A quick trip to Zermatt for our Buddy's 12th birthday

 Sometimes we all miss living in Germany, but no one more so than this kiddo.  So when he came to us and said that wheat he really wished we could do for his birthday this year was to go to Garmisch and stay at Edelweiss Lodge, like we had so many times over the past years, we tried to re-create that experience here in Utah.


 
First, there was Doner for dinner. We ate at a Utah chain called Spitz. This wasn't exactly like our favorite Turkish Doner shop in Gross-Gerau, but it definitely had similar flavors... if a little bit more healthy and Americanized.
 
 
Then we drove to the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. We had booked a really nice room for one night so that we could enjoy pretending we were back in Europe.

 
The hotel was quite empty, and we wore our masks whenever we came into closer contact with others. It really did feel enough like Germany/Switzerland to make us all happy.  It was just what the doctor ordered for our travel loving family.

 
The Fall leaves were changing colors and the walking paths around the grounds were nice as well.

 
The kiddos were all really excited to hit the pool! Zermatt has indoor and outdoor pools connected with a swim through tunnel, as well as indoor and outdoor hot tubs. We had them entirely to ourselves almost the entire time we were out there. (Notice the sundial on the wall? So German.)


 
The indoor hot tub also had a waterfall.

 
For his birthday cake, this guy chose a key lime pie. We packed it along with plates, forks, and gifts to enjoy in our lovely room.

The resort also has a European style bakery! We came here in the morning to select our breakfast.

 
Chocolate croissants, eclairs, doughnuts, and scones in the courtyard.

 
Thanks Zermatt! We had a great time and you made our Buddy's birthday extra memorable and special. He is an extraordinary kid. We love his kindness, generosity, and desire to be, and do, good. He is so very smart, and is growing in confidence. I am so happy that I get to be his mom and continue to learn from his example. We love you Buddy!


Birthday Interview
  1. What has been your favorite moment as an 11 year old? Going on that big trip where we did all the things and then we came back and did the Grand Canyon.
  2. What was your favorite family event this year? The Christmas market we did at home.
  3. What is your favorite book? Anything Rick Riordan
  4. What is something that worries you? School
  5. Who inspires you? Why do you think that is? Mark Rober, because he's a great engineer and fun.
  6. What is your favorite movie? Rocky
  7. What is currently your favorite food? Doner
  8. What food might you want to try in the next year? I don't know, I've eaten most things.
  9. If you could only eat one thing for a whole week, what would you choose? Chili and cornbread, because there are so many types of chili and cornbread is delicious.
  10. What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to eat there? An Italian restaurant with good pizza.
  11. What games do you like to play? Chess, and any game that has multi-player, create a civilization, strategy type game.
  12. What is your favorite thing to do as a family? Camping.
  13. Which toys do you like to play with? Legos, fidget toys, board games, Wii, Nerf guns.
  14. Who is/are your best friend(s)? Will, Harrison, and Caleb
  15. What is your favorite memory from summer break? Swimming at the Reservoir.
  16. Tell me something about this year that you never want to forget. The Christmas market thing that we did.
  17. Is there something you would like to do, or a place you would like to go in the next year? Skiing, Lagoon, and an arcade.



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