Mom (Omi as we affectionately call her, which is a cute version of “grandmother” in German) celebrated her 70th birthday last month. Congratulations Mom/Omi! If only I can have your health and young looks when I reach that age, should I be so lucky.Omi accompanied us on our travels from the U.S. to Zurich and stayed with us for the first eight weeks of our adventures here in der Schweiz. It was wonderful to have her with us -- a native German speaker to help us learn the lay of the land (everything from filling out bureaucratic immigration forms to applying for the all-important grocery store savings card to charting many fun weekend adventures for us); a playmate to help Isaac and Elliot adjust, enjoy and feel at home; a partner in crime for me as we braved everything from hauling the groceries up the big hill to hopping along rocky paths in the Alps. Omi’s time with us was a blessing for our family in so many ways and we are so grateful that she was able to be with us. Ever since her departure in late September, I have wanted to post some pictures of our time with her. Well, better late than never. Here’s my ode to Omi (in picture form)….
On one of our first days in town, Omi and the boys figure out the bus system. Here we are waiting on bus 62 to Oerlikon – (someone obviously has to pee…and it’s not Omi!). This is Omi is after our first Einkaufen (shopping) experience. We actually pushed the cart all the way up our rather steep and long hill to our apartment. That was the only time we did that. Now we use our suitcase rollie – works wonderfully.
Above: Omi and I about to embark on what was to be a failed attempt to attend an organ concert at the Grossmuenster church in downtown Zurich. Even though we got lost and drenched in record breaking rains and missed the concert, it was nonetheless a fun evening out (nothing that a bit of red wine can’t cure). Next: Isaac giving Omi a heartfelt hug on our fourth day here, celebrating his birthday.
Our first Uetliberg hike -- Uetliberg is the “house mountain” of Zurich, a favorite place for hiking above the Zurich lake.
On the train to visit the Goldau Zoo…Omi and Isaac plotted the story of their upcoming play (Gomar the Goblin) and discussed World War II. Here’s what I wrote later about it: “There was a moment on the train with Omi and Isaac that I often think of. After Omi and Isaac had worked together on the Gomar play, Isaac started quizzing Omi about Wolrd War II. As we sat on the train, zooming through the Swiss countryside and Isaac absorbed in the European history lesson from Omi, I thought – wow, how lucky we are to have this time and be in this place with Omi, what a joy. It was one of those very ‘full’ moments of life.”
On the train to visit the Goldau Zoo…Omi and Isaac plotted the story of their upcoming play (Gomar the Goblin) and discussed World War II. Here’s what I wrote later about it: “There was a moment on the train with Omi and Isaac that I often think of. After Omi and Isaac had worked together on the Gomar play, Isaac started quizzing Omi about Wolrd War II. As we sat on the train, zooming through the Swiss countryside and Isaac absorbed in the European history lesson from Omi, I thought – wow, how lucky we are to have this time and be in this place with Omi, what a joy. It was one of those very ‘full’ moments of life.” 
Above: Omi and I on our adventurous hike up ‘Rot Horn’ – we saw Edelweiss along the way.
Next: A typical scene in our early days here – reading books and working on the Gomar play with Omi.
Next: A typical scene in our early days here – reading books and working on the Gomar play with Omi.
In the kitchen together during our visit with Chris and Roby. With Hermann and Beth on their visit with us in mid-September. Looking at the castle book that Uncle Chris brought – very cool! 
A walk in our neighboring woods and our first grill experience in those woods.
Alles Gutes Zum Geburtstag Koenig(in) Omi! Mit herzlichen Gruesse und sei vielmals unarmt -- Dein Isaac, Elliot, Brian und Elena
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