Green Venice of the North

A few weeks ago we went with the Smiths to a small village called Giethoorn. Giethoorn is known as the 'Green Venice of the North'. Is is set along a series of canals which is the primary means of transportation just like Venice. You can't drive a car into town. You either walk, bike or do as the locals and take a boat. So we did as the locals, we rented a boat. It was so much fun. Bailee and Chase loved being the captian. They would take turns steering the boat. At one point we were passing a larger boat. We were on the wrong side of the canal (like being on the wrong side of the road) and the driver of the other boat thought for sure we were from England. We all got a good laugh out of that one. Giethoorn is absolutely beautiful. It looks like something straight out of a storybook.

Since we were in the area we drove to another small village called Staphorst. Staphorst is a strict religious community where you can see the traditional dress and customs of the people. They do not approve of riding bikes on Sundays (remember bikes are the prime source of transportation like a car). They tolerate visitors on weekdays but do not want their picture taken. Jon, being the risk-taker, took a picture of a lady in traditional dress while her back was turned. While driving around Straphorst we came to a Demolition Derby. We were so excited we jumped out of our cars to go take a look. The Derby was almost over but I couldn't believe what I was seeing around me. The locals were all drinking beer and throwing the bottles on the ground and the little kids would come along and pick them up. Also, most of the men were wearing their holland clogs. They reminded us of what you would see at a rodeo with all the men wearing cowboy boots. It was nice to get out in the country and see what life is really like in the Netherlands. Doesn't it make you want to come visit?!

Antwerp, Belgium

The second part of our trip we spent in Antwerp, Belgium. According to folklore, and as celebrated by the statue in front of the town hall, the city got its name from a legend involving a mythical giant called Antigoon who lived near the river Scheldt. He exacted a toll from those crossing the river, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river Scheldt. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, in dutch meaning hand throwing.

I LOVED Antwerp. Not sure exactly why. We explored the old part of Antwerp by horse and buggy. We also bought some famous Belgium Chocolates (which are fabulous and in my freezer so I don't eat them all!). We didn't go over in to the diamond district (Jon seemed to avoid that part of town pretty good). Since it's only a hour and half from home I will be making another trip to see all the diamonds. Anyone want to go with me?!

Gent, Belgium

We were suppose to be going to Vienna, Austria this particular weekend but due to the airline we booked our flights with going out of business (long, sad story) we decided to go Belgium. Our first night we stayed in Gent. Gent is another old town with very old buildings (just like everything in Europe). There was a festival going on. It was fun walking around and seeing the locals participating. We walked down one street and came to a band of two clowns with (I think) geese following behind them. It was hilarious. Those birds followed the clown everywhere he went. If the clown turned the corner so did those birds. It was amazing and hilarious all at the same time!

Curtis & Melissa

On Saturday, September 12, 2009 my brother Curtis and his wife Melissa were sealed together in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Oquirrh Mountain Temple in Utah. I'm so excited for them! Since I couldn't be there with them I decided to dedicate this spot of my blog to them. Curtis and Melissa (between the two of them) have 5 beautiful children: Kaleb, Hunter, Saxton, Bergen and Kinsey. Curtis and Melissa have been married for 2 years. Melissa has been a great blessing in our family. She is so much fun and keeps my brother in line (which is a full-time job!). Curtis is an awesome brother. (I'm getting teary eyed!) He gives the best hugs and always tells me how much he loves me! He is very funny and is so much fun to be around. When I moved home from college to help take care of my mother Curtis lived just a few blocks away. I would find myself sitting in his front room chatting nearly every night. There were also many moments just him, my mom and I would sit on my moms bed listening to her tell us how much she loved us. We've shared some tender moments together! He has taught me so much about friendship and being a true friend. He would want me to tell you he has HUGE muscles and looks very intimidating (but underneath all the muscle is a big, soft teddy bear!). I love Curtis and Melissa to death! I'm so glad they have taken the step to become an Eternal Family. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Curtis, Melissa, Saxton, Bergen and Kinsey outside the Temple.

Kaleb and Hunter (not able to be at the temple)

*For those wondering what does it mean to be sealed in the temple? There are many ordinances performed in the temple. One temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make. For more information click here.

Things That Make You Go . . . . Hmmm

Jon and I have been getting up every morning at 5:30 a.m. to go running. We feel Bailee is old enough to watch the kids while we do this and earn a little bit of babysitting money. Every morning we get home and the house is quiet and they are all still asleep. Well, this particular morning Jon and I opened the door and the house was still quiet. I thought they were all still asleep. I rounded the corner and came in to the front room and saw this

Hmmm. I grabbed the camera. Let me remind you, this is 6:45 a.m! They weren't arguing, watching television, playing on the computer or the Wii. They were nicely sitting on the couch each reading a book. Not sure what Talynn is reading (she has a chapter book with NO pictures) but she was content and enjoying herself. Again, I go Hmmm and let them read until 7:15 when we need to be getting ready for school. I gave Bailee an extra Euro this day. I think she deserved it!