What a magical year, filled with exciting change and adventure! This summer, Caterpillar transferred us to Luxembourg...that tiny country between France, Germany and Belgium. And in November, our darling Elizabeth Marion joined the Vlach ranks, multiplying our joy
exponentially.
Madeline, 7, and Charlie, 5, love the
International School they attend, where they take french lessons four days a week and are making friends from all over the world.
Mimi lost her front tooth just in time for Christmas (now if the other one would only pop out too) and she is truly absorbing this European experience.
Charlie is a Lego maniac and loves watching documentaries -- then he spouts fascinating facts at the dinner table (though he's also at that hilarious age where a good portion of what he says is actually pure imagination).
John, 3, helps take care of the baby and continues to crack us up with his giant personality. He does everything by himself (including give himself haircuts) and loves the playgroup we have found here. He's a rascal, but he's our little rascal.
And
Elizabeth has every single one of us wrapped around her teeny little finger. We are absolutely head over heels in love! She's sweet and easy.
We have found terrific friendships in the expat community here, which is incredibly international.
Rob enjoys his work in Caterpillar Financial's regional treasury, which works with Europe, the Middle East and Africa. And
Meg jumped right into the business of
setting up a home and having a baby in a foreign country (a very cool experience!). She joined the American Women's Club of Luxembourg, and takes french lessons twice a week.
Every day, living abroad has its
triumphs and challenges. We're eager to begin exploring the countries around us as soon as little Elizabeth is a bit older. We have already received several special visitors in Lux, and we look forward to celebrating a European Christmas with family in our new home.
More than anything,
we wish you joy and peace, and count your dear friendship among our many blessings. Please consider this your formal invitation to come visit us -- we're only two hours by train from Paris! And be sure to pop over to our little family blog every now and then to see what's new!
Love,
Meg, Rob, Madeline, Charlie, John and Elizabeth
