1. we had a great trip to europe. mom and grandma made it extra special and the girls received much-needed attention from someone other than mommy and daddy. we did so much and we took so many photos -- here are a few that are fun to view!
while in the netherlands, andre defended his thesis, not once, but two times. he was amazing and obtained a score with honors. i had the opportunity to watch him in action and i was so proud/happy/excited for his excellent performance and demonstration of his knowledge.
(ella in rhens, germany)
(ella & sophie in rhens, germany - lots of great statues and art!)
(ella loved the eltz castle in germany -- it was in a beautiful location and we took an informative tour that we all enjoyed.)
(berhon recommended this wonderfully quaint german town: monschau! we loved this area and visited as we travedl from germany to the netherlands)
(we took a tour of the historic town by train)
(the girls were photogenic, but not always cooperative in placement! :) )
(grandma in veere, the netherlands. it was a downpour and cool -- we needed a warm drink! veere is a favorite, filled with cute little shops, restaurants, and along the water's edge.)
(we enjoyed the sights in veere, despite the cool temps! we bought some great souvenirs, including some ponchos for the girls!)
(breakfast time in vrouwenpolder!)
(neeltje jans)
(andre & ella loving a dry slide found in an aquatic/marine park: neeltje jans. ella loved this ride! she even convinced grandma to ride with her...weeeeeee!)
(playing with the water project -- incredible and the children loved it!)
(getting ready to board the cruise on the north sea. just perfect!)
(a wonderful dinner and reunion w/friends in oostkapelle (a little beach community on the north sea.)
(tomato, mozzarella, basil...my favorite!)
(we spent one day in brugge, belgium with some friends, berhon & lina. sophia found the royal chair - perfect height for her little body!)
(ella loving her belgium waffle in belgium...yum!)
(andre & berhon. i think they miss the fun times they had together at pnnl. what a treat to spend time with him!)
(the canals in amsterdam -- throughout the netherlands -- are beautiful! such a unique city!)
(visiting the artis zoo in amsterdam. we love this zoo. this is ella's 3rd visit! beautiful, well-kept, and the animals are very active. did i mention that we love it?!)
(many of the animals at the artis zoo had young ones. these monkeys were adorable with their infants - protective and loving)
(sophia loved the canal tour through amsterdam. this is such a fun way to see the city. water, water everywhere!)
(now that's a LOT of bikes!)
(we visited a botanical garden in amsterdam. there is a butterfly house that was entertaining to two little girls. sophie did not want them to touch her...she was more interested in the yummy fruit they were allowed to eat.)
(andre getting ready to defend his thesis. this was such a joy for me to be a part of! i am extremely thankful that mom and grandma could care for the girls while i joined andre for this momentous occasion. it was a long day for him and he was exhausted by the end!)
(the blumen market/flower market is a joy to visit! we spent a few hours walking and shopping through this street of flowers!)
(sophia prefers a soft wooden shoe look! just adorable little feet :)!)
(two traveling girls)
(we had some nice times at the beaches in the netherlands. some of the days were cool, while others were nice and warm. the best (warmest) beach day was spent in zandvoort, which was the last day of the trip. each of us earned a good sunburn from this last day of fun. why is it always so hard to end a holiday???? )
(madurodam was a great little attraction that also had the dutch version of sesame street for a children's exhibit. ella & sophia loved this part of the day! did you know that sesame street runs in many countries all over the world and each country has a few different characters that fit the culture. for instance, there is a rat/mouse looking creature in the netherlands, but zoe doesn't exist in the dutch series?)
(madurodam consists of miniature buildings and exhibits of important places found throughout the netherlands. nana loved visiting this place and now we know why! very special and unique!)
(sophie & kanyon enjoying time on the swings!)
(dylan & ella playing "kitchen")
(grandpa w/sophie at the playground of dreams and splash park)
(we ventured to the hermiston water park -- very fun!)
(grandma w/sophie...enjoying lots of attention :) )
(dylan a blur as he cruises on his bike)
(brayden loves to ride his bike)
(kanyon loves trango. trango tolerates the attention for a moment and then runs!)
(brayden waiting for the birthday party...and cake...)
("where's the cake?"
(time for a birthday party)
(gifts, gifts, and more gifts)
(a new princess nightgown)
(sophie was gifted some soft balls...a favorite! thanks oma & opa!)
(ella's tinker bell cake...she knew exactly what she wanted and her wish was granted...)
(a tinker bell dress from daddy AND...)
(a new bike! yah! daddy insisted on a trek bike, which is the type that lance armstrong rides...very important for our future tour de france rider, right?)
(loving her new bike!)
(ms. sophie enjoying her newly-inherited radio flyer!)
(andre wanted to spend his day in the mountains...so we headed to the blue mountains and found a lovely lake setting. we enjoyed a picnic, gift-unveiling, and a hike around the lake. a beautiful day!)
(helping daddy with the gifts)
(cutest little picnic-er)
(a quick family photo via andre's new tripod!)
6. days of summer have included swim lessons, gymnastics, time at the park, lots of time in the yard, and most importantly: time as a family!
(watermelon days are here!)
(a nice sister MOMENT. sharing brings mommy much joy!)
(daddy loves his girls)
(notice "ted" in the basket...she doesn't leave home without him!)
(cruising on her little bike. sophie's feet almost reach those little pedals!)
(biking with the girls!)
(we have biked to howard amon park a few times to meet daddy as he rides home from work. lots of fun!)
(daddy is so proud of his climber! notice the inappropriate foot apparel? oops!)
(camping in our backyard! ella loved it! time alone w/daddy!)
(ready to leave for the day...)
(playing princess with Emily)
(we went on a field trip w/daddy, as he was doing some field work along the snake river. a beautiful day! we finished with a picnic and swim at a lovely park on the snake. later that week andre spent a few days finishing his field work via boat. yes, he loves his job!)
(we scored a beautiful piece of limestone for our yard...thank you vw!)
(this little girl loves to "go!" i am blessed to have two little ones that will go on many adventures with mommy and daddy and be happy in the process!)i'm trying to get "caught up" -- nesting has definitely set in. my tummy is big and i am feeling the need to prepare for our new bebe. here is to a productive weekend!
