5 Countries in 10 Days

Mom and Dad Erickson arrived on Dec. 8th, and we have been able to spend much of our Christmas holidays traveling with them! We've spent time in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Germany maybe doesn't count cuz we live there. Though we did tour the Neuschwanstein ("New Swan Stone" - the castle Walt Disney based his Fairy Tail castles on). Its only about 150 years old, built by King Ludwig II who never married, went crazy and commited suicide at the age of 40 before the castle was even finished (how's that for romantic?).

France is 10 minutes from our house, as is Switzerland, so maybe they don't count, either. Though we did go see the Matterhorn in southern Switzerland, and a singing Christmas tree in Zurich, as well enjoyed some great steak yesterday in France at the "Foot of the Lion"! It was our first time in Italy, but we only really stopped there for lunch!

So that leaves us with Austria, where we stayed in the Hotel Bristol which is about 300 years old, and in the heart of Mozart's stomping grounds. Our window view looked right into what used to be his front door!! We were even able to take in a classical concert. Actually, we even did a "Sound of Music" tour, which was a great way to see the area though I sure won't mind if I never hear, "The Hills are Alive...." again. Here I am posing with some guy who had a guest appearance in the movie... which I have yet see.

Before the traveling began we did our first mini Beggars Feast, which went well and we learned some things for next time. Between travels we had some Small Group Christmas parties that were great, Emma Emgard paid us a fantastic but short-lived visit, and we helped out with some other odds and ends at the church.


We spent Christmas Eve with Phil & Tammy Peters and the family enjoying a traditional cheese fondue which was really special, and then Christmas day was just the four of us again. Mom went all out with the whole turkey dinner thing, and we spent a couple of relaxing days here at home where we played cards & games and I hung out in my p.j.s. Is there any other way to spend Christmas? But we still don't have any snow....

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

News up the Wazoo!

After a weekend away, I came home to.... A letter from DARBY HALL!! And lots of other dear friends! Thanks guys! We sure felt loved!
That weekend away was for my little Stephanie Estermann's 7th birthday on Saturday, Nov. 25th. This is her blowing out her candles, with Patrick in the background. I was pretty stoked to get 3 whole days with them in Luzern! I got to see some close friends that I haven't seen in up to 4 and 1/2 years! This picture is with my good friend Roger Blattler who is going to be a father shortly after New Years! Man, we're all getting so old!
Unexpectadly, I also got to enjoy Stephanie's Ballet Recital, and Michael was nice enough to fly me all over Switzerland as he was training another pilot! Very cool. Rumor has it, this house is where Shania Twain lives!


Then, after a crazy & awesome weekend, I returned home (after dinging up the car and getting lost in downtown Basel - ahhhh!) to find out that my brother is also gonna be a father!!!! Nate & Dara are due in June! I can't believe it! Then (after an eventful weekend of lengthy German seminars on"Spiritual Gifts") Kev and I awoke to an early morning phone call from a certain Connie & Matt letting us know they're engaged!!!! Yay! Any more good news and I might just explode!