Thursday, February 28, 2019

Cainan's School Play

I spent the afternoon at Cainan's school watching his school play.  The students did a great job.  After the play was done, we all worked on an art project with our kids using a technique they are recently learned.

I don't get much of an opportunity to go into the kid's schools (they are too old for parent volunteers any more), so it is great to visit every once in awhile.



Thursday, February 21, 2019

February Update

Time, as always, has gotten away from us.  We are almost at the end of February, and the weather seems to be on an upswing.  For the last week we have had spring like weather, beautiful sunshine, and the flowers are starting to bloom.  I hope the good weather sticks around.

Here is our February wrap up.

On February 7th, Mat turned 45.  We celebrated with some yummy, expensive cupcakes from a cupcake store in the city.  He also bought himself a treadmill.  We didn't bring ours from the states becaues it wouldn't have worked here in the power outlet.  But, long winters have proven that we need an exercise outlet in the house.



We did celebrate American Valentine's day on the 14th.  The schools don't do parties, but I did manage to find a few heart shaped candies and goodies for the kids. 




On February 15th, we celebrated another big milestone when our eldest daughter, Arlington, turned 16.  I did some shopping in the city for her birthday, but her big present is a trip to London at the end of the spring.



 I cannot believe she is 16. We are so proud of the young lady she has become. She is kind and caring and a terrific big sister. She studies hard and has really found her stride here in Switzerland.
Now - in Switzerland, 16 does not mean driving. That doesn't happen until 18. And since we don't have a car and public transportation is amazing, we won't be missing that right of passage too much for the moment. But there are a few other things to become legal at 16. For one - she is now considered an adult. We received a letter in the mail the other day asking if she was going to continue her education because compulsory education is OVER. If she wanted to leave school now to go to work or a trade school, she can.
16 is also the legal drinking age for wine and beer here in Switzerland. (no, she will not be doing that)









That weekend Mat and I went to a trade fair at the convention center this evening. Just to walk around. And eat. We saw an Incredible Hulk made of recycled metal.



Mat had to go into work last weekend for a few hours, so I brought the kids to Aquabaselia indoor water park to get out of the house. And for Arlington’s birthday weekend. I do love this expensive place. 



 I went with some of my girlfriends to see the Picasso exhibit at our local museum.  They have taken out all of their permanent display at the Foundation Beyler to add this exhibit.  Picasso was friends with the Beylers.  I am hoping to go back to the exhibit again with Mat in a week or two.  It is worth another look.

This one is a Van Gogh.  There were a few paintings of others hanging in the collection because Picasso stated he was inspired by them.



 The Beylers have about 30 of Picasso's paintings in their personal collection
Self portrait



Finley did a share day at a different school.  As much as we love her school, all the girls in her class are leaving at the end of this school year.  Some are going to public school and some are going back to their home countries.  So we are exploring other options for her.  She didn't have a great trial, so I got her a Starbucks drink to ease her woes.