Friday, April 3rd, was the start of another Italian adventure. We spent last spring break in the Tuscany region of Italy, so it was time to explore a new area. We were happy to do so with the Smith family! We picked up the kids after lunch (I know, I know...bad mom/teacher) and hit the road. Our first stop was Strasbourg, France. We had a short stop here a couple of years ago but wanted to spend a bit more time in the city. And, it's a great midway point.
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| Sometimes, we miss having a van to travel long distances, but they make the most of it. And, it's not like we would go hungry in the event of car trouble. We had like 100 bags of chips! |
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| The windows of Strasbourg were all ready for Easter. |
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Cathedral Notre-Dame of Strasbourg
We had a great dinner near the cathedral, walked around a bit, and headed back to the hotel. We were all exhausted. |
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| Saturday morning, we walked around town in the pouring rain. It was pouring last time we were here, so I guess we're not meant to enjoy the sunshine in Strasbourg. I did love this skinny little building though. So much character! |
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| The crew! |
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| Clearly, the weather did not improve as we headed south. |
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| But, once we got to Lake Como....all was good! |
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| Thomas was enjoying the view from our terrace. |
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| Karin found a cool place on VRBO with three bedrooms and three ensuite bathrooms. The kids' room had a queen bed and bunk beds. Perfect! The cave family room was super cool! |
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| Plenty of space for the eight of us! |
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Easter Sunday!
The kids didn't get up as early as usual on Easter Sunday. They are definitely getting older and don't feel the need to wake us at the crack of dawn to look for Easter baskets. Sigh.... But, when it was time for the egg hunt, the four of them tore through that house! |
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| Easter treats! |
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| He was convinced he didn't get a basket this year. Look in the cupboard Buddy! |
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| Comparing loot! |
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| While the guys figured out why we didn't have heat or hot water???, the kids decorated eggs. We actually found white eggs at a bakery in Switzerland. They were all sold out in Belgium. I know...first world problems! |
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| We didn't have vinegar, so Karin was creative and used lemon juice instead. They were the brightest and prettiest eggs we've ever colored. |
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| Sawyer rocked the bed head! |
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| The finished products! |
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| Easter brunch! |
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| So cute (from the bakery in Switzerland!) You seriously didn't think I made that, did you?!? |
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| Following brunch, we held church in the cave room. Thank you to IPC for the Easter To Go Service! We all took turns reading and had communion. And, thank you to Karin's sister for sending us "Jesus Christ is Risen Today!" via Voxer. It wouldn't be Easter without my favorite hymn. |
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Karin and I went for an afternoon walk while the guys went to the grocery store (yes, you read that correctly!) They really just wanted beer. Only 20 minutes walk up the road, and we were hanging out at George Clooney's place. Too bad he wasn't in town. Ironically, there was a story on the Today Show the following day saying if you speak to him while he is there, you can receive a 500 euro fine. Good thing he wasn't there, or I would have been in huge trouble!
Please pardon the unshowered look. |
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| Nice little place, George! |
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| Locked up tight! |
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| The entrance to the estate. |
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| A pic later in the week with some blue skies and sunshine. Of course, we walked by more than once! |
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| Karin trekking up the 107 steps to our house. |
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| We took at evening walk through our town of Carate Urio. |
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| Getting info on boat rentals. |
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| The dreary day turned into a beautiful evening! |
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| Cheers to great friends and long school holidays! |
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| We walked to a great restaurant along the lake that evening. |
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| Karin, Todd, Garrett, and Sawyer! |
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The Vastines!
It looks like I'm shrinking! |
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| Cute kiddos with an awesome view! |
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We ended a great day by playing "Things!" I love Sawyer's giggle when he plays. You know he is up to something good!
Much more fun is in store. Check back soon!
Until next time,
Wendy |
