It’s always a little bit of a struggle for me, celebrating Father’s Day here. Switzerland doesn’t celebrate it, or acknowledge it, in any way. Not even in church. So I feel like I have to overcompensate somehow, to let Chris know how much we appreciate what a great father he is. But he is so easygoing, and doesn’t really like a lot of fuss made, that if I do too much, he gets a bit embarrassed. And since the whole day is supposed to be about him and what he wants, I always end up in conflict with myself. 🙂
This year was pretty good, though. It started out with the kids singing in church, just like in the States, although it was not a traditional Father’s Day song. Still, better than nothing. Sophie sang a couple lines all by herself, and Noah had a short duet with another boy. Alexandra was supposed to go and sing as well, since she is a big Sunbeam now, but she didn’t want to. Instead she sang along from the crowd. But it worked out, since Chris was able to actually hear her that way!
There was an light luncheon after church for the whole ward, which kept the kids occupied and happy while Chris attended to his usual bishopric duties. Although they do enjoy going around locking all the doors with him. He requested a simple, but delicious Father’s Day meal of meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, with apple cake for dessert. I also “paid” my friend to bake a batch of her delicious snickerdoodles for him. I try and try, but they never turn out like hers do. He LOVES them, so I was very glad she agreed to do it, even though she was having a busy weekend herself. Thanks Julie!
Then we went for a walk in the forest behind our house. 
It was perfect walking weather; warm, with a slight breeze, cloudy, but no rain. This is where the farmer lives who I am going to ask for a bit of garden space next year. He has a small patch of field I have never seen him use, so I am hoping he will rent it to me instead. Until then I am trying to be a very good neighbor. 🙂
A skirt that twirls is pretty much a necessity for this one. No matter what the proposed activity is.
Not too far into our walk, we discovered a cherry tree, just laden with ripe fruit. So Chris stretched as high as he could, and was able to harvest a few luscious goodies for his hungry baby birds. It was just enough energy to get up the “steep” hill.
I love being surrounded by so many gorgeous shades of green!
Our little cluster of houses, full of friendly, kindly neighbors is our own spot of heaven. I was still admiring the view when I heard a shriek from up ahead. I went to where Chris and Nick were standing to discover the source of the uproar. This was it.
If you look very closely, you will see a tiny bug on Nick’s shoulder. He loves to read books about creepy crawlies, but real life encounters are strictly prohibited.
On the way back home I noticed something glistening red on the side of the path. Don’t they look so perfect?
And the more I looked, the more I saw. I picked a couple handfuls, and then we took a different path through the forest, and found even more plants full of berries. We snacked on them the whole way home. I am seriously tempted to try and get a starter plant from here. Wild strawberries are much less sweet than regular ones, but the strawberry flavor is so intense, you totally don’t miss it.
It was a very nice day, celebrating a really great Papa! Of course, my measuring stick for what makes a good father is my own Dad’s example. Thanks to you both!