A Special Christmas

On Christmas Eve we wandered around the village, enjoying the lights and festivities.

Christmas Eve with an almost full moon shining on the Matterhorn - made it all the more special

Rose brought christmas garland to decorate the chalet

christmas morning

Eliaa enjoyed moving all the gifts around (until she opened her first one)

her window

nice to see a happy face

it was mild enough on christmas to play on the deck

enjoying his christmas gift

It was important that the boys have a special christmas.  It was the first time being away from family (for them and myself) on christmas.  It was not about the gifts but being in a special place with good friends.  I am so thankful that we were able to give them this experience and memories they will have with them for a lifetime.  I was so proud of them.  We enjoyed our christmas morning lounging and then had christmas lunch in the village opening the english "crackers" that Rose brought.  She made sure that we had our english traditions to experience while we were in Switzerland.

Thank you to Rose, Eero and Eliaa for a wonderful and special christmas that we will always remember.

The Children

Switzerland was all about the children.  An opportunity to just play in the snow in a way they have missed the last few years and a first for Eliaa.  To be a kid and just have FUN.

smiles, giggles, laughs, shrieks and happiness are a sure sign of success.

Up the Mountain

We took a day to go up the "mountain" and explore.  Take in the views, ride the gondola and visit the ice castle that is in the glacier.

the valley

part way up the mountain

the Italian Alps

inside the mountain at the top

in the crevasse that leads to the ice castle

lunch inside the glacier

a cave in the glacier

ready for the ride down

French Alps on the right Italian Alps on the left

the glacier on the mountain

Dillon taking in the view - the heights made him a little nervous

this building is part way up the Matterhorn

you can see it on the right side of the photo.

we had a wonderful day on the mountain.  a great experience and opportunity to see the beautiful Alps. there is no beauty like these mountains in the winter.  memories that will remain with us always.