Lake Zurich Cruise

We finally got Lucky to the vet today, just under our "one week" window we were given at Customs. The vet didn't seem worried. He said that she was already in the country, and they really weren't going to care whether she was in the national registration system or not. This comment was in reference to our lack of a phone number – he wanted to wait to register her until we had a phone number since it is hard to edit the information. We must have looked panic stricken that he wasn't going to meet our deadline; we'd prefer to just follow the rules lest we end up in some Swiss prison or even (worse? better?) Lucky is on the first flight back to the States. In any case, Lucky's chip has been registered (we used John's work phone) and she has a passport! Her passport allows her easy access into EU countries.

After the vet, we decided to take a boat on Lake Zurich. We headed over to the ticket counter and were happily surprised that our tram tickets give us free entrance onto the boat. We had a 1.5 hour boat cruise around the top 1/3 of Lake Zurich. It was fun to see each of the stops around the lake. We got a great view of the swimming clubs. Basically, they section off parts of the lake, installing docks, slides, diving platforms – you name it. There are usually buildings for changing facilities and lots of grassy areas for picnics and lounging. The kids enjoyed the cruise, but they spent part of the time begging to go back to the school. Apparently, the playground is calling in a big way. It's nice to know that they are counting down the days until school starts – even if it is just for playground access. At dinner tonight we asked them what questions they would ask the returning students giving the tour of the school at New Orientation. C.J. and Brendan's top question – "What do you do at recess?" At least they're consistent.

This afternoon, I did my daily load of laundry. I used our new "energy efficient" dryer.

Before moving to Zurich, the outgoing partner's wife discussed the dryer situation. She told me the dryer runs for 2 hours at the hottest temperature imaginable and doesn't actually dry anything, but it did nice job shrinking items. I figured she was just super picky. I owe her an apology. Sure enough, the dryer works exactly as she advertised. So, I'm doing like the Swiss and hang-drying everything. I can only imagine what the house will look like when I get a good 8 loads behind – a regular event for me back in Pleasanton.

In other news, it was our 15 year anniversary tonight. It seems like just yesterday that we got married. We were supposed to be on a romantic house boating trip with the McEntee family. Instead, we took the kids and the dog to a great Italian restaurant. It's amazing how quickly life can change. This restaurant is quite the "deal" for kids – they each got to choose an appetizer, main course, and dessert for a fixed price of 15 SFr. The meals weren't typical "kid meals" either. Abbie had a great tossed green salad to start, and C.J. and Brendan had tomato-mozzarella salads. For a main course, Abbie had spaghetti and the boys had veal with a lemon sauce and pasta. They had ice cream for dessert. I see this restaurant becoming a family favorite. By the time John and I ordered our dinners and some wine, we more than compensated the restaurant for the deal they offered on the kids' meals. Lucky got her own bowl of water. I'm not personally a fan of "take your dog to dinner", but it thrilled the kids. Obviously, we haven't taken them to enough fine dining restaurants as they were tickled pink that their silverware was changed out for every course.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband. Knowing that I have him by my side as we explore Europe and raise the kids makes it all worthwhile.