Snowy Shoreline

We have had a special treat here on the southern coast of England - SNOW.  It does not snow here often.  The downs keep the cold white stuff north of here and the warm air off the English Channel help out on the southern end.  It has been a different experience watching the snow and the ocean at the same time.  Although I have spent time watching the ocean in cold weather I don't often see the beach covered in snow.  What we see outside our window appears to be a scene of contradictions.

palm branches covered in snow

sea gulls walking through snow??

benches for sitting in the warm sunshine

A Taste of Zermatt

Just a few tidbits from the first day or so.

chapel and cemetery for those who perished on the mountain

ceiling of the catholic church

church window with the view of the Matterhorn

one of many beautifully decorated windows

library

the village at night from our chalet

snow removal Zermatt style

such a majestic sight

there will be many of these shots

homes built with beautiful craftsmanship

preferred mode of transportation

Upon arrival the boys grabbed sleds and snow clothes and frolicked in the snow.  They really have missed it the last few years.

Geneva to Zermatt

The train ride from Geneva to Zermatt is a great way to see a bit of the country along the way.  It is relaxing and allows time to eat, chat and for the kids to chill for a bit.  It is about 4 hours with one change over in Visp.  It is only about 20 minutes between trains and here is where you head up the valley to Zermatt.  The boys were excited to see the amount of snow increase along the way.

train station in Geneva - Eliaa was so happy to see the boys again (and get into all their stuff)

the boys are great entertainment on a train ride

so great to see this little face again - she is growing up so fast

Travel info:  Excellent fares on Easyjet from London Gatwick to Geneva, Switzerland (just plan ahead if you can).  Children under 16 are free traveling with adults on the trains in Switzerland.  Best bet is to go to the ticket counter in the Geneva train station (you can arrive via plane and the train station is right in the airport - trains to Zermatt run about every hour) and purchase tickets through there - they set up the children's tickets and you can buy return which I believe is cheaper then one way at a time and easier for when you are returning  - as you are all set.  The return can be within a month so you always have flexibility.  BEWARE Switzerland is expensive but you can save money - stay somewhere that is self catering (has a kitchen) and cook most meals.  There are deals with your train pass (and for children) - make sure to bring it when you purchase tickets up the mountain or to do different activities.  In Geneva there are free activities such as the Museum of Natural History and it is very well done.

SNOW

Yes, we got snow.  Even if it was just a dusting and melted in hours.  I looked out the window as I awoke and squealed with delight.  It does not matter how old you are - it is still special and fun to see snow when you awake.  It brought back memories from when I was little and my mom would allow us to stay home from school on the day of the first snow.  It was so special and we needed to enjoy it.

This morning I held back from waking the boys so they could sleep a little longer.  I did snap some photos to remember the morning.

it was great fun watching the boys look of surprise to see our neighborhood with a dusting of the white stuff.

Home

We made it - we are home.  Interesting enough I feel solid about saying the words "we are home" even though we will be here just a few more months.  When we arrived very late from Morocco the boys were in their pj's and trying to settle in when Ronan came up to me with the biggest, silliest grin I had seen in awhile.  When I asked him what he was so happy about he replied "because we are here, we are home".  It made me feel good that as much as they miss their family, our place here in the UK has the strong feeling of home.  I think we all felt it - after two weeks of awesome traveling and exploring the feeling of being home was wonderful.

enjoying the view of the Swiss and Italian Alps (temps were minus 18 celsius)

the beautiful Matterhorn

fishing village in Morocco

headed down the dunes to a reef surf spot

There will be many many pics posted with stories and memories over the next few weeks.  For now we are settling back in, recovering from sickness, beginning a new semester of school work for all of us and attempting to whittle the laundry mountain down with our small UK washing machine.  We absolutely love to travel, explore and experience the many different places in the world but right now we are all happy to be "home".  It fills me with warmth to know that my boys will always feel at "home"wherever we are as a family.

Wishing everyone a happy New Year and may it be filled with good health, happiness and joy (with a side of exploring of course).

Heading Out.........

With a bit of time off for the holidays we have opted to do what we do best and explore a little.

Golden, Colorado (2010?)

Golden, Colorado (2010?)

We are headed to Zermatt, Switzerland to stay with friends for Christmas and give the boys some fun in the snow that they have missed so much the last few years.

Then we will head south to Morocco for a little surf adventure - we are missing our warm ocean and beaches and need a little fix to get us through the rest of winter.

Puerto Morelos, Mexico (2009?)

Dominical, Costa Rica (Spring 2010)

Dominical, Costa Rica (Spring 2010)

Baie aux Prunes, St.Marten (Fall, 2011)

Baie aux Prunes, St.Marten (Fall, 2011)

It will be a bit quiet here on the blog while we enjoy some family time and travel.  Possibly a quick hello here and there but no promises.

I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone and their families.  Soak in these special moments we have in life and hang on tight to your loved ones.  Spend these holidays eating yummy food, filling the air with laughter, reminiscing of years past and finally appreciating all that we have been given.

To our family  - we miss you immensely this year and look forward to the holidays together in the future.  Until then enjoy all the fun times in California for us!!!!!!  Love to all of you!!!!!!!

Turbulent Seas

We awoke to some rough seas yesterday.  It is fascinating to watch the ocean change and come to life.

This wild ocean feeds my soul and gives me life and energy even when the sun is not shining

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Connecticut during these trying and sad times.

May there be peace in our world.