Swiss Family Cook

Sunday, April 27, 2008

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!

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...

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Charlie Alan Cook

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.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

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."

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Our New Year's Eve trip to Paris

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

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!