Hangin’ at the Beach

We spent an afternoon at the beach in Préverenges during Barb’s visit.  Préverenges is a small village next to Morges.  It was Finn’s first time playing in the sand and splashing around in the water.  The weather was hot so the beach was crowded, which meant some good people watching (no topless sunbathers this time though).

Chocolate & Cheese

What a perfect combo for a day trip! Barb wanted to visit the Cailler Chocolate factory near Gruyere so we ventured out while Matt was working. I’d been there several years ago when my parents visited so it was a repeat trip for me but I never say no to chocolate. I was pleasantly surprised to find they had remodeled since my last visit. The tour was well-done and informative (even the chocolatier from Peru who was in our group thought so) and it held Finn’s attention with the lights and sounds. The highlight of the tour was the tasting room. So much chocolate, so little time to try them all! We did our best and sampled a variety of the Cailler chocolates. The only thing missing was a big glass of milk. The photos are from the playground just outside the factory.

We then drove a few more kilometers to Gruyere and had a nice lunch on a terrace overlooking the Alps. Barb had fondue for lunch and I had macaroni de chalet, which is macaroni cooked in a cauldron over a wood fire with onions. Just before serving, cream and grated Gruyere cheese are added. Yum! No chocolate for Finn, but he did enjoy some Gruyere cheese from Gramma Barb’s plate.

Jet-Lagged

Finn and I had a great time in Minnesota.  It was so nice to be with family, to meet my nephew, Wyatt, and to attend my friend Shannon’s wedding.  Finn was an angel on both flights.  He slept almost the entire 8 hours from Minneapolis to Amsterdam.  I wish he was sleeping that well now that we’re back home.  He’s still struggling with naps and bedtime.  Lucky for us Matt’s mom made the trip back with me.  She was kind enough to take a few late night shifts with him.