1st Day in the Netherlands

We are having a wonderful time in the cold, rainy Netherlands. Hope to see the sunshine tomorrow. We rented bikes this morning, then headed off to the quaint shopping streets to check out the toy and clothing stores, florist shops, and of course the fresh pasteries.

This afternoon we had a blast with the whole family at the city swimming pool. Marcus and Alex insisted that they ride their bikes over to the Zwembad (as this would be typical Dutch they said) so the girls rode in the car and the boys all on bikes. While the wind blew the rain sideways outside, Emma made us climb the ladder to the big water slide over and over and over again. The boys took floating mats and made a huge floating platform in the middle of the pool. Marcus was thrilled to make two Dutch friends by just using hand motions. He said "Mom, they keep asking me questions, and I just always answer with, ja. It seems to work to just tell them yes. Then they give me things like floating mats." Alex said, "At least they gave you stuff and didn't take stuff away from you."

Back home Oma made yummy pannekoeken (pancake type crepes) for our supper.

Going off to bed soon so we are rested for another full day tomorrow. So glad the kids slept the whole first night. I think the melatonin pills helped a lot. Will try to keep you all posted with fun photos.

Emma at 16 months old

Emma, almost 5 months old

Auntie Rose made this knit penguin for Emma and we were lucky enough to find a shirt to match. Thanks Auntie Rose.

You can see our little girl is always smiling. From the moment she wakes up until we put her in her crib for the night she's happily sharing smiles.

Heidi's 40th Birthday

The boys came in to my bedroom the morning of my birthday wearing T-shirts they had decorated themselves. Marcel decided to join in the fun so they boys made a shirt for Emma too so everyone would have one. At first I was upset they ruined the T-shirts but I kept my mouth closed. They were tickled with their neat idea. The color all came out in the wash anyway.

Sweet Emma at 16 weeks

We are more in love with little Emma as time goes on. She's beginning to smile and coo until she warms your heart all over.

More of Emma

Strong Winds = Falling Trees

Oh my, our wood shed has an owie! We were tucked in our beds sound asleep when the tree fell. Didn't hear a thing. Should be all fixed by next week.

Tree Climbing Boys

The kids and I went on a long walk/bike ride and upon returning home they shot up a tree. I had no idea how high they really were until they called me over to take a photo. Wow! I've got some real tree climbers on my hands. No fear of heights in this family.