Our Crazy Winter

To kick off the year Kirk made a weekend trip to London to meet up with some friends and watch some football. What started as a trip to go meet up with Matt (in from Singapore) and Andy K, soon added Bettor (in from LA) and Alistair (now a Londoner). Kirk and this crew spent the weekend watching both kinds of football - starting with a trip to Craven's Cottage to watch Sunderlund wallop Fulham, then a trip to a pub in Angel to watch the Seahawks wallop the Saints. A great weekend with great friends.

The following weekend Kirk flew into Chicago to celebrate the union of Becky and Eric.  It was an amazing weekend that started with a rehearsal and dinner at Nelly's favorite restaurant in Chicago, The Bristol. The fun continued the next morning with a friends-of-the-groom basketball game to warm up for the wedding festivities. A risky venture for a bunch of guys who probably hadn't played basketball in a decade, but nobody was bloodied or bruised for the ceremony so that was a success. The wedding ceremony, post wedding photos around the snow-covered city, and reception were an absolute blast. A big thank you, and congratulations to the Nelly's - our new European neighbors!

While Kirk was in Chicago my 2nd parents, Dave and Sue, were out for their own family wedding in Ireland and flew through Amsterdam for a quick visit. We spent some time at my favorite pancake place "Pancakes" and even managed to get out for a dinner!  I had such a nice time catching up and showing them around. Thanks for visiting!

In February Kirk made a 4 day trip out to Sochi, Russia to soak up some of the Olympics action! He managed to dodge some of the hotel and logistical problems that were plaguing a lot of the journalists, but it still wasn't the easiest place to maneuver. He did squeeze in some fun though. The highlight of the trip was attending the epic USA vs Russia hockey match. The game was amazing and eventually went to 8 rounds of shootout before the USA's T.J. Oshie put in the winning goal.

For the month of January and February we had a roommate - our babysitter, Anne. She moved in with us until she sorted out her new place and internship for her graduate program. Teia definitely enjoyed having her around and we did too!  

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros were at the Paradiso (our favorite concert venue).  Mandy, Matt, Ryan and Katie joined us for the evening - it was a blast to say the least!

At the end of February we had to say goodbye to our friends, Matt and Mandy - they moved back to Colorado officially closing their Amsterdam chapter. This was certainly a tough one for us - Matt and Mandy always managed to bring a smile to our faces - they were a constant party, laugh, sweet and sincere, while always providing amazing wine, food, and fun!  My fondest memory would be when they took us to see the Lumineers - where we ended up on the stage for the whole concert!  Such an amazing couple. We miss you already! I am so happy Mandy approached me at Xenos - if she hadn't I am sad to think of what we would have missed. Sushi and Champagne will never be the same.

One of our favorite visitors from the first year we moved out decided it was time to fly out again - Nick and Jenni and their new addition baby boy Leo flew out for a 2.5 week vacation. We had an awesome weekend shopping around – Indian food first night, then Fraiche (awesome dessert) and Tomatillo.  The Nelson’s arrived for the weekend too – always fun to spend time with them! At the end of the weekend both couples went their their ways - Eric and Becky back to Poland, and the Schuitemakers off to Ireland where we would join them in a week!

We had a pretty rough start to our Ireland trip – I guess we shouldn't have been surprised that Murphy's law would kick in on our way. Everything seemed to go wrong – our cab got the wrong time, the flight was delayed, they had us leave our gate, go to another, and then return to original gate all resulting in 3 trips through security. Then the flight finally took off, but also ran out of food. When we landed our rental car was too small so we had to exchange it, delaying our travel a little more, and right before we arrived to the cottage Teia vomit all over herself. Our street was closed so we had to figure out another way in, and then finally we arrived.  Luckily Teia was in good spirits after we cleaned her up and settled right in.

Day 1 – after a grueling process of getting out of Amsterdam, we finally made it to Cork; hopped in our mini van and drove an hour to Killarney - where we were greeted by Nico, Jenni and Leo.  Our rental cottage in the city center was super darling!  We ate at a local fish and chips joint – Quinlans – and then hit up a pub – The Laurels – for some delicious Irish beers and whiskey!

Day 2 – After a tasty breakfast of crepes, nutella and bananas, the Nelson’s arrived from Dublin and met us in the Dingle Peninsula for some sightseeing, coffee, and fisherman’s pie at the Boat Yard.  We walked around the little town and the pier then we drove the Slea Head loop around the Dingle Peninsula. We stopped by the Ross Castle in Killarney on our way home. Later that night the boys made us “Irish Nachos” which was a fantastic way to end our day!

Day 3 – Round 2 of delicious crepes and nutella; we stuffed our faces and got a late start to our scenic Ring of Kerry drive. This is noted as the most famous visitor attraction in Ireland outside of Dublin.  The drive was long and windy, but the views were captivating making it worth it! We stopped in the quaint town of Cahersiveen and ate at Café Siveen (yummy carrot cake and bites). Our next stop – the Kerry Cliffs, which have the best view of the Skelligs and Puffin Islands on the Skelling Ring. Then we roamed the beach in Ballinskelligs before heading to Kenmare where we stopped at the Purple Heather for soup, salad and beers. On the last leg of the drive we stopped at Ladies View and  Moll’s Gap. Then finally back home sweet home in Killarney where myself and Jenni stayed in for the night, while the others hit up the centrum for more time at The Laurels.

A week later Nico, Jenni and Leo arrived in Amsterdam to spend one more long weekend (after being in Scotland). We were also joined by our other friend Ryan Bukstein. He happened to be in London for work and rerouted his flight home through Amsterdam. Also my childhood friend Marisa Rosati happened to be in town for her graduate program, so she stopped by on Friday and joined us and our friends for pizza and beers. It was great catching up with Marisa - so many great memories!  Saturday and Sunday were spent exploring, eating, drinking and witnessing a beautiful sunset! We sure miss you guys already - thanks for making the visit out. Come back anytime!

In other news - I recently was accepted in the Teacher Training Program for Vinyasa at Yoga Moves in Utrecht.  My 200 hour training will start in the end of July.  Wish me luck as I prepare myself this summer.  Namaste!  ;)

Oh, What a December

For this year's Christmas Market season we returned to Cologne, Germany with many friend in tow, including Eric Nelson who just moved to Warsaw. A short drive, amazing eats, tasty drinks and absolutely beautiful back drop of the Kolner Dom Cathedral easily makes this Christmas Market a big favorite. Teia was a super trooper even in the wake of developing pink eye. We still managed to have a blast despite our little hospital intermission.

Christmas parties always seem to keep us busy during this time of year - definitely not complaining just concerned about the insane amount of guzzling and gluttony! Our friends Leslie and Nate hosted a nice gathering with our Amsterdam family!

Kirk's work also threw a huge party themed Goth Glam - feel free to imagine what that means but in case you need help here is a picture of Kirk's interpretation!

The Friday before we left for the US, W+K put on their own version of a Christmas Market - raising funds for Philippines disaster relief. This market included food, drinks, games, plenty of art, jewelry and my favorite - massages!  We managed to get a great pic together as a family as well - thanks Dario and Malia.

Recently Kirk participated in a roundtable discussion about advertising put on by Campaign Magazine. You can read the write-up here, and see a little video interview of Kirk here.

Teia behaved herself for her second 11 hour flight to the US. It was easy breezy thanks to the iPad and her attention to movies! When we landed my mom picked us up at the airport and took us to Ryan's place up north. There we were greeted by Ryan, Nicole, Sharon and Brad. We spent a few days in Lynnwood celebrating our own version of early Christmas before driving east to Thorp, WA to Kirk's family farm! Most times when we are at the farm the grounds are covered in snow but this year was a bit warmer giving us a chance to really enjoy the clear blue skies, crisp cool air, and shimmering gold land.

Our first night was spent getting in some good Grandma/Great Grandparents quality time. Kirk and I stepped out for a joy ride in the Polaris and sped across the farm to his Aunt's home. We played a bit with their miniature donkeys - so in love!

That evening we had a lovely dinner at Susan and Jeff's - always a blast at the Slothowers!

Midweek we made our way back to Seattle and stayed with Emily and Kai. Emily hosted a girl gathering so that I could see old friends from college and introduce them to Teia and also meet their little ones for the first time! It was such a blast and feels like not one thing has changed - besides the obvious, having children. Emily and Kai also hosted another Christmas party so we could continue to spend more time with friends! Thanks, Em & Kai, for taking us in once again and for planning so many great parties! The next day we met up with some friends who recently moved back to Washington from Amsterdam (Scott & Jo) - it was awesome to catch up! Later that evening we spent some time at the Buri's gathering with TKE alum and their families.

We spent the remainder of our trip at my family's cabin.  So much good food, rounds of Cards Against Humanity, walks around the island, time on the beach, opening Christmas gifts, visits from friends & family, and catching up on movies and shows. A really relaxing week and a good way to end our holiday travel!

Kirk got out for day of golfing and we received some visits from my Aunt and cousin, Uncle Daryl, Karey and Lisa, Scott and Johanna, Lisa and River, and Eric and Becky made a trip out. We always are so appreciative of friends/family taking the time to visit us.

Our flight home was actually a breeze. We were a bit nervous about the flight since Teia had been battling the flu/teething/and new found independence, but she actually sat quietly on our laps, watched movies and even took advantage of the baby bassinet (I didn't think she could use that again).

New Year's Eve was celebrated with the Haley's, enchiladas and candy cane cheese cake! We had a lovely low key evening adjusting to the jet lag, returning after 2 weeks and catching up with friends we missed! Thanks for celebrating with us!