Nick's 36th Early Birthday Party Celebration

Since Nick will be in the states for his actual birthday we celebrated it early with Geno and Coretta. I cooked Nick's favorite dish that I make: chicken tacos with chipotle rice, tomato salsa, and guacamole. Afterwards, we brought out Nick's chocolate cake with his favorite cream cheese frosting. He opened his presents and then we sang Happy Birthday. It was extremely hard for Geno to contain himself all day with the cool party hats and balloons everywhere. He just kept saying "Birthday Cake!" Both of my kids have a sweet tooth, so usually the best part of any party is the treats. Happy Birthday Nick! We love you more than you'll ever know. Thanks for being a great husband and father. You are the most important person in my life (outside of the children). I hope you have a wonderful time in the States. We LOVE you!!

Geno's Dance Moves

One of Geno's latest hobbies is dancing. He likes me to crank up the itunes, but he will never dance alone, which means today I danced with him for an hour. Every time I tried to sit down, he was say, No Mommy. Dance!" Needless to say, that is what I did. Here is Geno dancing to Madonna's hit Four Minutes. Listen for Geno saying the words "Madonna" and "tick, tock, tick, tock." I, however am taping him and dancing in order to get this footage. Enjoy the video.

Geno and his Imaginary Friends

Part of Geno's speech therapy each week is working on his fine motor skills. One activity we practice at home is a tea party for his imaginary friends where he serves them pretend food and tea and practices cutting pieces of food off for each guest. Here is Geno in that moment this weekend.

Coretta's Five Day Field Week with The International School of Zug and Luzern

Coretta returned from field week yesterday, and I missed her so much. With that said, it is clear that she had a fabulous time. The actual drive was about four hours and they rode on a double decker bus which had a television on it so they could watch movies. Once to their hotel, they checked in, and Coretta bunked with her classmate Eva. At the hotel every night, the students could choose activities to do such as: SingStar on the Wii, ping pong, pool, air hockey, and a variety of video games in the game room.

One main activity that they did, is that they were broken into groups for a team building experience. It was called the Mini Olympics. Each group received a t-shirt with the color of their team and competed in jump roping, running, and an egg/spoon race. They then would earn points for their house team. There were 1st through 5th place for the competitions with only first place receiving a huge Toblerone chocolate bar. Coretta's house team placed second.

Another activity was hiking in the forest where they saw spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, and gorges. Coretta even took a night walk in the village which got her a little teary eyed as she passed homes with their lights on and families inside thinking of her own. Bless her heart. It is here where they were able to buy souvenirs for their families and themselves. Coretta bought a cow key chain for Geno which he absolutely loved, some postcards and pen for herself, cheese for her Dad, and chocolate for her Mom. Very thoughtful little girl.

Coretta was able to play soccer with several classmates which has become one of her favorite past times.

They then went to tour the Cailler Chocolate Factory where they learned first hand how the chocolate was made and packaged, and the best part, sample different kinds of chocolate.
They also had the opportunity to tour the Gruyere Cheese Factory in the mountains. It is here where they learned how the cheese as made and packaged, as well as sample the final product.

The last night, the 4th grade groups, which I believe to be about 4 different classes at the school, were able to have a disco (what they call a dance in America). Coretta said that they had the dance in an old church which was decorated with lights and they played several songs such as the classic YMCA. In Coretta's words, "The disco rocked!!"

She came home a tired and weary traveler with many experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Geno's First Preschool Field Trip at Beehive International School

Geno had his first school field trip yesterday and it was definitely a success. We all arrived at the school, and then headed out by car to the Hunenberg Ruins. The actual name of our village Hünenberg goes back to the old German short name of Huno (Huno's mountain), which must first have been used at this early medieval time. According to the history of the Canton site, they state the following historical information about the Hunenberg Knights:

1173
"This was the year the noble line of the Knights of Hünenberg was mentioned for the first time. This noble lineage is the most important ministerial nobility in the Canton of Zug. Their family castle stands at the south-western exit to the village. The Lords of Hünenberg managed to increase their possessions and their prestige during the 13th century.


1315
The secure position of the Knights of Hünenberg was threatened at the beginning of the 14th century, when the peasants of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden came into conflict with the Habsburg Duke. The Battle of Morgarten took place on 15 November 1315. According to the saga, Heinrich von Hünenberg shot an arrow over the battlements at Arth with a message to warn the Schwyzers and which read, "Beware Morgarten on St. Othmar's eve". The Knights of Hünenberg drew the consequences from the political situation that further deteriorated in 1352 after Zug joined the Confederation. They transfer /their residence and moved to the town.


1388
On 24 December of all days, troops supporting the Habsburgs crossed the Reuss, stole, plundered and burnt in the area between Hünenberg and the present-day St. Wolfgang. The Zugers, under their Mayor, Hans von Hospental, wanted to reclaim the spoils of war. The skirmish took place at the graveyard where 42 Zugers were slain, including their leader."

Once to the Hunenberg ruins, the children were able to play a little bit. First off, they were hoisted through the alcove door by the teachers and met around the corner by their parents. It is here, that the younger students were given a piece of paper where they could then transpose a piece of the castle wall onto their paper in any color they wanted. The older students were allowed to sketch what the Hunenberg Ruins looked like.

Along our nature exploration hike, every student was given a plastic bag to collect things that were signs of autumn (sticks, leaves, acorns, pine cones). The adults were given a sheet with a list of guided questions to ask the students such as:

• Can you find any autumn leaves?
• Can you find any nuts, acorns, or pine cones?
  
• What tree is used for making a violin?
• What tree is used for making tools?
• How many stairs can you count as you walk up to the Hunenberg Ruins?
• What tree is used for making a bed or a table?
• Can you find a fireplace?
• Can you walk over the creek?
  
• As we walked, there were many stations where you could learn about the different trees, the birds that create their habitats there, and what each tree can be used for.

Once the hike was done, we then met down by the river and waterfalls where we had a camp fire and then had our snack. Geno kept trying to hang out with the older boys trying to emulate anything and everything they were trying to do, including sliding down a steep ravine. I deterred him from that task and instead showed him how to climb up it. The older boys did so with ease, but Geno only made it half way up.

He also enjoyed throwing rocks into the river and running around with the other students. It is clear that the teachers put a lot of thought and time into planning this field trip and was very impressed with their efforts as well. Looking forward to chaperoning the next outing!

Below is a video from the day. Enjoy!

Europa Park Birthday Weekend

This past weekend, we took the family to Rust, Germany to spend some quality time together and celebrate Coretta's 10th birthday in Europa Park. Europa Park is an amusement park similar to Disneyland in America. We woke up and were on the road around 9 am on Saturday and rolled into the park around noon. Everything was going well until Geno decided he needed to puke in the car. All of a sudden he just started upchucking, Coretta is freaking out and gagging on the smell, and Nick is trying to find a place to pull over. Once I cleaned him up and put on a clean set of clothes on him, we were on the road once again. We then went to see if we could check in to the hotel, but they stated that we could check in at 3 and gave us our park tickets. The Hotel Andaluz was a Spanish inspired hotel in the Spanish part of the park. The hotel was beautiful and the kids had these bunk beds that were built into the wall. We parked the car, and decided to spend the afternoon on rides. Coretta and Dad being the roller coaster enthusiasts, went out with the map seeking the biggest thrill. The first roller coaster they went on was called the Blue Fire. I especially liked this one as well. This specific mega coaster shoots you out from the start with such massive force that it startles you. It has a heart beat register on the hand bar, so you can check your pulse rate. Coretta said Dad's was all over the place on the ride. It turns you upside down, twists you, and many dips and turns. Well worth the ride.

The next roller coaster they went on was the Silver Star. This is fairly new coaster and was rated the best one at the park. Coretta and Dad would have to agree. This coaster has you going at 100 mph and is not for the weak kneed or faint of heart. They even got the picture as a souvenir. The picture above speaks for itself.

Geno is not a big fan of rides, or at least not in the beginning. The first ride we put him on was a little airplane ride that spun around. Geno cried the whole time yelling "I'm done now!! Mommy, I scared!!" Once the ride stopped, however, he yelled very loudly, "I DID IT!!" with a very satisfied and proud look on his face. We then went to have lunch.

We chose to eat at an Asian restaurant and the food was good. Inside the restaurant you could watch people traveling in a dimly lit boat ride with fake animals and people all around. Geno seemed to be fascinated with the monkeys and apparently seemed to be not scared, so after lunch we decided to try it out. When we got on the boat, we were fine, until it took a big dip. At this point Geno grabbed for me and the "I scared" began. I reassured them that there was nothing to be scared of, but the fake tiger reassured him that there was. Once we got off the boat, Geno yelled, I DID IT" again and then kept saying "boat, water, tiger, scary!"

We then parted ways, Coretta and Dad on their own and Geno and I on our own. While Coretta and Nick went to seek out the next thrill ride, Geno and I went into Kiddie Land and decided to go on the more tame rides. Geno and I while in Petite France, decided to try another boat ride that appeared to be tame and fairy friendly. Geno was much better on this ride and loved the frogs and their repetitive sound of Woa, Woa as we passed them. Afterwards, he kept saying "Frog say Woa Woa!" We then decided to take the choo choo train ride which he loved as well.

Next, Coretta decided to have her face painted or 6 Euros and she chose the schmettling or butterfly. It took under 10 minutes to create and I thought it was beautiful. The picture above shows the steps and the final result.

The first night, we made reservations for dinner at the Castillo in the hotel which was buffet style. The restaurant itself reminded me of a castle during the Victorian period. It was majestic and beautiful. After dinner, Coretta and I decided to go swimming in the outdoor pool and Nick and Geno stayed back. We all ended up going to bed at 9 am so we would be refreshed for the next day, until Geno woke us up at 4 in the morning. We couldn't get him to go back to sleep, so we changed his diaper and put on the cartoons. Nick, being tired, and not patient with Geno, ended up yelling at him. Geno's response in his exact own words? "Daddy, you're a mean old bear!" Coretta and I laughed so hard. Not only was it a sentence, but metaphoric as well.

The next day we continued to go on more and more rides and stayed at the park until 6 pm. I must say that this was well worth the time and money. Once in the park itself, things are reasonably priced unlike Disneyland. I would rate it a must see if you are in the area. We plan to go back regularly while we are living in Switzerland.

Here's a few more pictures: Europa Park Album

Coretta's Field Week as a Fourth Grader

Coretta left at 7 am Monday morning for Field Week at school. Every year each grade level takes a week to learn on location.

This year Coretta's class is going to the Haute Center which overlooks the picturesque Swiss village of Les Sciernes in the heart of the pre-Alpes. The field week is centered around their unit of study which is Switzerland. They will be looking at landscape, life and lore. The guides will provide further research and will integrate the unit of study throughout the week.

The children will also have the opportunity to further research the landforms of Switzerland by going to visit an actual glacier, rivers, and a gorge. They will then follow this up with a tour of the Gruyere Cheese Factory as well as a tour of the Cailler Chocolate Factory. Each child was told that they could bring 20 CHF for spending.

Coretta will be back on Friday at 3 pm. It's only day two, but I really miss her! Here are some pictures of her departure. She will be traveling in a double decker bus pictured here. She and her friends Melanie and Gabriel are in the pictures.

Geno and School

Recently I received these wonderful pictures of Geno hard at work at the Beehive International Preschool in Hunenberg. Geno has come a long way in his language proficiency and confidence since starting school at the Beehive last year, and I give partial credit to the loving teachers that were patient, kind, and clearly love what they do. It is great to know that when my child is dropped off at school, that he is well taken care of. He is intellectually stimulated, nurtured, and challenged in all areas of development such as psycho motor, social, and emotional skills that will assure he is ready for kindergarten. Geno loves to go to school and has formed a special attachment to both Nadine and Marianne who make him feel special every day. Some of the activities Geno likes to do at school is play with the toy cars, leggos, animal figurines as well as draw and make art. Marianne has been focusing a lot on the fine motor skill development with the older playgroup children, and it is evident at home. They match colors, practice counting, learn about manners, and how to treat one another. They always have a particular unit of inquiry that focuses around a theme. This last month was expressing and dealing with emotions.

It is also clear from the pictures that Geno is not afraid to express his feminine side while he strolls through the school with his baby carriage and red hat. Grandma Marilyn would agree that he looks like a member of the Red Hats Society.

Geno also loves building things with the blocks, singing, and story time. He is definitely turning in to a well adjusted toddler who loves life, loves school, and loves people. This week, they are going on their first field trip of the year. They will be going for a walk in the Hunenberg ruins. I have volunteered to help chaperon this event and look forward to spending time with Geno and the other children and teachers.

Coretta and Geno

When Coretta gets home from school, Geno always races to the door (with Charlie of course) to see how her day was and if she is okay. It is very precious as a Mom to see the bond they share as brother and sister. Geno completely idolizes his sister. In the above collage, they are watching a movie together on the computer, and the smirk on Geno's face is his new found attempt to smile when asked.

Coretta and Dad--Team Bieter

Coretta and Nick have joined an International Soccer League put together by fathers at Coretta's school. Every Saturday, they have organized games with Dads, sons, and daughters and it has become quite a bonding experience for Coretta and Nick. They leave around 9 am and usually do not return until 1:00 pm. Go Team Bieter!!

Guitar Lessons

Coretta has decided that along with piano lessons on Mondays, that she will take guitar lessons as her musical instrument at school. We received information from her school stating that it would cost roughly 580 francs for the start up kit. Nick and I decided that it may be a good idea to shop around and sure enough, we were able to get an equivalent start up kit for a fraction of the price by having one shipped from a music company in Germany. Coretta could barely wait to get her new guitar out of the case. She will start lessons next week.

Coretta's Field Trip to Ballenberg

Coretta had her first field trip of the year where they went to Ballenberg, Switzerland which was approximately a 2 hour bus ride. Ballenberg has more than one hundred century-old buildings from all over Switzerland, 250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts and many special events create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by. Coretta had the opportunity to see many animals such as chickens, cows, and horses, as well as several old style buildings. She was able to see how and what utensils they used to make food, to build a shelter, make clothes, and witness first hand what rural Switzerland was all about many many years ago. She had the opportunity to make some tea that she was able to bring home with her. The tea is called Good Luck Tea and has a variety of different tea leaves amongst it's ingredients. Coretta's B Drink as it was called consisted of Blackberry leaves, strawberry leaves, and raspberry leaves and a special secret something. She had a great time with her friends and teacher exploring Switzerland's past.

Geno Going to School

Geno has started school, this being week three and he is loving it. Every day he says, "Geno school, Cari (Coretta) school, Daddy work, and Mommy home. School is cool. Toy cars. I okay." When I drop him off now, he gives me a big hug and then goes off to play. It is a great feeling to know that while he is away from home, he is having a good time. He is really coming out of his shell and is learning knew words and stringing new sentences together as well.

He still continues to have school as well as 2 hour speech therapy sessions on Tuesdays which makes for a long day without a nap, but well worth it. I am supposed to work on cutting things with a knife and scissors this week. Again fine motor skills and speech are symbiotic. His therapist continually tells me how clever he is and today stated that he really has a mathematical mind. Now I know he gets that from his Dad!!

Geno, Coretta, and Mom's 2.4 kilometer hike

Yesterday Geno, Coretta, and I decided to go for a hike starting in Hunenberg and ending at the park near the lake in Cham. We decided to take the longer route because it was more scenic and would allow Geno more freedom to roam without being hit by a car or a bike. Since we didn't bring the stroller, I wondered how Geno would do walking 2.4 kilometers, and I was pleasantly surprised. Although we needed to make a few stops along the way to look at cows, horses, kitties, and bear figurines, Geno made it the whole way. Once there we played on the big ship, went up and down the slide and then took the bus back to Hunenberg. Needless to say, Geno slept soundly for his nap. However, when he woke up, he put on his jacket and said, "Walk to the park?"

Mommy kisses

Geno and Mommy have a lot of fun each day being silly, cuddling, singing songs, reading books, and laughing. Here are some pictures from yesterday of Geno and I doing exactly that. Loving and cherishing our time together as Mother and son.

Ladies Night in Zug

Had a wonderful night at Spago's Mexican Restaurant in Zug and met many interesting people who all have children at the International School of Zug. We enjoyed good food, good drink, and great conversation. Can't wait till the next outing!!

Coretta's Field Week

This year the fourth grade will be travelling to Haut-Lac Centre. The centre overlooks the picturesque Swiss village of Les Sciernes in the heart of the Swiss Pre-Alps in the french region of Switzerland.

The field week is centered around their unit of study which is Switzerland: landscape, life, and lore. The guides from the centre will provide further research and will integrate their unit of study throughout the week. The fourth graders will have the opportunity to further research the landforms of Switzerland by visiting a glacier, rivers, and a gorge walk. They will also get to visit the Gruyere Cheese Factory as well as tour the Cailler Chocolate Factory which are both nearby. For more information on Coretta's 5 day trip, you can visit the following websites: Haut Lac Centre and Swiss Field Trip.

Last year her field week was only three days, so she is excited to have 5 full days and nights with her classmates and teachers. More photos to come from Coretta when she returns. She will be gone September 21-25th.

Charlie

It has been a while since I have updated the blog on our beloved cockapoo Charlie. Charlie is doing well here in Switzerland and loves the mountain air and all the lovely smells in the forest.

He loves going for long walks where he occasionally meets other dog friends and cows whom he can socialize with. He likes to have his belly rubbed in affirmation of his presence and loves to cuddle with you under the covers.

He likes to play ball and jump up on Geno in excitement and topple him to the floor. He loves the hunt of trying to get any table food that falls to the floor and always eats Geno's leftovers of peanut butter toast.

He likes to take several morning and afternoon naps even when he has done nothing else in the day. He loves to hide under the bed with Daddy's stinky socks and chew on them endlessly.

Although he misses Grandpa Tom and Jack, he loves it here in Switzerland where a dog can be free--free to roam the mountainside, free to accompany us to dinner, and free to come on all buses and trains without the need for a service vest.

Life is good here in Switzerland, you should really come and check it out!

Geno's Rendition of Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Update on Geno's School Progress

Geno has done amazingly well this week at school. Yesterday when I dropped him off, he didn't cry six blocks away, he didn't say Mommy home, he didn't seem to be upset at all. He was still a little shy and clingy, but no crying. I hold this new security he has at school accountable to one person. That being his teacher Marianne. He has definitely taken a liking to her and for that I am happy. Today when I brought him to school it was another success story. At first he was acting shy and clingy until he saw Marianne. He then ran to her and said Mommy home with a big smile. She apologized to me and I said for what? This is great. I waved bye bye to Geno and he waved back and continued to play with Marianne.

The picture in this post is of Geno playing at home last night. He loves to play with his little figurines and can do so for hours. Here is a photo of him proudly displaying his figurines by the tv.