Ski Week 2011

This year for ski week we actually did go up to Crans Montana with the school.  It was a far cry from what I was doing just one year before! Still, after a busy Christmas break traveling I wasn't sure how ready we'd all be to pack up and head off for another week of living in one room, but overall it was quite a successful week.  Liam did well enough with his sleeping.  On good nights he sleeps through from 6:30pm to 7:30am these days, and on off nights he'll wake up and cry for a little while and may need resettling.  We chose to stay in La Moubra where the kids are, because we thought it would keep us a little more in the loop and we'd have easier access to meal times and potential babysitters.  As it turns out, we struck a deal with the Ulku-Steiners and managed to have a shared babysitter 3 nights we were there.  It wasn't too much for the babysitter because Liam is sleeping all that time (except for one night!)  Amazingly Liam was still somewhere between Swiss and English time, and that actually kept him sleeping till right about 8am.  Quite luxurious for us, I can tell you that!  

As non-skiers we spent the week hanging around town, with a few ventures up the mountain on the best weather days.  During our stay Liam became super confident with his walking as he had long hallways to tear up and down as well as a lovely empty assembly hall.  All the space to run around was great for him.

Here he is pushing his stroller around the halls.  He was actually pretty good at it!

We were thrilled to be able to get out some of the evenings and join in the socializing that happens among faculty.  We made it to the Apres ski fondu dinner on Monday night, to the faculty dinner on Thurs, and a lovely evening out for Beril's birthday on Friday.

Here's one of us at the fondu dinner - it always becomes a little too much cheese, but it's a fun event.

Ilana and Jen at the fondu dinner

I can't say enough about this age with Liam.  In fact he last few months have bee so much fun and seem to get better every day.  It has a lot to do with him beginning to communicate more clearly with us, and he really is a funny guy.  

This photo is of him deciding to try on his dad's shoes.  As you can see, he thinks it's all pretty funny!

On another occasion we were in the room and he had his little bear cloth (Bertie) who he sleeps with.  He walked over to us and James took Bertie and gave him a kiss.  Liam kind of snickered, took him back and walked away.  And then a few minutes later he walks over to James, shoves Bertie at him and goes "MWah".  Making the sound of James kissing Bertie.  He so clearly was telling him to kiss him again.  It was so cute!

A weird picture of us bending to fit in the frame, and Liam looking cute and snuggly at the "Olympic games"

Liam's first time out in the snow in his brand new snow suit.  He's hanging out with Keenan (Michael and Beril's son) and looks quite surprised!

4 days in we finally got some beautiful sunny skies and decided to venture up the mountain.  So this is Liam's first time up on the slopes!

The view

Hanging around downtown we spent an afternoon having a drink at a cafe.  Liam was happy as can be when he discovered the planter box full of dirt.  I love this expression on his face.  It sums up the joyous squeal of delight at the texture between his fingers.

On Friday we had the most beautiful weather all week.  We went up the mountain to join others for lunch to celebrate Beril's birthday.  It must have been about 7 degrees C and so stunning.  We had a lovely lunch outside with gorgeous views all around and good friends to chat with.

Lucy (Michael and Beril's daughter) entertains Liam with pieces of spaghetti.  He's been in love with it ever since.

Beril and I after a plateful of pasta

Although still fairly new to walking, Liam was determined to master it on snow.  He struggled some, and decided that holding a hand wasn't so bad after all.

I'm not sure who placed him on this pile of snow, but these pictures were some of the sweetest of the whole week.  I love this pensive look.

And another sweet discovery moment

Family portrait in the Alps

Liam is such a love that he is quick to win others over.  During ski week there were so many people who were happy to watch him or play with him for a few minutes because he is so willing to engage with others.  As a mom I couldn't possibly think things could be any better than this.