Week 2: Switzerland - Land of Cheese and Chocolate

Did I mention the chocolate and the cheese? I have to just pause for a minute while I remember........okay, so after a week in Dusseldorf, we flew to Zurich where we met up with Kevin and my dad and drove on to Grindewald, nestled in the Swiss alps. We spent a lovely week there hiking, sampling a million different alpen cheeses, eating chocolate and visiting the bakery on a daily basis. So wonderful!

I loved this old church on the far end of town. I got plenty of chances to look at it too since it was positioned right across the street from what extensive research on my part revealed to be the best bakery in Grindewald.

The boys on what had to be the worst hike ever! I love this picture because it looks almost sinister. Like Drew is about to club an unsuspecting Ethan over the head on the mysterious moors or something of that sort. Really Drew was just waving at me.

Woke up to a cloud sitting on the mountains. We thought it would blow off or burn off but no, stayed all day. Basically we hiked 3 hours only able to see a few feet in front of us. Apparently there were some gorgeous views and even a lake. Hmph, wouldn't know it.

Kevin and the boys rolling around in the meadow.

One of about 500 attempts at a good family picture.

Me and Drew (and Peezy tucked in Drew's shirt) on the alpine slide. It was both boys first time and they both loved it although we couldn't convince Drew to go it alone.

Ethan was a pro at the alpine slide after his first trial run.

On one of the many train rides up the mountain, the conductor let Drew sit up in his cabin with him. Drew was in heaven!

Drew on his first gondola ride up the mountain. Not to sure about it but quickly got used to it.

Ethan and I up at Mannlichen where the views of the Eiger and Jungfrau were stunning.

Me on the trail near Kleine Scheidig. Kevin and I planned to hike across the ridge from where the train deposited us to the tram station at the other end of the trail and then ride the tram back down the mountain. The sign said 1 hour 40 minute hike but when we started we realized we had only 40 minutes until the last tram left to go down the mountain. So, this was the world's fastest hike and this the one and only picture we bothered to take. Arrived in a record 30 minutes. Made the tram and realized the times posted on the sign must assume that you crawl the trail or something. Little bit overstated on the times.

Have you ever seen anything more beautiful. I defy you to find anything ugly in the Swiss alps.

Kevin and I at First relaxing after dinner of brats and roschti, a local potato dish.

We had a wonderful time during our week in Switzerland and the boys both say that being there was their favorite part of the trip. I would happily go back anytime.