It's hard to believe that summer is over, yet I'm reminded each time I step outside- its already cold! So, I guess I should catch everyone up.... we spent our warm summer days walking trails and visiting the zoo. In July, we traded our warm 70 degree days for Texas' 100+ degree days and air-conditioning. We spent several weeks visiting our parents, eating out, and shopping. I was amazed at how noisy it was - and then I would realize I could understand others' conversations. Here in Switzerland, I'm guilty of blocking out conversations- simply because I don't understand. However, my understanding is getting better with time. Won't be long and Luke will be translating for me.
In August, we returned to Switzerland. Jet-lag was difficult to overcome coming back. Luke didn't sleep through the night for several days, until his Ghinny promised to buy him a toy. Amazing how bribery works! Once we got settled back into our routine, we took a trip to Luzern. While in Luzern we rode a boat around the lake and road the Pilatus-Bahn (train) up the mountain. The views were breath-taking.
Luke also started Swiss Kindergarten in August. Oops! I should be saying "Lukas" started Kindergarten - Lukas insists on going by his German name now! Anyway, Kindergarten is a two year process here and kids can start as early as four if their 4th birthday is before mid April. Luke is a July baby, so we waited until he was 5. Luke has 15 other students in his class. All of the students go to school Monday-Friday in the morning and return to their homes for lunch. Then 3 days a week the 2nd year students return in the afternoon and the 1st year students (Luke's group) return 1 afternoon a week. Luke loves his school and teacher! I love that its a neighborhood school and we often see his classmates at the playground, on the bus, at the store, etc. We have even seen a couple of his friends when we have gone into Zürich.
Click link below to see August photos...
http://gallery.me.com/jcs1274/100088/August%202011-Display
