Our buddy Eric was in town from Poland for a meeting so he stayed with us a for a few days. Teia soaked up every ounce of his attention - she really loves when we have guests. During this time our other friend Will was in Amsterdam for a quick meeting so we managed to have dinner together which is always a nice treat!
For King's Day we kept it really simple this year. The chaos of the city and having a 2 year old can put a bit of a damper on the festivities but we managed to get out to our friend Janna's for some Bloody Mary's and good eats. Thanks for having us over, Janna & Thijs! Later in the afternoon Kirk met up with some friends, ate some street meat, and soaked up the King's Day sun.
A couple weeks later we went to see Odesza (Seattle based band) at a new venue: Paradiso en de Tolhuistuin. Our friends Fran and Colin joined us for a night of drinks and dancing. The venue is pretty cool - really intimate and just a passenger ferry ride away where we could soak up the sun and fresh air on the terrace. It was a great night!
We celebrated Mother's Day with breakfast burritos and crumpets with blueberries and maple syrup - yum!!! Afterwards we took advantage of the sunny day and went to a nearby park before grabbing an icy treat! I love my family - I love being a mom - and I love being Teia's mom. Thank you my Sweet T.
Sadly, our dear friend Mandy (who lived in Amsterdam with her husband Matt) suffered a stroke while in the very late stages of her pregnancy. She had been having headaches and went into the doctor. Before having her MRI, she suffered a stroke and they had to immediately perform a c-section (baby Dean is fine and healthy) before rushing her off to surgery. After a major surgery and recovery we are happy to report that Mandy is on the mend and kicking some serious butt. We are blown away by her strength and courage. She is truly an inspiration and such a strong mama. We love you Mandy, Matt and baby boy Dean. Big thoughts and prayers with you always!
In early May we drove to Lille, France and met up with friends Eric and Becky (from Warsaw) and Courtney, Juliana and Michael (Amsterdam) for a little holiday. We stayed in the old town at a quaint apartment. The boys golfed each day as the ladies lounged around. We walked around the town, shopped a bit, and had some really tasty meals - crepes, pizza, Vietnamese and even Mexican. Lille is a darling town - very quiet during this holiday - perfect for taking it easy!
Later on in May, Kirk went to Barcelona for a week for a shoot. Lucky for him the weather was beautiful and he was able to squeeze in one day of soaking it in amongst a busy work schedule. He also got to meet the greatest footballer of all time - Pele! Kirk said he was a very kind and charismatic, a real legend.
While Kirk was in Barcelona, my girlfriend Alison was in town from London. So for old time's sake we went on Paap's boat for a relaxing tour around the canals. The early afternoon was a bit chilly but finally the sun came out and we enjoyed the rest of our ride. Afterward we had frites and bloody mary's at Cafe George. So happy to spend some much needed time with Ali and loved hearing about her new app Zeblist - an app that helps you organize and share your favorite places/recommendations with friends and family. Check it out when you get a chance! Proud of you Alison - congrats on the launch!
I hosted a little sprinkle for Courtney - she was due at the end of June with her 2nd girl. We celebrated the occasion at College Hotel for some yummy high tea and bubbles. Update: Courtney had her sweet girl on Sunday, June 14th. Lillian Grace is happy, healthy and just the cutest little girl. Congrats Courtney, Michael and Juliana!
While I was hosting the baby shower our college friend Devin had a quick stop in Amsterdam before heading off to Belgium and then Africa. It was so great seeing Devin (who currently lives in Washington, DC). Hope to see you again in August!
Every year Kirk's work hosts a party to celebrate the founding of the agency - aka Founders Day. This year they rented out a hay barn type place and held a 'hillbilly' themed event. The costumes were hilarious, and the day was a blast - punctuated by a mechanical bull (that anyone could operate), beer pong, volleyball, and line dancing on tables.
Teia is finishing up voorschool at Mona-Liesje for the summer holiday. She is super active, fun, sassy and loves to constantly dance, sing, socialize, you name it! Looking forward to running around this city with her this summer!
Another year goes by and I am officially 35! On my actually birthday, May 29th, we stayed in the for the night and ordered delivery from The Butcher - amazing flavorful burgers and fries.
A week later we gathered with a group of friends at my friend Erika's shop A Loja Portuguese Delicatessen. She cooked up a succulent meal paired with bubbles, salad, tuna and sardine pate, yummy cheesy dip, balcalhau, arroz de pato, Portuguese wine, port and chocolate cake. It was a spectacular evening and the perfect way to celebrate the big 3-5. Feeling blessed!
For Father's Day we spent the day lounging around the house watching the US Open (which actually was in my hometown Tacoma at Chamber's Bay). I made some bacon and egg cups (very tasty) and we also snacked on some home-baked peach pie. That afternoon we walked around Amsterdam and did a little shopping. Happy Father's Day Kirk!
Kirk went to Cannes, France for the big annual advertising awards show. As usual, hot weather, sand, water, food and rose' were in bountiful supply. Kirk and his team also won some awards - which is great!
Nelly also came to town again for a short stay. We always love when Nelly has to head to our hood for work. He also managed to get out on a little boat trip with Kirk and his coworkers - so hopefully he enjoyed his time here.
Also, we are proud to announce that we are pregnant and due in mid-December. We are beyond excited to expand our little family and give Teia the Big Sister title. Currently, we are prepping Teia for little transitions - new bed/bedroom, becoming a big sister, potty training.....the list goes on and on. Definitely have a busy summer ahead of us filled with major milestones and special family time with just the three of us!
For King's Day we kept it really simple this year. The chaos of the city and having a 2 year old can put a bit of a damper on the festivities but we managed to get out to our friend Janna's for some Bloody Mary's and good eats. Thanks for having us over, Janna & Thijs! Later in the afternoon Kirk met up with some friends, ate some street meat, and soaked up the King's Day sun.
A couple weeks later we went to see Odesza (Seattle based band) at a new venue: Paradiso en de Tolhuistuin. Our friends Fran and Colin joined us for a night of drinks and dancing. The venue is pretty cool - really intimate and just a passenger ferry ride away where we could soak up the sun and fresh air on the terrace. It was a great night!
We celebrated Mother's Day with breakfast burritos and crumpets with blueberries and maple syrup - yum!!! Afterwards we took advantage of the sunny day and went to a nearby park before grabbing an icy treat! I love my family - I love being a mom - and I love being Teia's mom. Thank you my Sweet T.
Sadly, our dear friend Mandy (who lived in Amsterdam with her husband Matt) suffered a stroke while in the very late stages of her pregnancy. She had been having headaches and went into the doctor. Before having her MRI, she suffered a stroke and they had to immediately perform a c-section (baby Dean is fine and healthy) before rushing her off to surgery. After a major surgery and recovery we are happy to report that Mandy is on the mend and kicking some serious butt. We are blown away by her strength and courage. She is truly an inspiration and such a strong mama. We love you Mandy, Matt and baby boy Dean. Big thoughts and prayers with you always!
In early May we drove to Lille, France and met up with friends Eric and Becky (from Warsaw) and Courtney, Juliana and Michael (Amsterdam) for a little holiday. We stayed in the old town at a quaint apartment. The boys golfed each day as the ladies lounged around. We walked around the town, shopped a bit, and had some really tasty meals - crepes, pizza, Vietnamese and even Mexican. Lille is a darling town - very quiet during this holiday - perfect for taking it easy!
Later on in May, Kirk went to Barcelona for a week for a shoot. Lucky for him the weather was beautiful and he was able to squeeze in one day of soaking it in amongst a busy work schedule. He also got to meet the greatest footballer of all time - Pele! Kirk said he was a very kind and charismatic, a real legend.
While Kirk was in Barcelona, my girlfriend Alison was in town from London. So for old time's sake we went on Paap's boat for a relaxing tour around the canals. The early afternoon was a bit chilly but finally the sun came out and we enjoyed the rest of our ride. Afterward we had frites and bloody mary's at Cafe George. So happy to spend some much needed time with Ali and loved hearing about her new app Zeblist - an app that helps you organize and share your favorite places/recommendations with friends and family. Check it out when you get a chance! Proud of you Alison - congrats on the launch!
I hosted a little sprinkle for Courtney - she was due at the end of June with her 2nd girl. We celebrated the occasion at College Hotel for some yummy high tea and bubbles. Update: Courtney had her sweet girl on Sunday, June 14th. Lillian Grace is happy, healthy and just the cutest little girl. Congrats Courtney, Michael and Juliana!
While I was hosting the baby shower our college friend Devin had a quick stop in Amsterdam before heading off to Belgium and then Africa. It was so great seeing Devin (who currently lives in Washington, DC). Hope to see you again in August!
Every year Kirk's work hosts a party to celebrate the founding of the agency - aka Founders Day. This year they rented out a hay barn type place and held a 'hillbilly' themed event. The costumes were hilarious, and the day was a blast - punctuated by a mechanical bull (that anyone could operate), beer pong, volleyball, and line dancing on tables.
Teia is finishing up voorschool at Mona-Liesje for the summer holiday. She is super active, fun, sassy and loves to constantly dance, sing, socialize, you name it! Looking forward to running around this city with her this summer!
Another year goes by and I am officially 35! On my actually birthday, May 29th, we stayed in the for the night and ordered delivery from The Butcher - amazing flavorful burgers and fries.
A week later we gathered with a group of friends at my friend Erika's shop A Loja Portuguese Delicatessen. She cooked up a succulent meal paired with bubbles, salad, tuna and sardine pate, yummy cheesy dip, balcalhau, arroz de pato, Portuguese wine, port and chocolate cake. It was a spectacular evening and the perfect way to celebrate the big 3-5. Feeling blessed!
Kirk went to Cannes, France for the big annual advertising awards show. As usual, hot weather, sand, water, food and rose' were in bountiful supply. Kirk and his team also won some awards - which is great!
Nelly also came to town again for a short stay. We always love when Nelly has to head to our hood for work. He also managed to get out on a little boat trip with Kirk and his coworkers - so hopefully he enjoyed his time here.
Also, we are proud to announce that we are pregnant and due in mid-December. We are beyond excited to expand our little family and give Teia the Big Sister title. Currently, we are prepping Teia for little transitions - new bed/bedroom, becoming a big sister, potty training.....the list goes on and on. Definitely have a busy summer ahead of us filled with major milestones and special family time with just the three of us!
