Lugano, Switzerland (Friday)

Hello everyone! This past weekend was offically the last weekend of summer for us. Katelyn started school yesterday and so we wanted to get out of town one more time. We decided to head to the Italian part of Switzerland, also known as the Swiss Riviera.

When we left Neuchatel Friday morning, it looked like it was going to rain. It didn't get much better as we drove along.

We approached the famous St. Gotthard tunnel. It is the 3rd longest tunnel in the world at 10.5 miles long.

I was hoping that once we got on the other side of the tunnel that the weather would improve. It was at least a little bit brighter.

We made it to Lugano in about 3.5 hours with one quick pit stop. The sun was out at times and was a beautiful afternoon. This picture shows the view from our room.

We decided to take a boat and visit "Swiss Miniature". From the boat, this picture is of our hotel.

Kate "the movie star" was finishing up her gelato. We couldn't resist the gelato and it was delicious as usual!

There were quite a few storm clouds gathering but we didn't get rained on .

The "Swiss Miniatur" shows 120 of the most pisturesque places of Switzerland at a scale of 1:25.

St. Moritz area

I believe this one is Chateau de Chillon

We loved the small figures.

Zurich airport

Federal Palace in Berne

Jason and Kate look like giants next to the villages.

Of course we had to include Neuchatel's La Collegiale.

Devin, the "teenager", is still a kid at heart.

Lucas being Lucas:)

The fish were huge and Kate refused to put her hand in the water.

It would not have been a complete day without Jason catching up on some email:)

We got off the boat and had a nice Italian dinner before the rain came. We decided to check out the indoor pool/ spa area before bed. It was nice.

Fireworks - National Holiday

August 1st is Swiss National Day (Fete Nationale)



Neuchatel celebrated with fireworks. We believe there were 2 barges on the lake. This was the view from Devin's bedroom window of the barge outside the Port and the Post Office.

The fireworks began about 10:10 and were beautiful. We had a pefect view of almost all of it. The Post Office blocked what was happening on the barge but I think our necks would have been hurting if we were down along the lake from looking straight up at the big ones.

The grand finale was absolutely gorgeous with the way it just lit up our view of the lake. I thought I would post a 1 minute video. Enjoy!

Weekend at the Lake

It was a sports weekend across the street at the port. Friday evening we decided to head over and check out what was happening. They had a huge stage set up and all we knew was it meant trouble for us that night - a big party! They had a poster with all of the events and we were right about the party - DJ and music till 2:00 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

While we were there, they were having a demonstration of "American Football". It was pretty funny to see these highschool kids up on the stage tackling each other. They play on the team - Neuchatel Knights. There was about 25 people watching the demonstration. That figure included the 5 of us. Ha Ha Just not a very popular sport here. There were 2 "beach" volleyball courts set up and had a tournament going on. There was also a BMX demonstration which was neat to see. Kate was worried that they hadn't practiced enough. The wood plank obstacles had to take quite a bit of time to make.

Lucas had a try on the tightrope. There was also a bungee jump/trampoline that he went and tried on Saturday morning. It was nice - everything was free. For the bungee trampoline, Lucas had to get a numbered ticket and wait his turn. They only passed out so many tickets which is a great idea. They would let you know what number they were on so you didn't have to stand around waiting too long.

We had perfect weather for the weekend. The highs were around the low 80's. The lake water was probably around 70. It really felt good once we got in. Lucas was enjoying the water.

If you look real close, the Alps are in the background.

Devin and his friend Sebastian took the raft out a bit too far. I actually had to swim to the buoys to get their attention and have them come closer to shore. They said the lake police went by them and didn't say anything. However, it was too far and they were in the middle of the big ferry boats traveling lanes. ( you can double click on this picture to see it better )

Jason getting some sun:)

Devin jumping off the rocks.

How many fish can you see?

Kate is ready to look for some more fish.

The kids just love throwing water. The plastic shoebox is also good for catching fish.

The beach wasn't too crowded but we like swimming a bit further down.

We had a fun weekend. I'm glad we did because we woke up to a rainy Monday!

July 2010

July 2010 was a month filled with many memories. We flew back to New Mexico on June 27th for our annual "home" leave. It was a trip that we will all cherish forever.

In Angel Fire, it was a time for sitting on the porch swing and trying to catch butterflies.

A time to practice tennis...
and get Jason back on the court.

It was fun having a ball girl just like at Wimbeldon and

Having an audience with the hats and sunglasses.

In Raton, it was time to eat at an old favorite restaurant - La Cosina.

Then it was time for good fun and eats for an early 4th of July picnic.

It was time to have fun playing catch with an Uncle and

for one - practicing karate in the mirror of the truck. (He is such a funny nephew!)

Then there are those that love the pogo stick - nonstop for at least 1/2 hour!

The piggy back rides were a must!

It wouldn't be a picnic without Nona (Jason's grandma) in the kitchen giving directions and all the delicious food!

It was a time to catch up between friends.

Also time to play cards.

or watch with a nice cold drink...

or relaxing with a pal.

Of course, there was one more card game outside.

There was stealing of ice from Pa Pa's glass...

and riding the pogo stick with Aunt Nancy.

It was a time to learn about cousins that we saw in the 4th of July parade.

Then it was time to get a group picture and say our goodbyes to Raton.

It was off to Angel Fire again where we watched the humming birds....

and had manicures on the front porch.

It was also time for the hardest goodbye that I ever had to make.

We arrived back in Switzerland on the 12th of July. The next day, Mom began to not feel well. Each day she progessively got worse. Our young neighbors learned about my mom from Jason while they were talking in the garden. The next day they brought over beautiful flowers and a jar of jam - their tradition of when someone is sick.

The next day, July 20th I was flying back to the U.S. and it was time for my mom to end her battle with cancer.

The following week was a bittersweet time. It was a time to gather with wonderful family and friends. It was a time to reflect and remember the fun times and why we loved her so much.

We made some flower arrangements from the wildflowers out in the yard that Mom loved so much.

When we were previously in Angel Fire, mom was disappointed that this vine wasn't blooming for me to see. However, I am very grateful for the time we did get to spend with her during those 2 weeks.

The sevice was simple but beautiful - exactly how she would have liked it. She is loved and we will all miss her dearly.

I am ending this post with our favorite picture - Mom with her dogs and her great smile!

Netta Chris Gordon (1932-2010)