Diclotians Palace

 On our first full day in Split, we explored the pools and beaches at our hotel and relaxed in the afternoon.  That evening we drove into the old city (once again, we stayed outside the city in order to have a bigger hotel with a pool).  Diclotians Palace was built over hundreds of years (the oldest part dating back 1700 years).  As in Dubrovnik, small narrow walkways connect all the parts of the old town and restaurants and shops line those walkways.  

Drive to Split

 We left Plitvice after our two night stay and got back in our trusty car for the drive to Split.

 The boys were always excited when we arrived at our new hotel.  Testing out the beds is always a top priority (next to finding the pool).

Plitvice Lake National Park

From the Ethno House, its a short walk to the national park.  They maintain the beautiful turquoise water by not allowing swimming, boating or motorized vehicles in the park.  I've never seen such clear blue water.

The park is a huge area of lakes and waterfalls connected by hiking paths.  We set out to find a big waterfall and just wandered around from there. 

The hike was long and warm.  Ice cream was a nice break from all the walking for the kids.

Ethno House

 After we left Zadar, we drove 3ish hours east and up in the mountains to Plitvice National Park where we stayed at the Entho House.  It was within walking distance to the park and had all sorts of amenities (some strange, others mostly fun).  They had this completely unsafe by US standards playground that the boys absolutely loved.  After being cooped up in a car and finally in bearable (almost chilly) temps, they were excited to play on it.  I didn't get any pictures, but the hotel also had a petting zoo (B got bit by a goat!), a pool (not heated), an archery and air rifle area, mini golf, a play area for smaller kids, table tennis and many other fun activities.  

 B mostly liked "cooking" tea with this tea pot.

And being with his brothers.

Zadar

 My favorite place was probably a small town on the water called Zadar.  It was a random stop and unfortunately we only stayed for one night, but it was definitely a highlight for us all.  

My dad traveled to Europe with my older brother when he was 2 and has told me it was one of the better trips he took because you move so slowly and see all the little things.  I found this to be so true having B along.  I never would have noticed the hole in the chair in the hotel room above.

 A lot of our time was spent just hanging out as a family in the hotel rooms, on walks and eating together.  The boys always loved seeing our new hotel room and exploring it.

 Zadar had the best pizza we had the entire trip.  We all agree.  It was a little restaurant we randomly found across a street from our hotel and we raved about it for the rest of our trip.

 But it also had a beautiful coastline and we walked along a walkway that wrapped around the town.  

I don't do much research before going places, I like to wing it and discover along the way.  In the middle of this long walkway along the water is a huge light/art exhibit.  And further down, built into the wall along the water is an organ that plays when the waves hit it.  Its such a magical sound.  There are also street performers, restaurants and lots and lots of people.

 Our hotel had this quiet patio sunk down under the street level that I suggested we get a drink at after dinner and our walk.  

And this was A's bed.  LT and A shared a room (first time) alone and Brian, B and I were in the room next door.  

Sunset from our room

kinda rare to get us all in one pic