impromptu pizza party at Kitschenettes, with Max an avid Red Kitchen follower, helping out in 'The Kitchen'.
Jack, Little Max,Big Max, Lola love spending time together particularly when food is involved. Don't know where they all get their love of the good things in life from!!!!
Graham was home for most of the week so lots of Daddy time, which is really loved by the boys and much appreciated by me. Some scraping, I am totally enjoying my time out on a Tuesday ,it is so filled with memories, working through all our photo's. Dinner with our beautiful friends A Co-Pilot brain and his gorgeous wife. Fondue was on the menu and I must say it rates up there as on of the best we have had. Thursday was a huge day. We took Kitschette and went shopping in Germany. This was a huge day, however loads of fun, highlighted by a delicious morning tea at a cute tea room in Waldshut. Kitschenette and I indulged in mini raspberry Cheese Cakey things, worth a photo but we left that at home. It was a fun childless day, filled with adult conversation and no distractions. This is going to become a monthly event for us as the cost savings are huge and the day away is sensational. The last big event for the week was my German exam yesterday. This exam accounted for nothing in the scheme of life but I was petrified, due mainly to the lack of study on my part. However, much to my surprise I know more than I thought and got 83/100. Yeah to me!!!! This morning I off with some ladies to The Tea Room in Zurich for more adult conversation to practice our German with native.

Pizza Fun

2006-03-09T14:45:00.000+01:00

With inspiration coming from "the red kitchen" The Boys and I set to trying our hand at home made Pizza. We had loads of fun and enjoyed a delicious meal together on completion!!!

Sunny Sunshine

2006-03-09T14:24:00.000+01:00

Well after our week of snow the sun is shining and all the snow is melting. Snow is so beautiful when it has just fallen but as it melts and has been hanging around for a while with no new snow fall, it looks really dirty especially around the towns.
We had a wonderful time with the last fall and rumor or fact has it ,it is the biggest fall in a 24hr period in the history of Zurich. Waking up to a front and back yard of white is soooo Fabelhaft! Snowmen ,igloos yes here in Meilen and a wander through or own winter wonderland. Just behind us is a creek which runs down into a mini lake. The lake was frozen and all the trees were full of snow. It truly felt like another world. Little did I know our move to Meilen we would have so many little adventures right in our own backyard. These are helped along with the wondrous encouragement from "Kitschette Family"http://kitschenette.typepad.com/kitschenette/ .
For more snow escapades check out also Hubbies site http://web.mac.com/hibbard/iWeb/Graham/Blog/Blog.html

Looking towards the door of our apartment

Incentive!!!

2006-02-21T15:20:00.000+01:00

Hubby just got home from Singapore, with this little number for me to use at the gym and also in the car as the car came with no CD player. What do you think Vetti? It can even hold photo's. I am so excited.
Jack is very excited for me." hey Mum you can do poding with Daddy now" I am sure it won't be long and he will have his own.

Fit Zone

2006-02-21T15:01:00.000+01:00

That is the name of my gym, where this week I began training. It is so nice and the trainers very helpful. I have looked at this 36 year old body and decided something needs to be done. "Having just had a child "is no longer an excuse that can be used. So to the gym I headed. So move over Elle, the body is on its way. HA HA! (in my dreams) however a better me is a good option boys come with me and go to the child care. They love it and don't want to leave. I was so excited when I dropped them off the first time because Max was really happy to stay. This has made the whole New Year's Resolution easier. They even serve Nespresso coffee. Must be a good gym. As you do your cardio you look out over the Lake of Zurich.
Today is particularly beautiful here on the Gold Coast , we are off for a walk in the forest as it is so warm. Jack starts back at his forest group on Monday so I hope the weather keeps up.

Another Family Member

2006-02-21T14:53:00.000+01:00

That's my Giraffe family. I have always loved giraffes and dream of one day seeing them in the wild. A gift from my gorgeous friend Tammy began a collection. This one came from my Mum and Dad for my birthday. They bought it in France on one of or little excursions on their recent visit. I love it . Thanks Mum and Dad.

Sunshine and Tulips

2006-02-19T21:07:00.000+01:00

The sun was shining through the dining room window as I was doing my morning devotion.What wonderful creations sunshine and tulips. This was so beautiful as we have had about 4 days of rain and grey.

Happy Birthday to Me

2006-02-17T21:19:00.000+01:00

Thank-you so much to all my well wishes.

This morning I woke to Jacky boy singing out"Happy Birthday Mummy"!

My day was celebrated by going to German lesson(which I must say was lots of fun today), taking Graham to the train, shopping(groceries) , coffee with a gorgeous girlfriend and a beautiful dinner with 2 out of 3 of my favorite boys. We even had cake I had made and they put sparklers in it and sang to me there Happy Birthday song and
then we practiced the words as we are off to 2 1 year old birthday parties this week-end.

I love my boys so much. God has truly blessed me.

Out of Control

2006-02-15T22:52:00.000+01:00

Life has been a little out of control here in Swiss land for us, however the world is slowing down and I am pleased to report we haven't vanished under any avalanche or got lost in a snow storm, just in the lack of cyber space. All is cured now and we are back on line. I am not sure whether this is a good or bad thing as we both seem to be glued to our Mac's either "Skyping", emailing or just wasting time doing ridiculous random searches for nothing.
Our new home on the "Gold Coast" is Fablhaft and the sun does shine more here. The weather has been sensational. Unpacking seems to be never ending and the decision on where to put stuff becomes rather boring so I am finding things in the oddest places. Must stop having a red while unpacking boxes.
Talking about reds, enjoyed a nice one with our wonderful neighbor's upstairs. Kitschenette and family are fabelhaft neighbors and sensational neighborly things are already happening. Cup of flour, slice of yummy cake, glass or two of red, baby sitting and the kids just adore running up and down between the apartments. Jack loves big Max and all his different toys. It is so great to see him with a friend and neighbor. Kitschenette is a blessing to me and am so thankful for this opportunity, she also loves "Brocki" What a woman! Her Hubby is into bikes so I am sure once things settle down we will not see the men dust.

Stuck!!!!!

2006-01-21T22:34:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we took "The Girls" to Urmiberg, on the way raving as only we can about the most fabelhaft place in the world. Arrived for the 3pm cable car (lunch time for team stuff about). All piled in with loads of warm stuff. Enjoying the view as the car ascended to the top, 10 meters out from our destination and about 15 mins from one of the finest fondues. The Cable car STOPS!!!!!!!!!! Panic. Yes 40 mins swinging off 2 wires, communication on the emergency phone, a little nerve racking, however gorgeous view to take in. Finally all fixed and we alighted at the top . A coffee, "Gluewine" and Fondue to calm the nerves. All in all a great day .

One Year in Paradise !!!!!!!

2006-01-21T21:47:00.000+01:00

Yes today we celebrate one year in the land of chocolate , snow capped mountains,precision watches and where everything runs on time. Life is good and we are having a ball. We celebrated with the girls over pIzza and a good red. Graham and "Miss Louis Vuitton" went and got pizza from the local pizza restaurant. Miss VL thought it would be just a local pizza shop so went in her slippers and trench coat. With total shock arrived at a restaurant and was invited in for an aperitif. How Embarassing!!!! PJ, sleepers and a trench coat. What an experience!!!!!!!

Aussies in the House

2006-01-18T23:21:00.000+01:00

How exciting more Aussie's in the house. Amy and Holly have arrived and we have already laughed heaps, eaten tooooo much chocolate and the girls (as Max calls them) had their first racalette. Racalette is one of our favorite meals to share with visitors and one that the boys love.
Life has been extremely busy filled with loads of fun things. The Grandparents enjoyed there last days here, we found people to take over our lease on our apartment (fill you in on this in a moment) and my cousin and her man visited from London.
Yes we are moving !!!!!!!!!!! A bit scary as the memory of our last move has not yet faded, but an excellent opportunity has come our way to move to the "Golden Coast" of Zurich. Who could knock back and a chance to live in one of the most sort after suburbs of Zurich on the Lake (See) and save money. So we move on the 23rd with the help of some wonderful friends and a big truck.
We are off to Colmar France with 'The Girls' tomorrow, 'The Berg' on Friday and skiing on Saturday. Some where in all these fun activities I have to pack boxes. However life is good!

Walking Wounded

2006-01-05T21:15:00.000+01:00

Today we are all the walking wounded after a Fabelhaft day of sledging down Mt Pilatus. Dad Graham and I fell on the ice at the end of sledging and are paying for it today nursing war wounds we are in good spirits as we had the best day caught the cable car to the top from the middle stop, you sled down to the next stop and in good conditions ie. having enough snow you can sled all the way down . I was so proud of Dad and Mum as they went so well, especially Mum as she managed to stay on. She attributes this to the 2 "Gluhweins"she had at the top while we layed back and enjoyed the sunshine at 7000ft.

It was amazing to be in the cable car in cloud not able to see a thing then, bursting out into beautiful sunshine to not a cloud in the sky. There was no down view, however up where we were the view was spectacular. The boys had a great time sledging. Max enjoyed it so much he had a little nap on the way down.

Holiday Mode

2006-01-05T10:13:00.001+01:00

Merry Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.
WOW! A new year , resolutions beginning and already heaps of fun had by Fam. Hibbard and the Grand Parents.The Grandparents are here and have been since the 21st Dec. Hence the blogging has been light on. Their trip was majorly eventful and a very long 40 hours. Brisbane,Sydney,Hong Kong , in HGK there Finair flt was delayed so they had to go via Bangkok,then Helsinki,missed connecting flt there so had to go via Paris then Swiss Air to Zurich. Round the world in 40hrs. Although very tired their spirits were soaring as the grandsons greeted them waving Swiss flags and Welcome posters.
Christmas day was Fabelhaft with a visit from Santa and many gifts from our beautiful and thoughtful friends in the land heat waves. Our tradition of champagne breakfast on Christmas morning carried over to here and we had our gorgeous neighbor's from down stairs over for eggs Benedict. Yummy!!!! The traditional afternoon nap,needed not from overheating just over eating. Mum made a delicious Christmas dinner with organic veal and Christmas pudding. It was a lovely day, although no snow.
The week that followed was wonderful as the snow fell, shopped,went in search of Christmas markets inRheinsfelden a very quaint town in the Swiss countryside( on the border to Germany) ,visited Colmar in France, which had it's Christmas markets running till New Year , The Berg for The Grandparents to enjoy their first real Swiss fondue on top of a mountain ,which I must say is the only way to go. For The Granparents the experience is all so surreal and they keep pinching themselves to see if it is all real. It is so wonderful to have them here and to share with them all that we know and love here in the glorious Switzerland

No More sleeps!!!!!!!!

2005-12-21T22:09:00.000+01:00

The Day finally arrived . We were so excited . At 7 am I was woken by my Mum calling from Helsinki to say that they would be delayed. Yuck! More hours to wait. They were due at 9:30 am but were now arriving at 2:30pm from Paris. Paris???? you say ,so did I. It all started in Hong Kong, were their Finair flight to Helsinki was delayed and now combined with one going via Bangkok. So on their first major overseas journey. They have been around the world in 80 hours!! Brisbane - Sydney - Hong Kong- Bangkok - Helsinki and due to late arrival into Helsinki it was then Helsinki-Paris - Zurich. So with 2 very excited boys we ran to the gate to meet them. Waving a Swiss flag and Welcome posters. It is wonderful to see them and I am very much looking forward to the adventures of the next 3 weeks after such a huge beginning.
Only 4 more sleeps till Santa comes Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

"Weihnachtsbaum" Shopping

2005-12-11T21:36:00.000+01:00

How exciting we are living in Switzerland it is my favorite time of the year , a white Christmas is very possible and it is at time of writing only 14 more sleeps till Santa comes. We are not having issues with Santa coming just how is he going to get in. Last Wednesday was Christmas Tree shopping from guess where. You guessed it IKEA! My friend Ms L told me I should get there early. So we decided to make it a family adventure, so we put on the warm clothes , the boys wore there reindeer ears and Santa hat and I grab the umbrella. We rock on over to discover that it is not even up yet and the shoppers are lined up out into the carpark to grab a bargain tree. We waited patiently , with the boys entertaining the other customers. The tree was 35F and they give you a 20F voucher to spend in Jan or Feb I can't remember. That won't go astray. After the fun of lining up and wheeling it across the road it is up and looking sensational .
I had a wonderful time with boys putting the decorations on. It was little like one of those old movies where the whole family gets together and decorates the tree. Court our Darwin daughter came over and joined in the fun. The other wonderful thing about doing the tree was all the memories that come with each ornament. Well better go and make it only 13 more sleeps and 9 till M&D arrive. Hope you having a joyous Festive Season.

10 More Sleeps!!!!!!

2005-12-11T21:25:00.000+01:00

As I write this post we only have 10 more sleeps till Mum and Dad arrive. The boys are so excited because they can count to ten in Australian (as Jack would say) and German. I am decking the halls and making the list. That is not the Santa list but the Sight seeing list for M&D. The Christmas markets in Colmar France are first on list, that is after I have a much needed hair do. I look like something out of Blacktown with my major GT stripe. Thank goodness for beanies and hats. Today was very cold so the fire went on at 4 in the afternoon. The boys and I are suffering with another cold,so it was lovely to snuggle up by the fire an watch the "Thunderbirds".

Candle Making

2005-11-30T22:32:00.000+01:00

We did something today as a family that we have never done before ,we made candles. It was so much fun . Jack loved it.We did this in the alt stadt of Baden about 10 mins drive from us , that is not counting the 15 mins we drove around trying to park the car. Christmas is such a celebration here from the end of November there is heaps of activities to get you into the festive season, which I absolutely loving. To make a candle you start with just a wick what ever length you want and then you head to the vats of hot bees wax and begin dipping.
"Layer upon layer upon layer" as Sara would say. In between layering you have to go outside in the cold and let the candle cool.
You can make them as long, as wavy ,as round or any way you like.
We came home with 3 beautiful hand made bees wax candles and I must say 2 very proud boys.
To finish off a great day we had Fondue. I was thinking maybe this would be a could alternative for Christmas lunch.

The first Snow Yeah!!!!!

2005-11-25T21:00:00.000+01:00

We had our first snow fall here in Spreiti for the season. It was so wonderful to wake this morning to a blanket of snow. Truly beautiful. The boys were so excited they looked out the back door over the balcony and were mesmerised. Then they ran into my room and looked out my window and Jack calls out " Hey mum it snowed out this side too!!!!!" We were up early as I was meeting the girls for a Cafe Mocha Grande (our new discovery very fabelhaft) at Starbucks. Not normally where I would go for a good coffee, however I must confess Cafe Mocha is delicious and they have nice comfy lounges. Then off to German. The boys just wanted to stay home and play in the snow, I said that they could play when we got home and off we went. It was their first time at a day care called "Tammy's" in Zurich. The boys had a great time and it was really easy for me. The afternoon was spent in the snow . They had a fabelhaft time as the pictures show. Jack made his first snow angel.

The king

2005-11-25T20:46:00.000+01:00

Jack is having a wonderful time at Sunday School and has even asked me if they have it on Wednesdays. The makings of a great evangelist. He made this crown at S.S. they were learning about King David.

Not Many More Sleeps

2005-11-23T09:56:00.000+01:00

We are counting down the sleeps till Grandad and Grandy arrive and after they come it is only 4 more sleeps till Samiclaus comes Yeah!!!!. Those who know me understand my excitement with Christmas just around the corner. Although it is odd thinking of this super special time of the year when you look out the window and snow is falling. We had our first snow fall of the season on Monday. We were all so excited! The car goes in for its snow tyres tonight, which makes such a huge difference to traction on the snowy wet roads. Yesterday was the first day I felt really cold and as Graham would say "it was as cold as a concrete cot". Graham took Max out for a walk in the stroller last night ,Max was so rugged up he looked like a little "Michelin Man" and couldn't even place his hands by his side.It takes a lot of will power and layers of clothing to get out side and exercise. The clothing side is OK for me but the will power is lacking.
Last week was the first real disaster week I have hit since arriving here. It did not only concern me but my neighbor's L&M and their daughter as well. Firstly Mr. M smashed his windscreen trying to replace his rear vision mirror, then the next day he ran up the back of someone thankfully no damage to him or the car,Tuesday after lunch Ms. L came to visit with her daughter ,who is not confident with stairs. Ms.L and I were chatting about life and such and Ms.L screams Miss.L has forward rolled down our stairs. Ouch!!!! Also blood coming from the eye. Thro my boys at Ms.E another neighbor and did an emergency dash to the Dr. to find that everything was fine. Thank God small children can bounce well.Then home for several cups of coffee to calm the nerves. Thank God for the creator of Nespresso and "Cafe Rahm". Then my horror day whilst trying to be a "Super Mum" I dropped Max from my shoulders and he broke his collar. Thankfully my dear friend Ms. T was with me. We spent 3 hrs in the emergency dept. of the Kinder Spital in Zurich.
They were fabulous. We came away with a figure 8 strap on Max's shoulders and very frayed emotional state on my part. Max is now doing fine , sometimes he does something that causes it to hurt. The Dr. says that this a very common break in kinder and do you know with my research this bone does not harden until you are 20.
In all of this week Graham was away for 8 days ,4 days in London on reserve and 4 days in Singapore.
The week rounded up well though with my 2nd German Lesson on Friday. Yes I am taking German lesson thanks to my gorgeous friend Ms. T. We do lessons each Friday for 2hrs. I am so excited about it and loving doing it with a friend ,we practice on a Tuesday at Scrapbooking.Which is rather hilarious. On Saturday we had a whole day of Scrap booking ,it was loads of fun with good food, laughs and sensational creativity. We also decided that a Scrapers week-end in the Timel House Urmiberg needs to be on the agenda for April.
Welcome home Vetti, well to your Australian home. We really miss you!
Must go off for a family day today.

Blog Worthy

2005-11-12T08:14:00.000+01:00

One of the things that has been hanging over our heads is the organizing and getting our Swiss licenses. If we do this process within our first year here we don't have to take a driving test, so there is great incentive to complete this before 12 months . However we have found it easily pushed to the back burner Wednesday on my regular grocery shopping trip to Germany I was stopped at the border for the first time and they wanted to see my license and I reminded that I needed have this organized before 12 months, so I came home and to save further harassment and embarrassment due to lack of language skills, I set about motivating the process into action. We both had to have an eye test , get passport photo's and fill out forms(which are in German).So Thursday after a wonderful morning on the phone and "Skype" to family and friends we headed into Baden for our eye tests. Both passed not as blind as I thought. The most Blog Worthy thing to report and for those who have been to stay and Vetti in particular we were out of the house and on the road BEFORE 8AM!!!! The "Strassenverkehsamt' Swiss form of RTA opened at 0730. The process here was very easy, handed in our Oz license ,they checked the forms (which I must say we had filled out by ourselves, with the help of the German/English dictionary which has become my best friend) and they said we would receive them in the mail within a week. Yeah!!!!! Task completed and if I had realized how simply it would be I would have done it early.
Yesterday I also began my German lessons with my girlfriend . I am so excited because it will make life a lot easier for me having the ability to communicate. Graham also took the opportunity to get out on his motorbike yesterday. He went into Germany through the Black Forest. It was so cold though he had to stop at his bike shop in Germany and get some winter gloves . With these riding was easier and prevented frost bite. The weather has really cooled off now and this week it has struggled to get above 10 degrees. Roll on the snow then I will feel there is a reason for the cold.
Yesterday I took the boys out for a walk to see the Christmas lights. It is easy to entertain them at this age as the lighting shop over the road has a light display for Christmas. It is hard to believe that this wonderful season is just around the corner. There is a big count down happening in our house as it is only 38 more sleeps till Grandy and Grandad comes and so that means only 41 sleeps till Santa comes Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Swiss Birthday Party

2005-11-12T07:51:00.000+01:00

Just thought I would take a moment to fill you in on some of our new adventures while the boys watch Saturday morning cartoons. It is hard to believe that my kinder enjoy the shows I used to watch as a kid so many years ago. "Scooby Doo" and "Tom & Jerry" are favorites and are still as good as they ever were. Jack is also really into "Thunderbirds" ,which I remember being one of the favorites for my brother and I at 6am on a Saturday mornings when we were young. Jack is thoroughly enjoying his Waldspeilgruppe and has his first "girlfriend' Miss C, blonde and blues, Dad approves. Miss C is gorgeous and so is her Mum. Miss C is Swiss and goes an English speaking kinderspeil group, so Jack can communicate a little easier. Jack and Max were invited to her 4th birthday party at "Starbies" which is an indoor play area filled with climbing stuff, tampolines ,softball shooters etc. So we put on our Sunday best , gelled the hair, wrapped the present (which wasn't exactly what we wanted to give, the desired present was a girls robot?????)and made the card with Australian animals and off we went. The boys had the best time and so did I. What a great place to have a party, don't have to clean up and the kinder were entertained the whole time. A dream for Mum's. The boys were exhausted and just fell in bed after a bowl of noodles.

Our first load of Holz

2005-11-02T23:09:00.000+01:00

Painfully carried up the 2 flights of stairs and neatly stacked on the balcon. We love our fire it so romantic and the boys love helping to light it.

A Chapter Closed

2005-10-31T07:47:00.000+01:00

We just got home from saying farewell to our dear friend and adopted daughter "Vetti".
This good-bye closes an amazing chapter in our Swiss adventure. This was something that for me was fearful, bringing someone into our home to live for 9 months, however it turned into something fabulous and beautiful. Thank-you Vetti.
The past 2 weeks have been emotion filled as we had our dear friends Bob and Mona from Australia, cousins from London and we began preparations for Vetti's departure from this fine land. B&M were here for 6 days and we had a fabelhaft time filled with fine food , wine, cold beer, shopping , The Berg, Basel lunch at Aqua (sensational restaurant with all you can eat Italian)
Colmar in France, a gorgeous little town with colorful Tudor type housing. We had afternoon tea there enjoying the wonderful deserts of France,Germany, Interlaken , mountain climbing and many times of laughter and fun. It was so good to see them and share a small snippet of our lives here in Swiss with them. I think the hilight for us all was the 2 nights we spent in the mountain hut on The Berg. B&M were blown away by its beauty as we always are on our visits there. Our visits won't be quite the same now though because our wonderful friends Urs and Doris finish up the time at The Berg restaurant and begin a well earned rest followed by a 6 month trip to NZ and OZ. It will be so good to spend some social time with them before they depart in December. It would have been so great to be in OZ while they visit however, they will be back. The week-end before last 3 of my cousins+1 boyfriend came to visit from London.We had a fabulous time with racellete on Friday night and Fondue at The Berg on Saturday night. Yes another night at The Berg,which was was enjoyed by all. We all got along so well like we saw each other yesterday. They are amazing girls and I am so glad we are back in contact.Vetti's week-end of Farewell festivities went really well. Lots of delicious food, good wine and loads of laughs. Courntey and Tides stayed for the week-end, which for the boys was a babe fest and with heaps of attention.
We will miss Vetti so much, she had become so much part of the family.We love you Vetti, thanks for the laughs,for loving our boys as we do,for your friendship which I know will be everlasting, for the coffee's, for the nights on the lounge in front of the box,for the furniture removal and the list goes on. This is not Good-bye this is just see you soon.

Flomi

2005-10-28T22:57:00.000+02:00

What a fabulous time we had. I had collected a whole heap of "stuff "from baby baths to electric dart boards.I woke to my phone alarm which was odd in its self as my usual alarm is "mummy I'm awake! I want breakfast"at around 7:30, so felt a little inhuman and as hubby would say I don't think God is even awake AT 6AM! Actually I know He's not because here in Swiss Land the sun isn't even up. So we scraped the last bits together, woke the neighbor's they were you could say "Not happy Jan!" We cruised down to the Kart Barn and set up next to a gorgeous woman who we had wonderful time with. Moni is a Flomi regular so we got all the inside goss on where and when is the best to set up. We had a successful day as in we had loads of fun, made other flomers laugh and covered costs. My aim is to do one every 3 mths next year with my neighbor Leti. Some photo's on our antic's to follow

Mummy Time at Last

2005-10-14T14:44:00.000+02:00

I have 2 sleeping boys so I thought I would touch base. It is a beautiful Autumn day, the sun is shining the birds are singing and I have time to myself, actually I think I will even go grab a coffee, why not grab one to , better still if it is a good time grab a champs or a red. That is one thing I miss is Friday afternoon wines with Bron and who ever else was around. Don't get me wrong I get my fill here and I have found the best 'Asti' in Germany which goes down very well with Philly and Chilli. Good water crackers are still a bit scarce . My friends down stairs love the Philly and chilli and bread dip. When I went to see them the other night and meet some of their friends they were serving the P&C. Some Australian influences in the building.
I am in preparation mode this week for the on slaught of visitors, hence the sigh of relief at a quite moment, should sleep but too much going through my head. Bob and Mona arrive on Sunday at lunch time. We pick them up off the train and head straight to "The Berg" www.urmiberg.ch for those not in the know. For those in the know we have secured a house for 2 nights on top F25/adult/night.(sorry Greg) .Fondue included of course. It probably be our last one as Urs and Doris are finishing up on the 31st October. This will be a sad day for visits to The Berg are just not the same.
We are so excited about having an ability to stay on the mountain. Other fun things organized. They leave on the Saturday and my gorgeous cousins arrive from England on the Friday, I am so excited to be seeing them as it has been 8 years since I have seen 2 of them. Graham is on holidays so I am sure we will have loads of fun.
Tomorrow I am participating in my first 'Flormarkt', I have heaps of stuff to sell. Yvette and Courtney are going to help me out. I am sure it will be lots of fun and hopefully make some money and get rid of some stuff. Stay tuned for a full account of the antics.
Talking about antics, I went out on the town with the girls on Monday night. What a classic, I came to a big realization I am not up with today's music and am 35 years old. Scary stuff. We put the glad rags on and head off into Zurich. The drinks are really expensive so we did as is done shared a bottle of 'Asti between us while we waited for the doors to open at 10pm. We decided to grab a cocktail at a near by bar as it was cold ,they were yummy and we got to lay back in comfy lounges and that is where this 35 year old should have stayed. However I rocked on in with girls. They had a great time and I can say I can chock it up as another experience. I realized at the end of the night that I have really moved into the red wine drinking, champs sipping jazz listening set.
Must go washing machine is calling.

Chinese in Germany

2005-10-09T22:49:00.000+02:00

How amazing and strange at the same time. Just went to Germany for a Chinese meal with our neighbours. The boys loved it and the food was great . It was buffet style with fresh food coming all the time and you could also choose from a range of fresh ingredients and the chef would cook it with your choice of sauce, while you watch. Yummy. Out tomorrow night for a girls night ,Vetti's last before she hits the USof A. We will miss her! Courtney our darwin daughter is with us for a few days which is excellent cause she is lots of fun and the boys love her too. They are surrounded by gorgeous women and living in one of the best countries in the world. They both can count to 10 in German now. Ein, zwei,drei,vier,funf. It is so cute.

Coffee Time

2005-10-09T08:57:00.000+02:00

Well here I am again not that you know I was here yesterday, however I spent 45 minutes yesterday doing my blog and thought I would add some photo's but I forgot to save and lost it . I was so frustrated as you can imagine.
As I sit here this morning and look out the window it is quite misty out side and really gives you the feeling that the cool weather is here to stay. It is really beautiful here a the moment as Autumn(Herbst) has really arrived. The air is cooler , the jumpers and scarves are out, the floor heating is on in the bathroom and kitchen,the days are shorter, the leaves are changing to beautiful rich autumn colours and all types of gorgeous long boots are in the stores. I love the cooler weather as I prefer my winter wardrobe.
We had a 5 day holiday in the beautiful town of Luzern since my last blog. We saw an opportunity on the calendar to get away so we took it. Lurzern is the 2nd most popular tourist destination in Switzerland after our beloved Interlaken and after our visit I can see why. The town is old and gorgeous,it is on a lake and the have 2 old bridges to walk across that have great historical value. Yvette and I went out and had a girlie dinner and ha the yummiest ice-cream and talked about the sit-ups we must start the next day. I am still waiting for tomorrow to come but I think she has started.The weather was not great however we got a chance to explore the city, go to the The berg as it is very close and went to our first "Kilbi" with some dear friends from Basel. A Kilbi is like a mini show with dodgem cars, side shows etc. Jack and Max went on their first dodgem car ride and Max went on his first pony ride. It drizzled the whole time however we were equipped and had a wonderful time.For my lyougest super boy it was all a bit too much this holidaying stuff.I am so excited Uncle Dave and Aunty Marg have just got Skype. It will be so wonderful to talk to them and even better because we can do it for free.
Must get into my day. Today will be Max's first day at Sunday school. Hopefully he will settle in and we can go to big church and they can go to Sunday School.

Fear over come Yeah!!!!!!

2005-09-27T15:30:00.002+02:00

What an exciting week it has been so far. I am so excited to have posted my first blog and thank-you so much for your response it has been fun reading you comments and news from those whom I have not heard from in a while.I have a little "Mummy " free time so thought I would fill you in on the week so far.

We are so excited because Jack went to "Waldspeilegruppe" by himself and made a new friend. She is very cute and attends an English and German speaking Kindy. This is great for Jack as he will find it easier to communicate so I am sure this will make him more comfortable. If those who do not know " Waldspeilgruppe" is a forest group , which Jack goes to every Monday morning for 2 hours. They go off into the forest and learn about the forest ,build a tree house(on the ground), build a fire and cook their sausages for lunch. We loved the idea of him being out doors and it was a different experience from Pre-school in Oz. Max will be able to go when he turns 3. Both the kids are dropping the odd German word, so I am sure it will not be long before they are speaking it.
I went last night with my neighbor L to a "Flormarkt" in Urdorf for Children's"s clothes. It was held on a church hall and by what I could figure out, you bring your second hand children's clothes and they would display and sell them for you. I picked up some great bargains for Max and l and I will go tomorrow morning and check out bargains for Jack's age group. It is on twice a year with the season change.
Today is my Scrapbooking day. I love going into Zurich and having time out with my American friends getting my photo's organized. We have loads of fun. Sometimes I am not sure how much gets done because we gas bag so much. We all need major help with our Swiss German so after scraping we head off to Swiss German lessons at the church. My first lesson was today. Wow do I need help!!!!!!!! German and Swiss German are so grammatically different, I am sure after 3 years I will have mastered some. It is so hard to study after so many years of a stagnant brain cells.
Vetti arrived back today and had fantastic time in London. She stayed with my wonderful cousin and her boyfriend. They really looked after her. We look forward to returning the favor in October.
Off to have dinner with our neighbor's tonight. So wonderful not having to think about what to do for dinner.
Well "Mummytime" up see you soon.

Posting at last

2005-09-26T01:16:00.000+02:00

Well it is a sensational Autumn day here in Spreitenbach,the children are taking a nap and I am having
some "Mummy" free time. We went to church this morning which for some reason always ends up taking us the whole morning to get there and more so this morning as Zurich city was having an "auto-frei"day so we ended up down a bus only lane with trams honking us and passers by thinking who are those idiots, however after a wee bit of stress we found our way to the church. It is quite a weird concept parking in a parking station for church but the boys get a buzz out of it, especially Jack as we get to park on level 4 and he is now 4.
Jack had his first solo time at Sunday School today (usually dad goes to) and we were so proud of him and the teacher said he was so clever and participated really well in the class. Hopefully this will follow through to "Waldspeilgruppe" tomorrow. We still have a few separation issues there.
Well time to go and cook the bread to have with or kirbus soupe (pumpkin soup) for dinner tonight. I am so excited kirbus is in season. Unlike Ozland they are only in season in Autumn so I plan to stock up in the freezer for winter.
Life here is great and I am so glad we desided to make this seachange.
Thanks for reading my first post.
Stay tuned for more adventures of the airline widow and kinder.