Montreux & the Santa Train

We headed off to Montreux, Switzerland (French speaking part near Geneve) the first weekend in December to try to find Santa.  We went with the Laczkowskis and had a great weekend!

We rode the train down and back from Montreux only having to switch a few times.  On the way down the kids each had a buddy to play with.  On the way back we were in the kids car where the had a play area...so great!  Only one hiccup...George left the backpack on one of the trains on the way back and we had to scramble to try to locate it.  But thankfully it was retrieved and returned safe and sound a few days later.  Thanks Switzerland for being safe.

Caroline and Clara

 Sammy & Charley

 Alex & Grant

 Allison & her daddy

In Montreux we stopped for Pizza & got our tickets for the Santa Train.  From there we went straight up the mountain to Ville du Pere Noel and to see Santa.  The train was so full we had to sit in the driver seat of one of the cars.  The girls had fun pretending they were driving the train.  It was a very foggy day so we couldn't see much until we reached the top!

 The kids playing in the snow.  You can't quite tell, but the hill was pretty steep and it was hard for them to climb back up.

 The absolutely amazing view from up top!  You could see for miles with the sea of clouds below!  Breath-taking!

 View from the other side of the mountain top!  

 To visit Santa or Pere Noel as they say you had to walk through the mountain.  Along the way they had a few sites to see.  This train was one of them.  

 Quick visit with Santa.  Not quite sure if he spoke English, but it didn't matter.  They still loved it and the goodie bag they received.

 Tiffany & I (with sleeping Allison) just before we caught the train down the mountain.  Once we were back in the city we checked into our hotel.  We had 5 rooms all to ourselves in such a unique villa.  The kids thought it was fun to sleep with their friends.

Trying to find a place to eat for 7 kids and 4 adults is tricky, so we settled for McDonald's and took it to go and ate it in the villa.  The kids were happy at least.  That night Tiffany and I headed to the Christmas Market and walked around without kids...peaceful!

 The next morning we checked out of the Hotel, ate some breakfast, & then headed for the Christmas Market.  Beautiful flowers in the dead of winter along the Christmas Market.

 Grant & Alex posing in front of some Pokemon characters.

 Harry Potter fans.

 They had the most amazing candy markets.  Tiffany had already spent too much the night before, but the kids couldn't resist picking out their favorites!

 Sammy & George very happy after eating some crepes, churros, & waffles.  All with chocolate & sugar of course!

 Allison have her own little churro.  I am sure that is not what they call them, but they are churros to us:).

 George & I in front of the Christmas market as it is just starting to snow.

Such cute decorations.

 Beautiful Montreux city as we walked back to catch the train.  Can't wait to visit in good weather!