A weekend away from home

This past weekend, we had to leave the house because Papa had to work on his grant that is due next Wednesday. Luckily, we have great friends and family close by, so that we had a good weekend. First, we went to visit Andrin's godmother Sara and her family. We all truly enjoyed the drive there. Andrin was so happy that we had "our" red car again. We have been part of a carsharing program and they have always red cars. The drive was beautiful over a little pass and we saw lots of cows, horses, chicken, and had a beautiful view of some colorful trees. Our visit with Sara was great and it made Mami hopeful that we will also be living in a neighborhood with lots of children some day so that Andrin and Bigna can play. It was difficult for Andrin to leave. He enjoyed being pulled by an older child in a wagon attached to a tractor.
Our next stop was with Oma and Opa. We spent the rest of Saturday there and then Sunday. On Saturday, we took a walk to see our neighbor's chicken and cows. But since it was already getting dark, we had to take a flashlight with us. On Sunday, we enjoyed the beautiful weather (for a change, the weather in Basel was foggy and unpleasant and the weather in Obwalden was sunny and warm) and went to the first for a hike. Oma really wanted to show Andrin the gnomes in the forest and this time we were prepared and Andrin truly enjoyed his encounter with the gnomes. He had to tell Papa at night though that there were not real gnomes in the forest. (Thanks to Opa for the wonderful pictures!)

Pumping water for the water wheel with Opa.

Checking out the cave to see if there could be any gnomes in there.

One of the wonderful carved gnomes.

Building a tower.

No wood block was too heavy for Andrin.

Andrin's wall that he built.

Trying to move the "ice blocks" around.

Cooking a soup for the gnomes.

"Maybe this is better cooking stick."

"Mama, I need more herbs for the soup and some more sausages."

Having fun cooking. Shortly before Andrin fell on a rock and cut himself above his eye ...

Enjoying a little break on a special "chair."

There were lots of "chairs" available.