Au Revoir (french); Tot ziens (flemish); Sayonara and Aloha L.A! ______________________________


Hi everyone!

As most of you know, Ray has accepted a 2-year assignment with Toyota's European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. For those of you who do not know, Belgium is located next to France, Germany and the Netherlands. The home of NATO and the European Union, it is considered the "gateway to Europe" with its easy access to many European countries. (Hint, hint--good excuse to come and visit!)

Ray started his new position in February, 2008. The girls and I arrived here in late March. We are living just outside the city of Brussels in the commune of Tervuren, Belgium.

Although we are sad to temporarily leave our family and friends, we are excited for this adventure. What an opportunity to leave our tiny box and experience life outside of America!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Happy "Rääbeliechtli"!!



The Saturday before last, the families of DS' 1st grade class gathered together to celebrate the Swiss tradition of Rääbeliechtli.


This tradition came out of a legend dating back to the mid nineteenth century, telling how the farmers' wives living in the hills around the town would make lanterns out of turnips, to light the way home from church at night during the middle of winter.



Today, around the 2nd Saturday in November, children's processions with lanterns are common in Alemannic Switzerland. Lanterns, called Rääbeliechtli "turnip light", are made and hand carved from root vegetables (removing the interior and putting a candle inside). DS carved her turnip in class and Mommy carved PS' turnip at home -- quite fun! The custom originates with thanksgiving traditions at the end of the harvest in November.



And thanks to DS' Swiss classmate, his family organized a wonderful evening for all of us to enjoy this special custom...
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