Easter

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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!