Road Trip

On Saturday we decided to take a drive. We ended up in North Holland. Here are some pictures of stuff we saw along the way.

This is a professional football (soccer) team. We didn't know anything about them but decided to stop and take a look at them practicing. When we got home we googled them and found out they are ranked #3 in the world. Wow, GO AZ! Jon and Chase bought hats so they can support the local team.

Someone told us that if it's raining in the city, it's sunny at the beach. We didn't believe them but, as you can see, it's true. It was still cold and of course Talynn wanted her swimsuit on but the kids had a great time.

Here are some flower fields. The yellow flowers are Daffodils. The white and purple are crocus (sp?). The flowers tucked under the plastic are Tulips. The farmer is trying to help them beat the cold and get growing. These pictures don't do it justice. We were in total awe. It was just amazing to look out your window and see rows and rows of flowers. Truly breathtaking. I can't wait until all the tulips are in bloom!

This is one of the many dikes of the Netherlands. As you know, the Netherlands is below sea level. The monument we found pretty funny. It's a guy bending over placing a rock. We climbed a tower and took the picture of the road heading off to no where. It actually swings around and meets back up with the other side of North Holland.

BTW, if you are wondering why the kids have paint on their faces. Well, on Saturdays at McDonalds they have face painting. We thought it was all great until Sunday morning when we were trying to wash it off so we could go to church. I think Chase still went with a hint of red.

P.S. I'm really bugged with Blogger right now. I had the pictures all nice in groups and go to publish and it turns out a mess. I've tried for 45 minutes to fix it and it just keeps looking worse. BUG ME!!!!

Best Mom EVER!!!

I think the picture pretty much explains why I got the biggest hugs from my children tonight and was told I was the best mom EVER!

If your wondering, what, American food, could it really be? Yep! We are in Heaven! There is a family at church who are retired military. They can get American food from the military base which is about an hour from here. They are moving and took one last trip to the store just for us! They know what it's like to move out of country and miss the food. I didn't tell the kids the food was coming until it was here. They were literally jumping up and down. It was very funny. The best part was they hurried and went to bed thinking the night would go by faster. They can't wait to eat Fruit Loops for breakfast. See, life can be simple.

Our NEW Wheels

How do Bailee and Chase get to and from school?

Yes, the TRAM!

How does Jon get to and from work?

Yes, his new RENAULT!

How does Allison go anywhere and everywhere?

YES, her New UNION FLORA!!!! Including basket, saddle bags and child seat just for Talynn.

Isn't LIFE awesome!!!!!

I bet ya'll are jealous!!!!!

Spring Maybe?

It has been so cold since we arrived in the Netherlands I was starting to wonder if this really is the land of flowers. Well, today was super nice. The sun is out, the birds are chirping and in our front little grass area out popped cute little flowers. Can't wait for all the tulips!

Birthday Bling!

I normally wouldn't post just about myself but I had to show off my birthday gift. Jon surprised me with this beautiful necklace. It's hard to tell but the center six links are diamonds. Don't laugh to hard at the pictures, I took them myself.

Home Sweet Home!

Welcome to Bertha Von Suttnerlaan 91!!! The new place we call HOME! I told you it was small and condo like. We are the second home in the long row of six. We have a small little garden in front (as you can see) and a small garden in the back (I will post pictures of later when the flowers and trees are in bloom.)














I know it looks like we have a garage but it's just a disguise. Those doors are just for looks. The room behind the doors is the laundry room.

We are still in the "trying to find a place for everything" stage. Actually all our stuff isn't here yet. Well, let me clarify. Our stuff is in the Netherlands just hasn't made it through customs. Hopefully once it's all here we will finally feel like this is home. Talynn asked the other day if we could go to her home. I told her this was home. She got a sheepish smile and said, "NO, MY HOME!"

Overall we are doing okay. There hasn't been any major tears shed. The kids like school. Jon and I ask them everyday what was better today then yesterday. They always have something positive to say. We were very concerned with Bailee. I was nervous moving her in the middle of a school year especially with her shyness. Our first Friday here we went to the school to meet the teachers and let the kids meet their class. After Bailee met her class she walked out and said "Mom, I know what girl is going to be my friend." I was a little shocked. I asked her who and she told me in detail what the girl looked like. Both Jon and I noticed her as well but didn't really give it another thought. On Sunday we went to church. I couldn't believe it when this little girl comes walking in that is the same little girl Bailee saw in her school class. They have become instant friends and all my worries and concerns are out the window.
Chase has just fit right in. I knew he would. He has made friends in class and loves going to school. I signed him up to start Basketball in two weeks. Both kids are in swim lessons and love every moment.

I guess all in all we are surviving. I'm very ready for the weather to warm up so Tally and I can venture out more. It has rained almost everyday since we arrived. Plus the wind comes roaring in off the North Sea and freezes us.

Many of you have asked about the food. Well, we are starving!!!! What I would give for a taco at Taco Bell!!!!!! The kids have eaten a lot of cheese sandwichs and for dinner it's been a lot of spagetti. I walk around the grocery store and have no idea what I'm looking at or what to do with it. Everyday I find new stuff. Yesterday I found sour cream and thought I had hit the jackpot! I'm creating a wish list of food or spices I wish I had. Be prepared if any of you come to visit I might send a shopping list of items to bring with you.

The language is coming slowly. I thought I was prepared to converse a little but they talk so fast. I get very nervous so all responses have come out in English. I was a little brave the other day and said a few words to the cashier at the grocery store. My tutor would be very disappointed in me.

Jon's job is going okay. He has been working many hours. He leaves for work around 7:00 a.m. and gets home about 8:00 p.m. He feels like he has a lot to tackle but I know if anyone can do it he can and will. I keep telling him to DELIGATE!!!! I think that is one big thing he needs to learn but last night I over heard him on a phone call from home back to the USA for work and I was very impressed with the way he handled himself and didn't beat around the bush. No wonder we keep moving, he is a good employee.

The past couple weekends we have gone shopping. It was so weird to watch at 5:00 p.m. all the stores closing their doors for the day. Last Saturday we went to IKEA. WOW! What a HUGE store! I think we were in there for a couple of hours. They have a cafeteria inside so we decided to stop and get an ice cream cone. I wouldn't recommend the ice cream. It tasted like very rich whipping cream on a cone. Not so good.

I'll end this post for now since I have written a book. I just wanted to thank all you guys for your support. Thanks to the Goodrich's who are storing our most precious possesions from our home and watching over our home. Thanks to the Johnson's for housing us for two weeks while we were homeless. Thanks to all of you who sent emails and wrote on my facebook wall. I loved reading all of the them last night after the internet was finally hooked up. I have great friends and family and love and miss all of you! For now TOT ZIENS!!!!