Edelwiss

 We...

• went on a trip to the German Alps, down in Garmisch. 
• stayed at the Edelwiss Lodge & Resort, the perfect lodging for kids
• went with our friends Kim and Derek and their daughter Elin
• brought our babysitter Caitlin (perfect set up with three kids)
• boarded in fabulous snow (Ben and Derek went three times, Kim and I went twice)
• ate great German food
• swam in the pool
• relaxed in the hot tub
• ...Ben and I are thinking that we might be getting too old for snowboarding! As we both came home with stiff shoulders and necks. At least we didn't get banged up too much or lose any teeth. LOL! 

When we rolled into Edelwiss on Wednesday evening we were a little worried how the snow conditions would be, as there wasn't much snow on the ground and the snow that was, was crusty and old. But after 8 new inches of snow overnight, the conditions were great! Kim and Derek are the perfect matches for Ben and I. The boy's are at the same level and Kim and I are too. So it makes it nice and easy skiing with them. 

Having Caitlin there was perfect. It allowed us to get out worry free and know our kids were in good hands while we boarded. Not to mention have two peaceful dinners and hot tub times! It was great! 

It was especially fun boarding with Ben. Last year when we went to the Austrian Apls with Kim and Derek, we took turns with our babies... so We didn't get to board together. Looking forward to our next ski trip! 

Next Generation Pilot!

Ethan loves his Bomber Jacket. It was given to us by our old neighbors... and it is Ethan's favorite jacket... Like wear it all the time, never leaving the house without it jacket! 

It's not even that warm, but he refuses to wear any other jacket. 

If I can convince him to wear a different jacket... its usually because I have bribed him, conveniently forgot it at home or its dirty and needs to be washed. 

I can't believe he'll be three in just over a month!

We sure do love our blue eyed, blondie! 

Bruges, Belgium with Papa & Grandma!

My parents really wanted to do a little side trip while they were here. At first we had decided on Paris... After we went in November... we decided that wouldn't be the best place to go back with my parents and three little kids. So, we decided to go back to Bruges. 

We stayed three nights. The weather was rainy off and on for the first two days. But it didn't really stop us from getting out and seeing the sights. I love this place! 

We all thoroughly enjoyed the waffles and Belgian chocolates! I loved knowing where to go to get the best chocolates. 

The last day we were there was beautiful. 

 I snuck out on the last night to take some photos of Bruges in the dark. All the buildings are lit up so beautifully, so it was pretty easy to get some good photos. 

This is probably one of my favorite spots in Europe! So we had to take a million pictures!

We had a good system down (after the most relaxing dinner in a really nice restaurant on the first night with three kids...NOT). So after the first night, Ben and I went to dinner first and my parents watched the kids and then my parents went out by themselves and we stayed with the kids and got them ready for bed. On the last night, we both went to The Olive Tree A Greek Restaurant. It was fabulous. Ben and I were the first people there, so we got chatting and made friends with the owner. My parents did the same thing when they had dinner there later that night. Ben and I only had a 20Eruo bill on us... so we left that as our tip! That is a HUGE tip in Europe... The next day we were walking by the restaurant... I looked in and saw the owner there so we waved. He invited us in and wanted to give Bella and Ethan ice cream. And then we all had lattes... He was so sweet to us. And wanted to give it to us for free. 

If you go to Bruges, you have to eat there. Tell him we sent you :)

 I have to say Bruges is still one of my favorite places in Europe. I would honestly go back again! It was that good. the chocolate and waffles help with that too! Thanks for a great trip mom and Dad!