Zermatt in the Winter

We spent a weekend in Zermatt in July and it was beautiful, I was there for the day with Jana in November and the colors were spectacular,

 but nothing compares to how magical it is in the winter time.

We arrived in Zermatt Friday night and when we got off the train it was snowing and beautiful.  We took a crazy, golf cart like taxi to the hotel.  The driver was zipping along the snow covered streets as fast as he could and didn't seem to mind that people were diving into snowbanks to get out of his way.  We checked into our room, which was bigger than our apartment at home.  Two bedrooms, kitchen, family room and the best thing ever- two bathrooms.  We had a delicious four course dinner with the rest of Keith's co-workers at the hotel restaurant and then headed off to bed.  

   

Saturday morning we had a great breakfast at the hotel and then a snowball fight as we headed back to our room.  The weather was not great, and most lifts were closed, so I decided to postpone skiing. The kids and Keith had a great day on the slopes and I walked around town, had a crepe for lunch, and relaxed on my deck that overlooked the creek.  It was cold sitting out there but the view and the sound of the creek was worth it.   That evening we all got together for another great meal of raclette.  After dinner we went back to our room and watched movies all night.

Sunday we woke up to a beautiful, mostly sunny day.  Kelly's feet were killing her from her ski boots and even though Keith offered, I stayed back with her.  Keith and Josh had a perfect day skiing.  Kelly and I watched a movie on my lap top with some friends and then went into town.  It was a gorgeous day and the Matterhorn got clearer as the day went on.

More Sunny Days than Cloudy Ones

We are three weeks into January, the holidays are over, the weather is colder than ever, but for me - the sun is finally coming out.  I don't know if it's getting over the holiday homesickness or that with time things are just getting easier or if it's because my friends Lori and Monique have been giving me the lift I need with our morning walks, but things are definitely getting better.  Keith and the kids have spent the past two Saturdays sledding and skiing without me, but I finally got some good ski clothes and tomorrow we are all headed for Zermatt to go skiing for a few days.

Saturday, January 7, Keith and the kids took the sleds we had bought in France the week earlier and headed for the hills.  They found a place to sled but it wasn't near as great as the place we had gone a few weeks before.  Our weeks seem to fly by with homework, German class, Young women activities and now Josh is beginning a Judo class.

Sunday after church Keith and Josh spent a few hours exploring Thun.

Saturday, January 14, Keith and the kids went skiing for the first time since we've been here.  They had a great day and I got some much needed washing, shopping and cleaning done.  It was sunny and warm and the snow was great but Kelly was most excited about the raclette they had for lunch.

Montag in Mulhouse

It was Keith's last day off and he got to pick where we would spend the day.  We headed to France.  Found a Subway for lunch.  Roamed around the town of Mulhouse.  Saw some cool cathedrals and some interesting buildings.  And did a little shopping because things are so much less expensive in France.  

 They say that the French don't like Americans, but we found the people were great it was just the gnomes that were extremely rude.

I will miss all the Christmas decorations in downtown Bern.  

This is a shot of the train station.