He's HOME!

So, the family is together again! Erik arrived last night to two VERY excited boys and wife! His bags on the other hand, didn't make it. Not a big deal, as Kyle had some new boxers to loan him! So, we are really looking forward to the next three weeks of vacation together! We hope everyone has a Happy Holiday- and I'll post pics and videos soon- Erik brought home my computer! Yeah!

America

I haven't up-dated in awhile, because I don't have a computer at my house, since we brought it with us to Holland. So, I'm not able to access the Internet as much. We've been having a great time at home. We are missing Erik, as he is back in Holland for almost four weeks, before joining us.

Our time at home has been packed with a lot of activities. We had a great Thanksgiving with my family and Vanessa. Everyone came to MN, and we all spent some time together. The boys have been loving the Mall of America, and the MN Zoo, and the neighborhood kids. We've gone to La Crosse to see grandparents and show Vanessa "God's Country!" I've been doing a LOT of shopping- as everything is a TON cheaper over here. We were also lucky enough to get a nice big snow storm, and the kids have been enjoying sledding, and going to hockey games!

I'm missing my friends in Holland, but am enjoying being at home with my mocha's, house, neighbors, and family! The time is going by way too fast! I'll up-date photos as soon as I have a chance!

The Eagle Has Landed!

We're HOME! Yesterday was a long travel day, but it couldn't have gone better. We got to the airport and walked through immigration, into the terminal area and Curtis yells really loud, "We are in AMERICA now!" As he throws his hands in the air. If only it were that easy! The flight was great. The kids were fine, and didn't cause a problem. I can't believe what a difference six months makes in behavior for kids. I even got to watch two movies!

The only bad thing on the flight, was the snack they gave the kids. Think of the WORST snack you could give a kid on an airplane.......THINK.............THINK.............Think. If you guessed ICE CREAM, you were correct! Ice Cream! They were in heaven! Johnny was licking the dish it came in....only problem was he had it running down his arms, into his sleeves. He had it all over his face, neck, nose, and car seat, and shirt. I took some great pics, but they'll have to follow, as I'm on a different computer.

When we got home it was like Christmas! Curtis and Johnny were SO excited to see Megan and Kyle, who live in our house. They were especially excited to see the neighbor girl Brooke! It's all they talked about the whole way to our house! Brooke was equally excited!

They went on high gear for four hours and then crashed. It's now 5:00am. I have been up with Curtis since 2:30, and Johnny since 4:00am. So, the flight was great, but they feel like it's the middle of the day, and are raring to go! We'll be opening Target and Caribou this morning! I can't wait!

Few more pictures to go with the entry below!

The crowd was unbelievable!
In and outside of the pier was packed!
Motorbike Congestion!
Police were all over. This was a the gate/entrance to our apartment building.

Race Series

Johnny waiting for the action to start on the beach!
This is SO exciting!
The jump RIGHT in front of our balcony!
Curtis decided to take his "nap" from the window sill in his room. Didn't want to miss out on the action!

All week, they have been prepping the beach for the Red Bull Race Series- Motorbike Race. We've watched the preparations, and have had NO idea what to expect. What a great time we had today! There were thousands of people who came to the beach to watch. 500 Motorbikes started the race, and only one survived! The race lasted 4 hours. The boys had a BLAST watching it, as we had my good friend Lynne and her family over for the afternoon and dinner. It was a great distraction, so I didn't get nervous about flying tomorrow. We can't wait to come home! See everyone in the GOOD OLE' USA!

Almost Ready...

Johnny's helping me pack! If only I could pack him up like this on the airplane, and sit back and watch a movie! Wishful thinking that it will be that easy! We are getting SO excited!!

Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas and his helpers, on the boat arriving in the harbor.
Zwarte Pete...little elf like helpers, gave the kids candy and juice boxes.
The kids running to see the boat!
Johnny telling sending his love to Sinterklaas!

Today Sinterklaas and his mischievous helpers, Zwarte Pete sailed into town on a boat from Madrid. The Dutch celebrate this holiday, on Dec. 5th. It is similar to St. Nicholas. They set out shoes and Sinterklaas fills them with small cookies, and treasures. Sinterklaas will travel Holland watching for good boys and girls for the next three weeks.

The boys went with Erik and our friend Allan and his kids, to see the festivities. The mom's went out to do a bit of last minute Holland Christmas shopping.

PJ Day

Today was Curtis' last day of school before he comes back to America for a visit. It was PJ day at school, and he couldn't have been more excited! Here are some pictures of him with his friends.

COULD THIS WEEK DRAG ON ANY SLOWER!

My friend Lynne and I took the kids out to the Rose Gardens in Westbrooke Park. The kids were running up and down a really pretty hill. I tried to get them all to sit still for a nice picture at the top of the hill. When I got home and up-loaded my pictures on the computer, this is what I found! Only in Holland would I accidentally take a picture with "PORN" written behind the kids heads! We never even noticed it at the park.

One More...

Gotta love the "terrible two's." Not sure anyone in America will be missing us come 8 weeks from now, when we are on our way back to Europe!

Too Funny...

This was way too funny not to post. I know he'll kill me some day for it...but I just had to capture it on video. Curtis' friend came over after a ballet class, and Johnny wanted to wear her outfit and do ballet! This is what happened when she had to leave, and needed her clothes and shoes back.

SWEEP

Packers 34 / Vikings 0..........GO PACK GO!

In only ONE short week I'll have my BUTT planted in the middle of our culd-a-sac back in Minnesota, harassing my neighbors! It can't come SOON enough! (Live broadcast here again this week.)

Storm

The harbor was under water.
Here is a picture taken from the harbor.
The wave splashes were up above the top of the pier. This picture shows the top of the pier.
Between showers, there were rainbows...the kids LOVED them. This was taken from the house.

Since Thursday, we have been blasted with a storm. It's winds have been above 100km/hr. Thursday night the sea was wicked. We were all awake from about 1am-4:30am, as the howling wind sounded SO loud and the kids thought it was a ghost. Finally, Erik got the kids up (I already had my nosey face plastered to the front windows) and fed them breakfast at 3am. A call to "Granny Bird" and "Pop" was made, and the kids were loving the storm! I LOVE that my kids get into the weather as much as I do! I had the weather radars up, showing Curtis the rain coming in off the sea. LOVING it! Finally, at 4:30, Erik took Johnny to the guest room, and I took Curtis to our room. We opened up the shades and watched the storm until we fell asleep. Curtis would look at me and say, "Dis is SO exciting- FIREWORKS!"

On Friday morning, we all had a heck of a time getting up for school/work. The weather was bad all day- hailed 6 times, winds blowing, ect. I went grocery shopping and had to leave all the non- refrigerated foods in the car, until I had help carrying them up. (Since I had to hold on to the kids, with the wind and all.) Leave it to me to get an injury too. I was busy getting the kids out of the car, and the wind blew the car door shut and it smacked me in the head. I got disoriented a bit, and have had a headache since then, that won't go away! Let's just say, the wind and storm are getting to be a tad bit annoying now.

Saturday we needed to get out of the house after all this rain and wind. Erik was headed to Amsterdam for a going away party. So, we went with him in the afternoon and went to Vondel Park (Just like Central Park in NYC). We had a great time between showers- kids played at different playgrounds, we had coffee, walked around, looked at Christmas decorations, saw the skating rink in the middle of town, had dinner, and then the boys and I headed home...and Erik met his friends. I'm sure this next week will DRAG on as I'm anticipating our trip back home next week! We can't wait to see everyone!

Random Thoughts...

It was just a few short days ago that the boys had a wrestling partner! Missing Bailey!
Last night Johnny woke up with a fever. He's just been laying around today, watching video's and falling asleep. When he hears me telling a friend on the phone that we can't get together today, because Johnny has a fever, he get's mad. He tells me, "I don't have a fever anymore, because I wiped it on Mommy's shirt!" So that's why he's been wiping his nose on me! Nasty!

When I pick Curtis up from school, he never brings home any artwork. All the girls are loaded down with it every day. It's not a big surprise that my kid doesn't like art, given that I got a C- in Art, in Middle School. Anyways, he came home with this picture VERY proud. I took one look at it and thought- "MAN, this kid's got TALENT!" He he (: I told him it was a very nice picture, and he was wondering if I knew what it was? After a few guesses, he had to tell me. It's a picture of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!" Duh! Now it all makes sense to me! I had to take a picture of this, as he gave it to Bailey to hang in her room. Lucky Bailey!

Amsterdam

Today was a GREAT day! We headed out to Amsterdam first thing in the morning. After a very eventful drive to the city, where cousin Katie might have had a few wrong turns, a few panics, and a few swear words escape her...we made it. The highlight of the day was when we got into the "Red-Light District" and Bailey got the giggles and was making me laugh SO hard! She could not believe that there is a place like that in the world! We were laughing all day, that she hit up the district and went trick-or-treating all in one day! After Amsterdam, we met some American friends out at a Pancake House. We all ate a great meal, and went trick-or-treating afterwards! Weather was warm and we all had a nice time! I'll be SO sad when I have to say goodbye to Bailey tomorrow! I still have a lot I want to show her...but am SO grateful that she's in Madrid for the year and was able to visit for a weekend!

RIBS

An American sized portion!
Bailey digging in!
Erik and I happy to have a night out!
Bailey in the Binnehoff, where the parliment meets and the Queen does business.

After this meal we needed some rolaids! We had a TON of fun. Had a great dinner, and walked around the Binnehoff and Centrum afterwards! Now it's off to Amsterdam!

Parks...

The Queen's House
Bailey, with Queen's house in the background.
Bailey biking on the trails in Holland.
The boys were LOVING that "Cousin Bailey" chased them around the park!

This morning, we went on a six mile bike ride with the kids around Den Haag. I wanted to show Bailey all the trails for biking, hiking, ect. We've been spoiled with weather in the upper 50's all fall. The leaves are in PERFECT color. It was a great morning, and we all needed a nap this afternoon. We have a friend babysitting tonight and Erik, Bailey, and I are going out on the town! Can't wait!

She's HERE!

Here's Bailey RIGHT now as I'm writing this blog. Guess she just can't keep up with her 30 year old cousin! We've had quite the busy day.

Today started off at me picking up Bailey early this morning at the airport after midnight. After getting back home at 1:30AM, we got to bed...only to be waken at 7am by two little squirts "head-over-heel's" for "Cousin Bailey." (They call her "Cousin Bailey" every time they call her. Curtis is also introducing her to everyone we pass!)
After walking on the pier, in the mall, and on the boulevard near the North Sea, we dropped the kids off at a friends house and headed to Delft. Here we are at a great cafe for lunch. When we went to order, Bailey ordered pea soup, and a pancake. I smiled, thinking to myself, I wonder if she knows what she just ordered.
Bailey with the pancake she ordered. She was DYING when they delivered it to the table and was wondering why I didn't warn her. It's bigger than her HEAD! She was in HEAVEN!

The day ended with us going to the church's in Delft, the market, and finally to the butcher, baker, and cheese shops! Now she is pooped out and we are looking forward to tiring her out tomorrow! We are having a blast and it's going WAY TOO FAST already!

???Happy Halloween???

The boys, before we left to go to the park for a small Halloween party we hosted with friends!
The Dutch don't celebrate Halloween. In fact, the city is all lit up for "Cinder-Clause". They celebrate our "Christmas" on Dec. 5th. They call him "Cinder-Clause" and he came on a boat with a helper- "Swarte Pete" from Spain. So, the Dutch are in X-Mas mode already and have been toy shopping and hanging lights the past week or so.

Since there was no Trick-or-Treating today, we decided to walk around the city to look at X-Mas lights! I have to say, it's something I've always enjoyed doing, just usually not until after Thanksgiving! Happy Halloween to everyone back home!

Car Wash

I hate to admit this fact, but it's true. We got a BRAND NEW car in Holland, and have been here for 6 months, and it's never been washed or vacuumed out. (If you thought my car at home was messy, you ain't seen NOTHING...add about 5lbs of sand to the mix!)

So, I decided to bite the bullet and try to figure out how the Dutch wash their cars. I went to the gas station, and the lady behind the counter was very helpful. She asked me what number wash I wanted. Then she gave me my receipt, with the code to enter into the wash. Simple enough, it's just like back home. I thought I would enjoy sitting in the car with a cup of cappo, and some music. So, I went up to the cappuccino machine and it was one where you had to insert a coin for a whooping 6 oz. cup of cappo. I couldn't read the sign to see how much it cost, so I had to go ask the lady. I inserted my money, and I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I pushed the button and let go and the cappuccino started flowing. Only problem was that I never grabbed a cup to place below the machine...so now cappo is splattering all over the counter and hitting my coat. I start swearing (by accident) and am panicking. 6oz. sure doesn't seem like much when you are drinking it, but when it's flowing all over the place, it seemed to last forever.

So, Now that I have this whole thing licked and everyone in line is staring at the crazy American, I put more money in and get my nice small glass of cappo. Now, it's just me, the car, and a little Carrie Underwood!

I drive the car around to the wash, I get out and try to enter the code and it won't work. I keep trying over and over again, and it still won't work. I see a little button that looks like a microphone and buzz it and ask for help. The lady can't understand my English through the system. So, I sit and wait, and I get nothing. I tried pushing the button two more times, yelling as loudly and as slowly as I could, "The car wash won't work." Finally, the lady comes out, and tells me, in a not so nice voice, that I need to pull my car in the wash until it says stop, and then get out of my car and enter the code. She told me that she was very busy and had a long line of people waiting for her. (Wonder what I sounded like over the intercom in the store?)

I drove my car into the car wash and a big stop sign starts flashing. I get out of the car and am trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to "High-Tail" it back to my car before the water starts spraying. I'm getting a bit nervous and I'm now thinking that maybe I should just do this another day, when the lady isn't so busy. But, I figured, I came this far, I guess I'll try it. (I had a babysitter, and didn't have the kids with me.)

Now a car pulled up behind me, and was waiting. It had an older couple inside of it. I went up to the machine, and started to enter my numbers. When I was finished, I started sprinting back to my car...trying to beat the wash from starting. As I'm running, the machine clicks on, and I hear people behind me YELLING at me in Dutch. I'm looking at them, and they are waving. Now, I"m getting wet and the machine is starting to move. I have NO choice, but to run out of the garage towards the street. The little old man is trying as hard as he can, to get out of his car. I get out to the street, and he is speaking in Dutch frantically. I told him I speak English. He asked me what I was doing? I told him I was just trying to go sit in my car, and he laughed. In Holland you NEVER sit in your car when it is getting washed. You always pull the car up, get out, enter the code, and stand outside the garage and wait till it is finished. We all had a GOOD laugh about it, as I sat there with spotty wet hair. So much for my cappo and Carrie Underwood! Guess I'll have to save that for the States!

On another note: This morning, I got up and Erik got up and was in a GREAT mood. He asked me excitedly if I heard about the Packer Game last night. (As if I see any news or newspaper in English first thing in the morning.) Then he proceeds to tell me ALL about it, and how it went into over-time. Finally, it came out that he went to bed last night, and slept for four hours. He set his alarm to wake up at 2am for the second half of the game and over-time. He went back to bed around 3:30am. You can tell that someone doesn't have to get up with the kids in the middle of the night!

Other than that, my cousin Bailey is coming to visit tomorrow from Spain! She's here for the weekend and I can't wait! We plan to do Delft, Den Haag, and Amsterdam. The American School in the Hague is hosting a trick-or-treating event on Saturday night. I'm sure I'll have lots of stories, since we get a map and have to drive around to the houses that are participating! The Dutch don't celebrate Halloween.

Happy 21st Birthday Beaner!

My littlest sister, Colleen, turns 21 today! Wish we were around to celebrate! Here's what we would sing! Hope you have a GREAT Birthday Beaner!

The Disney Experience

We just got back from five days at Disney in Paris, France. We left on Wednesday morning and were in the car, ready to go at 8am. Our expected arrival time was noon. The trip started out with Erik ripping on me, because I went the Euro Store (Dollar Store) and bought "too much crap" for the trip. I was just anticipating having to entertain the kids for four hours or more. Plus, who wouldn't want a googly eyeball that lights up, or a slinky with slime on the ends?

When we got into Belgium, we were stuck in the biggest traffic jam of our lives. (This is after traveling through Chicago, to get home from Indiana, for five years!) Two semi trucks collided 10 miles ahead of us. They erupted into flames and burnt the highway and we were unable to travel on it. It was such a mess, that we were stuck on the highway for NINE hours! (Whose making fun of the dollar store now!)

We were STUCK, and not moving at all. It was horrible! Erik and I were SO crabby and the kids held up better than we did. There was NO where to go to the bathroom, and nothing to do because it was raining out. The trip finally ended after I had to go to the bathroom in the kids sippy cup twice, Curtis wet his pants once, Erik and I were ready to throw Johnny out the car window, and ready to get a divorce! (:

The rest of the trip was WONDERFUL! Weather was great, about upper 50's and sunny. The kids were at great ages to visit Disney. Erik was WAY into the free food at the breakfast buffets. It was the fastest I ever saw him get out of bed in the morning. I was WAY into being the first person in the park and enjoying it for 2-3 hours before it got crowded. The kids loved the hotel and the pool! It's a trip I'd take again in an instant and will never forget!

Old Mc Johnny

You'll have to hit the pause button on the music- bottom right of the web page, to hear the videos!

Three Cheeky Monkey's Video

My 30th...

Today was a day I thought would NEVER come. My 30th Birthday! I remember when my mom turned 30, we decorated the yard in "Over the Hill" stuff. 30 was SO old! Then when my cousin Theresa turned 30- I remember thinking, MAN that sounds old! Erik turned 30 a few years ago. I gave him SO much crap (AND his friends)- because 30 was OLD! Now, today I'm thirty....and I can't believe how YOUNG thirty is!

We had a great day. It started bright and early with Curtis going under the bed to find the present he "hid" from me. (He must have told me what it was, and where it was hidden 30 times this week.) We went to lunch at a mom's house from Curtis' class. All the mom's there were British- and they will take ANY excuse to party...so they broke open bubbly at noon! I ran the kids butts off this afternoon- and they were asleep by 6pm. Now my friend Lynn is headed over with take-out and wine! We will sit and enjoy it, and the sunset this evening has brought! (Picture above) It was a great day...and I now think 50 is young!

Thanks to all for the cards, messages, and e-mails! You made my day extra special!

Those Crazy Brits...

One thing I've noticed since I've been here, is all of my British friends know how to party! I always tell them that they are "Crazy Brits." Here are a few reasons why;

• On Friday afternoons, we meet with a group of six moms and their kids on the beach at a restaurant. The moms all have a drink or two- wine, beer, or mixed drink. The kids play. It's a great way to start the weekend. Can't say I've ever done this in the USA.

• Last Tuesday we went to a 3 year old boy's birthday party. It was for my friend Sarah's son. They are from the UK. Anyways, I didn't even get through the door, before they asked me what I wanted to drink. I told them I'd have a glass of tea. Sarah said, "That's all?" I looked around, and everyone is drinking beer or wine. It's 2:30pm on a Tuesday afternoon. I told Sarah I was fine with just tea for now. The party was a BLAST, and we learned many new games that they play in the UK at parties. As the afternoon went on, and five o'clock rolled around, a few more glasses of wine were had by the mom's and the party went crazy. The music started...first it was just the Hokey Poky...but eventually, there was a HUGE Congo Line going around the house, mom's and all! It was the CRAZIEST kids birthday party I have ever been too! Curtis was absolutely LOVING it! He was in his glory in the middle of the Congo line with a huge smile on his face! Of course, I forgot my camera at home.

• On Thursday night, Curtis' school had an open house. I went with my friend Lynn, who I have really gotten to know and like. (I met her at a park in May, and her daughter is in Curtis's class.) I swear, she could be the fifth girl in my family! Anyways, Curtis goes to the British School here. Lynn and I were dressed up more than normal...meaning out of yoga pants, and into jeans, a nice sweater and boots. We walk through the door and the principal greeted us. She turned and said, "Please, have a drink from the PTA, and then find your child's classroom."

The PTA had a long table set up across the lobby of the school. On the left side of the table, were cans of Heineken Beer with a glass on top of each. In the middle of the table, were glasses of red wine, and on the right side of the table, were glasses of white wine. I am DYING and can't believe that they are offering us alcohol in school. I whispered to Lynn, "Are you kidding me?" and she was giggling. We walked to the classroom, and it's a darn good thing they had wine for us. It was like cocktail hour at a wedding! I turned to Lynn and whispered out of the side of my mouth, "Did someone forgot to send us the memo that little black dresses and hoochie boots were required?" Then took a big sip of my wine!

Johnny Be Good...

Johnny has been the BIGGEST crab-apple lately. After many days driving me insane, I looked in his mouth and saw that his two year molars were coming through. At least now I know it's teething. (His LAST four teeth, THANK GOD!)

I put him down for nap today and he wanted to sleep in his old crib. I didn't argue. He was quiet for 45 minutes and I just assumed he was sleeping. I learned that he had other ideas, when I poked my head in to check on him.

He opened the bathroom door, and found our "bath" crayons. They were up on the right side of the picture above, near that roll of toilet paper.
He made a master piece of himself and the crib.
Although I acted mad, I had to capture this on film.

Earlier this week, the boys had their "Bob the Builder" tool belts on and were playing. I was making dinner and heard them hit something. I looked and they were hitting the glass paneled wall in our apartment...and put a big spider looking shatter in it! So, between that panel that is broke and the red crayon on the bedroom wall, we are sure to be tops on our land lords "Hit" list!