An AMAZING Man

 

A couple months ago I was really missing my sister, who I hadn't seen in over a year.  She was about to have a baby (my first nephew) and I was sad I couldn't be there.  This wonderful man offered, of his own accord, to take care of our family while I traveled to Switzerland to see my sister!

It is the greatest gift (excluding our daughters) that Ian has ever given me!  I was very touched and very grateful for his understanding and sacrifice so I could be with my sister.

I have been here in Switzerland for 5 days soaking up some wonderful sister-talk and baby love!

My poor Ian on the other hand has been dealing with endless puke!!!!  Just days after leaving all three of them got the flu.  He has had late nights, lots of laundry, baths and lost sleep.  He has been sick himself and doing the best he can to take care of the kids.

I am SO thankful for Ian and love him to bits.  I miss my family SO much and was ready to jump back on a plan to come home early and help.

I love you Hailey and Quinn and can't wait to see you in 4 more days!!!

Toddler decorating!

The twins went to town decorating for Christmas.  They especially enjoyed decorating themselves with the stockings on their feet and the ornaments on their ears.  Since my sister is coming to Canada for Christmas they didn't put up the tree but gave the ornaments to the girls to find places around the house to hang them.  There are also many ornaments hanging on door and cupboard handles now.

They really enjoyed playing with the beautiful wooden nativity but were soon fighting over baby Jesus so it was put away for a time.  They are also having a lot of fun with the tutu's from auntie Jenny.

My Nephew

He is about 7 weeks now and is such a sweet boy!  He hardly fusses and sleeps great (when his mommy doesn't eat spicy food and chocolate).  He doesn't like to sit down or snuggle.... he just stands straight most of the time so he isn't very cuddly unless he is asleep.  He loves his auntie Jenny and has been talking to me and starting to smile.  It has been so nice to hold a little one again and the best part is that I still don't want another one..... yet!

My little ewok!

My nieces and nephew

I'm here in beautiful Switzerland.... seriously beautiful!  The weather is an amazing 10 degrees outside and I have been having a great time playing with the twins, cuddling my nephew and chatting with my sister (and brother-in-law).

It wasn't the greatest trip... with delays from Edmonton that made me miss my connection in Toronto, which meant an extra flight to London and then to Zurich!  It was a LONG day (literally 24 hrs).  With all the discomforts of flying long distances I was still grateful that I hadn't had to bring my small children along with me (phew).  While in the Toronto airport I met a woman alone with a 10 month old son.  She was flying home to Australia (which meant a 12 hr flight and another 10 hr flight)  UHG!  I hope her flight was as short as it possibly could be.... I can't imagine holding a mobile infant for that long in a confined space!  She is amazing!

I am here now, trying to adjust to the large time difference (actually writing this at 11 pm without a hint of tiredness).

here are some pictures of Switzerland and my sweet Sister's kids...

 (au de Swiss)

 Hello Alps!  This makes me want to sing "Edelweiss" and "The Hills are Alive" (yes I know the sound of music was in Austria)

 The wild one

 Little man

The less wild one

I miss my girls and their snuggles and Ian has been a superstar with both girls getting the flu just days after I left.  I definitely owe him for this one!!!!!  He is already talking about 'his trip' to Madagascar!