Dear Adalyn and Eliza,

Dear Adalyn and Eliza,

This is it, blog post number seventy-one.  The final entry in "The Story of My Life in Geneva."  I wanted to write this blog for you so you would never forget your time in Switzerland. 

Three years ago, we were faced with a difficult decision, whether or not to move for your daddy's job.  At first, it seemed irrational to take you away from family at such a young age.  After many nights of going over the pros and cons, we decided the opportunity was too good, and the biggest pro we could think of was the impact it would have on you two girls. We had no idea when we made that decision that it would have been as positive as it turned out to be.

You are leaving with a broader vision of the world.  Our only hope is that your curiosity about different cultures and geographies continues and travel becomes a priority in your life, realizing the value of experiences versus material items.   

It's hard to know how much of the last three years you will remember.  We sat down with each of you individually and asked you to reflect on some of your favorite moments.  As the years pass and you read this list, hopefully it will spark your memory and take you back to where they all took place.   

Eliza:
*Eating at Luigia's (a family friendly Italian restaurant in Geneva)
*Going on daddy's shoulders to be taller than everyone
*Picking flowers on hikes for mommy
*Riding the orange boat in Croatia
*Feeding the fish in Cassis from the boat
*Driving in the mountains
*Learning to spell her name
*Seeing Mickey Mouse at Disneyland
*Gelato
*Swimming in Crete with daddy
*Evan (my first friend)
*Lac de Passy
*Playing the dinner game with all the visitors

Adalyn:
*Hofbrauhaus in Munich- eating the giant pretzels and spätzle
*School - the friends and teachers
*Fete De Geneve- the celebration in August with fireworks
*Boat ride in Croatia
*Skiing in the Alps with friends
*Eating "Bangers and Mash" in London
*Eating tiramisu on the Spanish Steps in Rome
*Sledding in Grindelwald with Sophia and Brady
*Staying in a house in France with Kenzie, Lexi, and Jack (the dog)
*Visiting the Beauty and the Beast village- Eguisheim, France
*Going on the Luge course in Saas Fee
*Camping in the mountains with Jonah and Mason

At night, one of your favorite things is listening to stories about growing up from mommy, daddy, and anyone else who happens to be at our house during bedtime.  This book is filled with stories that you can tell your own kids one day.

We are so proud of the two of you. 

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

July 2014                                                           July 2017

                                                                                                                          

THE END

Thank You Geneva

Thank you Geneva.  We are grateful for our time spent here. 

The kindness, generosity and curiosity of the people we have encountered on this journey has been a gift, one that we will not forget nor do we take lightly. 

Our way of thinking and understanding the World broadened and evolved.  It is often said to learn more about your own country, go to another.  It was revealing to hear the views Europeans have of the US, some good and some not so good.  Many of the stereotypes we have of the Swiss are true, very private and punctual.  We also discovered the softer side, having been invited by neighbors to their homes and festivals, seeing the grace they show with all of the foreigners (Geneva is 50% expats) is most impressive.  It is hard to think of other countries that show that much patience to put up with bad questions and awkward moments created by a transient population of immigrants.

We were able to introduce forty different visitors to the charm and natural beauty of Switzerland.   

We embraced the fact that we were so close to neighboring countries.  We were able to visit ten different countries, some multiple times.  What we never dreamt of visiting in our lifetime, became a reality in three years.  We discovered quaint mountain villages filled with character, walked for hours through old towns and saw seaside bays peppered with sun-soaked Mediterranean villages. 

We were fortunate to have been able to ski in the Alps and have the girls learn to ski.  The girls were able to go from beginners to being able to ski down independently.  Our Saturdays in the mountains became our favorite day of the week.

We learned that being uncomfortable is okay, and it actually made us gain confidence.  We had to learn to communicate.  It is embarrassing to admit, but after three years, we still struggle with the French language (Adalyn is by far the most fluent).  Often times we would rely on Google translate or try our best French and make a complete fool of ourselves.  We drove on very narrow roads with bicycles, runners and motos on all sides.  The girls were put into many uncomfortable situations.  The girls are much more open about trying new things because of this experience. 

We are leaving with heavy hearts and embrace the adage of not being sad that it is over, but happy that it happened.   We could have never predicted how well this decision turned out.  We are forever grateful we got to live in this beautiful country and will definitely be back to visit. 

Merci Beaucoup!  Nous serons de retour bientot!