Christmas in Switzerland

This year we decided to stay in Switzerland for our Christmas break (most all companies have the week between Christmas and New Year off).  We were actually excited to do some day trips to new places in Switzerland, have Christmas dinner with good friends, and get a few To-Do items done at home that have been on our list.

The kids also enjoyed a few special activities that were planned just for them. Below is a picture of them watching Mikey's Christmas on something bigger than the iPad. We don't have a TV so they thought using the computer monitor to watch a movie on was pretty cool.

We went on several hikes on our staycation. This picture is from our favorite sunny Engelberg.

 For our Christmas breakfast John made us Cinnamon Pull Bread, it was very tasty. We added the clementines in order to make the breakfast at least a little bit healthy.

 After breakfast was present time. It was fun to watch them both get excited about gifts this year. We try to keep Christmas centered around Jesus's birth, but watching little kids open presents is pretty cute!

 Since Christmas fell on a Sunday we went to a Christmas morning church service and got all dressed up for the occasion.

Bear enjoying the many christmas walks.

Staying home for Christmas meant more time for playing. We got the kids some basic Duplo Legos so they could build big houses/castles.

We went to some friends house for Christmas dinner and fun was had by all. It was so nice to celebrate with friends since we couldn't be home with family this year.

A few days after Christmas we surprised the kids with their last Christmas present, a surprise dogsled ride. We drove to Glacier 3,000 where we met the dogs and when on a short ride. It was quite windy there that day so the chair lifts weren't running. Since that was the case we got to ride in a big snow plow to get to where the dog sled ride was. It was quite the adventure. 

Long and High suspension bridge at Glacier 3,000

 The other day trip that we did was to go to Basel. It is one of the bigger cities in Switzerland that borders France and Germany. It is a more international city than Lucerne and has a beautiful old town right on the Rhine River. We knew there was a Dunkin Donuts there and couldn't pass up the opportunity for a good ole American donut! I was mostly excited about the To Go coffee!

Church in the center of Basel

 The last day of our staycation we decided to take Hannah ice skating in Lucerne. She was able to use double blade skates that we could strap on to her snow boots. Then as seen below she skated while using the penguin around. She enjoyed it and even did a lap all by herself.

 We really enjoyed our week of just staying in Switzerland around Christmas this year. Switzerland is very quaint in the winter and is so beautiful with all the white light decorations in each town. We missed seeing family, but had a very special Christmas here in Switzerland.

Sagres, Portugal vacation

Part of the resort near the beach

The amazing views

A month ago today we were enjoying an amazing, family friendly vacation in Sagres, Portugal.  The fall/early winters here in Switzerland can be quiet dreary (rain, fog, grey, etc), so back in April we started to look for a sunny family friendly vacation destination for October/November. We found, partially through Facebook advertisements, a company called Marinthal. They have four family friendly holiday destinations in Portugal.  They advertise themselves as the finest luxury family resort in Europe. Initially we thought it was going to be way too expensive, but after further research the week we wanted to go was the first week of the off-season. This meant the house rental was cheaper and the childcare/kids club was free. Yes, FREE! We then were pleased to find that the airline tickets were also very reasonable, 125 round trip. That was all we needed to go ahead and book our trip to Portugal.

Indoor Outdoor Pool

The Fox mascot's birthday 

Village Center

Jumping at the Village Center

The resort turned out to be amazing. We were at the most southwest point in Portugal also known as the "End of Europe."  The resort was situated right on the Atlantic ocean, had several swimming pools, a bike rental shop, several restaurants, a spa, and did we mention a Kids club.  Elliott and Hannah went to the kids club every morning and Hannah again in the afternoon. There they did face painting, made treats, played organized games, and so much more. One day when we came to pick up the kids they were all outside playing Duck Duck Goose, it was really cute to see Elliott running around saying "Duck Duck...".

Cutie

manicures with mom

During the kid free mornings John and I enjoyed trail runs, coffees, a massage, and a bike ride. It was really amazing. The weather was perfect for our activities, except for the last day it was windy and rainy. Sadly it was the day we had arranged to rent a kayak to go out on the ocean. Next time!
The restaurants all had a kids corner where there was a supervisor there to entertain the children. Hannah was happy to go there and color while we were finishing dinner.  Two of the nights we went off the resort to eat at a restaurant opened by a few German guys, Three Little Birds.  It was so amazing. The atmosphere was relaxing with a bit of a vintage feel. They also had a little Kids corner equipped with colouring books. Plus the chicken sandwich, fries and then homemade brownie for dessert was AMAZING!  We would definitely recommend going there if ever in Sagres.

Dinner at Three Little Birds

Kids Corner at one of the Restaurants

All in all the trip was definitely the "re-charge" get away we were hoping for when we planned it back in April.

The girls at the beach

Elliott enjoying Mommy and Daddy time

The lighthouse

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit!

Last month I received a great birthday present, my mom and dad arrived in Switzerland on my birthday. It also happened to be a great birthday present for my mom since we share a birthday, October 8th.  We were very excited for them to visit, especially since they initially didn't think they would be able to visit this year.  Hannah and Elliott absolutely loved the attention and the extra people to play with. Grandma and Grandpa helped us out and watched the kids 4 days while I worked... they didn't seem to worn out by all the action.  We wish we got to see them more often, especially since the kids change so fast at this age, but we are thankful for the memories we made.  We will no have to get used to speaking to them on FaceTime, instead of in person.

Enjoying the 4 layer cake Daddy made for the birthday girls. 

Reading books after church.

We went to Luzern for the carnival. This was taken up on the Ferris wheel.

Watch out, Hannah and Elliott at the wheel!

Cutie.

Headed up Mt. Pilatus with the cog wheel train.

We broke through the low clouds on the way up to Pilatus... Blue sky and a sea of clouds. 

Grandpa and Hannah checking out the view and trying to stay warm. 

Going "Nigh Night" on the train ride down. 

Hannah in the town center of Chamonix.

Enjoying a nice meal at the small brewery in Chamonix. 

John and I out on one of many kid free outings while my parents were here. 

Elliott and I on a hike while everyone else went up to  3800 m to get an amazing view of Mt. Blanc. Elliott was too little to go, but we had a nice hike. 

The mini pilot.

Hannah and I going down the Luge in Chamonix, so  much fun!

Hannah having fun on the trampolines in Chamonix. 

Hannah and Daddy at 3800 m standing on a special observation deck with a glass  bottom. 

Checking out the Aare gorge.

Mommy carrying Elliott once again.

view at the beginning of the gorge.

Helping Grandma and Grandpa "pack"... always sad to say goodbye.