boxcat

no we're not being mean to him - he likes it! look at him, he's fast asleep.

more Zurich

more detailed commentary will have to wait for Marc to have a spare moment.

this first shot is the hotel he stayed at.



next, the flight of stairs he climbed in order to get to ETH Zurich, the school he was visiting.












Zurich is a town of many swans, and many trams.












And, of course, churches.

he's back and he's brought chocolates

Marc is back from Zurich and these are just a couple of the pictures he took. We'll post more soon but for now there's chocolate to be devoured! Mmmmmm..... Swiss chocolate.....

christmas list

dearest family members: we've been really blessed this year with enough financial resources to be able to get most of the things we want and do the things we've always wanted to do (thanks Linda and George for sharing Paris! and Chris and Cody for showing us the Pacific!). so when it came to making our Christmas wish list, we found it hard to want to receive much more. you guys are always great at getting us wonderful gifts, so if you'd like to continue in that tradition please do. on the other hand, we also wanted to make a couple of suggestions for those of you who might like to make donations to charities on our behalf. we will be happy with whatever you choose to do. mostly, we're just looking forward to spending time with you soon!

the Stephen Lewis Foundation works to ease the suffering of those who are dying of AIDS in Africa. their efforts are especially directed to women and children. Stephen Lewis was a long-time lefty politician in Canada, then Canada's Ambassador to the UN and most recently was appointed UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. just last week Marc said "Stephen Lewis is my hero".

i'm sure some of you have already heard of Heifer Org, the group that works to end world hunger by giving people sustainable sources of food and income. essentially, you can help to purchase livestock for those in need. have you ever thought of giving someone a water buffalo, a trio of rabbits or a flock of chicks? well, you can through Heifer Org! who knew a goat costs $120? if that's too steep for you, you can purchase a share of a goat for as little as $10!

so, those are our choices for now but if you'd like to give to another group on our behalf, please go ahead. we'd be happy to learn about other worthy charities, and even happier to contribute.

extreme cuteness alert!

how cute is this, huh? you have the normal cuteness factor of baby being washed in the sink (awww!!!!) but then add to it the cuteness of baby washing her baby and WOW, that is really, really cute! i'm throwing down the gauntlet here - can you beat this? (okay, the mashed potato baby is pretty close....)

the Fluffster

yeah, yeah, he's cute...

Sophers

i'm attempting to add a picture now....

wow, it worked! this is my brother Chris's little one, Sophia, with her sister (Hayley) and brother (Austin).

um.... hi?

just trying this out to see how easy it is (or isn't)