Swiss Miss: 2010

First of all, I need to issue an apology and an explanation. When I made the decision to end my last blog and begin a new one, I didn't count on the negative feedback. I figured all blogs are created equal. My biggest concern was that I had a lot of personal info on my first blog, including our last name, all of the kids' names and birth dates. It was information I didn't want out there now that I am no longer living in "Middle of Nowhere", Switzerland. I thought about making it a private blog, but in the end chose to call it what it was (a travel log) and start over. After I reread my last post, I can see that it does have a certain sadness to it (sorry). However, it is always exciting to have a clean slate and start something new. Here we go...

September was somewhat of a blur. It was nice to get back into a routine although some mornings when we are rushing to get ready for school I am longing for the days of summer. The kids all have great teachers and #3 is loving preschool. He only attends two days a week and is often mad at me that it isn't everyday. I was thrilled to find out that my first two do not have as much homework as I thought they would. I'm now a carpooling/soccer mom again and we have also thrown cub scouts and ballet into the mix.

We still have days of down time which are spent hanging out at home, the park and on occasion, Disneyland. Our cute #4 is growing fast but is not quite the sleeper I had hoped for. Some days I find myself sleepwalking through life, counting down the minutes until I can go back to bed. Which leads me to my question of the month: Why do kids fight naps so much?

3 girls and an elephant

The magic feather

Riding solo

Tall enough for Big Thunder

A Whole New World

Family shot in front of a smaller Matterhorn

First day of school

#1 looking a little tired

#3 and his injury of the month

First day of preschool

#3 was spoiled with a trip to Disneyland while his siblings were at school

2 boys and a baby

Pumpkin head

M-I-C-K-E-Y

#1 playing soccer against his cousins

Looking for a chance to score

Our princess on picture day

Loving these cheeks...

...and the hair!

Cutie pie or troublemaker?

Waiting for the parade to start on a HOT September evening at California Adventure

Look Mom...Mater!

3 amigos

Staying out past bedtime

August was full to the brim with activities. With a baby blessing, we had more family get-togethers and trips to the pool and beach. We had soccer camp and the beginning of a soccer season. Oh yah and we moved. AGAIN. This time into our friends' house. They are supposed to be in Florida for "one year". However, after this month had an exodus of our friends, I can't help but wonder if we will see them next year. We are crossing our fingers.

Funny enough, the kids didn't get the memo that our friends were moving to Florida. For some crazy reason they thought we were going to be moving in WITH them! Although 4 adults and 8 children under the age of 10 might seem like a party to them, I'm not sure I'm ready for communal living just yet.

We spent the second half of the month unpacking our belongings which arrived safe and sound from Switzerland. The kids were happy to have their things back and to be out of an apartment. As for me, I was relieved to stop hauling groceries up so many flights of stairs. I'm a wimp. I know.