Mallorca - our extra guest "John"

we found John at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve summer 2008.

G has now rejected John in favor of the i-pad....

Palma - Mallorca - Spain

Mallorca - Balearic Islands - Spain

Erlebnishof Hatti farm/ Aeschi bei Spiez (British School field trip)

G's class visit to a local farm was sweet. I actually really enjoyed it.

G was a bit scared by the animals - even the bunnies. great play areas and none of the uptight feel of places in the US. (for example no e coli lecture or safety instructions...although not even a suggestion the kids should wash hands after the petting/"caressing" of the animals.)

why "caress" animals when you can SWING!
Bonito was a patient pony.
G almost smiled by the end of her "ride".

oh and and it sounds silly, but I'm so glad we both had boots. we basically walked through bunny areas, horse stalls, and an area housing sheep, goats, pigs and chickens and their waste. (that was the area where G continued to say "Ughh!, UGGHH!, ughh!" as we walked around.) one kid, Felix I think, was wearing sandals with socks. Ughh!, UGGHH!, ughh!

just starting to explore the bike paths.....

I'm very happy to have the velo-kindersitze, but it's surprisingly heavy uphill. and Berne has a lot of hills.

Rosegarten - Berne

the Rosegarten has a lovely view of the Aare and old Berne.

Marzili pools & Marzilibahn funicular

gigi was deep in the mode of listing things she enjoys, coloring, playing with toys, riding my scooter, not doing whatever you're dragging me to do today....but the sight of the of the cute little funicular rail car perked her up.
we had a quick ride down to the Aare & the swimming area.
saw many scantily clad Bernese families enjoying the sun. there is a nude sunbathing area that we missed, but apparently all swimwear is optional for tots.
and back up to the Bundeshaus for another go at the fountains. she knows the pattern now, so it's all less amazing.