The Winter Blah's

I wish I could say that the reason I've updated the blog in a while is because there has been so much going on. I cannot say that at all.  We had 12 straight days where at least one person in our family had a fever. And everyone of us got hit, too.  It wasn't flu- not that bad- just an icky viral thing with a cough.  I still have mine- treasuring it ;)
   Sick days were filled with nonstop tv and movies. Well, we did take time outs to play games on tablet computers. Saturday (the 19th) was close to some sort of breaking point for me. I finally felt better- really felt better. I believe that there is a level of healthy where I think I'm doing good and ready to re enter society. And then I leave my house and go out into the world and feel out of kilter and ready to crawl back into my bed.  Anyway, I felt better, but Jackson had an ear infection, there was snow on the ground, and Kenny had serious studying to do. No. where. to. go.  AAAHHH!!!

 One non tech activity we managed- non messy finger paints.

 We make up for our non-tech moments. *sigh*

  Sunday night I escaped for a little girl's night with Tina- a woman I was introduced to by a mutual friend. She moved here in June, We arrived in August and this was our first intentional meeting. We did run into each other on the bus near the toy library back in December, but that was a pretty brief exchange.  We went to a Tex-Mex restaurant (fajitas on sale for 25 CHF!) It was not bad- a Swiss approximation of an Americanized version of Tex-Mex. Yes, that is taking into consideration that Tex-Mex is already Americanized. It was great to get out of the house and I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to get together with Tina.  And to top it off, Kenny and the kids had a great night!
   Wouldn't it work out, that the one time we are really sick here, there are tenants in the house from the States with a four year old daughter?  They came from Atlanta and the daughter had never seen snow. We did play outside with her one time. Sophia's presence even convinced Johanna to go out and play in the snow, which she loved.  I don't think the Dad spent too much time in the snow either. When the first couple of inches were on the ground he asked me if I thought he needed chains on his tires.  This family gave me a great birthday present by inviting Jack and Jo over to play at the exact time Eli fell asleep for a nap. If only my sinuses had cooperated so I could have slept, too.  It was still a great rest.
  I am so thankful that Jackson was ready to head back to kindy on Monday and we could return to a bit of a routine. Johanna, Eli, and I went present shopping. That's right, we had a birthday to celebrate. Kenny turned 30 on Monday.  My birthday was the week before, but I was sick and I didn't get any presents so it doesn't count. (Kenny knows he still owes me.) We celebrated with homemade brownies and we gave him a sweater- he asked for one, really!
   Now it is Wednesday and I'm trying come up with a few activities for the kids and me for next week when there is no school-yes, the whole week. I think this is so people can get in one more solid week of winter sports. My goal is to work up the nerve to get me and all three kids to the indoor playground that is a town over-this will require getting on the train. I'm nervous.
  Speaking of goals- I did it! I lost the baby weight! My mom brought pre-baby jeans at Christmas. I could put them on then, but now they fit! (If I was going to be sick, at least I lost a few pounds). Thanks for holding me accountable.
  Eli is not only crawling, he is pulling up to his knees. He often sits on his knees to play, but won't sit on his butt- unable to go mobile fast enough.  And not only his he pulling up on to his knees, but a few times now he has made it up to his feet!  I think it would happen a lot more, but he pretty much only wears footed sleepers.
  And just in case you missed it on facebook- we are officially going home February 16.  We had originally planned to stay until the 28th. The vision was to travel, but we have realized that it would not be as enjoyable as envisioned and we are ready to head home. We are looking forward to home and the people that it holds.