We really loved the safe sidewalks and playgrounds in Holland. We took advantage of them by going on walks and going to playgrounds on a near daily basis. Yesterday, our first full day at home again, Elizabeth suggested we go for a walk to find a playground! We don’t have any nice options within walking distance of our home, but I will definitely need to make it a priority to take the girls to playgrounds more often!
Love Elizabeth’s look of sheer delight!
Love Sarah’s expression of pure joy!
Public libraries are few and far between in our corner of the world. It is one of my biggest regrets that I can’t give my girls the library experience. The endless supply of new books to enjoy; the special programs for children of all ages; the reading nooks to settle in and browse one’s selections, etc. I loved the library when I was a kid and still remember getting my first library card when I was 6 years old. We had gone to the library as a school field trip, and I came home and said I wanted to have my own library card too!
I took advantage of the public libraries in Holland while we were there. And the girls definitely enjoyed having new books to enjoy during our visit.
Assisting Oma at the self check out counter.
Many books were read…
Many meals were shared…
Many walks were taken…
Many playgrounds were visited…
And much bread was baked…
The girls and I returned home on Tuesday. J had returned the week before us and came to meet us at the airport. As you can see, the girls were very excited to see their Papa again…as was I! It was my first flight with the girls by myself. It was a really good experience, just a little tiring to be the only responsible adult. Our girls have a lot of travel experience and are already great travelers!
We are adjusting to being home again. The girls are thrilled to be with their own toys again. They were very excited to meet their nanny again too. Plenty of big smiles in the past two days!
J’s sister and family joined us for the last days we were in France. The house was full of people, but also laughter and fun!
The woods surrounding the house in Erckartswiller remind me so much of Pennsylvania woods. I love taking walks when we are there!
A girl and her stick.
A favorite picture of Sarah with Marinke – one of her favorite people. Many days after we left France and were talking about Emmanuelle’s family, Sarah randomly started saying “Minka, fun; Minka, fun” at the dinner table. Her memory of Marinke was triggered! Marinke, who was visiting us with Tjeerd-Ernst when Sarah was born, WAS Sarah’s first official visitor after birth. There must be a special connection.
Family portrait in the woods.
Watching Opa flip the panenkoeken (pancakes).
Reading also helped to pass the time while we waited for the pancake lunch to be ready.
Today we visited a local cheese farmer. The visit was fun for the kids…and for me too! However, it did make me feel a little sad that my girls will never experience the Sauder farm as a working dairy. But at least I can share my knowledge about cows with them when the opportunities arise. Today, for example, I showed them how baby calves love to suck on your hand!
For little kids, vacations do not require complicated itineraries. For them, a day spent playing is a day well spent.
Drawing, cutting, gluing and stickers.
Dandelions. Is there any child who does not fall the magic of this flower?!
Sidewalk chalk. A road that is rarely used can serve as the perfect canvas.
This same road also serves as a great place to ride a bicycle!
A favorite picture – perfect lighting with wonderful subjects.
Heading out for the morning grocery shopping.
The baker and butcher come to the village in their mobile shops! Fresh bread was purchased daily, of course, because who eats day old French bread?! Below we visited the butcher for special Alsatian sausage to eat with that fresh bread for lunch.
Walking to the apple tree at the end of the garden…
…to hang up the swing.
Climbing to the top of the ladder was as much fun as the swing…if not more fun!
