Interlaken, Switzerland Trip-July

Watch out there are tons of pictures on this post, but I couldn't decide which ones to include because I just loved them all (there were hundreds)!  We spent a long weekend in the Swiss Alps and had a great time in the Berner Oberland area.

First day we headed to the top of Schilthorn where they have amazing views of the Swiss Alps and some James Bond movie was filmed there.  It was freezing at the top and we were not prepared.  Taking the picture was about all Allison, Alex, & Clara could handle so the adults took turns walking around the viewing platform and snapping photos as quickly as we could.  

Our car all loaded down.  The car top carrier is a must for us.  And an amazing view from the top of Schilthorn.  It was very cloudy, so you couldn't see the tops of the Yungfrau, Eiger, & Monch, but still amazing.

 

Sammy with the restaurant we ate at up top in the background.  It rotates around as you eat so that you can take in all the scenery.  By the time we were done eating we had gone all the way around.  Of course you see the stuffed dogs...I swear we buy them on every Swiss excursion.  We have tons at home. 

 

 After heading down part way on the gondola we stopped in the town Murren and hoped on the Allmendhubel cogwheel train that took us straight up the mountain to a fun family hike that leads us back down.  Allison finally fell asleep and George and I were able to rest while the kids played up top at a playground.

  

 The cute playground the kids played at.  Alex & Clara went down the slide for a while and Sammy was busy shaping things out of wood.  Luckily no fingers were harmed.

  

 Clara picking wild flowers...she just can't resist.  So fun to have my mom with us!  George and my mom taking in the view and a few moments of quiet.  I think it's funny that they are sitting so far apart.  Allison sleeping the backpack was between them:).

  

 Hiking down.  Alex and Sammy loved to go off on their own.

  

  

 Halfway down was a fun adventure park where the kids did obstacle courses and a zip line.

  

Day 2 was exploring the other side of the valley.  We left Lauterbrunnen on the train and headed up to Wengen and the Mannlichen gondola.  Sammy has been to Wengen for school.  The school owns a chalet up there and Alex will be going this year.  A sweet town.

 Water fall view on the way up.  On the gondola to Mannlichen.  Allison has to hold on and George has to hold her up to reach it.  So cute!

  

 View from the top of Mannlichen.  Not quite as cold as yesterday, so now we hike.  The hike leads along the base of the Eiger, Monch, & Yungfrau to Keline Scheidegg where we rode the train back down.  They tower above you toward the end.

 Of course we stop at every slide and take those sweet photos on the meadows.  I just want to sing, "The hills are alive..."  But I refrain myself.  However, Sammy & Clara spin around and around in them.

  

Family picture with the famous mountains in the back.  This may be our Christmas card photo.

 Clara was my hiking buddy.  The kids built a rock tower...they were all over up there.

 

 Can you see us?  We are inform of the Eiger, Monch, & Yungfrau and you can see the tops!

 

 It always takes us longer to hike (maybe it's all the picture taking), so by the time we reached a restaurant we were starving.  The kids playing on the playground near by.  Yummy food!

 

 

 Alex and Sammy loved venturing off the trail together.  It was fun to see them really get into the whole hiking experience.

Day 3-This is the family in front of our hotel.  It was a great place to stay right on Lake Thun.

By the hotel.  There was a playground they played at and a trail along the shore.

 Walking along Lake Thun.  The whole family had to have their walking stick.  George even wanted to bring his home, but it didn't fit.  Grandma was pushing Allison trying to get her to sleep...she succeeded!

 

 Boat ride into Interlaken on Lake Thun.  

 

 Interlaken.  Just love my Clara bear!  

 

 The kids had been dying to do the paddle boats, so just before heading home we took one out for a spin.  It was harder work than I remembered, but the kids loved it and even took their turns paddling.  

 

 We just loved our trip and can't wait to head back!