Switzerland

Ryan drove up to Amsterdam tonight for The Killers concert. Tomorrow he and I are headed to Paris to see the French Open. Monday is a holiday and we're doing something, so lest I get behind in my blogging, here's Switzerland! We have found when traveling with our kids on a longer vacation that it is much easier to have a "home base" as opposed to moving around from place to place. It also helps in keeping the cost of our trips down as we can eat breakfast at home and cook dinner at home, if so inclined. We employed this technique on this trip and had our home base in Grindelwald, a small little village about 30 minutes SE of Interlaken. We stayed in a small, 2 bedroom chalet that was cozy and mountainous and perfect. We spent all of our time in the Jungfrau Region, riding trains, catching cable cars, and hiking. We would wake up every morning, eat breakfast, consult our maps, pack a lunch, and head out for the day. Except for one day of rain and fog, the weather was gorgeous. Even though we were early in the season, we were able to do everything we had planned except for 2 hikes and a cable car ride that was closed due to snow. We ended everyday with a good meal, warm showers, and games. Uno Junior anyone? Overall - like I said in my previous post - it was the best family trip ever. There were times as we were hiking between no-car-villages that we literally had to pinch ourselves at the beauty that was surrounding us. I remember saying to Ryan one day, "I've never been so happy," and in that moment, I don't think anything could have been better. Communing with nature surrounded by those I love so fiercely...the thought makes me want to go back right now. :> Since I have posted so many pictures, I will only add captions where I deem appropriate. (pictures posted in no specific order) The view outside our chalet (side door)