Peyrons Newsletter Xmas 2010.

In addition to the kids Christmas video greetings we thought we would try to put down a little more this year (especially as we still have not written all our cards).

The kids enjoyed some good skiing on the local mountain (Feldberg in the Black Forest, Germany) on a regular basis up to March.  Oliver continued to polish his already good ski skills and Amelia went from beginner to near downhill champion in the blink of an eye (although we did initially have some issues with her neither wanting to turn or to brake – a real speed queen).  Unfortunately on one of those trips I tore an anterior cruciate ligament In my right knee, so I may well not be skiing this winter.

Amelia skiing

In August Oliver moved into 3^rd Class of the local Swiss school.  Here the pace seems to have stepped up quite a bit and Oliver is not the kind of boy who jumps for joy at homework 3 times a week.  He has however started to put in more effort into his writing (maths has always been his favourite!)  For Amelia August  was the start of first year in Kindergarten.  This has gone pretty smoothly and she enjoys going and her kindergarten teachers are great and do lots of very interesting projects. The latest was an intensive art project and Amelia has definitely got the artistic talents of her grandmother.

Sports wise Oliver continues to devote most of his free time to some activity or the other.  In summer the focus is on football (FC Amicitia) and in winter he devotes all his time to his beloved ice hockey (EHC Basel).  In both sports the number of trainings has gone up to 3 a week plus tournaments/matches on weekends.    When he can fit it in, he is also out with the scouts on Saturdays.

Amelia is making huge progress in swimming and has now progressed to the class that swims lengths of the big pool.  I would mark her as a future synchronized swimmer or gymnast as this is definitely where she has flair.  She always looks the part!

Holiday wise we had some good trips this year.  During the summer we had a trip back home to England which we all enjoyed as usual.  We also went on a camping trip on Lake Brienz (south of Interlaken).   Claes was less than impressed about sleeping in a small 4 man tent.  However he and Oliver still managed to watch the world cup football matches live from their own tent thanks to electricity supply, wifi and Claes laptop.  The kids really enjoyed the freedom of camping.

In October we had our usual annual trip to Naples, Florida.  As always this was a great, relaxing holiday with lots of sun, beach and swimming.  The kids now regard it as their home from home and Amelia is always very reluctant to leave.

Oliver and Amelia diving at Sun&Fun

Work wise I have managed to get a sabbatical from work for one year until July 2011.  I am enjoying being at home and spending more time with the kids.  Claes is still working hard.  For years he has talked of early retirement, but the thought of running about after 2 kids should be enough to keep him in gainful employment for a few more years.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2011.

Oliver, Amelia, Claes and Claire