We have awesome neighbors. Really, really awesome neighbors. Friendly, kind, helpful, everything you want in a neighbor. So when some of them organized a backyard barbecue for the rest of us, I was happy to go. They originally wanted to do it before summer vacation, but the weather never cooperated. Finally they had to postpone it until the beginning of September. Strange that almost fall weather would be better than summer weather, but that’s Switzerland for you!
The kids had a great time playing with each other. They do it pretty regularly, but it’s always more fun with a party atmosphere. 
The blonde boy is Luka, from downstairs, and I think that’s his wheelbarrow Noah is absconding with. 
Laura is his big sister, and the baby is Paul, he belongs to the family in the house across the courtyard. Isn’t he so cute? 
Machiel and Amelia are Paul’s older siblings. Alexandra plays the most with them, including eating dinner at their house when they aren’t ready to say goodbye. We have had an extra dinner guest ourselves on more than one occasion.
Everyone brought their own meat to grill, and a dessert or side to share. But the drinks were provided. They kindly had lots of water and juice for me and the kids, since they know I don’t drink wine or beer. 🙂
Of course Chris and Nicholas didn’t join us. They stayed hidden upstairs, eating whatever they could scavenge for dinner, since I wasn’t cooking. Chris did occasionally peek at us from our balcony, but never waved or said hello, in case someone saw him! hahaha
From left to right, Maya B., Maya, and Lente. Maya B. is the kids Swiss Grandma. She puts up the advent calendar full of chocolates and toys in the hallway at Christmas, sets out a huge basket of never ending treats at Easter, and brings baked goods for all of us as well. She also sews us something special for every Christmas; little gift bags, bells for the tree, or the adorable Samichlaus’s from last year. We won the lottery when she moved in.
Finally, after what seemed like forever to the kids, the grill was ready to go. Sophie is always happy when there is a plate of meat around. It got dark pretty quickly, but they had taken care of that as well. The Christmas lights and candles made everything so magical looking.
We left earlier than some, since the kids needed to get to bed. But it was a great evening and I hope we do it again before too long.