On Saturday we took parents to get a glimpse of some sun and the mountains. A cloud seemed to have settled into Bern and was having a hard time lifting. Since we arrived everyone tells us that on cloudy weeks the key to sanity is getting a little weekend time above the clouds. They were right. We drove from cloudy Bern with zero mountain views and arrived about an hour later at a mountain paradise.

We rode a gondola (not my favorite) up the mountain and first got off to check out Gimmelwald. Seth loves to follow Rick Steve’s lead. There wasn’t a whole lot going on in Gimmelwald besides chalets and a mini me cheese cottage. We bought some snacks there and walked around the tiny village. Then we got on the gondola again and rode up to the ski town of Murren. It was so much fun to see everyone getting around using sleds, skis, etc. We were the smart ones that tried to push Owen in a stroller. Next time we are renting a baby sled all the way!

We had lunch at a little restaurant. Most of us ordered hot ham and cheese sandwiches. When they arrived it was more like a hot ham and cheese sandwich covered with an entire plate of rachlette-type cheese. It was so yummy but my oh my it’s a good thing we got some walking in that day!

We took in amazing views, watching parasailers brave the cliff-side air space and watched the skiers fly down the mountain! It was truly above  the clouds.

our trusty guide

cheese shop

Owen took cues from the Swiss babies. when it was approaching naptime he threw his chubby arms out and passed out! Next time he will be in the sled!

Loved this cute vintagy looking poster for a boutique in town

In late May, early June Seth’s sister Claire and her husband and baby Benjamin made the big trip from Oregon to DC! We had such a great time having them here. Jackson and Owen got to meet their new baby cousin and we got lots of time to catch up. Claire and Donnie had more energy for sight-seeing than any guests we have ever had. They walked their legs off and did it all with a little baby in tow! Impressive!

Here are some pictures from their visit!

A week after Claire, Donnie and Benjamin left Seth’s parents and Tommy, our nephew, came from Texas for a week. Jackson loved having Tommy around. He is a “bigger big boy” in Jackson’s eyes. He was so sweet with Jackson and Owen and tolerated a ton of enthusiasm from Jackson. Jackson did not give him a break the entire time he was here!  Jackson and Owen were excited to see their Mia and Grandan as well and I hate to say it but Jackson hardly talked to them for the first day because Tommy was so exciting! While they were here we went to Frying Pan park, drove to Annapolis and went to the Amish market and waterfront, went to Great  Falls,  and had time for lots of wrestling! Seth and I (along with Owen) took advantage of having grandparents here and snuck away for a night downtown.

Here are some pictures from their visit!

(when the tractor is occupied  don’t despair, simply hoist yourself onto the hood and make the driver uncomfortable with your presence)

Owen proud as a peacock at the hotel. He scored himself a getaway at a hotel when he continued to refuse taking a bottle!

Lots of visitors, lots of fun!

Seth’s parents were able to come over the last week (his dad arriving a few days after his mom) to meet Owen and spend some time with us. We enjoyed having them here. They got a light snow while they were here which was nice since they don’t see that much in Texas. Owen loved being held a ton and Jackson managed to get his Mia to play almost every waking moment. We are weaning off all of the one on one time now that I am flying solo! Here are some pictures from their visit.

Owen and Grandan…also the spider monkey that Aunt Claire knitted for Jackson

Jackson’s first metro ride…also first trip to a museum

The Kolb men and boys

Mia and Owen

another attempt

an attempt at our first family picture as a family of 4…it looks about right, Owen getting “help” from his big brother!  The quilt behind us (that now hangs on our wall) was a gift from Seth’s parents. It was made my Seth’s mom’s grandmother.