Summer Funnin

There's always plenty to do when the sun's out.... or at least when it's hot and muggy.

A Visit from the Zurich Frick/Gobets

Kim, Christian and Loic tootled over on Sunday past for some BBQ and beach fun.
We ate.

See the cake? Kim made it...mmmmm.... we ate it after our beach jaunt...mmmm... it came complete with flags of some of the Romande Cantons. Which one is Neuchatel?

Christian, Loic and Tobe during an escape attempt by Loic. He is a faaast mover, and doesn't let his parents rest much.


Kim enjoys a quiet moment at the beach.



I've taken the boys to LaTene quite a lot, and have never noticed the giant sword at the exit! Guess who did...

A Bike Ride to the Beach

One evening recently we packed a picnic dinner and cycled to one of my favourite beaches.

Getting ready with hunger close behind...


Building up a nice appetite.


The 3 handsomest diners.

There's just a wee 'problem' with the lake. It has what the locals call 'duck fleas', which give one itchy bites. We thought this was a myth till this weekend. On Monday, Toby was covered in what looked like pimply, little mosquito bites. Naturally, we did a little internet research, and naturally we were grossed out by what we found: The 'fleas' are actually larvae of a flea type animal that live in waterfowl. After part of their lifecycle spent in snails, they come out looking for the birds. When they find a human, they burrow in and die, since they can't live in us! Bleurk. Poor Kim had a bunch too, that got very itchy. Tobe seems mostly olivious. These larvae are easily removed by vigorous towelling right after coming out, or showering. Ofcourse, we'll be religious about that now. It's not putting me off. It's just too hot to be put off.