Chad and Ben Visit Geneva!

What a wonderful week we had hosting Chad and Ben.  The weather wasn't the best, but we were able to make the most out of each day.

They arrived last Friday and we didn't give them any time to rest from their long flight- we headed to the lake to take in the sights and explore Old Town Geneva.  After walking around for a bit, Chris met up with us for dinner.

The girls were so excited to see their uncles!  

Eliza is just hiding her excitement... like always!

On Saturday, we drove to Montreux.  In Montreux, we walked along Lake Geneva, and toured the Chillon Castle. On our way back from Montreux, we drove through the vineyards in Vevey.  We always love to take vistors through the vineyards because it is so amazing, and the view is unbelievable.

Montreux- 

Chillon Castle

Easter tree in castle-

Vineyards- Vevey. Switzerland

On Sunday, the weather was not ideal, but the boys and Adalyn headed to Chamonix before the rain moved in.  They were able to see Mont Blanc and enjoy the sunshine in the village for a bit before it got cloudy and cold.  Unfortunately, the cable car to the top was closed because of the wind, so a reason for them to come back and visit!  Sunday night, we enjoyed a traditional Swiss meal, raclette.

Chamonix

On Monday, Ben and Chad decided to tour the United Nations Office, which is located about 20 minutes from our house.  We have never been on the tour, but read good things, so they decided to try it out.  One great thing about having visitors with different interests is that we get to see and hear about many different attractions around Geneva based on their interests.  It is also located next to the Geneva Botanical Garden, which is a large park filled with plants, trees, flowers, mini zoo, and a playground.  So, while the guys toured, the girls and I hung out at the park.  It was a great afternoon for all!  The guys really enjoyed the tour.

"Alley of Nations" containing the flag from 193 member nations.

Ben representing the United States.  

“Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room”

The ceiling sculpture was created by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló. The sculpture consists of layers of colored paints sprayed across the ceiling to create stalactites. It is intended to symbolize multiculturalism, mutual tolerance and understanding between cultures, but it mostly looks like a beautiful colorful sea floor.

On Tuesday, the weather still was a bit windy with rain on and off, so in the morning we went to the Natural History Museum, also known as the 'Stuffed Animal Museum!'  After the museum, we went to Old Town for lunch and toured St. Pierre Cathedral.  We also enjoyed some yummy gelato while sitting outside in the town square.  We had one last visit by the lake and then headed home.

Shark Attack!!  

On Wednesday, the guys were very excited, yet I don't know why??!!  I thought the girls and I were a lot of fun to hang out with- including one super crabby teething toddler, but they were very eager to leave for their mini excursion away with just the guys.  Originally, they had planned to go to Interlaken and go hiking for a few days, but due to rainy weather, they changed their plans earlier in the week and headed to Turin, Italy.  We did a map search, and that seemed to be the closest place to go to get sunshine and warm weather- so they drove there- only about three hours from our house.  They rented a house in Turin and did some hiking, while also exploring the nearby villages.

The view as they entered Italy- Mont Blanc

The house they rented in Turin-

Dinner out enjoying fine Italian wine and food.  

Barbaresco - 

Barbaresco-

Neive

The boys arrived back from their excursion Friday afternoon and spent the afternoon playing with the girls.  Saturday morning we had to say good-bye as they headed back to Minnesota.  We had such a great time during their visit.

We are now looking forward to our next visitors who arrive in two weeks, our really good friends, Carli and Eric.

Happy Easter! 

Eliza LOVES umbrellas- so she loved the rainy week!