Coretta's First Pair of Glasses

Coretta had been complaining of dizziness and headaches for about a month, so we brought her into the doctor and found out that she had very low blood pressure. The doctor said she needed to eat red meat three times a week. Ironically, this is one part of our diet that has changed here. we do not eat red meat. She stated that she can also take a multivitamin three times a day and she should be fine. Since Coretta has started her vitamins she has been feeling much better.

She further stated that she was having some trouble reading the board at school and to rule out that the headaches weren't a byproduct of her needing glasses, we scheduled an eye appointment with an opthamologist. While at her appointment, they covered one eye with an eye patch and had her explain which part of the circle was open (since the letter idea does not translate too well for English speakers) and then she took a circular object with a stick and covered each eye simultaneously asking what she saw. Next was looking at objects such as cars and cows and finding out if the images were clear or blurry. they then flashed a light into her eyes as well as being asked what she saw in a few ink blots. Afterwards, the woman told us that she did see eye strain and when this happened her eyes went inward which would explain seeing double at times and the faintness and dizziness. She then gave her eye drops to dilate the pupil so that the eye doctor could further examine her eyes. He stated that her little white speck in her eye was not causing any problem with her vision and would just be there which was also good to hear. She hadn't had that checked out since she was a baby. He stated that she did have myopia which is near sighted and that she would benefit from glasses especially when reading and at school.

We then went to the Photo Optik Grau in Zug to pick out her frames. We first went to Feldmans, but they looked really cheap and ugly. When at the Photo Optik, the eye specialist sat down with us and trued on several different styles of frames. Coretta decided on a light brown pair. We were told to come back tomorrow and they would be ready.

When we returned, they fitted her glasses around her ears, gave her a nice case, as well as a special case for them. She also received no glare lenses and scratch resistant lenses which will help in the longevity of the lenses.

Once I left, the bill cost 508 francs. Nick thought it was originally 200, but with the frames and the lenses the total was more expensive. We were informed however that the canton would reimburse up to 200 francs of the total cost bringing the price to 300. What really matters is that Coretta is comfortable with them and likes them.

Coretta Sledding in Engelberg with her Dad and her friend Hope

This past Sunday, Nick took Coretta and her friend Hope out for a day of sledding at one of the mountains. They drove to Sattel Hockstuckli which is about 30 minutes away, to find out that they have closed the sledding hills due to icy and dangerous conditions. That is the same experience we had at Zugerberg the other day as well. Nick decided that if they went to a mountain at a higher level, there would be snow instead of ice. They ended up at Titlis. Once there they were told that they would take the gondola up to the first area where they could get off and ride on these butt sleds that have a pole attached to it that allows you to brake and steer. It is about 3 miles down the mountain at the highest level, and then they could take the gondola back up. This went fine, until one sledder overshot his steering and ended up over the side of the mountain. They were informed that when that happens, they must close down the sledding to build the snow up higher on that side. Nick asked the girls what they wanted to do, and they decided to go to the next level where you get the toboggan type sleds and go down a wider runway which takes about 30 minutes to complete. Overall, it was a great day and Coretta and her friend loved it.

Geno's New Bike

One of the presents that Geno received from Grandma and Grandpa Earnest was a balance bike. They are very popular in Europe. They basic concept is that if children learn how to balance first before pedaling, they will learn to ride a two wheeler much faster. In fact, this replaces the training wheel stage. This bike was first invented by a German inventor named Karl Drais in the 1800s. Geno absolutely loves his new bike and he can use it indoors and outdoors.

Sledding at Zugerberg

Bieter Christmas 2009

We started the evening with home made spinach and ricotta cannelloni and olive bread. We then listened to Coretta play O Christmas Tree on the piano. Once we were done with that, we lined the kids up, and told them that they could only open one present at a time. Geno had the hardest time with this, because this was the first Christmas where he realized what was going on. Here is a video of Coretta playing the piano:

Coretta received many nice things, but the top on her list was the clothes she received. She got a lot of nice clothes from Abecrombie and Fitch from Grandma Earnest, some sweaters and sweater dresses from Hannah Andersson, and some really cute clog boots. She also got a make up kit from Claires, the movie Bedtime stories, necklace, bangles, and an art book. From Santa, she got another cute sweater dress with matching tights, a Volkswagen bus tin filled with candy, a gift certificate, the movie Marley and Me, a doll, and lots of chocolate.

Geno really enjoyed his presents this year. He received a Little People bus and bulldozer, Melissa and Doug wooden teddy bear dress up puzzle, Lola and Charlie dolls and DVD's, Mickey Mouse DVD's, two sweaters and a shirt, a cutting puzzle game, a train set, and a bike. From Santa, he got a firetruck, cars, little people figurines, and a lot of candy in a firetruck tin.

Thanks again to Grandma Marilyn and Grandma and Grandpa Earnest for all of the nice gifts. I hope all of our family and friends wherever you were, had a Merry Christmas! Now we just need to be patient and wait for our 7 day trip to Egypt in January!

Geno's 3rd Birthday

For Geno's birthday today, we took him to McDonalds for lunch which is his favorite place in the whole world. He was able to play in the jungle gym and slide down the slide with his big sister Coretta and his friend Michael. He was having so much fun, he didn't want to leave.

Sledding for the First Time this Year

During the morning, we went sledding down the street in the neighborhood. Last year Geno couldn't handle the snow or the cold, but this year he completely embraced the idea. Once to the hill, which took some navigation on Geno's part (due to all of the layers which threw him off balance) we made it to the top. We sat Geno on the sled first and then Coretta sat behind them and off they went giggling the whole way down. Climbing up the hill each time proved difficult, but the more times he did it, the better he became. Finally, he decided that he didn't even need a sled, and that his butt served the purpose just fine. Using his legs he would push himself down the hill trying to catch up with Coretta. I then showed Geno how to take the snow in your hands and pack it in the form of a snowball. He found this quite fascinating and enjoyed making and throwing snowballs down the hill.

Here's a video of Geno trying to climb the sledding hill:

Now it is Coretta's turn:






Opening Geno's Birthday Gifts

Tonight we are making Geno's requested dinner which is mummy dogs (hot dogs with biscuit dough around them) and french fries followed up with homemade chocolate cake and ice cream. And of course who could forget the presents from Mommy, Daddy, Coretta, Grandma and Grandpa Earnest, and Grandma Marilyn. All in all, it was a fabulous day for turning three years old. We love you Geno!

Our Trip to Heidelberg Germany

The second day, we decided to tour the Heidelberg Castle which is the oldest castle in Europe. It has been in existence as early as the 1400s when Ludwig V was King. We had to take a funicular up to the top, and Geno became quite scared of the underground tunnels we had to go through to get to the Heidelberg Castle. Once there, we bought our tickets, and first toured the castle grounds. The grounds were magnificent even in winter with many areas to sit and gorgeous views of the city below. Once in, there were beautiful buildings with statues such as the one with all of the allegorical figures. Once to the Great Terrace, one had the most breathtaking view of the city of Heidelberg and all of it's major monuments and churches as well as spectacular views of the Neckar River with the old historic brownstone bridge. Although it was quite cold this day, we all handled it fairly well, and was well worth taking the time to see. We can now say we were one of the million people who come each year to take a look at the castle. Although we didn't run into any royalty, princesses or knights, the ambiance of this place definitely exuded their presence.

The first day, we drove about 3.5 hours to Heidelberg and all went well. Geno didn't puke in the car (thanks to Dramamine) and Coretta even fit in a nap and some time to read. Once there, we checked into our hotel called the Hotel Bayerisch Hof which was located right in the heart of the old aldstadt part of town. Once settled, we ventured out to do a little shopping, but the 8 degree temps proved too cold for Geno, so Nick and Geno went back to the hotel while Coretta and I shopped along the historic promenade of pedestrian boutiques. Coretta bought a nice wool jacket from her favorite store called Pimpkie, we found a teddy bear for Geno, and some wool socks for Dad. Coretta and I even managed to find some Christmas sock slippers. After looking at several of the Christmas Markets on display and admiring the quality craftmanship of the merchandise, we made it back to the hotel for some Chinese take out. While I worked on singing Christmas lullabies to Geno and putting him to sleep, Coretta and Nick ventured out into the cold once more to do a little sightseeing and experience more of the Christmas Markets. At night the castle is lit up and is an amazing sight to behold. They found a great place for hot chocolate and gluewin (warm spiced wine) and took in the sights before coming home.

The other interesting place that we toured was the Apothecary Museum which was located on the grounds of the Heidelberg Castle. The Apothecary remains were once housed in Munich, but moved to Heidelberg permanently after the bombings in Munich in the 1930's during World War II. This was one of Coretta's favorite places we went. Being interested in healing and health, as well as wanting to be a doctor, she found this place quite amazing. She loved smelling all of the different herbs and was shocked that these can be grown in the ground and actually fight off sickness or death. Some of the medicines on display were even said to be blessed by the Virgin Mary herself. We also saw a painting of Jesus as a pharmacist on display. Geno and Coretta also enjoyed the kid friendly part of the museum where they could balance different things in the scales.

We also took a stroll along the scenic walk near the Neckar River. Even though it was cold, it was still beautiful. Seeing all of the beautiful homes nestled along the riverbank was beautiful and romantic. In the summer, they have boat tours of this area on the river and would definitely be worth the time. we then were able to see the old historic bridge before making our way back to the old part of the city.

As we walked the streets, we ducked into a Starbucks for some warmth and a treat. Geno's cheeks were so rosy from the cold and he happily sat down to get a much wanted reprieve from the biting cold. As we sat there sipping our hot chocolate and coffee, we could see the Christmas Markets reopening for business. Afterwards, we walked around and saw many items for sale such as candles, German Christmas Pyramids, Nativity scenes, ceramics, pottery, knitted sweaters, hats, and gloves. Nick bought me a beautiful hand made Alpaca wool sweater made out of llamas wool and is authentic and one of a kind. Alpaca wool is as soft as cotton and as warm as regular wool. The difference is that there are only two times during the year that you can attain wool from the animal to make sweaters, hats, and scarves, and only the top of the head and the neck can be used. I will cherish this Christmas present for many years to come.

If the Christmas Markets, the Heidelberg Castle, and the old part of the city not enough for you, the historic churches and monuments are also beautiful to behold. One church, in particular called the Holy Spirit Church housed both Roman Catholics and Protestants in the walls of the church with just a wall separating the two. This church has been burned by the French, but is one of the only historic churches to remain intact after World War II. In fact, many of the Palatine tombs are in the church itself.

Overall, this was a great family destination, and we plan to come again to take in the oldest university in Germany as well as tour the student prison. Thank you Nick for planning this trip for me. It was such a wonderful time.