And another "summer" month

So far, June has not been nice weather wise. We have had some good moments and some poor days as well. So different than spring! But we are still having fun and tons of activities during the week and especially in the weekends.

Dide had a school sports day a few weeks ago. Lots of fun.

Than we went to see Radboud's brother and family in a weekend. It was Sunday, but Monday was a public holiday. We made it very, very late. Too late, but next day was quite and Dide and Ties could catch up with sleeping in. They stayed readily awake until 11:30 PM! Incredible. The day was full of activities, playing with their little niece (Lieve) and visiting the goat farm in the Amsterdamse bos (recreation area).

Here is Saskia with Mats, approximately 3 months old

Last weekend, the creche were Dide and Ties went to as babies and toddlers celebrated it's 10th birthday. Dide was one of the first children to go there, so one of the older kids at the party. It was nice to see the old teachers and they had organized a really nice party.

We had some heavy rain storms, but most of the time it was dry, and not cold. Lots of food and great entertainment. They booked a guy with a guitar, Dirk Scheele, who is playing children's songs. Dide and Ties know a few of his CDs and we have actually listened to some of his music on our road trips through the states. The music is actually quite similar to Ralph's World (and one song seems to be borrowed from him).

We could sleep over at the house of friends in Groningen, we know them since 15 years or so and it is always great to see them. Good place to stay! Great Sunday morning breakfast.

And Ties now wants to learn how to play chess. Any experts out there?

On Sunday we visited the graphics museum, it was all about the different printing techniques, lots of very old and very impressive book presses. Dide and Ties actually made a piece of art using ink, all in the style of Werkman, a Dutch artist from the 1930's-40's.

And it rained all day .............

Saskia stayed in Groningen for another night, another appointment with the dentist. Yes, it is still the same tooth that gave problems in Deerfield, but this is supposed to have been the last repair. It must be over by now. Radboud took the road crossing a giant dam (or dike, if you like) called the "afsluitdijk". This 20 mile long road was build about 80 years ago and closed off a see, which now is a sweet-water lake. An impressive piece of engineering and Dide and Ties wanted to see it now they are learning about it in school. It was a bit windy!

That is it for now. School vacation starts in 2 weeks. Further updates to follow.

Visiting France

Last week, Dide and Ties had the school-week off because of National holidays half way the week. We took the chance to visit old friends from Groningen, who moved to France. They actually live close to the city of Grenoble, which is in the middle of the Alps, an awesome place.

We spend 3 days with them and did so many activities. See the pictures below, they speak for themselves.

Ties' birthday

On May 11, Ties turned 8! Congratulations to all Deerfield friends who celebrate birthdays on that day as well! As we were out of the country last year, we decided to celebrate this well. On the actual birthday Ties got a few presents (more Magic Tree House books), but the real party was the Saturday following the Wednesday's birthday.

Here is Ties ready to open some presents, woke up 2 minutes before.

Saskia playing with one of the new  toys. Baseball practice!

 And the great cake Saskia made on Ties' request

Big party, mostly family this Saturday. We did an afternoon and meal, very laid back (especially for the guests). It was another "get your own drink from the fridge or you will be thirsty" party.

They love each other -  as always - ahum.

Sunday was another family party, Saskia's nephews and nieces came to our house for lunch. Good to see everybody again, some newborns (and not so new borns as well) joined the club.

And with a subgroup we went to the beaxch afterwards. Lots of wind, so perfect for flying the kites.

And after another week of working it is weekend again and there was more baseball, we seem to get used to that now. The weather was again great, awesome and fantastic. We seem to be making many, many baseball pictures, sorry if you get bored from them........

And another birthday, this time not in our house, but in Haarlem with Saskia's brother. Playing games with grandma.

While Dide was lightning the BBQ.

And although it is still light here, it is 9 pm and the kids watched a movie.

While their parents had another drink in the garden. Good times, having older kids definitely has advantages.

Back home, Dide skyped with her friend Ben, she loved doing that. Dide and Ties still miss Deerfield a lot and are talking about it all the time. They are happy here, too, but seem to compare many things. Sometimes the result is in favor of The Netherlands, sometimes the US wins.

Cheers, see you at our next short update.