GENEVA

It was such a beautiful day we set of to Geneva, only an hours drive.  By the time we got there is was so foggy and cold we couldn't see much of the lake but walked around and took in the sights anyway.  Being the most expensive town in Europe we took our own sandwhiches.

Benjamin not listening as usual and completely ruining my day

Lake Geneva

Look at this florist

Typical Geneva Street

Another typical Geneva street

Great public transport

One of the few Christmas trees left

ICE SKATING

We went to Sallanches today just to get out.  It was a beautiful clear day but the morning started out at a crisp -14C so we went shopping first in Carrefour, in which mom descended on the Chocolate aisle as Lindt Chocolate is half the price here.  Then we discovered a lovely little outdoor skating rink.  So the kids had their first skate.  Luckily there were little luges which they could use to help them along.  They had a great time.  The man who ran it even spoke a little English.  He was from Corsica so chatted away to Mom and Dad.

CHRISTMAS DAY IN PICTURES

Lego, Woody, Swords, Books etc etc

O and a garbage truck

Table set for Christmas Dinner

Family portrait

Manu came home at 9pm for dinner - finaly, it was only us in the end as his sister was not feeling well so went home

Dad's turn

10pm Boys still up

Mom and dad looking stuffed

Slippers for dad or maybe they are surfboards

LAC D'ANNECY AND CHRISTMAS EVE

Well we went to Lake Annecy on the 23rd and was so pleasantly surprised by this town.  An hours drive set on a lake it's like a big castle with little shops and streets all joined with bridges over moats.  It was so festive with the lights for Christmas.  My folks really enjoyed it.

Annecy

The French celebrate Christmas on the 24th so we invited a few people around for drinks and after a late awaited Father Christmas to fill up the stockings.

Father Christmas came and no we didn't have invisible pressies under the tree - aahhh



MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas my friends and family.  Thinking of you all across the miles.  Have a wonderful day. xx

SKI LIFT

Well we did it, and went 1750 meters up in a ski lift to Crete du Midi.  The sun was shining the air was fresh and Mom and Dad jumped on the moving ski lift with vigour.  I got the short end of the stick and went behind with Benjamin, only three to a seat.  Benjamin and I are not seeing eye to eye at the moment, and he is doing everything in his power to end his life early, or at least make me do it.  I am tempted at times and then when he's asleep, well he just looks like the perfect angel doesn't he.  Anyway moving on or rather back, the lift was great, FFFFREEZING, but fun and the views from up there were absolutely magnificent.  Benjamin attempted to make a huge snow ball and send it off the cliff, I could just see the headlines - 'South African Boy starts avalanche and kills entire village'  I nearly made him walk back.  Full of the flu I still enjoyed it.

Manu is working hard and now has figured out it's easier to get his wife to do the grocery shopping.  So I am very skilled in moving a trolley between tired skiers at the end of the day in a packed Intermarche.  I am sick of shopping, and I never thought I would say that.  Picked up a lovely Panatone today though which will do nicely for Christmas morning, whilst we open pressies.  Well that's if I get any, mmmm have I been a good girl, I don't know we'll have to ask Father Christmas.

Going to iron now, Mom is doing the crossword, Dad is reading, Benjamin is rattling around upstairs - I can hear him and he should be in bed, and Samuel is in bed - my true angel.

Christmas is coming - I love Christmas.

Taking in the view

 

Mom and Sam on their lift

Benjamin on my lift

The lift

Proof!

The village of Praz sur Arly

DEAR FRIENDS

I am so thrilled how everyone has kept in touch with me even if I haven't due to lack of time and demanding children.  I miss you all especially over this time where I would be sitting at someone's house drinking a cold something or at Cafe Roux's with special friends watching the kids on the swings.  Instead I am here, spending my first WHITE Christmas and actually am taking it easy this year. 

Today I'm planning to go up the piste with the parents and kids on the ski lift, weather prevailing, Christmas Eve will be drinks for whoever wants to come over and Christmas day we will open pressies, without Daddy unfortunatle as he leaves early for work.  But we are together as a family this year and that is what matters.  I am planning dinner so hopefully Manu will be home. 

Miss you all and wish you all a very Merry Christmas with loved one's. J xxxx

INVISIBLE PEOPLE

Just had to share this.  Last night my kids were fighting over who stole who's invisible people.  I ask you.  I posted it on facebook and got a fab response.  The best of course was from Karen, who said that she hoped they would be happy with the invisible christmas presents under the tree.  HAHAHAHA.

HOLIDAYS

Well we certainly are doing lots.  The snow is still very much on the ground which will make it a white Christmas - my first.  Manu is working crazy hours as usual when the boss is here, so we don't see him.  Poor boys, he leaves when they're asleep and comes home when they're asleep.  My fire making skills are improving as he is not here to make one.

Parents are fine and enjoying the countryside.  So far we've been to Chamonix, Combloux and Megeve.  Today we're off to Sallanches. 

On Sunday we went to the town square to see the ice cave.  A little igloo with a few carvings inside but still nice to see.

Yesterday it was Chamonix and we walked around for about two hours before the cold set in.  The kids have been having fun mostly sledging and watching the skiiers.  No skiing this year, still getting used to all the snow.

The Ice Cave in Praz

The church in Praz

Chamonix

A building in Chamonix

Sharing a drink in Mac Do's

Luging - Sam

50 CM AND COUNTING

We had 50cm of snow fall last night, and another 20cm today.  Well my parents have been here since Monday and whilst it's snowing we don't go out much but it's a good excuse to read books and sit by the fire.  Been luging with the boys and took my folks to visit around.  Manu is back working full time as his boss is here for the holidays so it's lonely without him but two weeks to go.

Mom and Dad

Playing dominos with the boys

Last day of school for the Christmas holidays today.  Benjamin had a little song at his school to show us and then Father Christmas visited.  Much excitement.  He handed out Clementines and chocolates to them all which I thought was so nice.  Benjamin refused to go and chat to Father Christmas, rather scary at that age I think.  We got lovely little hand made cards, candles, pictures from them both.  Something to cherise for a long time.

Freezing but fun

Handing out Clementines

Benjamin with his crown

Santa arrived by sleigh



JUJITSU

Well the parents arrived safely and are slowly getting used to the cold.  It's -8C today and snowing.  Very grey and we are planning little local trips so I don't get the car stuck as I am not exactly used to driving in the snow.  Manu starts work tomorrow until just after the New Year so heads down.

Last night Samuel graduated from his jujitsu class, we all went to watch and it was really good fun.  So proud of him.