weekend sledding at elm

We spent a weekend up at Elm sledding with friends from church. It was beautfiul, sunny and warmish. The kids had a fabulous time. I forgot my camera and Colin took loads of pictures but didn't have a chip in his so I stole some pics off my friend's blog (thanks)! The sledding was 4km (2miles) long and took about 15 minutes. George cruised down so fast! Then we took the gondola back up the mountain. We stayed in a chalet up on the mountain. The food was delicious and the activities were amazing. What a wonderful weekend of beatiful sunshine, snow and friends!

calling in sick

We heard from a friend that they were sick so my silly children all got it into their head that they too were sick (although they had no proof such as a fever or cough or anything). So this morning at six I had tears from everyone saying how sick they were with tears running down their faces. Their tummies hurt and oh yeah their throats hurt and their tummies were even bubbling??? Why oh why didn't I believe them????!! So I turned off the alarm and lights and went back to bed because suddenly my tummy felt unwell too. You see my husband is out of town and there is no one to be upset that they have to go off to work while we all stay home. I think in reality only Monica might have felt slightly ill. The other 4 are just enjoying a day off. Pajamas and cereal all day kids! Mom is reading a book!
(On the toilet training front we lasted about a day and a half...better luck next time)

Here we go again...

Its day one of potty training. The two boys have both been willing to comply today so I feel as if the stars have aligned and maybe just maybe we can stop using diapers. I was at the grocery store yesterday and there was a 3 for 2 offer on huggies diapers. I reached for it and then my brain clicked...what am I doing???? Do I really want to go through that many more diapers???? I probably will but I don't want to! So the resolve has hit and I've pottied them every half an hour. No accidents yet but its still early!

Here' s a picture of the house we rent. Our front door is on the side and a pic of our living room. i would add more pics but the rooms were all messy when I took the picture so I won't!

James and Monica getting ready to ski on such a beautiful (cold) morning.

Christmas day the cousins got together and put on a thrilling performance of the Christmas story. They loved doing it and we loved watching! My sister in law also served us a gourmet meal! Such a wonderful day!

All Moved In

We just moved back to Switzerland this last week! The boxes are becoming less and less as is the snow. It snowed 3 times last week while we were unloading. Looks like we'll be having a green christmas. Just got the tree up last night and I still need to wrap presents. I just heard James explain to George that we are really Santa....another one gone. Here is our new address if you are a friend of ours (ha ha):
Stationstr. 26
8907 Wettswil
The kids are starting school back in Adliswil in January. They are nervous and nervous. German is scary!

Monica is 12 now and a new young woman at church. She is playing the piano and guitar. She loves to dress up, put on makeup and curl her hair. Such a girly girl (its nice to have one).

James loves to construct and build things. He helped me assemble some furniture with this move and also made my computer work??? He might end up a computer nerd??? He is playing the piano, recorder, and drums. I think he'll just keep up with the piano now that we've moved. He is looking forward to ice skating and skiing!

George was on his sled the whole first week we were here. He loves to sled! He doesn't remember German but thinks he can do anything. His teacher seems really nice and I think he'll learn quick.

Tim and Ben stick together most of everyday playing in their little world. They love cars, trains, planes and chocolate. They are happy little boys that bring a smile to our faces!

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Thanks for your friendship! We hope you all have a Wonderful 2009!
Love,
The Ramsays
PS I will post pictures of the house....eventually (when I find, charge and empty my camera).