Saturday, August 11, 2012

European Adventure

Brady and I just returned home from our European adventure, and WOW was it amazing! We saw so many beautiful places and met some lovely people. If I had all the money in the world, I would definitely travel; I wouldn't have a huge house or really nice cars, I would just travel around the world. 

For me, words don't come easily on paper so I will show you our vacation mostly through pictures.

Saturday, July 21, 2012
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
We started in Amsterdam and had 2 days there. I have heard a lot of people don't like Amsterdam, but I on the other hand LOVED it. I thought the buildings, canals, the people were just fabulous! And we had the best apple pie I've ever tasted!



 
We climbed the church bell tower to the top!

We also toured the Anne Frank House (Huis as they write it). It was incredible to see the house the tiny space they lived in for two years and how Anne kept her hope and belief in God the entire time in hiding. You probably can't read the quote on the wall below but is says: "I know what I want. I have a goal. I have opinions, a religion, and love." April 11, 1944
 

 Sunday, July 22, 2012 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
We took a train to Holland, Zaanse Schans. We learned how to make wooden shoes, cheese, and tasted the best and most creamy ice cream I've ever had! Delicious!








Monday, July 23, 2012
We boarded the Royal Caribbean - Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship. We had to accomplish three things right away:
 1. Relax by the pool                                   2. Mini Golf

 3. Act out the Titanic "I'm the King of the World" pose

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
BRUGE, BELGIUM
We arrived in Belgium and climbed a bell tower. We then shopped some of the chocolate shops (and of course tasted lots of chocolate!)  :)  Took a canal tour and walked the streets of Belgium.  One of the first things I noticed was the smell, it smelled of chocolate in the streets, it was seriously dangerous for someone who loves chocolate!

*Warning: From here you will see a lot of pictures of us eating food and really enjoying it. I don't want to see any jealousy or judging. The food was so good everywhere we went, it is hard not to document it.







 Above we are eating: Frites (fries), yummy hot chocolate, Pistachio ice cream, and waffles (so good!)




 Wednesday, July 25, 2012
PARIS, FRANCE

I don't have many words for Paris as i am still speechless. I was speechless when I was there because of the beautiful city, and the Eiffel Tower...WOW! Talk about breathtaking. 

 

 My cute parents - had to give a shout out to them and a big thanks!



 My grilled ham and cheese sandwich - and yes, the cheese is toasted on top of bread!
 
 Some eclairs for dessert...
 And some crepes! (we also ate chocolate croissants and they were to die for!)
 And Brady ate escargot for the first time with Kaitlin and they survived!

The 'Lock Fence' where couples come and lock their love forever.
 Notre Dame

We also stopped at Versailles, which has the most beautiful gardens!



Thursday, July 26, 2012
Day at Sea

Brady entered the Men's International Belly Flop Competition



Belly Flop #1










Belly Flop #
2








Champion! 1st Place!

  
 Playing Bingo
 Formal night on the ship




Friday, July 27, 2012
KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY

 





  Crepes and ice cream for lunch



Saturday, July 28, 2012
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK



 We took a canal tour and saw the original Little Mermaid Statue

 Brady with one of the Palace Guards
  
 We watched the changing of the guards


 Eating waffles and ice cream again - Oh so good!


 The Round Tower - the King used to ride his chariots up to the top and oversee the city



Tivoli Gardens


 We went on a lot of rides - but Brady's stomach liked this one the least.

This is a classic picture I had to post of my sister and dad outside our hotel in Copenhagen, love it!


Sunday, July 29, 2012
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod


 These are original Carl Bloch paintings, one of my favorite artists



 At the gardens of the castle


 (and yes that is my dad on the right...He sure made the trip fun! Love him!)


 A hot chocolate break

 We saw the original Chrisus Statue at the Church of our Lady



Monday, July 30, 2012
We are sad to leave, I guess it's true what they say "all good things must come to an end."
On the right is our travel buddy - Brad Wilcox!