Christmas 2017: Prague, Czech Republic

We flew into Prague on Sunday night and stayed near the airport. Not the most exciting trip, but we spent almost two weeks in the Czech Republic two years ago for Christmas so this was just a place to stop on our way to Germany. 

Teddy took this beautiful photo sunrise over the snowy yard outside our hotel in Prague.

After waking up way too early, we got on the train for Nuremberg, Germany in the morning.

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 8

On our last full day, we drove our trusty little car back down the mountain and went castle spotting.  We happened upon a few beautiful places but we enjoyed this castle the most.

We walked all the way to the top thinking that we could get a tour, but it was closed.  Oh well!  We had a wonderful adventure anyway!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 8

We took our trusty little car up into the mountains on our third full day to see if we could find the Polish border.  We had heard that it was close and we thought it would be fun to add another country to our list.

Michael and the boys hiking up into the mountains in search of the Polish border crossing.

We happened upon a very REDRUM looking hotel that was serving food...we think.  

We walked and walked into the mountains to try to find the Polish border crossing only to realize when we returned (several hours later) that the spot where we had parked our car was actually the real border crossing.  Well, at least we did it!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 7

The next day we decided to go sledding in the mountains behind our hotel.  We started the morning by walking through town to see the beautiful covered bridge.

We then went to a small tubing hill.  Although they didn't have any snow, they were very clever and put rubber mesh netting down that was slick like the snow.  None of cared that it wasn't snowy!  It was so much fun even without the snow.

Teddy speeding down the hill.

Teddy laughing his head off!

Both Ripley and Teddy got into the fun too.

Teddy on his was back up the hill.

Even Mommy go in on the fun, although I was a little too long for the tube.

Teddy pulling his sled back to the base to go back up the hill.

After tubing, we decided to give sledding a try.  It wasn't as fun as tubing but we still had a blast.

Michael attempting the sledding.

Watch out below!

Mommy took it all in with a glass of hot mulled wine.

We then ventured up the mountain in our trusty little car to find a place to eat for lunch.

Look!  We found snow in the valley!

We stopped at this funky little mid-hill hotel and restaurant.  The waitress spoke a little English and we had fun fumbling through ordering off the menu.  Luckily we found hamburgers, pasta, and cheese so everyone we happy.  Ripley even found a sand box out back to play in.

Family self portrait!

After lunch, we headed to the Monkey Forest and found a bobsledding hill.  We totally had to try this!

We could take two people on each bobsled.  Teddy and I went first.

It was a wicked fast ride to the bottom.  I was a little afraid we were going to crash but, luckily, we didn't!

Next Daddy and Ripley took the bobsled for a spin.

We twisted and turned through a tunnel.

And got ready at the start.

Before dinner, Michael took a walk around our hotel and down to the lake with the camera.  He caught this wonderful shot of Spindler's Mill, which is what the area is named after!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 6

The next day, we rented a car and drove out of Prague into the mountains. We headed for the best skiing in the Czech Republic at Spindleruv Mlyn (good luck pronouncing that!).

When we arrived we realized that there was no snow!  In fact, there was no snow in the Czech Republic at all!  Luckily, they were able to make snow on a few runs which was all we needed to have a great time!

We all go on skis, even Ripley!  This is a photo of him on skis for the very first time.  He did a few runs down the Bunny Hill but enjoyed sledding and hanging with Mommy or Daddy a lot more.

After a few runs down the slopes, we were all excited about heading to the cafe and having a few drinks.  Teddy and Ripley loved the hot chocolate, while Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the hot mulled wine!

I think Mommy could use a rest!

Michael and I traded turns on the hill with Teddy.  I'm thrilled that we all go out there to ski!

Ripley hanging out on the sledding hill.

Two cute skiiers.

Our hotel in the mountains!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 5

The boys were more than a little thrilled that Santa found them all the way in Prague, especially since he had delivered most of his presents before we left on our trip. Santa filled everyone's stockings with gingerbread cookies and wooden toys. It was a perfect thing to wake up to on Christmas morning!

We decided to walk around the city on Christmas morning.  Everyone was coming from Church and dressed in their Christmas best.  It was so fun to be in a place that celebrates Christmas this year!

We ended up having lunch at an outdoor cafe that served big pretzels and big glasses of beer.  A win for everyone!

Warmers and pretzels.  Life is good!

Teddy got a small magic set from Santa and he decided to wow us with his magical abilities!  The waiter was quite impressed.

We were close to the Charles Bridge so we decided to walk across.  Such a beautiful place to spend the day.

Teddy and Michael found the spot on the bridge to make a wish.  I wonder what they wished for?

We then walked over to the Lennon Wall, which is a place filled with John Lennon and Beatles inspired graffiti.

I think this is a good quote for our family.

We then walked through the winding streets to another small Christmas market.

If there is a cat around, Teddy will find it!  We loved meeting this friendly kitty along a back canal.  There was a fire burning nearby and it was a fun stop to warm up from the cold.

Love Locks on one of the bridges in the city.

We then found our way to a playground below Charles Bridge.  A beautiful place to spend some time.

Teddy found this seat that spun around.  We all had a go at it!

Even Mommy!

We then wandered into the Wallenstein Garden, a hidden gem in the city.  We weren't looking for this small walled park but we found ourselves in a beautiful and quiet park filled with peacocks!

We were surprised to find peacocks up on window ledges...

And in the pergolas above us.

We spent Christmas night as a family at a fun little Czech restaurant called the Red Wheel.  Merry Christmas, everyone!