We Couldn’t Pick
Just One Favorite

Braden (14 years old)

Pizza!!! Seriously, this kid had more pizza. He even ranked them!

• Pizza Rank #1: Ristorante La Pergola, Oberdorf, Switzerland
• Pizza Rank #2: Pizzeria Ristorante Ranch, Lenno, Italy (he had it twice at that restaurant!)
• Pizza Rank #3: Centrum Grill, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Attending the Germany vs. Denmark Women's Euro Cup game in Basel

The views from the top of the mountains

Truly unbelievable. The pictures can't put it into perspective. The rolling fields, massive mountains, the vibrant colors. Awe-inspiring.

Visiting the many soccer stadiums and soccer stores

Rhine Falls: Europe's largest waterfall, near Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Callan (12 years old)

1. Lake Como / Ossuccio, Italy, specifically kayaking
2. Pizza & gelato making class in Milan
3. Mt. Titlis in Engelberg, Switzerland
4. Mountain Coaster in Switzerland
5. The Duomo in Milan, Italy

I tend to be the frugal one in the family, so I often balk at spending, but Jen always comes through and knows the things that'll get the "bang for the buck." The cooking class did just that. It brought together the family in a fun way and we all learned a lot that we'll bring home with us for future pizza Fridays!

Lilliana (12 years old)

1. Pizza & gelato making class in Milan
2. Lake Como / Ossuccio, Italy
3. Mt. Titlis in Engelberg, Switzerland
4. Attending the Germany vs. Denmark Women's Euro Cup game in Basel
5. Swimming (both in Lake Como and with friends in France)

Soccer in Europe is on another level. We're huge soccer fans in the US, but nothing quite compares to the atmosphere you get in Europe.

Brian

1. Hiking & the amazing views in the Swiss Alps
2. Pizza & gelato making class in Milan
3. Attending the Germany vs. Denmark Women's Euro Cup game in Basel
4. Tons of amazing photo opportunities
5. Watching the kids' excitement and growth

I love taking photos and Europe has so many great opportunities: from old cathedrals and cobblestone streets to rolling fields and massive mountains. Capturing the real trip and the beauty surrounding us was thrilling! I've said it plenty throughout these blog posts, but I was truly amazed by the kids. They overcame fears, challenged themselves, came out of their shells, knew when they needed alone time, adapted, and learned about new cultures. As big an advocate as I am for education, some of the best lessons can't be learned in a classroom.

Jen

1. Pizza & gelato making class in Milan
2. Lake Como / Ossuccio, Italy, specifically kayaking
3. Attending the Germany vs. Denmark Women's Euro Cup game in Basel
4. Appenzell, Switzerland
5. Appenzell, Switzerland (yes, it's listed twice!)

Appenzell, Switzerland is one of those places that sneaks up on you: quiet, stunning, and deeply authentic. It's not flashy like Lucerne or crowded like Interlaken, but that's exactly why it feels so special. Seems pizza and gelato making was a fan favorite! You know what they say... When in Milan?

Not every great memory has to be dramatic. Sometimes it's a quiet view. A snack shared on a train. A deep breath in mountain air. But when we look back on these two weeks, these are the moments that rise to the top, not just because they were beautiful, but because they were ours.