The Adventures with Grandpa and Grandma Continue...

Wow- what a wonderful and busy week we have had with Bev and Randy.  They just left today after a memorable ten day visit.  We were able to go on so many adventures with them and enjoy our time together- the girls loved having them around!  It is such a blessing for kids to have such wonderful, loving grandparents in their lives.

On Monday, I took Randy and Bev around the town of Carouge to do some window shopping, unfortunately, the town of Carouge doesn't come alive on Mondays and many of the stores were closed.  After school, Bev and the girls made cupcakes and Special K bars.  Special K bars made by Bev are one of my favorite treats, and she had brought over the ingredients from MN, since it's hard to find them here.  It was such a special treat!  They also made cupcakes for Adalyn's class for her birthday- which we were all able to sample as well!

Tuesday, while Adalyn was at school, Eliza and I took Randy and Bev to Annecy, France.  It was a dreary day in Geneva, but when we entered Annecy, the sun broke through and we had a wonderful, sunny, warm day for enjoying the lake, the market, and the shops along the way.

Loving the tapenade!

When out with Grandma, must use the wine glass!

After school, we went to Adalyn's dance class and they were able to see her dance a little.  Then, later in the evening we got a babysitter and the four of us went out for a traditional Swiss meal, cheese fondue and raclette. It was an enjoyable evening out without the little ones!

First Fondue Experience

Wednesday, Bev and Randy visited Adalyn's class in the morning.  They were able to meet some of of her friends and teachers.  We spent the rest of the day preparing for our trip to Paris.  After school, we headed to Santa's House in Andilly so Grandpa and Grandma could see the spectacular site.

Adalyn picked out their outfits!! 

Thursday morning, bright and early we boarded the train and headed to Paris.  The train was definitely a good decision- no delays, more space, and a much faster way to travel, especially with kids!  In three hours, we arrived in Paris and found our flat.  We started to explore the area and decided to be real tourists and hop on board the "Big Bus " tour!  It was an easy way for us to understand where the major sites were and get a feel for the big city.  That night, instead of a traditional turkey dinner, we ate Italian!  We had such a wonderful night, great food, good laughs, and thankfully we were the only ones in the restaurant! (Helps to eat early!!)  Eliza even had some of Grandma's beer to celebrate the night!  (She always has to be watched...)

Bus Tour

Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday, we woke up before the sun rose, and got ready for a busy day of touring.  Our first stop was the Louvre, which is the world's most visited museum.  It houses art from all over the world, and the most famous piece, the Mona Lisa.  Luckily, it was not very crowded, so we were able to see the art close up and really see the amazing detail in the paintings.  Unluckily, we discovered Eliza is a bit young to really appreciate art which made the tour a bit shorter than anticipated.

My favorite picture!!  True tourists- where are we supposed to go???  

"Selfie" with Mona Lisa

After the Louvre, we had lunch at a cute French restaurant outside along the Seine River.  While eating baguette sandwiches, crepes, and omelettes, we truly felt part of the Parisian culture.

Such a happy girl at lunch!

After lunch, we went to the Notre Dame Cathedral.  We walked around the cathedral and admired the French Gothic architecture, the attention to detail in these older buildings is truly fascinating.

Adalyn asked to light a candle for Great Grandma and Grandpa Schultz who are in heaven.

Next on our list was the the Eiffel Tower.  The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the World's Fair in 1889 that would celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution.  Many people were not in favor of the tower being built believing that it would just be a large metal structure taking over the architectural beauty of Paris.  The Eiffel Tower took two years to build, 1887-1889, and was only permitted to stand for twenty years.  It was later decided that it had become an icon of Paris, and would be left standing, and is currently the most-visited paid monument in the world.  It was quite surreal to be standing under the tower.

Trying to reach the tower-

Our Little Parisian Girl 

On Saturday, Randy and Bev took a half day tour to the Palace of Versailles.  We spent the morning walking around the Christmas market and playing down by the Seine River. In the afternoon, we met up again and spent the afternoon walking along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which is a two km. street filled with luxury shops and during the Christmas season, a huge market.  It was crazy how busy this street got throughout the day- Bev and I were hoping to do some "Black Friday" shopping, but most of the stores had lines outside of them to get in, and long lines to buy anything.  Also, I don't think Paris participates in "Black Friday!"

So happy along the river-

Napping along the river...perfect.

A "Grandpa Sandwich!"

When in Paris, you must have Creme Brulee!

Around 6, we got back on the train and headed back to Geneva.

Playing cards on the train ride. 

On Sunday, it was Adalyn's 5th Birthday! Chris and I can't believe that we have a five year old.  We are so lucky to have been blessed with such a caring, funny, free-spirited daughter.  Adalyn wanted to spend the day playing with grandpa and grandma, which was a perfect end to their trip.  We had been so busy traveling, that it was a great day to relax and have some play time!  Monday morning, we had to say good-bye to Randy and Bev as they flew back to Minnesota.

Birthday Girl

Jumping with Grandpa on her new trampoline- 

This week, since it was Thanksgiving, I was also thinking about just how thankful we are for having the opportunity to live abroad.  We are so thankful for all of the support from family and friends during the past year during the transition.  We are also thankful for our new friends that have made our days in Switzerland so much more enjoyable.  Last but not least, we are especially thankful for FACETIME!  Being able to talk and see family and friends frequently has definitely made the distance between us not seem so far.  In three weeks we will be home for the holidays, we are so excited to see everyone!