Family fun in Leavenworth

Jeremy and I just LOVE to visit the little Bavarian Town of Leavenworth, WA. It's nestled in the Cascade Mountains, along the river and just below the tree covered hills. This week, Derick was out of school for mid-winter break, so I talked Jeremy into taking the week off from work too, so we could vacation. I was bragging to a couple of friends about our plans, and they thought it sounded so good, they joined us! Yay, play mates for the kids!! (and the adults as well)

We caravaned up I-90 for some sledding fun. It was quite a treacherous ride, but we enjoyed the snow play time before heading up Blewett Pass to Leavenworth.

We stayed at our favorite hotel, the Enzian. We were blessed with a gift of a room upgrade just because we are on their email list; we stayed in luxury style this time! It was amazing. We enjoyed a jetted tub, big four poster bed with a little mirror on the canopy, a biday in the bathroom, and a separate room for the kids! I don't know how we'll go back to the standard room again. We just love their breakfast: it's got everything you would want-eggs, meat, rolls, juice/coffee, and cereal or toast for the picky.

The three days went fast. We ate yummy German meals, enjoyed sledding in the snow, played in the pool, and had some nice naps. It would have been perfect, except that the sickies were lurking. I had just started recovering from strep throat and of course, on our way home, the rest of the family got it too! Oh well, someday we'll visit Leavenworth and have a fully healthy experience.

J2D2 enjoyed some sledding on the hill in town after breakfast at the hotel. I remember doing this as a kid and it was a very nostalgic moment for me.

Darla just really didn't like the snow or being cold. I think she was super tired, too. Poor baby....

After the snow play, we did a little shopping. The Hat Shoppe was on the 'must see' list.

I took these after family nap time. We had a nice 2 hour break to rest our heads.

Time to swim!! Our kids are fish! I know they come by it naturally, since I love to swim too. Darla has improved so much after her first lesson experience this month. It was nice to see her so comfortable in the water. Derick continues to learn 'real' swimming a.k.a the crawl stroke. I am so proud of them both!

Of course, we had to try out that amazing jet tub!

Our last dinner out at Andreas Keller. Great food and wonderful company!

This last picture is one of my favorites from the trip. This 70 something old man climbs up on the railing of the 4th floor deck of the Enzian and blows this traditional alpine horn, every morning. Twice. It's a neat sight, and makes me feel like I'm thousands of miles away from home. I will always love my visits to Leavenworth, WA. I can't wait to go back!!