Sea shipment arrives! And the Versoix festival du chocolat!

We were thrilled to see the arrival of our sea shipment from the states. Everything arrived safe and sound and we continue to settle into our new digs. The boys were thrilled to see their toys and beds - it was like Christmas all over again. We'll update the site with new photos of the house once we get all the boxes unpacked! For now, you can see lots of happy faces as the movers open our shipping container. And Devan finds the Captain Hook accessories!

We enjoyed our first chocolate festival this past weekend - never seen so much yummy chocolate in our lives! This wonderful event took place in our town so just a short walk into the land of treats! The art that went into the creation of these chocolate treats was amazing. The boys enjoyed tasting the samples and looking at the beautiful Easter goodies. And it is true, there is nothing like Swiss chocolate. It is the smoothest, finest you'll ever taste!

Here is a little history behind the chocolate festival:

Versoix Chocolate Festival, March 8th, 2008, Versoix, Switzerland. Just outside Geneva, the Versoix Chocolate Festival is a dream come true for any one with a sweet tooth. The festival is free and focuses on the industry of chocolate. Besides being home to the festival, Versoix also hosts two of the world’s most famous chocolate producers: Cartier and Favarger. In previous years there have been special buses and boats planned for the day to take visits to Versoix from Geneva’s center.

Tasty samples and a BIG egg!

Ratatouille! And a real [chococate] chef!

A Weekend in Italy - Bensana and Lake Como

This past weekend we all took a 3.5 hour road trip to Italy to visit with a friend of Dave's, via HP Vancouver, who has been living in Europe for 8+ years. The Leonetti's were gracious hosts and we all had a wonderful time! The weather was spectacular so we had an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor scenery of Bensana and Lake Como.

The boys played their first game of football (AKA american soccer) with their new Italian friends. They played at a local park where they made more friends - Kellen showed off his ultimate frisbee skills to a new Italian friend! Devan amused himself by spinning on the merry-go-round play equipment, stumbling in glee! And Rhonda and Joe's son, Zaven, played big brother to both of the boys which was great for the adults who conversed and enjoyed the sunshine!

As we walked around the village of Bensana we enjoyed gelato and looking at all the delicious pasteries and beautiful Easter goodies in the local "pasticceria." We were able to truly experience the pasteries following a delicious meal at home. The boys loved opening the package to see all the small, finger desserts for which they sampled many!

Devan learns Italian - talking with his hands, "Deliziosi, mil grazie!"

Kellen caring for the pet guinea pig and small hamsters ...

Lake Como (Lago di Como)

On Sunday, following a leisurely morning and watching the kids play in the garden, we ventured to Lake Como. Lake Como is in the northern Italian Lakes District. Lake Como lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland. It was 75+ degrees and the area was swarming with people enjoying the sun! What a gorgeous place - surrounded by hillside villas, resorts, outdoor cafes, beautiful buildings, walking paths, boats on the lake, lots of places to feed the swans, ducks and birds ... no better way to spend a sunny day!

We ate at the piazza as we peered onto the Como Cathedral (duomo). A little history - began in 1396, facade completed in 1457 and final construction in 1740. This front facade was completed by the famous Comaschi, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger in Gothic architectural style. Other parts of the cathedral, were built in different styles (for example the dome was constructed in late renaissance style - rococo)

Gotta have some gelato before hitting the road!

Here are a couple of photos after crossing back through the Mont Blanc tunnel. We had a great view of the Mont Blanc glacier. The close to a gorgeous day!

Enjoying the Swiss life and our new cars!

Kellen, the assistant chef, making traditional French crepes with Lauren and her friend, Andrea!

Here are the boys just hanging out in the early morning, watching cartoons in their PJ's and using the drawer of their playroom cabinet as a TV-watching spot!

Gotta include a photo of Bella! Here she is catting around outdoors with her new collar!

Our new cars ... the Volvo XC70 was delivered to us on February 29 and we were very pleased with the special order. The car is beautiful and mommy is very happy to have her own ride again! Dave recently purchased a BMW 116i, a model native to Europe. It's a great car and perfect for bopping around town.