The von Burg's House

I promised earlier this summer that I would post more pics from Ueli and Julia's spectacular new house once they moved in. We have been out to Beinwil at their new home a few times this summer and each time I am always amazed at how beautiful it is! Their town is about an hour from Zurich and sits on a pristine lake that is surrounded by lush green fields, forest, and mountains. The only downside to them living out there is that they aren't near us in the city anymore, which means we can't see them as often, but we make the time we have together count with lots of fun and laughter! Julia works in Zurich, and we like to meet on her lunch break to go shopping, our favorite thing to do together. On our most recent trip we had to laugh at ourselves-- we bought the same dress, skirt and sweater!! We are so happy that we were here to see them settle into their new home and spend time with them there, and I know they will have a wonderful life in Beinwil.

Julia & Ueli in their scenic breakfast room

View from patio

View from Master Balcony

Lake view 

Our friends are wonderful hosts and always make us feel so welcome. Jakey loves their hamster and three cats, although I think they are all rightfully scared of him! On our second visit, we walked down the hill from their house to a little farm, where Jake and Julia checked out all of the animals together, including goats, rabbits, bird and pigs. The last time we were there the weather was warm (enough) to swim in their brand new pool, which I have to say, has one of the best views of any swimming pool I've ever seen! Unfortunately none of us were coordinated enough to keep the ball in the pool and we could not stop laughing each time someone accidentally sent it flying down the steep hill that their house sits on! We also visited a nearby castle, which Jake was convinced had a dragon in it that would bite him!

Jake literally "taking the bull by the horns"

Visiting the goat with "Aunt" Julia

He's always trying to escape!

Ueli &  Michael setting up the volleyball net

1-2-3 JUMP!

Playing in the pool

Jake & "Uncle" Ueli

Can you imagine waking up to eat breakfast on this patio each day?!

Michael, Jake, Julia & Ueli at the castle

Michael, Jake, me, Julia at castle

Jakey by the moat at the castle

In some ways it seems strange to think we have these close friends living so far from Texas on another continent, but our rekindled bond each time we see them is evidence enough that we will always be close, regardless of the ocean between us! Their visit to Chicago to see us in 2007 was too short but loads of fun, and hopefully someday they will come visit us in Texas so can show them as good a time in our neck of the woods as they have always done for us in Switzerland. The von Burgs are one of the main reasons we returned to Zurich, and we are extremely grateful for their hospitality and loyal friendship. Our goodbye dinner next week will be really sad, but there is always the anticipation for the next time we will see each other someday. We love you Ueli and Julia, and we'll miss you more than words can say, but we know this is not goodbye, its just until next time!!