June happenings

The last couple weeks have been cool and rainy in Zürich. Not very conducive to hiking or outdoor explorations. Hanna had a Waldtag (hiking day) last Friday and came home drenched despite her rain pants and rain jacket. The morning had started out dry, but then it proceeded to pour the entire rest of the day. On Saturday we visited the Natural History museum at the ETH University Zürich. We learned about the different birds, mammals, reptiles and crustaceans that can be found in Switzerland and Europe.

Today Leif has Sporttag where they spend the morning and afternoon playing games, relays, and other outdoor competitions. He was very excited at the prospect of no homework this evening. Coming home for lunch a few minutes ago he shared with us that he had won the 1km race this morning. A few weeks ago he performed at the school talent show and played "Long, Long Ago" on his violin. He was one of only 4 soloists and there was a crowd of about 200 people. We were all very impressed! His German is improving rapidly now and he is starting to be able to communicate in German to his classmates.

We received information for their classes and schools for next year. Leif will go to the nearby elementary school called Hirzenbach and join a 3rd year class (with the option of jumping to 4th year as his German improves). Hanna will be at Mattenhof again in a 2/3 split class and Elisabet will go to the same Grundstufe K/K2/1 split where Hanna is currently. There are still 2 more weeks of school after this one, and then we will have a 5 week break before starting again on 17 August.

I haven't been able to run for nearly 2 months now due to plantar fasciitis in my heel. The bike we bought at a market a few weeks ago is keeping me in shape. I've been able to run a few miles at a time now, so hopefully I'll be back up to speed soon. I'm interested in racing in the Lausanne or Lucern half marathons in the fall. A marathon is probably out because I don't have enough time to work up my mileage.