Swiss Family Olson: What's been goin' on

Busy, Busy, Busy.

Time for some pictures and a bit of what the Olson's have been up to the past few weeks. I'm going backwards as I'm writing this on the return of a whirlwind trip to - Guess?

Does the red, double-decker bus give you a clue? My shiny, clean face devoid of makeup as I intend to go straight to bed after the show? Yes, London!!! I did not sleep (dosed about 45 min.) on the flight over so this is me at about 28+ hrs. I don't remember much of the first half of Billy Eliott but was awake for the 2nd Act.

Why London? A wonderful friend from Zurich was in London to celebrate a special Birthday with another wonderful friend who moved there in April who was hosting other wonderful friends (also from Zurich) for the weekend. Follow? My wonderful husband who knew I was missing friends and that's it's been a time of adjustment, looked into tickets and gave me the "hall pass." So I was a surprise for the Birthday friend - and she was VERY surprised. It was fun to be a surprise!

On the River Thames. Advertising - A-hem! But if we show our ID we can get a discount ...... :)

The surprise activity for the weekend was a high-speed boat excursion on the River Thames. Next to skiing fast together, we enjoyed this immensely - Thank You L for arranging this and treating us to such fun!

After the thoroughly fun but chilly ride on the Thames, we were off to celebrate the Birthday girl at a lovely! hotel tearoom.

It was so beautifully arranged. They had several pieces of furniture that were "just what I'm looking for" but, of course, one can't take off with hotel furniture in ones' small suitcase.

Along with eating, boating, theatre-going and visiting, there was a bit of shopping to do. L lives in the Hampstead area and it was so fun to see a different part of London.

I'm so thankful for these friends and for the trip - quick as it was. It also felt natural to be back in a place where you can walk out the door, go a few blocks and catch a train, taxi, bus to your destination. Being in the suburbs again, I actually miss that. Especially with a larger group of people - we never had to worry about whether there were enough seats in the car.

It was also good to see friends I miss in a place other that Switzerland. Although it's very nice where we live in CA, I was happy to move from it 9 years ago and really had no idea we'd move back. It's really taking me some time to acclimate (some things are easier than others) and with work being done on the house, haven't "gotten out" as much as I thought I would have at this point. It's best NOT to visit the place being missed at this time but great to visit with the people. Plus - the birthday girl and her Hub will be visiting us in November which we are really looking forward to.

Before that trip - and in keeping with the spirit of Swiss culture - Rachel had an assignment for her Foods class that we worked on. They are to prepare and give a bit of background on a food from their heritage or culture. As we lived in Switzerland for 5 years, certain aspects became a part the family culture.

Such as the Grittibaenz:

Grittibaenz are a traditional bakery dough men made in November/December. Ours are looking a bit "special" (dough men vs Aliens?) but Rachel's class really enjoyed them and she felt good about sharing this part of her life. Can I add that I love the workspace of our kitchen island. LOVE IT!

We also spent a weekend with our friends in Fresno again and to watch the young man below play a bit o' Football - American style. We brought the girls instruments so they could practice and have a little jam session. Knowing the girls as some of you do, what's wrong with this picture:

Yes, they played their own instruments a bit and then decided to switch it up - J is a naturally gifted musician (plays contrabass, electric bass guitar and drums) and within minutes had Kendra's cello going - another instrument in the H house? Rachel had fun on his bass and Kendra enjoys the violin when Rachel leaves her alone to just play it......

And before the Fresno weekend, we had a weekend in Reno with my mom and J. We had a great time visiting and went up to Virginia City - and old Silver mining town.

I do believe I mentioned that trip now that I type it out...... losing my mind. While I know I mentioned Bart's parents Anniversary in Minneapolis, I never did share pictures. It was great to celebrate such an anniversary with them. This cake? This cake was GONE. During clean-up I checked to see if any was left and there was just a smudge of frosting on that plate. I did not swipe at the smudge 'cause I was being well mannered. But if no one had been watching????