Summer 2013.... part 1a

Summer for our family was divided into two parts, mainly June being the first and July being the second. The first part began when Brittany came to visit and then during that same visit also meeting up with Grandma and Grandpa in Barcelona to embark on a 7 day cruise. Part 1 was finished up with the grandparents visiting our home in Sweden.

This entire summer has been a whirlwind but with many wonderful memories to cherish as well. So lets share a few here...

The photo above was taken on the narrowest street in Stockholm, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd.

The girls enjoyed themselves exploring our neighborhood and also venturing into the city. 

By the end of Brittany's visit I would say she became quite the pro in knowing her way around.

When we arrived in Barcelona we met up with John and Terry. 

We both arrived on a Friday morning and were not boarding the cruise ship till Sunday 

so we had a couple of days of exploring the beautiful city.

The kids were so excited to be on a real beach. It has been way too long.

Waiting for our city sightseeing bus.....then realizing we were waiting at the wrong spot!

A little place to stop to get the wiggles out :)

 and for Jaxon too!

 Overlooking the city from The Barcelona Cathedral.

La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antonio Gaudi, has been under construction since 1882.

Dad and Terry among the beautiful streets of Barcelona!

Day 1 of cruise...leaving port and getting situated on board. 

Jaxon had to check out the kids swim and play area.

 

Day 2... Toulon, France 

Standing in front of the freedom fountain (Place de la Liberté) in Toulon.

Getting ready to get on the Telepherique du Mont Faron!

View from the top of the mountain overlooking Toulon, France.

We spent a little time at the beach before heading back to the ship. 

OH WAIT! We have to stop and have some crepes first....when in France!!!

Finishing off the day with a show. 

Day 3... Monaco

Tendering to the dock.

Waiting for the train to Monaco.

Beautiful Country!

We took a hop on/hop off bus to get a general idea of the area.

We decided to check out the Prince's private car collection.

 So sad because the car in the background looks like the car Matthew died in from Downton Abbey:(

Where the royalty live!

 There were a lot of fancy yachts in the harbors...

and fancy cars in the parking lots!

The famous Monte Carlo Casino...

and Hotel De Paris.

Finishing off the day with a swim.

Day 4... Florence

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

approaching the Uffizi Gallery

A replica of Michelangelo's David

Can't make a visit without some Gelato!

The Ponte Vecchio

Day 5... Rome

The Colosseum

The Arch of Constantine

Jaxon and Aaron in front of the Pantheon.

 Trevi Fountain

 Just two guys that happened to be related!

Filling up the water bottles.

 Inside St. Peters Basilica

The Swiss Guard

Having some fun at the Arcade on the ship.

Ice Skating on the ship that night.

Day 6... Naples

We took the train to Pompeii!

A real dead person covered in ash! 

Modern Day Gladiators 

We finished off the day with a fabulous meal! 

This pizza was amazing!

Day 7... Sea Day

The most popular activity on board was by far the flowrider!

 

 Go Grandma Terry!

I think everyone surfed except for Jaxon, Terry and Krissy.

Great job everybody!!!

Darby and Brittany did the Make A Wish walk on board.

 Grandpa mastered the rock climbing wall.

Darby wins the award for most ice cream eaten in one week!

A stop at Johnny Rockets for John and Terry.

Western Mediterranean Cruise June 2013
A great week!