The Netherlands

Once upon a time, we went to the Netherlands.  OK, it was May 29 - June 12, and I've been pondering ever since what I might write to do justice to this incredible place.  I've come to the conclusion that I should let the pictures do most of the talking (though I'm not sure they do it justice either).  So, here it is.  

Day 1

OK, so I should explain a couple of things. For example, why the Netherlands? David's dad is from the Netherlands. They've visited there regularly over the years, and this time they generously offered to bring all of our little family along to meet the family and get to know the country.

We got on the Frontrunner bright and early in the morning with the babies,  car seats and a bunch of luggage.

Paisley, about to board the airplane for her first flight ever.

As we flew in over fields and fields of green divided by canals and dotted with cows, sheep, and windmills, I felt like I was in a dream.  Did this sort of place really still exist outside of paintings and poetry?  Apparently so.  I was falling in love already.

We arrived late at night U.S. time, and early in the morning Holland time.  A narrow two-story cottage would be our home for the next two weeks.

Our cozy bedroom.  With a slanted ceiling,  a small cupboard for a closet, Afton in her pillow bed, and a playpen in the corner for Paisley's bed, we had everything we needed. 

Day 2

The harbor at Volendam.  A little farther down, the harbor is lined with little shops where we bought raw herring (delicious, btw!) and our daily dose of frites.

Paisley was fascinated with all the giant ice cream cones around Holland.

She was equally thrilled with the Mr. Frites.

Zaanse Schans.  This is a tourist attraction in North Holland whose main attractions are delicious ice cream made from fresh cream, and a collection of well-preserved windmills.  

We were able to climb up in the windmill and see how it works.  

A view from up top.

Day 3 - Belgium - Aantwerp, visited with cousin Daniel, Had belgian waffles, saw diamond places, drove to Brugge, ate delicious mussels.

Day 4

On Sunday, we went to church and then went to Church and then visited the temple.  Hans took us on a long drive through the country, and we ate at a pancake house for dinner.

Day 5 - Rijksmuseum & G Star, Mini, Boat tour

Day 6 - Madurodam & Scheveningen (Beach with bungy jump) & Den Haag (Royal palace)

Day 7 - Market at Leiden & Opa's, pancake house with zipline

All I want in life is one of these.

One of my very favorite photos. This is David's Opa, resting under a tree with baby Afton. Priceless.

Day 8 - Kinderdijk, Gouda, best fries in the country

Day 9 - Utrecht, Haarlem (Hiding Place), walk

Day 10 - Leiden - licorice, bon bons, Delft (shopping)
Day 11 - Aunt Teeny & Anja, Grandpa's grave, Castle Muiderslot
Day 12 - Amsterdam & Anne Frank, bike parkade
Day 13 - Giethoorn, Canal boat
Day 14 - Home

 Market in Delft, Belgium