From Winter to Summer

After our epic trip in South Africa, us girls settled down and got back into our daily routine while Kirk flew off to the next part of his sabbatical in Vietnam and Laos. And I got back to reconnecting with my friends, spending time with my mom, and trying to get through the last bit of winter.

In Vietnam Kirk visited Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, and Saigon. And in Laos he spent almost a week soaking up Luang Prabang. All of the places were beautiful with amazing people, food and culture. Kirk spent most of the trip traveling on his own, but was joined by Ryan Keyrouse for a long weekend spent hiking, biking and eating; and Dave, Kai & Matt came out for a week of golf at the end of his trip.

Kirk even managed to squeeze in a quick 8 hour tour of Hong Kong during a layover on his way back home.

While Kirk was in SE Asia my mom came out to Amsterdam to visit, and more importantly help me with the kids. The weather was cold and rainy most days but that didn't stop us from getting out for Starbucks runs and walks around town. The girls had a lot of fun and quality time with their Grandma Di Di! Once Kirk returned my mom and I jetted off to Ivalo in Northern Finland to experience the lovely Lapland. Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland. Some say it is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland.

We had the perfect Finnish experience at the lovely Saariselka-Muotka Wilderness Lodge. Walking around the grounds it was quiet, freezing cold, covered in snow, and occasionally we would catch a glimpse of a wild reindeer sprinting by. Our little lodge was cozy and had it's own sauna and the main lodge where everybody got together for meals and sitting around the fireplace was bustling with people from all over the world. The grounds are surrounded by Finland's two largest parks— Lemmenjoki National Park and Urho Kekkonen National Park. A lot of travelers come to this destination for adventure during the day and lounging around in the comfy cottage and sauna at night. Our first night we settled in with a delicious meal of poronkäristys (traditional lapland dish consisting of sautéed reindeer), and finished our meal with a napue gin and tonic. We retreated back to our cottage and I quickly hopped into the sauna and attempted to "roll in the snow"......which was me stepping outside and placing my toes on our snow-covered porch and ran back inside. I am not brave enough to pull off Finnish sauna customs.

The resort provided lots of outings like husky and reindeer rides, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, and of course viewing the northern lights. We set our hearts on a 5 hour snowmobile excursion (round trip 30 kilometers).  I had the liberty of driving the snowmobile while my mom sat on the back. Our large group was led by two guides as we rode through the national park on prepared tracks.  It was breathtakingly beautiful. For our first pit-stop we had vegetable soup and coffee at a little lodge and then off to the next stop to see the reindeers. We toured the reindeer farm and got a little lesson on reindeers before going on a quick reindeer sleigh ride. For fun we all attempted to lasso antlers (not on an animal). After making our way back to our lodge we had another tasty meal and tried out some Lapin Kulto (beer) and Chymos Minttu and hot chocolate (mint liquor).

Our final day we strolled around the area. I can still hear the cracking of fresh snow beneath my boots. The air was dry and had a bit of a burn but it was fresh and clear. We were scheduled to do a Northern Lights ride, but the weather conditions had poor visibility. So instead we had a lazy day by the fireplace in the main lodge with more spiked hot chocolate, yatzhee and meeting some nice people. Finland you were worth the wait and I am so happy I got to experience you with my mother.

Kirk went to Madrid and Warsaw for a couple work meetings. Tapas and pierogi all around!

It's been about 6 years since the last time the Amsterdam canals froze over. Last time I walked across the frozen canal I was newly pregnant with Teia. Now our family of four had the opportunity to place our feet on the barely iced-over canal. It was a quick trip because not even 30 seconds later the politie drove by demanding everyone get off the canal. You could actually see the ice move up and down as you walked!

To escape frozen Amsterdam, and get a bit of inspiration, Kirk's work sent him to SXSW in Austin. After arriving Kirk quickly came down with a bad flu, but an all-in IV at the IV Bar made him feel well enough to take in the festival—seeing talks, exhibits, and endless amounts of BBQ and Mexican food. And best of all, he got to spend some time with Cousin Brett!

This always seems to happen—we have no guests for a while and then out of nowhere everyone shows up at the same time! Our dear friends Ben and Erica were in town from Madrid. It was wonderful meeting up for a bite to eat, and a drink in their old stomping grounds! Later the Haley's popped over from London. We had a lovely weekend of catching up and hitting our favorite spots—Loetje and Cantinetta. Thanks for coming out Courtney and Michael! Unfortunately everyone seemed to be getting some bug (I was pretty ill the day before they arrived) and slowly some sort of virus picked off everyone. It was brutal and what led me to being ill for nearly 3 months.

Shortly after that, Kirk's cousin Savannah and aunt Becky arrived on the final leg of their European tour (following Savannah's semester abroad). We were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Savannah's 21st birthday at the Duchess (thanks Becky). It's always so wonderful to have family in town!

And our last guest for the winter season was our lovely friend, and practically family and old roomie Nicole came out with her friend for a short stay before going to Ireland. It was so great catching up and the girls really enjoyed their time with you, Nicole. Come back anytime!

For Easter this year we participated in what is now our annual Alley-Egg-Hunt at the Keyrouse's.  The kids ran around frantic looking for eggs. We had a lekker meal and stayed all day long. Thanks again for celebrating with our family!

I was fortunate enough to host Becky's baby shower at the Bakkerswinkel for High Tea (same place Courtney hosted my shower when I was pregnant with Colette). A couple weeks later Becky and Eric welcomed Theodore to the world.  Congratulations Nelson Family - he's a keeper!

This year for Koningsspelen (King's Games) I volunteered for the school and was in charge of pin the crown on the King and Queen (just like pin the tail on the donkey), Spijkerpoepen and Koekhappen.  I didn't realize this last year but Koningsspelen is a new event since 2013.  It's a way to promote healthy exercise and eating.  Most primary schools participate in the event which includes a yummy breakfast, fun old and new games and of course the Kinderen voor Kinderen synchronized dance (this year to Fitlala). Kinderen voor Kinderen reminds me of Mickey Mouse Club. This very old Dutch game called "Spijkerpoepen" which means nail pooping was pretty hilarious. Basically the children tie a string around their waste with a piece of the string hanging from your behind.  On the end of the string is a nail and you have to try to get the nail into a bottle on the floor.  And the last game that I helped lead was "Koekhappen" which mean cake bites.   A piece of cake is attached on a thread and the children have to try to bite the cake while their hands are behind their backs. We did this blindfolded.  It was a blast to volunteer and Teia had fun running around for the day!

For King's Eve this year we rented a boat with Paap and drifted through the canals for a night of drinking and celebrating with friends. The next day, King's Day, we had a brunch at Shaun and Courtney's before taking the littles to Vondel Park. We walked around for a bit before heading back with the group to our place for some take-out. King's Day is far different with kids that's for sure but we still have a fun time watching all the crazies take over the city and canals wearing bright orange from head to toe!

                                          

My friend Ali was in town from London for King's Day and to celebrate her birthday. We partied the day away with her close friends from Amsterdam and also friends she brought along from London.  Thanks for the fun day of boating, drinking and dancing! Happy Birthday Ali!

For Mei Vakantie we stuck around for the 2-week holiday while Kirk traveled to London and Milan. We made it out to the Voorlinden Museum. It is a must if you haven't been. The permanent exhibitions are super cool and the kids loved it. My favorite exhibit being "Couple Under An Umbrella".

The weather has been exceptionally warm for Amsterdam so we've been taking advantage of being outside and hitting up some splash pads, parking it up, and picnicking with friends. The highlight for me was the kids swimming in the pond at the Rijks Museum.

                                          

For my 38th birthday Kirk and I went to dinner at Jappaner; and the next day Kirk left for Sofia, Bulgaria to speak at a tech conference called Digital K. You can see the talk on this LINK.

I took Teia and Colette and some of their friends to Mini Disco. This was Colette's first Mini Disco and I thought for sure that she would cling to me the whole time but instead our little crazy lady insisted on being on the stage for her debut.

When Kirk got back from Sofia we went to dinner with Eric and Becky at Narbonne for my birthday: a hole-in-the-wall tapas bar that I have been walking by for YEARS and never tried out.  It was so delicious—thanks for the tip, Becky! After dinner we met up with friends at Waterkant to continue the birthday celebrations! Thanks for the love everyone. Shortly after my 38th birthday I played in an all day soccer tournament with my women's team. It was awesome and we got 3rd place - still got it!!!

Then the Gillman's came out to visit! It's been about 2 years since we have seen this fabulous family.  I met Melanie at Bizzie Lizzie's (preschool for Teia and Mel's daughter London). It was so surreal to have them back. It was an action-packed week filled with boat trips, dinners, a little Beyonce/JayZ, sleepover for the girls, and a high tea moment! Can't express how happy we are to see these cuties and make more beautiful memories together!

This end of the school year brings some sadness as Teia and Coco are saying goodbye to three of their dear friends - Julian, Frankie and Lennon.  I am also experiencing a huge loss as their mama is also one of my dearest and sweetest friend. I will miss you so much Jess. Yes, it comes with the territory of living the expat life that you will meet really special people and develop unique bonds and closeness in such a short time, but I would take every second with you, even if it means not being able to see your smiley face in person for some time. I am confident that our paths will cross again on the other side of the pond and I can't wait to see where life takes all of us!

Teia had her first sleepover at best friend Matilda's house!  We had a lovely evening hanging out with their family before heading home and leaving Teia behind for her big night! She loved it! We followed it up a week later with Teia's first sleepover at our place (with Matilda, of course).

For Father's Day Kirk had a last-minute opportunity to go to the World Cup in Moscow to see Mexico play Germany. He sat in the Mexico section and wore a Mexico shirt with his name on it—Mexico fan for a day! Mexico ended up beating Germany which was a major upset and made for an amazing atmosphere. Top it all off with some great meals and sightseeing and it's safe to say Kirk had a pretty stellar Father's Day, even if he was missing his girls.

Recently we had a huge moment in Colette's life—her first day of Voorschool, and Mona-Liesje.  Voorschool is for 2.5-4 year olds and it's in Dutch. It's her first major introduction into being in a school setting and for her to learn the local language. She handled me leaving like a champ (well there were some tears), and was definitely ready to start. I just can't believe we are at this stage. I've had her at home with me this whole time—no daycare—so it will be an adjustment for me too!  We are also happy to see Juf Jamila and Bina (and new teacher Fatima) are all still at Mona-Liesje!

After Moscow, Kirk went to Cannes for the advertising industry's big awards festival. Kirk had a great time, blending media interviews and biz dev meetings, with rosé wine and dips in the sea! But more important than any of that, Kirk won the most coveted award in Cannes—the hamburger trophy. He couldn't be more proud.