35 is the new......35?

Organized a group of friends to go out for the birthday and I was a little hesitant. I have lots of different friends that don't know each other so I was really hoping that everyone would get along and have a good time. Good time is an understatement. We had a great time!! Dinner at Arthur's, drinks at the Rooftop lounge, after dancing at Le Baroque*. All of it happened by hazard, but such an amazing time was had. Stayed out later than I ever have in Geneva, until 4am. I was one tired lady.

*Have realised that I am too old for some places as the idea of waiting in line, scrunched together in a basement with strobe lights and over priced drinks is not my thing.

So much laughter

The troopers at a "small lounge" which really turned into a fun dance place.

So thankful for all of my wonderful friends here that know just how to pick me up and make a girl laugh. xx

Wayne and Yvette's visit

We had such a nice time visiting with Wayne and Yvette. I was thrilled to have adult company in the house and the girls were so excited to have a "big sister."
They were meant to arrive on the 27th but ended up snowed in in Frankfurt. A day later and the train, they made it here very tired and hungry.
Here are a few of our pictures.

sledding

winner winner

catching snow flakes

snow angels

annecy

annecy for crepes and caramel

C learned to tie her shoes

ice skating

at first she refused to use the help, but soon found it was nice.

others decided to just hang there and have mommy do all the work

boom

3 olympic skaters

ready for a sugar crepe to refuel

look, no hands. 

C was skating on her own as well at the end.

Hot wine needed.

The Olympic champion

she's in the race

Evian, France

peek a boo

on top of the Salève mountain overlooking Geneva

The three amigos

Geneva below

Some things we saw: Ice skating in Carouge, Market in Annecy,  Olympic Museum in Ouchy, Evian, Geneva, Mt. Saleve. We had an amazing time. Thank you Uncle Wayne and Cousin Yvette for coming to visit!

Christmas

Christmas this year was really difficult for me. I didn't think it would be. I kept saying, " Its just another day, its just another day." But when the day actually came I really missed my girls and my family. I skyped with the girls and they showed me all of their great gifts which was really nice. It wasn't until Alex's mom came on Skype to say merry christmas that I really started getting emotional. It was an actual holiday that people were celebrating on the 25th, not the 27th or 28th...
I am so happy for Skype as I was able to spend Christmas with my family for a bit and it really did feel like I was there in the kitchen helping them prepare the meal. I cannot wait until Christmas next year when the girls and I will spend Christmas with the family.
Being alone, I thought of my dad a lot. I really just wanted to know if he could see the girls and was watching them. I kept thinking about the last time I tried to call him for Christmas, the gifts that he sent for my birthday that we received after it all, and just how much I really miss him. I have realised how much I am like my father in a lot of ways. I wish he was here to talk to as I find I could use his input on so many things.
I am thankful that my brother and niece came to visit on the 27th which gave us all something to look forward to. Pictures to post next.