We chose a bed and breakfast off the beaten track, but only a few minutes walk to many of the major sites of Venice. If you're planning to visit Venice, let us know, as we would highly recommend where we stayed. On the balcony of our B&B, and with the help of the proprietor, we renewed our vows (thanks to Rose for bringing them along)
Classic scene of gondola's along the Grand Canal. Japanese tourists opted for the gondala rides, we found our way to the water buses to ferry us around Venice.
We found this tiny canal whose purpose seemed to be getting the gondolas from the major "port" adjacent to St. Marks square to the Grand Canal.
Imagine our amazement when the city sirens began blaring at 5AM our first morning. This, as we would come to learn, was the 3 hour warning for all residents (and tourists) prior to a flood. A strange mix of water and wind currents combined with tidal influences flood Venice approximately 60 times per year between November and April. Here, Rose "wades" into the Grand Canal to flag down a water bus.
Without having to walk, or look, too far, one can find quiet scenes throughout Venice.
Parting shot from St. Marks Square. Next time we'll bring the girls, or maybe not.
At the end of November, we took advantage of yet another long weekend (gotta like the teacher schedule) to visit Dubrovnik (our 2nd visit) in Croatia and explore the historic walled city. A special treat, the girl's Nana, was able to join us from Oregon. Below is a shot from one of the highest points on the wall, looking down upon the wall, the city, and the Adriatic.
Another view from the wall, attempting to get most of the old city in the frame. We spent about two hours circling the city on the top of the walls. (If you visit Dubrovnik, we recommend the self-guided wall tour).
Dubrovnik, The Stradun (main walkway), and Alma at dusk.
Favorite part of the wall walk for the girls? Being in prison!
Nana and Talin from the top of the wall. Perhaps the best part of our visit to Dubrovnik in late November, t-shirt weather. We ate many of our meals outside.
Nana and the girls posing against the Adriatic just down the street from the apartment we rented. The red cape was a birthday gift for Talin (Nov 27th, she turned 7, can you believe it?). Don't believe she took it off the entire weekend. In the last 6 months, we've taken our guests to visit the beaches of Croatia in Brela, to Slovenia and Lake Bled, and now to Dubrovnik. Theme: Come visit us in Sarajevo!
Here goes Talin, through the intermediate ropes course. She began on the beginner course, found it too easy, then rambled through next level. Pleaded with her parents to go on the advanced course, but was a wee bit too short to climb the initial 15 meter spider web. 
Alma on the beginner course. Who would have thought a 4 year old would figure out a double caribeener ropes course. It helped to have Papa as spotter lingering below her.
Rose zipping through the forest. 
Adjacent to the ropes course, naturally, was the tobaggan run. There appeared to be 3 strategies to get down the mountain; use the brake quite a bit, use it seldomly, or don't use it at all (otherwise called the Papa method). 
Rose and Jim standing on the 10 meter platform
The last section of the advanced course.
Always time for exploring during our family adventures. On the back side of the mountain, with the help of our GPS, we find a treasure (geocache).
A visit to the castle would be incomplete without a proper medieval re-enactment of the Slovene Kingdoms battle with the Ottoman Empire, complete with kidnappings, bows and arrows, swordplay, and of course, dancing. The girls were delighted.
View of the castle from Lake Bled.
View from the ski/tobaggan mountain, looking down upon Lake Bled.
We spent the better part of an afternoon at a beach club, swimming, lounging, and watching the Rowing Championships.
The outdoor garden at Alp Pension. For the adults, perhaps the best part of the trip was our accommodations. Buffet breakfast every morning, multi-course dinner in the evening. (they even packed lunches for us one afternoon). Papa and Jim found themselves frequenting the "Honesty Bar" (see sign below), for beer and wine on tap. 
Family photo from the castle. Alma is almost smiling, a victory for the Tyvand family and Papa the photographer.
From Slovenia, and with Papa, we drove back to Sarajevo. One of our excursions involved a trip to the Trout Restaruant outside of Pale (Serb headquarters during Balkan conflict). The idea of eating trout became less appealing to the girls as they discovered how the fish were caught and prepared. Thank goodness for french fries.
Prior to our visit to Pale, we drove to the top of Jahorina mountain (our favorite place to ski during the winter, and one of the 84' Olympic venues). Papa is patiently waiting for the first snow of the season.
Alma and Papa at the mountain hut at the summit of Jahorina.
Tyvand's + Papa at the peak.
Resting on one of the two six seater high speed lifts at Jahorina. The plan is to have Talin on this lift for the first time this upcoming winter.
Tyvand's outside of San Giamangio.
Steps leading to main plaza in Siena. We spent the better part of an afternoon exploring the plazas and narrow streets of this picturesque city.
