12.01.2013

thankful


Grandma Strom's funeral brought us back to Illinois sooner than we thought we'd return after our trip in July. Although a sad occasion initiated our trip, we were thankful for many good moments and meetings staying through the Thanksgiving holiday. We ate lots of big dinners, went for flat, fast runs, and had lots of fun with our niece and nephew.  


Setting a quick new pace on long flat paths.


We painted, had dance parties, made ornaments, read books, and had some slumber parties with the kiddos. I pretty much only took photos of the little, curly-haired cuties (sorry everybody else):


The boys burning leaves:


It isn't Thanksgiving without the famous turkeys:


We jumped ahead to the next holiday, heading out to the tree farm to cut the Christmas tree before our flight Sunday afternoon.


11.15.2013

chocolate & cheese


You can't visit Switzerland without indulging in chocolate and cheese, so we went to the Cailler chocolate factory and Gruyere before we all head to Chicago tomorrow. First a history of chocolate and factory tour before we reach the tasting room...  


After we staggered away from the multitude of samples, we stopped at the nestle outlet...just down the road for a few (twenty or so) bars to go. Then to Gruyere, a brisk walk up to the cheese making village and some meandering before the trip home.