A lot of Firsts in December

Thanks to the pandemic: the constantly changing travel dates have allowed our kids some unique experiences. Not only did they celebrate the first Christmas with a real fir tree and real candles, but they also saw their first snow, built their first snowman, and had their boots filled with goodies from St Niklaus.  

Hiking in the first snow

Frozen pond in our garden

The first snowman ever

What did I get from St Nikolaus

Lots of snow ...

... but all gone by Christmas.
Looking for the perfect tree

Real tree and real candles

O Christmas Tree

Our kids waited 9 years to do this: cut a Christmas Tree in the forest, set it up in the living room, and decorate it. Christmas is a-coming!!

Picking a Christmas Tree ...

... and then decorating it.

Our time in Switzerland

Our time in Switzerland has been both busy and relaxing. We held several talks at churches and other groups, met with supporters and spent time with family. As we did before, we also tried to show our children what and who Switzerland is. So, we visited castles (history), a chocolate factory (trade), walked through the alleys of Bern and traveled to several picturesque places (geography). Below a few impressions.

Our temporary home in the heart of Ostermundigen

Homeschooling continues in Switzerland

A rest with a view - Aletsch glacier

Eating blueberries straight from the bush

The impressive eagle on the Simplonpass

Sunset in Sardinia

Madeleine and I enjoy Sardinia - just the two of us

View down the impressive Lauterbrunnental

Traffic education for our children

25 years ago we've been married in this church

Beinwil am See - Place of our wedding reception

Visit to Lenzburg Castle

First snow of the year - for us it has been 9 years

Klick here for more pictures

Silver Wedding Anniversary

25 years ago Madeleine and I made our marriage vows in the Reformed Church of Bolligen. Today, we revisited some of the locations of that well remembered day.

As we decided to celebrate this milestone together with our children we first visited the Hallwyl castel. Then we ate a splendid lunch at the same restaurant we had our reception at. The room we used then is still the same – as, according to Madeleine, is the carpet.

Time did not allow to go on a boat trip on the lake of Hallwil, however, we payed a visit to the church in Bolligen on our way back home. It was a beautiful, sunny fall day making the colours of the trees shine as they did 25 years ago.

1995: after the church service

Beinwil am See where we held our reception

Reformed Church of Bolligen