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!
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!
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.
