We have something fun planned for Sunday-the Drakenboot Festival in Tilburg! We were invited by our beloved friends from P&D Care (our expat relo company) to participate. My husband is going to row, and instead of being the drum-beater (which I would seriously love), I’m going to stay on shore and mind the boys. I suppose that’s for the best since the kids are probably too young to row anyhow.
Doesn’t that look like fun? The forecast isn’t looking too spectacular (a lot of rain, truth be told) but I think the boys are going to go nuts. Add the fact that their dad is going to be rowing and they’ll be over the moon. We’ve never been to anything like this before and can’t wait.
Last weekend was a bust with going to Maastricht for an expat run- B came down with a fever the night before and although he was better in the morning, I decided it wasn’t a good idea. Here’s hoping that this weekend everyone is healthy and the rain isn’t too much of an issue. Heck, if we’ve learned anything from out time here it’s to be prepared with rain boots, rain coats and umbrellas. Here’s hoping I have some fun pictures to share from the race.
Have you ever done this? Tips welcome!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Video and Image taken from the Drakenboot Festival webpage.
I was asked to participate in this ‘Capturing Color’ challenge the other day and was very flattered. First, because I was asked by an extremely talented IGer herself, Reeta of House of Anaïs. It makes you feel good when someone sees your stuff and tells you they like it. I don’t consider myself a photographer- but I do like to think I have an eye to capture some of the quirkiness of life once in a while.
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I do a lot of comparisons between Europe and the United States. I talk about how this or that is better than you, and what I don’t miss. However, you are our home. You’re a part of me and my children. You will always remain our base even if we are technically without a house. Today is the perfect day to describe the many simple reasons why I love you.
Yesterday was my husband’s 35th birthday. It was his first one celebrated here and he told me a little about the Dutch customs for birthdays after experiencing it at the office. There’s the whole ‘birthday person treats’ thing, the offer of congratulations and of course, the kissing. All in all not a bad way to spend the day he said- being kissed three times by over 15 women.
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When we knew that we were really going to give this whole thing a go and move, I stopped decorating the house. I quit buying ‘decor’ items, refrained from purchasing a new set of sheets, and resisted the overwhelming feeling to replace the pillows on the couch. Additionally I slowly sold off the majority of our stuff on Craigslist and in garage sales. Since we moved here in October of 2012- that means I stopped buying ‘stuff” approximately a year prior. I’ve talked before about how ‘less is more‘ and yadda yadda- but y’all. I MISS it. I miss adding things to our house.
The irony- I bought this yesterday. But still, the message rings true.
I have a few favorite Dutch words. And from what I have read on other Dutch expat blogs and websites they’re pretty common ones to like/love/hate/end up confused by. If you’re familiar with Dutch sayings this will probably be old-hat to you- but since I think I am wearing out my Facebook welcome with the friends and fam back home and funny Dutch-isims I thought I’d do a post on a few of my favorite words in Dutch. Even if I don’t say them correctly.
Can I just wave this? Wait- what IS this?
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Once again I’m linking up with Katja at Skimbaco Lifestyle and some other fine travel bloggers for Instagram Travel Thursday. Check them all out- you might be inspired to visit someplace new and learn some great tips for your own IG photos. I took one of Katja’s recent tips and checked out the hashtag of where we’re going next-another Center Parc.
After many weeks of the boys begging and pleading- we booked a second trip to a Center Parc here in Europe. Our first experience was at Trois Forêts in Moselle, France over the winter- and it was a HUGE hit. Center Parcs are a very popular attraction, and no wonder. They truly have something for everyone in the family. I have yet to see anything like this in the US, which is a shame. These are incredible!
Main building Center Parc Trois Forêts Moselle, France
I’m obsessed with the weather. For as long as I can remember- I associated places, people and times in my life with what the weather was like. I’ve lived in extremes of both kinds- frigid winters in the UP of Michigan and Montana- as well as the scorching, sweltering never-ending summers of South Carolina. So when my husband first brought up the idea of moving here to the Tilburg, Netherlands area- my first question to him was predictably: ‘What’s the weather like?’.
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When the boys were little we loved sleep sacks. Additionally, the twins still use comfort blankets on the cusp of 3 years old during naps and bedtime. I see the value in quality sleep bedding for our kids for sure, so when I was contacted by Roel (a native Dutchman) about his company Zizzz and their products, I really wanted to share them with you guys. The Swiss really know what they’re doing when it comes to just about everything- why not cozy sleeping bags too?
“Welcome back.. welcome back, welcome back, welcome baaaaack.”
Not quite. I’m talking about welcoming back the season of colds and flu.
We all know that the return to school comes with the return of runny noses, barfing bellies and fear-inducing fevers. Here we are, about three weeks in and I can officially say it’s back-to-school season since I have a sick child at home. Oh my gosh- it seems like last sick season just ended. Did we really just have three whole months snot-free?! Welcome back! The season of sickness is upon us!
Our top shelf.
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