Beavering around in Beaver Creek

We went for a hike in the mountains today — bad idea — it was way too hot, so turned around and came back and hung out in this little creek for a while (aptly named the Beaver River) building dams and pools before heading back to the lake for a dip. Looking forward to some nice autumnal hikes in the mountains this year, as not only is Ili a superb walker now, but she runs like a rocket! We were having races on the way back down and she ran faster than me!

Dam making on the Beaver River.

Bea jumping off the jetty at Bach, on Lake Zurich.

Saturday - Visit to Caumasee

We have been meaning to visit Caumasee for quite some time, and had our first visit this weekend. Not sure why it's blue, but it looks spectacularly turquoise from above and is fed by an underwater source rather than snow melt or rain, etc. The swimming was fresh – only 20 degrees — but had to be done! We took a pedalo out to see around, although it's quite small, and Bea was very proud of himself that he jumped off the big boulder in the middle (the big rock near the small island in the middle of picture)! Nice walk through the forests to get there too. 

Caumasee from above.

Bea looking back to normal again
(apart from the orange in his mouth!!)

Pedalo power.

Fish a plenty.

Amazing moon rising over lake Zurich on the way home.

Friday night

Started off with a paddle/swim after school/work, and ended up in a very nice bar on the lake which is suspended over the lake with fish swimming by in the floodlit pools. Super cool. Kids have more staying power now for late nights now. And the moon was amazing so lovely walking back into the city by the lake.

Kids at the swimming pool

It's the last couple of weeks of the outdoor swimming pools before they close for the autumn, and the children have had a great summer of swimming. So, we're squeeeeezing in every last moment of fun before they close. Here they are on their Wednesday afternoon (Wednesday afternoon is always school-free). Ili goes on the slide now thanks to her lovely big brother.

Got there early before the crowds. . .

Theatre Festival Weekend - Saturday

Lovely day on Saturday and warm enough for a dip! We went back to the festival by the lake for more juggling, fire, acrobatics, magic shows, clowns, food and a swim.

At the Theater Spektakel, Zurich.

Juggler on Centre Stage, part of a
Spanish group called "Potted"

Clowning around on Centre Stage.

Brazilian dance couple - one of the best of the festival.

Time for a paddle in between shows.

Watching the late night show!

The clown from Berlin, his name I've forgotten,
but he was a giggle. Kid's favourite!

One of the stages by the lake at Theater Spektakel.

Theatre Festival Weekend - Friday night

Lots of performances to watch by the lakeside this weekend, and spend Friday night, and most of Saturday there with swims/paddle in between shows. Here's a few pics of Friday.

Garden girls

We're still catching up on garden work. Here's Ili and friend who spend a couple of hours pond-dipping.

Mmmm. Hospital.

Not what we had planned for today but we ended up in casualty. Everything is fine, no cause for alarm, and no damage done, just a nasty "beump" on the head for Bea after a bad fall and we decided to have him checked out for concussion and fractures. Bloody concrete cities!! He'll have a shiner in the morning.

. . . and back to school/Kindergarten

The holiday flew by so quickly . . . ! Back to school this morning for the little ones. Bea had swimming first thing Monday morning and was happy to show off his newly improved dives and swim strokes, and Ili now goes back to Kindergarten after lunch twice a week.

Back in the garden

Back on the lotty . . . all had grown while away!

Last day, last swim

We had an almighty electrical storm in the morning today — the day mum and dad flew back to the UK — and the pics are taken inbetween stormy showers. After their last dip, I found Ili trying to keep Bea warm with a hug — very sweet!

Final sun day

Ili with her birthday pressie!

Apple picking in the garden. 

Keeping cool by the pool

Flying and diving!! Bea and Papa

SIX!

Ili's sixth birthday today! Thanks to all for pressies and messages — she had a great day. xx