River walk

This is what our kids wear to go throw stones in the river.

Also today we discovered that Wagamamma in Zurich has a children's play area (as well as good Japanese food), so that was good. And then right next door to it is a botanical garden.

(pictures from our York trip last weekend coming soon...

Throwing Rocks and Stones

Last Sunday we went for a walk. First we went to where Bluet's kindergarten will be in August.

Then on down to the river, for something to do. We found a place where there were lots of stones to be thrown into the river. This made Ilona and Bluet very happy.




Note: Bluet lent Ilona one of her numerous tutus.

Some stones are bigger than others. Some stones are rocks

On the other side of the river there is a wooden walkway to run on, with beams to practise balancing

Later, Ilona pushed Bluet on the swing

A Stone circle

Hello, I hope you are still there. Sorry, we've been in the UK for the last week, hence no blogs. Anyway, we set off last Wednesday from Zurich airport - Ilona loved the shiny floors and luggage trolleys, whilst Bluet was very entertained by the moving walkways. In fact, Bluet is very excited in general by flying, which is great, and even carries her own luggage. We flew Swiss air, which was nice as they gave us free Ice Cream and chocolate, and a stuffed aeroplane that has become one of Bluet's favourite companions (see trampoline picture below)

Our first stop was to see Steve, Dorthea and Caroline in Swindon Wroughton (near Swindon). Because there are no transport links from the East to the West of the UK that don't involve going through London, I have spent very little time on the West coast. Turns out it is quite interesting over there - they even have historical things like Stonehenge, and in Avebury (a short bus ride (at the front of the top deck)) from Wroughton, there is a stone circle that is almost 5000 years old. Here are some pictures of stones and excitable children. Fortunately those architects and engineers from 2600 B.C. knew how to design something fun for children to run around, whilst remaining fascinating for adults.

I can't see Bluet anywhere

Stay tuned for more pictures from the UK..........

Visitors

This weekend Nana and Wayne came to visit from Missouri. On Friday I was at work, so I don't have any photos myself, but I have it on good authority that Bluet went to the Zoo and pushed the button that makes the sound of a bob cat - or as Bluet said 'I push the bobcat button'. It makes a roar that used to startle her, but somehow she now enjoys that. Also, she saw this snake.

Then on Saturday we went in search of wildlife to the San Bernard Wildlife reserve. Some of you may remember we went there earlier this year and saw a real Bobcat, many alligators, a giant woodpecker of some kind and a cottonmouth snake. This time it was a bit hot, and aside from all the 'squitos (which bit me more than they bit Bluet), we managed only to see one Gator. 

Bluet, however, still found plenty of rocks

Spot the gator

Once we were home Bluet had lots of fun playing at home, and being a little bit silly

she also discovered a new game at the pool where she lies on the chair and is covered with a towel. Here she is a few days ago; on Saturday she tried to repeat the trick all by herself, and lay on the chair wrapped in a towel for many minutes. Maybe she was exhausted from all these activities

Happy Birthday Bluet!

"Bluet, is it your Birthday?"

"yes"

"How old are you?"

"Five"

Well those 2 4 years went fast

More to come from today later. Meanwhile, here are some more pictures from the weekend, including some ikea snaps, and Bluet playing with stones on the paths at a place called 'Discovery Park' in downtown Houston - a nice park marred somewhat by the clientel