In mid-March we flew out to Basel, Switzerland to visit Amsterdam alums Katie, Ryan, Sebastiaan and new addition, Owen. Bright and early the morning after we arrived we hopped in our cars and drove 4 hours to the quaint and beautiful ski village, Saas Fee - known as the birthplace of skiing. Our cozy apartment was centrally located in the tiny town surrounded by cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and obviously the vast Swiss Alps. Jeannette, Katie's mom, joined for the trip too - it was a family affair.
The first day Kirk and Ryan hit up the mountain for a half day ski/snowboard while us ladies and kiddos got ourselves situated. The mountains offers all levels of skiing/snowboarding. The top elevation is 11,647 ft. 22 lifts, 2 cable cars, 1 funicular railway, 5 gondolas, and many drag lifts, this mountain has a little bit of everything. After the boys were done we met up with them for drinks at the bottom of the mountain - just a little apres ski to start the weekend right.
That evening the four of us popped out for a lovely fondue dinner at Du - a family restaurant that feels like you're sitting in someone's home, making dinner really intimate and special. We stuffed our faces with tasty raclette and yummy fondue. We paired all that cheese with a fantastic wine called Heida Visperterminen from a nearby vineyard - the highest elevation vineyard in all of Europe.
On Friday morning Ryan and Katie took off for a half day of skiing while we stuck around and played with the kiddos at a nearby park. For the afternoon we switched roles and headed up to the top of the mountain. The skies were bright and blue, the sun shining and the mountain groomed and perfect. I always forget how wonderful skiing is - being surrounded by such beautiful snow-capped mountains and fresh air is so surreal. We enjoyed many runs on piste with little breaks sitting in the sun and enjoying the light tunes of Euro techno and sipping on beers!
Later on Katie and I took the kiddos to the nearby pool for some splashing, swimming and slides! The boys hit up the town for apres ski. That evening we stayed in and had some home cooked dishes - thanks Jeanette.
Saturday morning Kirk and I started up the mountain bright and early trying different parts of the mountain discovering amazing runs and a tiny trail leading to a cozy cottage serving up drinks and eats just on the side of the mountain. A great stop for a little rest and relaxation. In the afternoon we took Teia to her first attempt at skiing. With a big smile from ear to ear we think this girl is a natural.
After skiing we ran into Katie and Ryan and did a little apres ski. Again, that evening we stayed in for a home cooked meal and ventured out into the town for the last night's drinks. We had so much fun in Saas Fee - wish I could ski there every year!
On Sunday morning we made the 4 hour drive back to Basel giving us enough time to explore the city center and nearby park. Thanks for planning the perfect trip, Katie and Ryan, and thank you Jeanette for looking after Teia so we could enjoy a a couple nights out!
The next day after we got back from Switzerland, Kirk flew to Portland for work for about 4 days. While he was there he had meetings and wrapped up the week with some golf and a couple NCAA Tournament games at the Moda Center - Utah vs SF Austin, and Georgetown vs Eastern Washington. The next day he headed to PDX to be picked up in a private Epic aircraft and taken to Epic's factory in Bend for a tour and some lunch. Kirk's hosts were very outgoing, inspiring, and showed him a great time. At the end of the day they flew him to the Ellensburg's Bowers Air Field.
Kirk was very glad to spend time with family, but everyone's heart weighed heavy over the recent loss of a truly amazing woman - Kirk's Grandmother, Marjorie Harrel. That next morning, Kirk's family held a funeral and service in loving memory of Marge. It's amazing to think about the size and quality of family she and her husband Paul raised. All of her friends. All she did for others. What a legacy. What a person. She will always be remembered in our hearts - we love you, Grandma.
Around that time, my mom, brother and sister-in-law arrived in Europe for an epic trip. It was Tyler and Erin's first time to Europe - a trip long overdue! It all started in Iceland for 5 days. The next stop, Amsterdam. While they were here we did the usual tours to Anne Frank, Rijks Museum, Van Gogh, The Maritime Museum, flower market, walks along the canals, 9 Straats, Albert Cuyp Market, and walks through Vondel and other various parts of the city.
In between their days in Amsterdam, they also went to Brugge, Dublin and London.
While they were gone Kirk & I met up with friends Heather and Matt and their little one, Jack. They are currently living in Germany and made the drive over for the weekend. We trekked through the city in blustery rain before stopping at Gaper for some grub and beers. We are looking forward to your next visit, Matt and Heather, hopefully it'll bring some better weather!
The next week, Kirk made another short work trip - this time to Stockholm. Normally a beautiful city, Kirk found it a little hard to see on his first morning. But the skies cleared up later and he enjoyed some amazing Swedish scenery and food amongst his work meetings.
Teia just started dance class at Dans Peuter Dans. The classes are in Dutch and she immediately fell in love. Her love of dance and music is definitely infectious.
Toward the end of my family's European adventure we celebrated Tyler's 39th birthday at Castell's for steaks and ribs, followed by whiskeys at the L&B Whiskey Cafe. Happy Birthday, Big Bro!!! The day before they headed back to the States we did a boat tour with Paap. The weather was perfect and we finished the evening at Saloon.
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The next day we had some Easter brunch together before they flew back home. It was an amazing trip - I am so happy you made it out and that we could make some fun memories. Looking forward to seeing you soon - love you!
More amazing expat couples are parting ways with this awesome city - the Mobley's and Ostrander's. We will miss you all dearly and are so excited for your new adventure in Birmingham, Alabama and Washington, DC. Chelsea was such an amazing support to me since we did the yoga program together - hopefully we can start up a studio some day. Leslie, I am so glad Adam introduced us - it was a short and sweet time for you here but I am glad we could make some great memories! Best of luck!
The first day Kirk and Ryan hit up the mountain for a half day ski/snowboard while us ladies and kiddos got ourselves situated. The mountains offers all levels of skiing/snowboarding. The top elevation is 11,647 ft. 22 lifts, 2 cable cars, 1 funicular railway, 5 gondolas, and many drag lifts, this mountain has a little bit of everything. After the boys were done we met up with them for drinks at the bottom of the mountain - just a little apres ski to start the weekend right.
That evening the four of us popped out for a lovely fondue dinner at Du - a family restaurant that feels like you're sitting in someone's home, making dinner really intimate and special. We stuffed our faces with tasty raclette and yummy fondue. We paired all that cheese with a fantastic wine called Heida Visperterminen from a nearby vineyard - the highest elevation vineyard in all of Europe.
On Friday morning Ryan and Katie took off for a half day of skiing while we stuck around and played with the kiddos at a nearby park. For the afternoon we switched roles and headed up to the top of the mountain. The skies were bright and blue, the sun shining and the mountain groomed and perfect. I always forget how wonderful skiing is - being surrounded by such beautiful snow-capped mountains and fresh air is so surreal. We enjoyed many runs on piste with little breaks sitting in the sun and enjoying the light tunes of Euro techno and sipping on beers!
Later on Katie and I took the kiddos to the nearby pool for some splashing, swimming and slides! The boys hit up the town for apres ski. That evening we stayed in and had some home cooked dishes - thanks Jeanette.
Saturday morning Kirk and I started up the mountain bright and early trying different parts of the mountain discovering amazing runs and a tiny trail leading to a cozy cottage serving up drinks and eats just on the side of the mountain. A great stop for a little rest and relaxation. In the afternoon we took Teia to her first attempt at skiing. With a big smile from ear to ear we think this girl is a natural.
After skiing we ran into Katie and Ryan and did a little apres ski. Again, that evening we stayed in for a home cooked meal and ventured out into the town for the last night's drinks. We had so much fun in Saas Fee - wish I could ski there every year!
On Sunday morning we made the 4 hour drive back to Basel giving us enough time to explore the city center and nearby park. Thanks for planning the perfect trip, Katie and Ryan, and thank you Jeanette for looking after Teia so we could enjoy a a couple nights out!
The next day after we got back from Switzerland, Kirk flew to Portland for work for about 4 days. While he was there he had meetings and wrapped up the week with some golf and a couple NCAA Tournament games at the Moda Center - Utah vs SF Austin, and Georgetown vs Eastern Washington. The next day he headed to PDX to be picked up in a private Epic aircraft and taken to Epic's factory in Bend for a tour and some lunch. Kirk's hosts were very outgoing, inspiring, and showed him a great time. At the end of the day they flew him to the Ellensburg's Bowers Air Field.
Kirk was very glad to spend time with family, but everyone's heart weighed heavy over the recent loss of a truly amazing woman - Kirk's Grandmother, Marjorie Harrel. That next morning, Kirk's family held a funeral and service in loving memory of Marge. It's amazing to think about the size and quality of family she and her husband Paul raised. All of her friends. All she did for others. What a legacy. What a person. She will always be remembered in our hearts - we love you, Grandma.
Before heading back home, Kirk swung through Seattle to celebrate birthdays for our dear friends, Jake and Cleary. They had a delicious dinner and cake at Via Tribunali on Capitol Hill. Afterward they headed across the street for drinks at the Comet Tavern - just like being back in college!
A day after Kirk returned home he had to head to Geneva for work for a couple days. While he was away Teia and I continued our busy schedule with preschool, playdates and the zoo.
In between their days in Amsterdam, they also went to Brugge, Dublin and London.
While they were gone Kirk & I met up with friends Heather and Matt and their little one, Jack. They are currently living in Germany and made the drive over for the weekend. We trekked through the city in blustery rain before stopping at Gaper for some grub and beers. We are looking forward to your next visit, Matt and Heather, hopefully it'll bring some better weather!
The next week, Kirk made another short work trip - this time to Stockholm. Normally a beautiful city, Kirk found it a little hard to see on his first morning. But the skies cleared up later and he enjoyed some amazing Swedish scenery and food amongst his work meetings.
Teia just started dance class at Dans Peuter Dans. The classes are in Dutch and she immediately fell in love. Her love of dance and music is definitely infectious.
Toward the end of my family's European adventure we celebrated Tyler's 39th birthday at Castell's for steaks and ribs, followed by whiskeys at the L&B Whiskey Cafe. Happy Birthday, Big Bro!!! The day before they headed back to the States we did a boat tour with Paap. The weather was perfect and we finished the evening at Saloon.
The next day we had some Easter brunch together before they flew back home. It was an amazing trip - I am so happy you made it out and that we could make some fun memories. Looking forward to seeing you soon - love you!
More amazing expat couples are parting ways with this awesome city - the Mobley's and Ostrander's. We will miss you all dearly and are so excited for your new adventure in Birmingham, Alabama and Washington, DC. Chelsea was such an amazing support to me since we did the yoga program together - hopefully we can start up a studio some day. Leslie, I am so glad Adam introduced us - it was a short and sweet time for you here but I am glad we could make some great memories! Best of luck!
