A Terschelling Summer

Our family vacation summer tradition has been going to our favorite Dutch island in the North Sea. Terschelling is the perfect locale to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of life. This summer we needed that more than ever since Bill was gone most of it. We were thrilled to have an uninterrupted week together as a family. I'm not sure who enjoys Terschelling the most- us, the kids or Casey!  

Lunch in Harlingen before we catch the Ferry. 

Snack on the boat.

Our mode of transportation for the week.

Testing out the new wheels.

We always have dinner at the same place our first night in town.

Ready for the beach! 

Such soft, beautiful and never-ending sand! 

Terschelling is a dog's paradise. 

Jacob and the Terschelling flag.

Twins.

"Can someone bring me a fresh Lemonade?"

Kids are doing this while Dad is watching from the table with a beer; everyone is happy.

That is one happy hund. 

This is how I will always remember Terschelling.

LOVE

Back in Harlingen after a perfect week. 

We aren't quite ready to say goodbye to our favorite places yet, so we are hoping to fit in one last visit to Terschelling before we go. We are so thankful to our German neighbors and friends for introducing us to this hidden gem! Even though they are young, I think Terschelling is a place that the kids will remember for years to come. 

Cinque Terre

In May, Bill and I were fortunate enough to sneak away for another kidless trip (thanks Nana and Grandpa) to the beautiful Cinque Terre. The story goes that when I visited Cinque Terre the first time 12 years ago, I made a note in my journal to come back someday with someone I love; mission accomplished. Sun, sand, sea, hiking, wine and delicious food, what's not to love about this hidden gem of the Italian Riviera? Actually 12 years ago it was practically unknown to American tourists, but after this last visit I can tell that the secret is out.

After a plane ride and a scenic train ride along the coast we arrived at Monterosso, village #5, and our home-base.

Our hotel had a lemon tree in the courtyard and they welcomed us with home-made lemonade.

It happened to be mother's day so I spent the rest of the day reading on the beach and sipping wine, not a bad day.

We stayed in Monterosso for dinner the first night...

The next day, we were up early to start our hike to the other villages. Sadly, due to major damage from a flood in 2011, some of the hiking trails are no longer accessible by foot. We hiked as much as we could, and took a boat and train to make sure we got to all five villages. 

Lots of little hill vineyards along the way. 

Looking back at Monterosso. 

View of Vernazza behind us. 

Vernazza

Manarola

A little wine bar in Corniglia. 

A final dinner in Monterosso. 

  If you notice on the right, they sat us directly next to a large fish tank. As we sat down they dumped 2 huge eels and a gigantic fish in the tank. They told us that the eels would soon attack and eat the fish. As you can guess, I was so distracted the whole meal because I was so concerned for the fish. Fortunately, the eels were kind enough to save their dinner until after we left.