Swiss Family Cook

William Cooper Cook

2011-08-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

Brand new... enormous hands and long fingers.

Charlie isn't thrilled about sharing the spotlight... he tried to spike Cooper right after taking this picture.

Emergency C-section after Cooper got stuck in a weird position on the way out.

India 2009

2009-10-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from India...

The Taj Mahal... an amazing structure of stone that took 22 years to build. You can Wiki the details, but it is an incredible building.

Traffic in India is unlike anything I have ever seen. No rules, no holds barred... just push ahead through the cars, trucks, tractors, cows (sacred... don't hit them), dogs, children, wagons, bikes, and several other forms of transportation. Lights and signs are optional.

This tractor lost his battle with the bigger truck.

This is in Old Delhi. Street vendors everywhere selling everything imaginable. Only go here if you like really crazy crowded places.

This is me just outside the chaos of Old Delhi.

I found an LDS church in Delhi and went to Sacrament Meeting there. Fantastic experience and a highlight of the trip. My taxi driver joined me for the services and was touched by the spirit of the people there. (So was I... great group.) Met a missionary there from Rexburg... his companion is from Nepal. The work continues to roll forth.

Grateful for Life

2009-08-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our summer trip to the states. It was quite eventful and caused me to reflect on how grateful I am for life, family, and friends. We had reunions with both families, reunions with my college friends, visits with grandparents, the marriage of my brother Josh to Jo, and a mix of breakdowns, car disasters, jet ski disasters, and tired children disasters...

The most eventful and devasting part of our trip was the tragic loss of my brother and sister-in-laws' baby girl, Elizabeth. Celeste was 29 weeks along, and we all were soooo ecstatic that she was pregnant with a girl after her first three boys. About half way through the reunion, she stopped feeling the baby move. The day after Josh and Jo's wedding, on the way to the reunion in Pittsburgh, we got the message that they had lost the baby. I cannot think of the words to describe the emotion and pain we all felt for their family, and especially for Celeste. They are both such strong and amazing individuals, and have been tested more than most. I love them both for the example they have shown throughout everything.

All of the events reminded me how lucky I am to have been raised in such a good family. I am lucky to have a husband who was also raised by such an amazing family. I am so grateful to have been blessed by having good friends all of my life. We are blessed to know the plan of salvation and the gift of eternal life from our Savior. I know this baby girl, for whatever reason, is needed elsewhere and the rest of us are given the opportunity to grow from this depth of sadness.

I love you Jake and Celeste. You are in our prayers.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

2009-06-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, DAD! This a tribute to you for your special day.

Here are the top 10 reasons you are the best dad in the world:

10. You make the best spaghetti dinner in the world. We could always count on it when mom was gone...

9. You are the smartest dad of every dad I know. So smart, I often can't understand you.

8. You were always one of the best looking dads I know. My high school friends were always jealous when you came with me to the daddy daughter dances.

7. You play a mean round of golf. Or a nice round when you offer to pay for broken windows...

6. You are the best "Papa" in the world--Ellie always wants to see her Papa.

5. You are the most avid movie goer and popcorn eater I know!

4. You are one of the most generous dads I know.

3. You are the best "flower photographer" I have ever met.

2. You are the only dad I know who knows TWO meanings for the word "stool."

1. You are the greatest dad in the world, because you are not afraid to show your REAL emotions.

I love you, DAD! I can't wait to see you in a few weeks. Thank you for everything you do for me and my family.

emmy

2009-05-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Greek Cruise

2009-05-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

Kent and I took the two girls on an amazing family adventure. We went on a 7 day cruise from Venice, Italy to Croatia and Greece. The weather was great, our boat was amazing, and the food an entertainment were incredible. We had stops in Split, Croatia; Corfu, Athens, Mykonos, and Olympia, Greece. We mostly went to the beach, but also had a great time visiting the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Madison and Ellie loved the formal nights when we got to dress up like we were at the ball. They especially loved dancing with their daddy, and cheering for all the onboard entertainment. I loved that everytime we left our room, we came back and someone had cleaned up for us! My favorite part of the whole trip was watching Kent win the sexiest legs contest at the top deck pool the last day! He even beat out the frenchman in the Speedo!

We had a great time on our trip--one of the highlights was that we were amongst 700 other fellow Americans onboard. It felt like having one extra week back in the homeland. The beauty of Greece was spectacular, but America is still the best!

Ellie's broken arm

2009-05-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

Ellie was playing on the couch, trying to balance on the arm of the couch while catching her hat with a drum stick (her explanation). Then she fell and landed on her arm on the tile floor. The result: a broken arm right at the elbow joint. The fix: surgery with two pins put in her arm and a cast for several weeks. We really felt bad for her. She has been a real trooper through all the pain!

Istanbul was Constantinople...

2009-05-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kent and I had the chance to go to Istanbul for a weekend. I met him there after he had already been there working. What a great experience. After living in our small village of only 1200 people, though, it felt very overwhelming to be in a city with 20 million people. There were people and noises everywhere! We got to go see the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, the Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, and the Main Square. We both found learning more about Islam fascinating. It was always amazing to hear the call to prayer at all hours of the day (and night).
What a great get away without kids, too!
Thanks, Rachel for watching them!!!!

Easter

2009-05-13T11:56:00.001-07:00

Easter came and went this year without me remembering to post. We had a great easter egg hunt with our neighbors, the Jacksons. It's easy to think about new life, and the Resurrection of the Savior when we live in such a beautiful place...

Our Concert

2009-05-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

Emily and I started playing music with some friends a few months ago. One thing lead to another, and we found ourselves performing at a big event in Switzerland. It was a BLAST!!! We wouldn't make it past round one of American Idol, but it was a great time. If you can overlook the out-of-tune singing and basic guitar skills, these videos are pretty fun. These were shot with our home video camera, but there are some high-quality videos on Facebook. Emily also has her picture in the newspaper today with a description of the evening in German. She got good reviews! Enjoy.

Charlie's 1st Birthday!

2009-04-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Little Buddy! We love having a little boy in our house. I can't believe it has already been a whole year! Charlie has made our family so much more fun and interesting.
Charlie has an infectious smile and laugh. He often stares people down until they look back so he can smile at them. One person recently said, "he seems to wise." It's true. Already he seems very contemplative and curious about his world.
Charlie loves balls, and it is a good thing, because his dad has been waiting for a boy to throw the ball around with before he gets too old to do it! Better hurry, Charlie! Only a few more years left!

Cheers to you, Charlie! We are so lucky to celebrate you on your birthday!

Happy Birthday, Madison!

2009-04-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday, Madison! We are so lucky to have you in our family! It was quite the celebration since your birthday was on Sunday. We got to go to church and the Primary sang to you and your teacher brought a cake. Then we had lunch at the Pail's house and they also gave you presents, sang and had a cake. Then we had cake and sang and presents at home that night! THEN, the next day after school, every kid from your kindergarten came to celebrate your birthday with you! That was a lot of kids to have for a party...

We ate a delicious butterfly cake, created by your dad (the best cake maker, ever!). We played pin the butterfly on the flower, and since the first kid got his sticker right in the middle, every other kid got it right, too! We also played, freeze dance, musical spots, unwrap the package, and best of all, break the pinata! All the kids had a great time.

Madison, you are a smart, beautiful, talented girl. Sometimes I think you are much older than your years. You are friends with everyone, and not afraid of anything. My favorite memory of you this year is when you got up in front of the entire school (K-12) for the talent show and played the piano and sang Mama Mia. You were a true Rock Star! Thanks for being the best, most helpful, oldest sister. You are a great example for your siblings, and often, for your parents, too. We love you!

Laura's Visit

2009-04-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

My friend, Laura, came to visit us with her daughter, Jessi. We had such a great time! We went on a trip to Milan (although, I forgot my camera). Then we also tried to show her the view from the Saentis! Apparently when the snow hits, being at the top of the peak feels like sticking your head in the ice box, eh? Not quite the beautiful view we were hoping for...
After Laura and Jessi went to Paris, we took a day trip to Neuschwanstein castle. This time, Madison, Charlie, and I saw the other castle, Hohenschwangau. Not as ornate by a clear mile, but still cool, nontheless.

We also went up to Appenzell for some great Swiss shopping-knives and cheese! Thanks for visiting, Laura! It was so much fun!

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

2009-02-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

The other night, Ellie asked if we could have some "fondue." I told her I would have to check and see if we had all the chocolate and supplies. Then she said, "No, mom. I want fun-do, like watch a movie or play some games. Can we have some?" This is why I love, Ellie. This sums her up to the core. She is full of fun, laughs, and loves. Her favorite phrase is "Guess what, mom? I love you!" She loves to be silly, and is a great friend. She walks up and down the stairs at school saying "Hi, Pia! Hi Charles!" The only problem is then they say, "That's not my name!" But, she doesn't care. She is just a friendly girl! We are so lucky to have her in our family. It would feel so empty and boring without her. And that is why, on this day, we celebrate you, Ellie!

Ellie celebrated her 4th birthday on Saturday. We had a great time, hanging out in Stuttgart with our friends, the Jacksons and the Grovers.

The best part about Stuttgart was hanging out on the military base (Stewart Grover's stationed there), and going bowling with all the friends!

Lake Shore, UT meets Stuttgart!

We made sure to drink lots of root beer and eat Pizza Hut pizza that we can't get in Switzerland.

Ellie loved her "Mama Bluey" from Grandma Kelli.

Always cheered up by her buddy, Danny!

Our princess couldn't go without a crown cake (except it got a little smashed on the way to school). She was pretty sad after school when I picked her up. I asked her why she was so sad and she said she didn't get any of her cake. I thought maybe this was another custom I didn't know about-only the other kids get cake? Then I asked her if they offered her some, and she said yes, but she told them she didn't want any. Hmmmmm, let the games begin about stating one thing and meaning another!

We love you, Ellie! Happy Birthday!

Ski School

2009-02-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

Madison and Ellie took some ski lessons at Wildhaus on their day off from school. We are pretty lucky since the resort is only 7 minutes from our house! Madison has been before, but it was Ellie's first time. She did great!

Ellie and her best friend Danny took lessons together. The whole time Ellie begged to go in the "TeePee" that we told her they had for beginner lessons. Her teacher finally said it was time to go in the Teepee and Ellie was thrilled. However, she came out after very disappointed. "Dad, there wasn't even a TV anywhere in there!" She does like her movies....

Madison did great and went down the slalom course several times. She told us after she only wants to go regular skiing now cause she didn't like waiting for the kids who fell down. That probably means skiing with her mom is out now, too!

oops!

2009-01-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I have had a lot of trials and "growing" experiences here in Switzerland, but I can say now I have checked one more off my list that I hope to not try again: a ride in the ambulance. I was running down the stairs to get the phone in the kitchen and when I hit the the bottom tile floor (that was newly mopped) I slipped and landed directly on my tailbone. When I tried to get back up, I couldn't put any pressure on my feet and had shooting pain up my back. I army crawled to the phone and called Kent to tell him I couldn't move. He immediately called the ambulance and told me to stay put. No problem.

When the ambulance workers came, luckily one of them spoke enough english for us to communicate. Also, another big blessing is that my new neighbor, Erin, is close enough now that she was able to come over and take Charlie and pick up the girls from school. The biggest blessing of ALL, is that nothing is broken. I just have a contusion on my tailbone. I will just be on my back for awhile until everything heals. Thanks to my family for all the prayers. I am sure that is why it turned out as good as it did.

Another exciting day in the Swiss Alps. At least I am hoping to heal quickly enough to still make this ski season worth it! And really, so grateful to my kind husband for documenting all these beautiful moments...

Our new house

2009-01-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

We moved from St. Margrethen to Gams, Switzerland. The whole move was a lot of work, but well worth it in the end. We are much closer to the girls' school, Kent's work, the gym, and our friends, the Jacksons (who live two houses away)! Our favorite part of the move has been the amazing views out all of our windows. We are up on one side of the mountain looking across to another. It doesn't hurt that it only takes seven minutes to drive to the ski resort, too...

Kent moved all of our house with the help of some friends and missionaries. Turns out that the day they moved in November was the only blizzard we have had yet! What troopers! My mom came back here after our vacation to the states for Christmas and helped us unpack and set up the house. I really am lucky to have one of the hardest working mothers in the world! Thanks, mom, Kent, and all our friends for helping us get settled.

Top of the Alps

2008-10-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

We took a train up to Santis on Saturday, and it was amazing. We even had our first snowball fight of the season! It was a perfect day for some pictures from the top of the world.

It was a perfect day for a hike. Charlie slept through most of it on my back.

Madison danced at the top and...

...sang her favorite songs from the Sound of Music with Angie and Ellie.

We're thinking about using this picture for our Christmas cards. But we have to delete the two random extra kids.... and the dog..... sorry to you dog lovers out there.

Emily had the birds eating right out of her hands.

Angie told us about her bird phobia shortly AFTER this picture was taken.

Charlie and I couldn't get the birds interested in our PBnJ with bananas sandwich.

Angie... just before she started yodeling... no, really... She yodeled... pretty well actually.

Train rides are always a good time.

happy birthday, Angie!

2008-10-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGIE!!!

We are glad you made it back from Italy alive!

We hope 2-5 is a great year for you...

Luzern--Kent's day off and girls in school!

2008-10-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't this great? You, too, could have your nanny drive you around the lake in Luzern while enjoying the gorgeous view! Don't worry, we pay Angie well with lots of slobbery baby kisses from Charlie...

We are so lucky to have Angie here! The kids make her play "pets" or "Uno" every day. And on her days off, she has been to Luzern, Munich, Venice, Rome, and Naples. Next stop, Paris.

He looks more and more like a Cragun everyday. Isn't it unfortunate that his head is almost as big as mine? It's to hold all four of his new baby teeth!

Deseret News article

2008-10-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

Hello. The Deseret News picked up my venting article about the credit crisis. You can read the article and comment at www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700262986,00.html

Enjoy.

Kent

Kent Wrote the Following Article

2008-10-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

I really am flattered that you all thought I could write such interesting and informative words concerning our economy, but alas, all the credit goes to Kent. And now that YOU read it in that light, YOU all know that it sounds much more like him than me...

The Financial Blame Game

2008-09-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been on another planet for the last month, you know about the credit crisis in America. If you have been paying attention to the coverage, you have heard several reasons for the crisis… big firms on wall street, the Bush administration, Fat Cats in New York, and even the guy who offered a loan with an adjustable rate. But there is one person noticeably unmentioned in this game of blame… YOU. That’s right… Y.O.U.

But I must admit I am not surprised YOU haven’t been mentioned as at least an accomplice to the financial mess. Who would tell you? The media… no way… they need you as a customer to drive their ratings. They would never insult you (their customers) by saying that this current mess is YOUR fault. It’s not in their selfish interest. That is media-business suicide. How about the politicians? Will they tell you it is your fault? Of course not… especially in an election year. You are their constituents, and they need your vote. You can do no wrong in their eyes. So if the media won’t tell you that you screwed up, and the politicians won’t tell you that YOU have been living beyond your means, who will? I consider myself part of "Y.O.U.", and I take it upon myself to give us all a good dose of reality.

For years, YOU have been living beyond YOUR means. YOU drive a car you can’t afford. YOU bought a house that is way too big just hoping the market would go up and YOU would get rich quick (like those horrible “fat cats” on Wall Street). YOU made short-term decisions that will have long-term consequences. YOU bet it all on the real estate market. YOU spend more than YOU make. YOU were greedy, and YOU lost.

I would like to mention three groups of people YOU can’t blame for this mess… First, Fat Cats on Wall Street: Their firms bought into YOUR decisions. YOU decided to buy a house YOU couldn’t afford, and they were dumb enough to lend YOU the money. They were greedy just like YOU, not more, not less…. Just like YOU. If YOU are honest, YOU will realize that YOU are no different than those Fat Cats on Wall Street… except they were smart enough to negotiate severance packages and YOU didn’t.

Second, the George Bush administration: I know it’s popular to blame them for everything, but I’m sorry… W. wasn’t there when YOU signed the loan on YOUR house. He didn’t buy YOUR car(s). He didn’t make the short-sighted decision to take a sub-prime finance gamble on shelter for YOUR family. He didn’t bet the farm on one real estate deal. YOU did.

Finally, the Lenders: They made it possible for YOU to start making payments on YOUR home. They qualified YOU for way too much borrowed money… but ultimately, YOU took it. YOU didn’t have to. They didn’t hold a gun to YOUR head, and in spite of what YOU are currently saying in your lawsuit against your lender, they did not trick YOU. YOU knew the risk, and YOU thought YOU were invincible. YOUR gamble and their gamble drove them out of business.

I know it’s hard to hear. The truth often is… which is why so few people actually tell it. Let’s be honest about how we got here. We did it ourselves through poor decisions based on trying to get something for nothing in the housing market. Let’s turn off 24 hour news that panders to its customers and get back to the accountability, responsibility and self-discipline that made the United States of America the greatest and most prosperous country in the history of the world. Let’s all quit blaming others and take an occasional look in the mirror to ask the really difficult questions… “What did I do to contribute to this mess?”, and “What can I do to help us get out?”

Ravenna, Italy

2008-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

One of our stops while visiting Venice was the small town of Ravenna. What a fascinating place! There were several churchs and museums still standing that were filled with mosaics from the 6th century. Check out the amazing detail and symbolism in what we know to be restored truths...

The only bad part of our trip was saying goodbye to our Heather! We miss her so much already! At least we have a ton of memories and pictures to remember her with. She is the most incredibly helpful, responsible, kind, fun and beautiful girl. I am so happy my girls have a nanny, and friend, like her to look up to and admire. We love you, Heather!

Venice!

2008-08-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to take a summer vacation to Venice with the Rowbotham family. What a blast! We were especially lucky that Reed spent his mission in Italy and could help us get around. The Rialto bridge was beautiful at sunset.

Even though we had kids with us on the gondola rides, it was still quite romantic! However, I couldn't seem to talk our gondolier into singing us a tune...

We couldn't drive to our apartment in the city. What an adventure to take a water taxi and then walk up and down the bridges with our luggage!

Madison and Ellie's favorite things there were the masks...and chasing pigeons!

An absolutely beautiful and magical city!

Hiking through the Alps

2008-08-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to host the Rowbotham family here before they took Heather back with them to the states. On one of our days with them we hiked through the alps, singing songs from the Sound of Music on the way. I was very proud of Madison. She ran with "the big kids," Heather, Yan, and Kyle. We ate at an awesome little restaurant on the side of the mountain. All of the views were quite surreal. We had a great day, and were pretty worn out when all was said and done...

4th of July in London

2008-07-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

We spent the fourth of July in London. We stayed with Heather's relatives for a few days and then stayed in a hotel in downtown London for a few days. It was great. Emily and Kent went to watch Wicked; Heather and Madison watched the Lion King; and Heather went to Phantom alone. We went through Westminster Abbey, saw Big Ben and the London Bridge, the Tower of London, rode the London Eye, and generally had a great time driving around downtown London on the "wrong" side of the street. Here are a few pictures.

Father's Day

2008-06-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Father's Day was the first time Kent got his boy to dress alike in their favorite team shirts! I am sure there will be many more events of this. The girls surprised Kent with an invitation to their ball. They all got dressed up and got to order off of the menu for the "King's Table." After dinner of golden nuggets, they had dancing followed by dipping from the royal pot of fondue. Quite a memorable event...

Renaissance Festival in Feldkirch

2008-06-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

So how cool is it to go to a Renaissance Festival when you are really walking around cobblestone streets and looking up at a real castle? We had a great Saturday outing in Feldkirch, Austria at the Renaissance Festival. Madison loved getting her face painted, and we loved locking the girls in a cage! Pretty fun day.

Neuschwanstein Castle

2008-06-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

We have Heather Rowbotham living with us for the summer and it has been SUPER. It is so much easier to go someplace with three kids when you have another set of helping hands. We took the kids to Neuschwanstein Castle and Madison had to dress up like a princess. She wanted to be the first in line on the tour, too, so she wouldn't miss anything the tour guide said. I think she and Heather both would have loved to live in a castle at some point.... Aren't we all princesses?

Kent in the Marriott Alumni Magazine

2008-06-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

http://marriottschool.byu.edu/marriottmag/summer08/alumni/class_notes.cfm#1998

I know Kent wouldn't put this out there, but I thought it was pretty cool that the Marriott School Magazine did a write-up on what he has been up to. Check out the link... Just being the proud wife.

It's Euro '08 time!!!!

2008-06-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures from our visits to the Euro '08 soccer matches. We watched the games on the big screen in Bregenz Austria. By the way, the next James Bond film was just shot here, so you will see this amazing stage setting again when the next Bond movie comes out in November.

Emily's friend, Sara and her husband Scott came for a short visit after spending some time in Italy. It was great to have them here! We love visitors (hint, hint). Madison's favorite part of the soccer game was collecting the inflatable noise makers. We decked out the car in Swedish flags and had a great time cheering for the Swedes.

Valencia, Spain!

2008-05-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Kent had a few days off of work, so we took a family vacation down to Valencia Spain. After begging Madison's kindergarten principal for the days off (you only get one day off per year, or they can fine you), and then riding two trains, a bus, a plane and a rental car, we arrived at our destination. We played at the beach for two of the days, and went to Valencia's science museum and aquarium on the other day. The buildings were incredible! It was the biggest aquarium in all of Europe. The girls loved the dolphin show and shark tank. Of course, the next day at the beach, they had Kent make them into Mermaids. They sat there for hours and played next to each other, buried in the sand. Charlie had a great time, too, relaxing in the shade of our umbrella. My favorite part was getting to eat at Tony Roma's! That may sound funny, but there are NO restaurants from the good old USA in Switzerland, besides McDonald's. And we have spent more than enough time there. In fact, I believe we went there every day in Spain, too...

Conneyland in Switzerland

2008-05-15T14:00:00.001-07:00

Charlie...

2008-04-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Easter!

2008-04-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Easter came and went without my posting! We had a great Easter egg hunt with Grandma Kelli and Uncle Josh. The girls had some great surprises in their baskets, including some favorite silverware and bowls from Ikea. Go figure...Next year I won't spend as much money on the chocolate, I guess. Who knew pink bowls and spoons could bring such joy!

Madison's Birthday...from March!

2008-04-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

In all the commotion of bringing Charlie to the world, I didn't put a post for Madison's 5th birthday. On March 22nd, we celebrated her birthday with some friends, and Uncle Josh, and Grandma Kelli. She also got to go skiing with Uncle Josh, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa! One of the best parts of the day was this awesome cake, made by Kent, of course. I told him if his career doesn't work out, we are going into the cake making business...

Charlie Alan Cook

2008-03-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Charlie Alan Cook was born on March 26 at 7:07 AM in St. Gallen Switzerland. He weighed in at 9lbs 2oz and was 22 inches long. He was named by his sister Madison two years ago when she announced to everyone that Emily was pregnant with "baby Charlie". We thought you might want to see some pictures.

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

2008-02-28T00:31:00.000-08:00

We had a Mexican Fiesta for Ellie's third birthday. A lot of our American expat friends were able to come and share some yummy Mexican food!

Ellie really wanted a pinata for her birthday, but they don't sell them here in Switzerland! So, in my NEW domestic style, I made her a Mickey Mouse pinata (brought back grade school memories!). Unfortunately, some of the younger kids couldn't understand why we were asking them to beat up Mickey Mouse. Pretty traumatic!

Ellie's favorite gift came from her "favorite brother," Danny. I think she calls him her brother so she can get away with kissing on him!

All in all, the party was a great "hit."

Our New Year's Eve trip to Paris

2008-01-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

We drove to Paris for New Year's Eve, and had a great time visiting the sites in the city. We watched "Ratatouille" in the car on the way there, and they kept singing, "Paireeee holds the keeeey to my hearrrrrt!!!".

Ellie enjoyed entertaining strangers outside the Versailles castle with her "pull down the hat" routine.

EuroDisney was a reward for the girls after following us to Versailles and the Louvre.

Emily and Madison in front of Disney.

"Thumbs up" from Ellie.

Madison helped Emily and I get a picture at the Louvre.

Ellie is prone to spontaneous falling over, so this was as high as we dared let her climb.

I thought this was a cool picture.

The girls sailed some boats in a reflection pool in Paris on a windy day.

Sail boat day...

Ellie at the fountains.

Ellies photographic view of the world.

The girls outside the Louvre.

The girls inside the Louvre.

Mona Lisa. Still smiling... kind of.

Madison and her new favorite pink "parasol".

Kent and Madison just before going up the Eiffle Tower. (Note that Lake Shore was well represented in Paris.)

A cold night at the Eiffel Tower.

The Tower was beautiful at night.

Ellie's "parasol".

Christmas 2008

2008-01-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

A few pictures from Christmas. We had a wonderful morning... the kids slept late, which was nice, and there is nothing like the magic of watching the face of a four year old and a two year old when they see that Santa paid a visit. It was a blast!

The Christmas tree... day and night.

Troy and Gabriella (High School Musical) were a perfect gift for Madison from the Rowbotham family. The look on her face says it all!

We tried to get Ellie to relax and enjoy the morning... not too tough to do.

Ellie and Madison enjoyed playing with each others' presents.

The "Little Mermaid" was another favorite on Christmas morning.

Madison practiced on her scooter in the hallways. This is her new mode of transportation to school.

Santa left a swing handing from the balcony in the family room.

Ellie loved her new movies. (She has a healthy media addiction.)

Decorating cookies on Christmas Eve. Lots of fun.

Ellie probably ate more frosting than actually made it to her cookies.

A picture of the girls patiently waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.

Madison absolutely enjoyed the whole morning.

Skiing in the Swiss Alps

2007-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

We spent our first official day skiing in the Swiss Alps for Kent's birthday. Kent and Madison hit the slopes while Emily and Ellie played in the snow.

Madison was pretty excited about the helmet and goggles.

The view from the top was amazing!!!

Nothing like a hot chocolate break at mid-day.

The tram ride up was fantastic.

The resort is called "Flims" if you want to Google it, and it takes a little over an hour to drive there from our house.

Ellie the Photographer!

2007-11-10T01:55:00.001-08:00

Finally, a Boy!

2007-11-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

He's a mover and a shaker. He didn't stop moving the entire time during the ultrasound, which I told the doctor was pretty typical for the whole day. Kent says he is going to finally get his athlete and he is practicing sports inside. Madison told us "See! I told you we were going to have a little brother Charlie!" She told many people about a year ago he was coming. Only slightly embarrassing when I wasn't pregnant and people were congratulating me... Now congratulate all you want!

Halloween in Switzerland

2007-10-31T15:27:00.001-07:00

Madison was a Cheerleader and Ellie was princess Ariel (in her wedding dress). Madison practiced a cheer: "Give me a T. Give me an R. Give me an E. Give me an A. Give me a T. What does that spell? TREAT!!!" Of course, Kent was a little sad that it is the first word, next to her name, that she can now spell. Since Halloween isn't celebrated here, we went to an American Halloween party at a Zurich ward last weekend, and then had the girls Trick-or-treat to every room in our house. They loved it just as much, and we loved not being cold outside.

Oktoberfest!

2007-10-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

One of our first weekends here in Switzerland, we took the drive in to Munich to witness Oktoberfest. We came, we saw, rode a few rides, and quickly left the millions of people who were enjoying several beers. Ellie was a hit with all the drunk German men. She was offered a rose by one, and a large pretzel from two other men. I was also asked if I would like to get a drink with the two young guys who rode the log ride with Madison and I. I guess they wanted to make up for splashing us the whole time! It sure is fun to see how other cultures enjoy life.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-31T15:07:00.001-07:00