Interlaken, Switzerland

During our trip, we stayed in Interlaken. The lake next to the resort was so gorgeous! It was great fun going to the Gasthaus for breakfast each morning and then walking out to the lake to feed the ducks.

 

On our way out, there was fog in the valley, but it was clear skys above. We had a great time there in the winter, we can't wait to come back during the summer!

Grindelwald

We thought "sledging" might be a fun Swiss activity for the family to enjoy. It turned out to be a bit more harrowing than we anticipated. After spending a few snow filled runs down the hill we finally got the hang of it. It was a beautiful day and the Alps are just tough to beat!

 

One of the reasons the "sledging" was so harrowing was because the more moderate course wasn't available that day. So we ended up on a few parts that were pretty steep and long. Eve caught a few face fulls of snow when Cody tried to use his feet to slow them down.

 

Eli had a few concerns about "sledging".

 

As it turns out, his concerns were justified. Just as we got off the lift, Eli went down a small hill and stood up to walk to the main hill. When he did, his sledge got away from him. Cody tried running after it, but it was just moving too fast. The last we saw of it was when it went over the cliff (where the white ends and you see mountains). Cody broke the sad news to the resort, but they told him they would find it in the spring. They're probably right, it's just it will most likely be in a hundred pieces.

Lucerne, Switzerland

A few days after Christmas we set out for a trip to the Swiss Alps. On our way there, we stopped and had lunch in Lucerne, Switzerland. One of it's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge in the background.

 

The swans in Lucerne aren't lovely and beautiful, they're mean and intimidating. This one was almost as big as Eli. Let's just say he kept a close eye on it. ;)

Weihnachten

Our first Christmas (or Weihnachten in German) in Germany was wonderful. The kids loved it. How could they not!?! It was similar to Christmas in all of the other places we've lived except we had to wait longer before we could call back to Utah. The eight hour time difference does present some unique challenges that way.

 

It wouldn't be Christmas in Germany without chocolate! Kinder Eggs were one thing we enjoyed this year that we normally don't have.

Castle Power

Eli: Kjersti, I like my hair to look good, but some hairs just won't comply. Can you help me?

Kjersti: Of course. I think I have just the spell for you.

 

Kjersti: HAIRIUS FLATIUS NOWTOTUM!

Eli: Whoa, your words have hair flattening power!

 

Kjersti: Not my words Eli, my spells. This castle along with all of the Harry Potter movies I've watched lately have truly inspired me... consider your hair, compliant.

 

Baden Baden Altes Schloss

Just outside Baden Baden, Germany is a large abandoned castle. Typically, these aren't what most tourists travel to Germany to see, but they are no less amazing and much more fun than the well-maintained and stately castles of Germany.

 

The grand views from these old castle walls were pretty impressive and they made for great pictures as well.

 

Oh, the drama.

 

When we got up to the second floor of the castle, Heidi got a little nervous and stayed behind. It was pretty high and certainly not for a person who gets a little nervous about heights. ;)

 

Above the castle, it commands some pretty cool views of the city of Baden Baden as well as the Alsace region of France.

Sassy Sleeper

Only Eve could pull off "sassy" in her sleep.

The Old World Market

Esslingen, Germany has one of the funnest Christmas markets in the country. It's known as the Medieval Market. Everything within the Medieval Market is really old school if you know what I mean. Behind Heidi, the big flags mark the entrance to the old world market. The smells of freshly baked bread, roasting nuts and a million other yummy smells linger in the air. It's just wonderful!

Strasbourg, France

We traveled to Strasbourg, France to enjoy their Christmas market, but ended up having more fun under an old ginko tree that, in December, had not yet shed its leaves. The tree was located in the circle of the Palais de la Republique and the kids thought this was the best part of the trip... next to the squirrels of course.

 

There were a few seconds we managed to get everyone calmed down just a bit for a picture.

 

Back to craziness!

 

The merry-go-round in the city center was a hit as well, except the kids would rather pile into the spaceship Heidi is standing next to rather than climb on a horse.

 

The cathedral in Strasbourg is amazing. For nearly two hundred years, it was the tallest building in the world. The Christmas market was nice, but we'll never forget that ginko tree.