Flower Island, Germany

In September we headed for Mainau, Germany and Flower Island.  It was a great day and very beautiful.

Looking over Lake Constance before crossing the bridge to the island.

 A flower made out of flowers...cleaver.

 They have the most amazing playground.  The kids could have spent their whole time here.  We ate a nice picnic lunch and let them play a while.

Allison just loves slides!

 Sammy and Alex testing their balance.

 Our little spider monkey!  She is quite the good climber.

 Some kissing practice on the statue.

 I had the kids pick out their favorite flower and took their picture next to it.

 Lovely waterfall.

 The whole family crammed into this weird climbing robe thing.  I snuck out to take the picture.

 Ducks.

 Playing a little Tom Sawyer.  They even had to fight some kids off who wanted a water fight.  Sammy let them have it.  You go girl!

I have heard that the tulips are gorgeous here in the Spring so we will definitely be back!

Allison 19 months!

We just love our sweet little Allison!  Let me tell you why...

She is always mommy's little helper in the kitchen

 She is so easy to put down for naps and bedtime.  And is so happy to see us when you go and get her after she wakes up.

 She'll even do a few tricks for you.

 She loves taking baths and laying down in the water.  She is such a big girl and wants to do everything herself.

 She loves drinking from a straw especially yogurt drinks.

 Her first toenail painting with big sister Clara.  She loved it and kept showing everyone it.

 She loves to play with her siblings especially Clara.  What a sweet, cheesy smile.

1st Day of School

Can't believe it is time to start school already!  3 kids gone all day.  What a mom to do?

 Allison had to be part of the action and even insisted on wearing her own backpack.  In front o the main office building.

 Sammy in front of her locker.  Getting her ready for middle school next year.

 Clara choose to paint when she got into class.  She just loves it!

 Even Alex gets his own locker this year.  Notice the hair...he did it himself:)

Bern, Switzerland-August 2012

We finally made it to the capital of Switzerland--Bern.  We went with our church to the LDS temple there.  The kids were watched by the church and George and I were able to go inside.  

The best picture we could get of the kids in front of the temple:).

Afterwards we headed to the city to explore with our good friends, the Petits.

A view from the park we ate at.

 Bern is known for their bears that have a great sanctuary on one side of the town.  We had a fun time watching them.

 It was such a hot day we let the kids dip their feet into the river that runs through town.  Allison thought it felt so good!

 Neil and Alex trying not to get swept away...they kept wanting to go deeper and deeper in.

 Clara exploring.

 The Petits and Gourleys minus the moms and Allison.

 I love this clock!  We got to see it chime at 5 o'clock and it was awesome!

Appenzell, Switzerland-August 2012

Appenzell, Switzerland is the northeast part and has beautiful, rolling green hills.  They are famous for their cows, cheese, & tradition.  They still vote by everyone coming to the town square and raising their hands.  We feel in love with it.

Can't resist a picture sitting on the cow statue.  Switzerland is everything cow.

We went through the cheese factory and bought some samples.  Even the mild is too strong for me:).  The kids loved to see how it was made and aged.

Sliding down the cheese slide.

 A little cow ride for the girls.  Allison is in love with cows.

  

 After the museum we headed for a barefoot walk through the country side.  

Doesn't Alex look right at home?  Running free like boy should be.

 The girls and my favorite part was walking in the grass.  It felt great!

 The scenery as we walked.  So peaceful!

 Gotta have some mud to walk in.

 The end result.  

The Swiss are so prepared and provided hoses to clean yourself off with.

We can't wait to go back and explore more of this amazing area!