Hello again.
Another day…another batch of vacation pictures. #sosorry
I have to post these…my mom, mother-in-law and grandmother insist :).
Random vacation facts:
1. At one point, we considered legally changing Smith’s name to Smith Stop Shull…because we kept saying the phrase “Smith, stop” over and over again. Smith was the one running ahead, the one eager to explore on his own, the one who likes to pester his sisters, touch their dolls, touch them…you know…be that only boy/middle child that we love so much. Smith Stop Shull or Smith William Shull? They both have such a nice ring :).
2. I’m currently experiencing carb withdrawal. Back here in normal life, every meal isn’t served with French fries and crepes and washed down with wine. Boo.
3. We had our sound machine on one night (just an app from our phone) to drown out the hotel noise/five sleeping people noises/etc and someone apparently heard it and thought there was some sort of gas leak and instead of calling us…the hotel management opened our hotel room door in the middle of the night. Yeah…that kind of startled us. Nothing like being sound asleep and then realizing people are in your room. #eeks
4. I went into the bathroom in the middle of the night and someone had left the glass shower door halfway open, but because it was pitch black, I didn’t see it and ran right into the side (not the flat part…the edge) of the door. I had a bruise that ran from my forehead down my face to my chin. My kids thought this was hysterical. #sigh
So…those are some random facts and here are some random pictures from days 6-8. I’m at home right now currently soaking up the last few days of summer with my crew. We’ve been swimming, playing outside, staying up late, sleeping in and savoring the final days. Man…I’m going to miss them when school starts! #someoneholdme
Day 6
Well hello Lausanne, Switzerland. We’re here to check you out. (Side note, Kensington needed sunglasses on this trip…she has 456 pairs at home and forgot them all.)
I think one out of three are looking at the camera??? I’ll take it though :). We explored Lausanne all afternoon and let the kiddos play at the park. The weather was beautiful and they had a blast!
The kids played and Andrew read his tourist guide for Lausanne. I took selfies of us :).
We stopped for a crepe. Please note this is our first batch of crepes…but will not be our last. I’m pretty sure we ate two crepes a day from here on out. Nutella is always the favorite for a Shull. Bern is located on the German side of Switzerland, so we indulged in our favorite German food over there…but Lausanne is on the French side, so not only was everything in French (it was all in German around Bern), but the food is French too. #hellocrepes #hellofries #helloheaven
My kiddos all love sampling mommy and daddy’s coffee. Ashby was into my cappuccino foam…
…foam mustache :).
From here we took the subway to the top of Lausanne to visit their Old Town. The subway system here was free if you stayed in a local hotel and super, super convenient for families (easy for strollers!). Old Town is all up hill. I kept thinking “surely, we’ll eventually go down a hill”…but no, it kept going up and up and up and up. My kiddos had fun exploring.
This picture really doesn’t capture it…but Andrew and I were laughing so hard that he’s crying here. We kept walking in circles…it was all up hill…the two big kids were both fighting for the stroller…it was just one of those moments when you have to laugh. We would be so determined we were heading in the right direction and then walk right back to where we started. I’m so glad I get to laugh through life with him :).
After we (kind of ) figured out where we were going, we stopped for dinner upstairs at a really neat restaurant.
Love these two.
Day 7
We spent the first half of Day 7 touring Chateau de Chillon.
The best thing we did when touring museums/castles and such was giving our kiddos the audio guide in English (sometimes, they would even have a kid version). They took great pride in listening really well so that they could report back to Andrew and me (who were reading along as we went from room to room).
In the chateau with my crew!
She’s always up for a picture :).
They love having a staring contest. This is them prepping…
…and now, they’re competing. Ashby lasts about 4 seconds :).
The second half of our day was spent here…
…on paddle boats on Lake Geneva.
My kids really, really wanted to do this and I’m so glad we did because I know it was one of their highlights. I was nervous because I can pretty much get seasick in the bathtub…but since I was able to get out of the boat and into the lake when I needed, I never felt sick. #thankyouJesus
We rented a paddle boat with a slide off the back…and it was BLAST!
Lake Geneva is at the foot of the mountains, nestled between France and Switzerland. It was beautiful.
One last picture before I put away my phone for the rest of the day. The boat was super wet and the five of us were climbing in and out and jumping and sliding off constantly, so I didn’t want it getting wet. It was a wonderful way to spend the rest of our day.
Day 8
This was so much fun!!! We went to the Olympic Museum! Eeks! Andrew and I are Olympic junkies…so this museum was totally awesome! Since Switzerland is nice and neutral, it’s the headquarters of the Olympics and has the official Olympic Museum.
The steps leading up to the museum have the dates and cities where games have been held. Here the three kiddos are sitting on Los Angeles :). #proudtobeAmericans
And here little miss is sitting on Beijing :). #proudtobeChinese
I won’t bore you to death…but honestly, this museum was amazing. Both inside and out were filled with not only memorabilia, but interactive games, trivia, movies…it was fabulous. The three kiddos are watching a little movie on Opening Ceremonies here.
As you can see, Smith was unhappy to be receiving the silver medal (probably like most silver medalists…).
We said that if Andrew ever wins the gold, this is seriously how he would behave. The three of us were laughing so hard. #becasueitssotrue #ultimatewinner #soreloser
Andrew and I feel like we won three gold medals in life :).
Outside the boys raced and tried some other outdoor events. Super fun!
Later in the afternoon, we wrapped up day 8 in Fribourg, Switzerland.
Our little carouseling cutie.
Dinner with my girl.
Whew. That’s days 6 through 8! To see Days 9-12, click here.
To see Days 1-3, click here.
Days 4 & 5, click here.
If you need a quick lunch or side dish…
…my Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad is for you!
I love dill.
I love cucumbers.
I love pasta salads.
See the recipe here.
Happy Thursday! See you tomorrow for my Friday Favorites!
xo
Kimberly says
Such lovely photos – what an amazing vacation! I love that you introduced your kids to so many great foods. I agree with you – you can't beat German food, especially in Germany! Have you ever visited Nuremberg? That is where I had the best German food I have ever tasted. I spent some time in France last year and loved the crepes. You can't go wrong with Nutella 🙂
Mama Of Boys says
Ha ha ha, fact 3 made me laugh, shake my head and mutter 'Americans!!' I jest, that's so random that they didn't ring your room phone or knock the door?? Hope you don't all sleep naked 😉
And Andrew laughing with Smith was the sweetest, my husband would have been bright red and ranting by that point!!
Loving the pics x
kelly says
When we were in Europe for our honeymoon, the hotel staff did the same thing!! Just walked in our room with NO warning and for NO apparent reason!!! So rude and strange!
Andresen Fam says
Lovely pictures, looks so fun. We're actually headed to Germany and Switzerland at the end of next week…any packing tips/tricks?!? Looks like a crossbody is a must….which I kinda figured 🙂 Thanks!
willow7810 says
I don't think I am the only one: more pictures! I love seeing people's travelling photos as it gives me inspiration to travel to those places. More! 🙂
Bernadine says
"I can pretty much get seasick in the bathtub" #LOL !!!
love the blog posts, your kiddies are going to appreciate this one day to look back and see what they experienced and how loved they were!!x
Erika Slaughter says
That picture is so what Andrew would do if he won the gold!! Haha! And…I'm all kinds of impressed that you got in the lake! Proud of you friend!!
Melissa says
I've loved looking at your pictures and had a random question. Apologies if you've answered before, but where do you get the guides for the kids to listen to? Is it a podcast you download or do you get the info from the specific site? We haven't left the country with our kids yet, but I'd love to have that nugget of info for the future.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Laughing so hard at Andrew's sportsmanship. The Loser sign on his head is hysterical! Lots of great pics and the weather looks like it was gorgeous!
Narci says
I love these!! What a fun trip, and also I LOVE the picture of Andrew winning gold! Lol!
Paula Nichols says
Thanks so much for sharing all of your vacay pics! I feel like I know your family (of course that's not really true), and look forward to your posts each day! Your family is too sweet!
Melissa H. says
Our family went to Germany and Austria when our children were about the ages of yours. So many memories stirred seeing your pics. We went to Salzburg and saw the places where Sound of Music was filmed. We know all the words to all the songs. Thanks for sharing!!!
Laura says
I'm vacationing vicariously, so I agree- post as many pics and stories as possible. Switzerland would be my dream vacation. I love it! And love your family's sense of humor on the trip too. 🙂
Paula says
I am loving the recaps! How much research do you do prior? Are your days pretty mapped out already?
Jenn Menniti says
I'm enjoying seeing your wonderful vacation! Your facts made me laugh especially the visitors in your hotel room. Seasick in the bathtub…lol!
Briana Runde says
Okay, I would have seriously freaked if I woke up to someone in my room! AGH!!!!
And the picture of your hubby laughing and reading that you guys kept going in circles had me smiling this morning.
Happy Thursday, Shay. 🙂
Melissa says
HI! Would you please share the what the 2 gold bracelets are that you are wearing with your watch in Day 6 photos? (Namely the closer-up one in the restaraunt with Kensington)….looks like a link bracelet and then another? THANKS! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
The chain link is from Stella & Dot! They still have it! The diamond looking one is from Nordstrom but two or three years ago. It's out of stock.
Kristin Cramer says
Most favorite pic ever…the Olympic medal podiums!! What great memories you are sharing with your kids! 🙂
Jaren says
This trip is just so fabulous! You are not boring me with vacation pics at all! And that pic of Ashby on the Beijing step…PRECIOUS!
Unknown says
Where is your plaid shirt from in day 7? Where are your striped t-shirts from? Love seeing pictures of your trip! Christina
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
Ooh me too.. love it
Mix and Match Mama says
That shirt is from American Eagle like five years ago! It's an oldie but goodie!
kelsey @ so much life to live says
I'm pretty sure everyone is LOVNG thes pictures….no need to apologize! Keep 'em coming!
Elizabeth says
What a great vacation and loved the random facts! Thanks for sharing!
Kristen Sass says
I'm loving these vacation posts! I have to say I am super impressed at how well your kids seem to travel. I wish my 3 could do it. I don't know if my husband and I have the patience. LOL!
Tatia Huipe says
Such fun days!!!!
Random question but definitely needing options, what type of undershirts do you wear with your tops and where can you buy them??
Thank you. Always so fashionable, sophisticated, and cute attire you have.
Allison O says
Hi Shay- love the vacation photos! When we were in Switzerland, I had major sticker shock!! Mind sharing where you all stayed and are with us? It looks like a fun trip!
Katelyn Sloan says
Seriously the pictures just get cuter each post! The staring contest pictures are too cute for words!!
Emma A says
Your vacation looks amazing!! Giving me some serious wanderlust over here…
Not A Mom says
We're Olympic nerds too, we would LOVE the museum! So exciting to see all the neat places you can go over there. My favorite pic is the staring contest, SO PRESH!
Linds @ not a mom
Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost says
Lake Geneva looks absolutely gorgeous!!! That photo of Andrew on the gold podium is absolutely hysterical!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
Amanda M says
This is a dream vacation of mine and I am loving all the pictures! I never considered planning it when I have kids but it looks like a kid friendly trip!! #IWantToBeAShull
Jill says
I'm always impressed by your travels with young kids. We traveled extensively when it was just the two of us but now we have a 5 month old and the logistics of traveling with her seem a bit daunting. Just curious… when you are in other countries do you take car seats with you? If so do you not always use them (such as on a train)?
Brooke @ A Retherford Realization says
I've never seen your wedding ring before! It's gorgeous!!!
Kjlb37 says
Love the family vacation pics, don't stop! Looks like you all had a wonderful time, making memories with my kids was my favorite!
Heather says
Hi Shay! 🙂 This is not related to your vacation pictures, but I found something you just have to know about today! Eek!
https://www.airbnb.com/night-at/fenway
How fun would it be to win this? And it's when they're playing the Yankees! I just came across it and it ends at midnight tonight, so I hope you see this in time. I love keeping up with your sweet family through your blog and immediately thought of y'all!
🙂 Heather
Port Family says
I grew up in Lausanne and loved it! I attended the Commonwealth American School, my dad worked down by the lake and we lived up the BIG "hill"! It's such a beautiful country, I am biased though. You have to go to Gruyere (like the cheese) and have fondue next time! It's a darling walled town with a castle, a great day trip!
Angela Ellingson says
Incredible!!!! There is so much to comment on, but the Lady and the Tramp picture of S & A… Love! And Lake Geneva?! The paddle boat with a SLIDE is brilliant!
Leigh Clark says
Andrew with the gold medal podium is hilarious!! And I know as parents it is hard to really see our kids physically growing, but Kensington looks so grown up in just a year difference!! Beautiful girl!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
the Loser pic is classic, as is the spaghetti pic of Ashby & Smith!!..love these pics..
and love your shirt on day 7.. can we have info ??
Jeanie says
You make me almost feel like I was there with you! Oh, how I wish.
Mya Heston says
You need to post information on where you purchased your plaid top you wore on Day 7. I need it!
Jen says
I love your vacation pictures and your sweet family! Did you stay in Bern the whole time and drive back and forth to Lausanne, etc? Or did you stay there for a couple days? I am in the very beginning stages of planning an overseas family vacation so I love all your tips!! Thanks!
Kristin says
I love seeing all your traveling photos! This makes me itch to go back abroad. The Olympic museum seems like it was a hit!
Laura says
Fact #1…my little guy is 5 too (January bday too), middle child, heading to kindergarten next week…and this past week he's been driving me bonkers…he only stops the sibling pestering or random ninja moves after I've asked him three times and raised my voice an octave…he's the sweetest little guy but boy he's been making me pray about patience a lot these days! Sorry this was longer then I thought it would be but I saw your number 1 random fact and it made me think my Ryan has a little kindred spirit out in Texas 😉
Denise Ross says
Loving your photos Shay. What a fabulous trip for you guys. I couldn't help thinking of the story of the little Swiss girl, Heidi, when I saw your mountain pics. I too count the Sound of Music as one of my absolute favourite movies
Tigervalgal says
Shay – Where is your striped shirts from?
Mix and Match Mama says
They're from Nordstrom! The brand is Halogen and they come in a million colors!
Ramona says
I am loving your vacation pictures! And I must say that you look fabulous! I always look like a hot mess in my travel photos. Lol.
Kristin Stewart says
That bubble picture. The girl on the left in the diagonal buffalo check top. Darling! I mean, your family is adorable but cute top girl jumped out.
The Trombly's says
Love the pumpkin smell! Bring on Fall!
Melanie Cantelmo says
I would LOVE to win!
Jody says
I love seeing your vacation posts. My husband and I went to Switzerland in July and we went to some of the same places you did. We loved the Olympic museum and the bridge in Luzern is my absolute favorite! It was our 10 year anniversary trip, so we went without our kids. 🙂 You all are so brave for taking your kids, but what great memories they will have. Love this and love Switzerland!
Aubrey says
I freaking cannot believe it was warm enough for swimsuits in Switzerland! Totes jelly, my friend.
tswoodall says
LOL the smith stop shull part had me rolling. Smith reminds me so much of my own boy! My 5 year old should be "William stop" he's also a middle child! Oh how I love the boy but oh how he drives me crazy sometimes 😉