Christmas 2017: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia Part 3

Our friends, the Baldwin family, came to Slovenia to spend the New Year with us. Their daughter, Sophia, and Teddy are good friends and he was thrilled to have someone to play in the snow with. Please note that he doesn't love playing in the snow with his little brother!

The whole gang!

Playing on the wooden dragon.

Ripley with a stick he found in the woods. He was using it to fight bad guys.

We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain again and the boys thought they would be daredevils and stand overlooking the cliff.

It was really cold at the top of the mountain and we had to stop for some water drinks. Milk for Ripley and hot chocolate for Teddy.

On the way back to the lodge, Ripley was cold so Sophia carried him on her back.

Christmas 2017: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia Part 2

We had a great day skiing at the Vogel Ski Area within walking distance of our apartment. We took a gondola to the top of a very steep mountain to reach the spectacular ski resort.

We skied for a half day because it as very cold and crowded, and the kids were tired. After skiing, the kids played on the snow tubes and we at pizza at the resort.

Looking out over the tallest peak in Slovenia.

I loved this beer glass because it says "pivo" which is a word I remember my grandfather saying meaning beer and it has the word "union" which is my grandparents church. It seemed like a cool thing together.

Christmas 2017: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia Part 1

After spending the better part of yesterday getting to Slovenia, we were rewarded with a big snow storm which dropped about six inches of wet snow. It made the morning so beautiful and white. Here are a few photos of our walk this morning.

Our apartment. We have the top two floors.

Along the river.

And the lake.

I loved this snowy wooden dragon in a playground along the road.

Christmas 2017: Innsbruck, Austria

We had less than 24-hours in Innsbruck on our way from the Austrian Alps to Slovenia. It is a magical city surrounded by huge snow covered mountains. We were thrilled that the Christmas markets were still open!

We enjoyed walking down the Fairy Tale Street and Giant Alley. Ripley couldn't believe how tall the Giants were!

I also loved the alleyway ceiling drawings. Strangely enough, this drawing was outside the McDonalds.

I loved the shopping (of course) and thought Teddy in this hat was adorable. He didn't agree!

We then walked to the river as the sun was setting. 

We got to see the beautiful Swarovski crystal tree. Swarovski is headquartered in Innsbruck.

We then walked to the Golden Roof to hear Christmas music played from the balcony by live musicians. 

We then walked to the historic Sketskeller restaurant for some schnitzel and dumplings, and some local beer, of course!

Of course, now that the sun had set it was time for dessert and hot wine in the Christmas market. This is of Teddy enjoying apple strudel in warm custard sauce.

I loved all of the Christmas lights on the walk back to our hotel. 

The next day we had a little time before our train to play in the park.

And to check out some street art.