So many firsts!

Having a little fun with her first
jack-o-lantern

The end of October and beginning of November were an exciting few weeks full of firsts for Emma! We celebrated her first Halloween, she saw her first snowfall, and she got to meet a few of her relatives for the very first time. Although Skype helps make all of our lives a little better when it comes to staying in touch, nothing can beat getting to see loved ones in person.

First up we were lucky enough to have Emma's Uncle Andy (Steve's brother) and Aunt Rachele pass through town for a few days as they were visiting several European countries. Unfortunately for them the temperatures plunged while they were in town and instead of being able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, we had several inches of snow! The cold weather kept us inside quite a bit of the time they were here, but we couldn't avoid going outside and playing just a little in the snow since it was Emma's first. And lucky for us even when we were stuck inside with the cold weather we had one cute little girl to keep us entertained as well.


Emma & dad watching the snow fall

Emma wondering why it is so cold and white outside!

Rachele & Emma all bundled up for the cold weather!

While Andy and Rachele were here we also celebrated Halloween with many of our Zurich friends as we hosted a costume party. We secretly wanted to make sure Emma had a reason to get to wear her very first Halloween costume and since most of the Swiss do not celebrate Halloween we didn't know when else she would get to do so! It was fun to see everyone's creativity since costume shops don't spring up here on every corner like they do back in the U.S. during the month of October. We might have cheated a little by getting some costumes from back in the U.S., but we just wanted to make sure that Emma isn't disappointed when she looks back at her first Halloween costume!

Emma made for a pretty cute lion

Rachele, Emma & Andy

Uncle Andy I'm not Simba!

While Andy and Rachele's visit was much too short, it was better than nothing. We always enjoy an excuse to show people around Zurich and do a few of the touristy things that the city has to offer. As there really are not than many "sights" to see in Zurich we always put food near the top of our agenda for visitors. Hopefully we didn't disappoint by making sure they had a sufficiently large intake of cheese and chocolate during their time here!

Just a few days after Emma's aunt and uncle left town Emma's grandparents arrived! As with Andy and Rachele there was an adjustment period as Emma got to know these new people even though she had talked to them countless times on skype. While there are so many wonderful things about living here it is certainly difficult to know that Emma won't get a chance to see many of her relatives very often and as a result at every visit we know that there will be a time period needed to get reaquainted. Without a doubt one of the things we look forward to most when we move back is being able to see friends and family more often!

Emma & grandpa riding the train

Emma & grandma just hanging out

Grandma & grandpa showing Emma how to pull her toy - too cute!

Nevertheless, everyone (Emma especially) had a great time - I mean after all Emma's grandma and grandpa did bring a suitcase filled with toys and clothes pretty much just for her. It was a fun week to watch Emma bond with her grandparents and we even squeezed in a day trip to Liechtenstein and several outings in and around Zurich. Not to mention with Steve having been very busy with work and traveling out of town most of October it was a welcome relief for me to have some extra hands to hold, rock, comfort and mostly play with Emma!

Grandma, grandpa, Emma & the big leaf in Liechtenstein!

My parents enjoying the views from Uetliberg in Zurich

All of these visitors made us more and more excited for our trip back to the states over the holidays. There is nothing like spending time with your family and friends and we couldn't be more thankful for the time we had this last month. See you guys soon!

 

No one wanted to say goodbye - we cannot wait until our next visit!