Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Well, actually it is more like --

Cab from our house to the train station
Train for 3 hours to the airport (or trains, not sure yet)
Plane to Boston
Shuttle service to our house

Total estimated travel time: 16 hours

Despite the stress and aggravation it will take to get there, we all can't wait to see our house, our dog, our family and friends. Not necessarily in that order...

I have also started dreaming about the little things I miss... coffee mate, diner pancakes, dunkin donuts drive through, Target, my bed, non-delayed cable, the radio in English...


See you Saturday USA!

Blueberries

Holland has a lot of farms. Right near our house, practically in our backyard, there are kilometers and kilometers of wheat, corn, lettuce, apples, pears, cherries, and so forth. It is quite beautiful. And, we live 5 minutes from the city!

This past weekend we went blueberry picking in Belgium, about a 45 minute drive. http://www.blauwebessen.be

Katie is a collector by nature and has been for about the last two years. She started with rocks the summer she was Andrew's age., Her collections since have included: acorns (that one lasted forever!), shells, and pine cones. It is no wonder why she loves picking fruit. She literally could stay for hours picking. She is contemplative, looking for the best ones, and really enjoys herself.

Andrew ran between the rows of blueberry bushes playing chase (as in you can't catch me) and peek a book. Unlike a few weeks ago, he actually was very interested in picking the fruit. His method -- Step 1. Pick green blueberries. Step 2. Eat blueberries. Step 3. When feeling lazy, eat blueberries straight from the bucket his sister was hard at work filling!

Funny story - At one point in our picking, a man who worked there came over and said something in Dutch or Flemish. I have no idea what he said, but based on his body language, he said something about Andrew eating blueberries. Snagged. I did what any mother would do, act surprised and sort of smile awkwardly. I told Andrew, no no. With that, he opened his mouth and out spilled at least 5 blueberries!

Getting a lesson from Dad on picking blueberries

Caught

Peek a Boo

Cute girl

Silly face.

The farm had a nice playground, bouncey house and riding toys.

Katie told me that she wants to drive a tractor when she grows up

Mom had fun too!

Hakuna Matata

Katie is in a major Lion King phase. She has loved it since early February when she first saw it at my parents house. We watch it every day while Andrew naps (since she has given up naps). Yes, every day. We both know the movie word for word, song by song.

Lyrics:

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!

Hakuna Matata?

Yeah. It's our motto!

What's a motto?

Nothing. What's a-motto with you?

(ha ha ha)

Andrew is One and a Half!

Andrew Edmund is 18 Months Old Today.

Andrew is a character. He is a happy toddler who thinks he is a three and half year old like his sister. He climbs and jumps and often has a bruise or scratch at any given time. Loves to laugh, play, and even cuddle from time to time.

Andrew loves animals, cars and balls, probably in that order. He is definitely a dog lover so we cannot wait to reunite him with our dog, Tucker. Whenever he sees a dog on a walk or bike ride, he skreeches and points and sometimes "woofs." He loves "vrooming" cars on the floor and kicking and throwing balls.

He has a lot of words. His first word, same as Katie, was Tuck...or "duck" to be more precise. Since his first word at 13 months, he has gained about 2 dozen more. To name a few: ball, car, Dat-dog (hot dog), Thank You (dat-doo), All done, Katie (Day-dee), Bubble, Daddy, Mommy, Duck, Bird, Water (wa-wa), Horse, Down, Go, Up and Uh-oh. He has." even strung together a few two word phrases like "Hi, Daddy."

Andrew also signs. We took a sign language class with Katie so I was more on top of it with her, but Andrew really picks them up if I only do them a few times . He can sign: All done, eat, more, hot, bird, duck, cat, fish, drink, go, and please. And, of course he knows the international signs for yes and no using his head, not his hands. Luckily, he does not say "no." Instead, he shakes his head and say "uh-un", which I think is kind of sweet.

He can drink from a regular cup and use a fork and spoon. He likes to pick out his shoes and can find the matching mate. His favorite foods are mac and cheese, hot dogs, pancakes and strawberries. He also loves whip cream and yogurt covered raisins. Since jarred foods, he has not been a fan of vegetables. Maybe a frozen pea or raw carrot here and there, but that is really it.

His two favorite possessions. Binky and Lovey.

Andrew had sizable thighs as a baby. They have slimmed down a little, but I am happy they are still there. I love his pudge. (He and Katie were jumping in puddles. Andrew's pants got soaked...of course. So, that is why he is pantless)

I (Mommy) see a lot of this lately...just within the last month. Andrew is in a HUGE "mommy phase." If I leave the room, even for a minute, I hear "ma-ma" and crying. He constantly wants to be picked up and in my presence. Some may find this flattering, but after a few weeks (actually, few days), it drives you batty!

Andrew loves a good game of peek a boo. A game that he has loved since he was 3 months old! He is learning animal sounds. He usually knows dog, sheep, cow, horse, duck and dog. And, most recently has learned to growl like a lion or tiger.

Our sweet Boy.

Our Home Away from Home

Today, July 21 marks 100 days that we have been in Holland.

When we first arrived a lot of people asked questions like: "do you like it there?" "is it more expensive?" "what are the people like?" For the last few months I have been trying to figure out the answers to these questions as well as many, many, many more...

Europe is very different than the United States. Different in some good ways, different in some ways that are going to take A LOT of getting used to.

Of course the most obvious difference is the language. Dutch is the primary language spoken here but most people speak English as well. People dress differently too. I would say that the theme for women is layers. Lots and lots of layers. And, scarfs. I bought a scarf, but just couldn't master it. Food is different. There are just some things you cannot find at the grocery store. Bread crumbs, baked beans, goldfish crackers (a staple at our house) and provolone cheese are just a few. Also, if you order a hamburger, expect it to come with a fried egg on it! In general, I would describe the Dutch as a more private and reserved culture.

Maastricht is a melting pot of cultures. American, Israeli, Saudi, Italian, Russian, Polish, French, Scottish, English, Irish, Turkish, Japanese, German, Belgian, Canadian, Greek, and more. And, these are just the "few" I have met in 3 months. Everyone is in the same boat, so to speak. Some are here indefinitely, but most are here because of a job and will probably be here a few years. I have joined a couple groups and am finding that the international community is very willing to share information and lend a helping hand where needed. That is reassuring, very.

When we decided to move, I was apprehensive, but tried to look at it as a once in a lifetime experience and adventure. I miss my friends and family a lot. Everyday. One thing I know I will come away with from this experience is perspective. It sure is different being a foreigner.

For now, here are some pictures of our home.

First floor:

Front door and hall into kitchen

Kitchen

Main living space.
Most Dutch homes have this long one room style.

Backyard, off the dining room table with large sliding doors.

Second Floor:

Master bedroom

Master bathroom

Andrew's room

Katie's room

Third floor: guest room. Come visit!

Sculpture?

Katie LOVES playdough at the moment. First thing in the morning, first thing she wants to do when she comes home from preschool.

It wouldn't be a problem if Katie didn't have a little brother who likes to steal her fabulous creations. ALL the time. He literally watches until she isn't looking and then grabs the playdough and takes off running through the house. (With a three and a half year old sister screaming "mooommmy!!") It is hard not to laugh, but he is forced to return the prized creation (now smooshed from his pudgey little grip) to its rightful owner.

Today while Andrew was napping, Katie created Our Family.

From right to left: Andrew, Daddy, Mommy & Katie

The proud artist

More Belgian Fun...

Just some more pictures from our weekend.

Andrew checking out a "river" that some kids made

Katie looks so grown up to me in this pictures. She was just strolling along, eating her apple, deep in 3 1/2 yr old thoughts.

The Sunpark we stayed at had a great swim center or water park. It had a great kiddie area (first picture), a wave pool, a lazy river, outdoor pools, HUGE tunnel slides, and small slides that our daredevil children enjoyed very much.

Independance Day Belgian Style

No, for those of you wondering.... They don't celebrate the 4th of July in Europe.

For the 4th, we went to Belgium. The beaches are about 2 1/2 hours from Maastricht. For our first trip, we decided to check out Oostduinkerke. One of Ned's work colleagues had told him about Sunparks. It is a family oriented campus complete with a water park, soft play center, bike rentals and other recreationa activities like mini golf, bowling, and badmitton. And, the beach is just 1.5 km from the villas. A villa was a somewhat rustic cabin with two bedrooms upstairs and living room, kitchen and bath downstairs. It was very comfortable for our long weekend getaway.

A good time was had by all. The weather was beautiful Saturday. High 80s and lots of sun. Sunday and Monday were a little breezy but still nice. We went to the beach by day and water park by night (or vice versa) every day. The kids were up way past their bedtime all three nights. Two nights we didn't leave the pool until 9pm.

Katie loved collecting shells at the beach. Both kids loved splashing in the water and playing in the sand. The English Channel was surprisingly warm.

Andrew learned two new words this weekend. "Walk" and "Whoa". Now everything is "Whoa!". (ie every time he trips, its "Whooaaa")

Shirt says "Little Firecracker"

Shirt says "All American Boy"

Strawberry Picking

Saturday was gorgeous. It has been very hot and humid lately. In the mid to high 20s.

Like in the U.S. it is the tail end of the strawberry picking season. There is an organic farm in Maastricht so we decided to check it out. There weren't that many strawberries to be had, but we got enough to enjoy the experience.

this was about half of what we picked

Tradition

High School students in the Netherlands have a tradition of hanging their backpacks out of windows when they have passed their finals.

Grocery

Ahh the grocery store...

When we lived in NH I never enjoyed going to the grocery store with both kids. I know there are a lot of moms reading this that will have to agree. I always had my list in hand and it was a mad dash down the isles grabbing what I needed. I had, on more than one occassion, gotten home with the wrong product. (ie bought pizza sauce instead of pasta sauce).

Whether you have a newborn, toddler or preschooler, it is all about timing. The big question is- will he/she/they cooperate and let you get out of the store without any major meltdowns or scenes. That is always the question.

Well, I thought it was tough in NH. That is a walk in the park compared to the grocery store in Holland.

#1 You must have 50 cents in order to use a grocery cart. No 50 piece, no cart. You get the 50 cents back when you return the cart to its rightful place. It is actually a good concept, I think. Then no carts hit cars and the store doesnt have to employ someone to walk around in zero degree weather putting carts where they belong. Problem...what do to when you dont have a 50 cent piece with two kids in tow...

#2 No (absolutly NONE) grocery carts (winklewagon in dutch) have buckles/seatbelts. Have you met Andrew?....he likes to climb.

#3 There aren't any bags available for your groceries. You have to bring your own reusable bag. So, again if you forget your reusable bag, you must purchase another one. I am getting better at remembering. And, yes, I have at least six now.

#4 No one bags your groceries. It doesnt matter if I spent 10 euros or 150 euros in groceries. I bag my own.

#5 All products are in Dutch. I find myself staring at the products trying to figure out what I am buying. Magere beef (what cut is that?). Thank god for pictures on can goods, boxes and jars!

So, here is the mental picture in case you didnt conjor up one on your own.... I am wandering around the grocery store trying to figure out products. Katie is whining for this, that and another thing. Andrew is climbing out of the winklewagon and wanting to eat his way through the grocery store (a fresh baguette usually does the trick). I finally am finished. I am trying to pay and bag my groceries while simultaneously having one hand on Andrew so that he does not climb out of the cart!

What a picture...

And, most of you have seen the pictures of our refrigerator.... It does not hold much so I get to have this adventure multiple times a week!

So, next time you are struggling at the grocery store with your child/children, think of me. Not that it is a competition, but I bet I have you beat!

Just another day at the Park

Katie on the zip line

Two tires , teeter totter idea

Andrew always bee lines it to the water