A Trip to Amsterdam

A Trip to Amsterdam

(Fair Warning...this was awhile ago, but the purchasing of a car totally consumed my life, and probably made me pretty grumpy.  I didn't feel like writing.)

After our trip to Paris, I wasn't sure I was ready, or that I wanted to attempt to take the girls on another trip.  Our car ride to Paris was LONG due to the insane traffic, and while we did have fun in Paris, Ryan and I had a HUGE learning curve when it came to dealing with the needs of three totally different girls unaccustomed to travel in Europe.  I was determined Amsterdam was going to be better, but I wasn't holding out hope.  I thought I was prepared for Paris and on many levels, I was.  However, I am not sure that you can prepare the girls for what visiting a city (with Ryan) is really going to be like.  I have had the opportunity to do quite a bit of travel with Ryan, (thank you grandparents!) and have become familiar with how he travels; LOTS of walking, meals might be missed, bathroom breaks are rare, getting lost is normal, and LATE nights.  I tried to bring snacks and remind Ryan of time and needs in Paris, but it just wasn't soon enough and tempers and attitudes got testy at times.  I was bound and determined to not let Amsterdam be this way!

Luckily, the trip was SO MUCH BETTER!  Chloe was in her typical 3 year old hysterical, smart self; which kept us all on our toes.  Rylee, poor thing, had her first bladder infection, and Gwen was happy to be along for the ride.  

Our ride in to Amsterdam was SO much better with the traffic and ease of getting there.  I am convinced my children have gotten a tape worm since we have gotten here or developed a compulsive habit of needing to eat once the get in the car and our car leaves the driveway.  I had plenty of snacks to keep them going.  (success #1)  Instead of the girls all sitting in the same row, we decided to separate them. (success #2) This was first met with the typical, AHHH MOM!  Once, they were in the car and they had their own little space, they were much quieter, and I was a very happy mama!  

When we arrived at the hotel, Ryan went in to check us in and park the car in the hotel garage.  (here is where we take a turn for the worse)  Ryan had spent HOURS attempting to find a place to park in Amsterdam; location, price and safety of the vehicle were are biggest obstacles.  The hotel had a garage and while it was expensive, it was at least safe and close.  However, it was under construction and the hotel neglected to inform us of this until after we had checked in.  Ryan gave up and parked at a garage right behind the hotel.  The cost of parking there was around $75 (usd) per day.  THAT IS INSANE.  After we got everyone and all their stuff up to the hotel room, no simple task I assure you; poor Ryan was being tormented with what to do with the car.  Finally, after much thought he decided we were moving the car 40 walking minutes away, but only $10 per day.  I figured this would be fine as well.  Even though the car was far away, the walk was along where we would be walking each day anyway and it saved a TON of money.  With everyone lined up at the door, Chloe in a stroller, Ryan realizes we don't have the hotel keys to get back in.  So, we begin looking frantically, EVERYWHERE!  We turned the room upside down looking for these stupid key cards.  I am still convinced Chloe hid them.  Right before we had put Chloe in the stroller, Ryan told her Clover (her beloved cow) wasn't going to go with us.  (Let's be honest, as a parent, we know how this goes.  A kid wants to take an item and halfway through the evening you end up walking the streets of a foreign city carrying a stuffed cow.)  She was upset and in an attempt to get ahead of a breakdown, I told her Clover was so tired from the trip, he just wanted to stay in the hotel dresser drawer to rest and play with the princesses that were already in there. And, I did what any sane mother would do.  I held dear Clover to my face and said to him (in a sweet motherly voice),  "You're tired aren't you poor little Clover.  It was such a long drive and you just want to get a little rest.  (insert me kissing a stuffed cow) Here you go little guy.  Just lay here and rest.  If you wake up before we get back, I am sure the princesses would love to play with you."  (me placing Clover into the drawer)  While everyone was looking for the missing keys, Ryan's frustration is escalating (in retrospect, my laughing probably wasn't helping) and Chloe managed to get herself out of the stroller.  I was trying to focus on finding the keys, but I kept listening to Chloe talking to herself.  The conversation went something like this:  "HUMPH!  Clover doesn't want to stay here!  I am going to ask Clover if he wants to stay here!  (Chloe now out of stroller and getting Clover out of the drawer.  Then speaking to Clover in her motherly, sweet voice; mocking me) Clover, you don't want to stay here do you?  You don't even like the princesses.  You don't have to stay here.  You can go with me!"  She then hops back into the stroller with Clover and the keys were finally found.  Clover is going to dinner with us.  Daddy lost the battle. Parking the car went well and the garage was actually much better than we had imagined.  

We ate dinner at a really neat restaurant with no tables.  The girls thought it was a lot of fun.  They said they can't wait to take Poppi there.  

On our first full day there we ate breakfast at this amazing pancake/crepe house.  Rylee ordered a nutella crepe.  It was the largest crepe I have EVER seen and she at the entire thing.

 Gwen ordered a ham and cheese crepe and ate at least 3/4 of it.  I cannot feed these children enough!
The girls were in heaven! Then we headed off for a day of walking and museums.  We went to the Rijks museum to see some paintings.  The girls really enjoyed this.  They were both focusing on art in their studies at school so they were excited to see some of the ideas they were discussing in school right in front of them.  We even Face-Timed with our favorite art teacher from Indiana.

 

 Miss McAtee has instilled such a love of art in Gwen, that Gwen insisted we try and Face-Time her.  It is so WONDERFUL to be able to stay in contact with those that we love and have them be a part of our lives even though we are continents away.

The next day we rented bikes (not my idea) to ride around Amsterdam.  This was the highlight of the trip for Rylee and Gwen.  I am so glad we all lived through the experience.  EVERYONE rides bikes in Amsterdam and people come out from corners you didn't even know existed. Because this was the first time for the girls, we started off in the park.  Once they were comfortable with how the system works (there are traffic lights for bikes) we moved to the streets.  We only caused a few minor bike accidents.  At least there were no injuries.  Chloe was furious that she had to ride in a seat on daddy's bike and reminded us the entire day that she also knew how to ride a bike and could do what we were doing.  Trying to convince this child she isn't as big as she thinks she is a full time job.  And, by big, I mean in size.  They don't have bikes small enough for her for rent.  Even taking her to the shop to see the bikes didn't help.  Clover of course had to go with us.  Daddy looked very cute with Chloe and Clover in tow.

 We had to stop for a restroom break along the way.  We stopped at a McDonald's to get something to drink and use the restroom.  This was the first time the girls encountered a pay restroom.  When they were done, the lady collecting the money gave the girls a piece of candy.  Rylee thought this was awesome and kept insisting she needed to go back to McDonald's to use the restroom.  She said everybody would use the restroom more if they got a candy treat when they were done.  We ended back up in the park to ride around and found a playground that served beer and snacks.  The girls insisted we stop to play.  Ryan insisted we stop for a beer.  After returning our bikes, we had a delicious candlelight dinner by the canal. We all really enjoyed this.  Ryan ordered a desert with strawberries (honestly, he should know better by now) and Chloe insisted she get to have a bite.  The next time I looked over, she had taken his fork from him, then looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Folks, don't try this at home." then promptly ate his desert for him.

On our last day we checked out and ate another delicious breakfast at the pancake house.  After walking around for a bit.  We went down to the canal and saw the flower markets and all the boat houses.  We wanted to see Anne Frank's house, but we just couldn't get there before the line was a three hour wait.  That is not something any of us felt like doing.  We'll be back and go to see it then. Time had come to load the car and head home.  

We had such a wonderful trip with tons of laughter.  I just love these girls and all their creative craziness.  They are constantly making Ryan and I laugh.  I am so thankful this trip went more smooth than our trip to Paris.  I think it helped that we all knew what to expect.  Ryan planned a great trip and we all had so much fun.  It's moments like we had on our trip that remind me why we moved here.  I love watching Ryan getting caught into a web the girls have weaved to get what they want and I love to hear his laughter when he is caught off guard or when he gets caught in their web. I love that Ryan is finally able to show the girls places he has been and give them experiences they have only heard about.  It is wonderful to be a family where everyone is involved in each others'

lives instead of just hearing about the lives the others have lived.

Paris

Paris!

One of the BEST parts about living in Europe is the ability to take quick trips to so many different places.  For the past couple of years Rylee has wanted to see Paris.  If we asked where the girls would like to take a vacation, she would quickly respond with Paris as her desired destination.  Ryan decided we were going to take a quick weekend trip with the girls.  We had such a great time!  We couldn't ask for better weather and the girls really enjoyed the sights.  We did a TON of walking around, they fell in love with a bakery for their croissants, and enjoyed sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower watching the people and the tower light up.

We found Indiana!

We left as soon as the girls got off the bus on a Friday and it ended up taking longer than we expected to because we got stuck in some Friday rush hour traffic, but the girls were troopers through it all.  Once we got checked in, we headed to a late dinner.  Poor Chloe fell asleep before dinner was over.  One of the girls ordered a cheeseburger (very french, I know) and it was the best looking cheeseburger I have ever seen.  Ryan couldn't believe we had all this delicious french food around us and we ended up with a cheeseburger.  We later discovered all the french restaurants are embracing and experimenting with the new hamburgers.  Who knew we were doing the "in" thing!

The next morning we got up and went on a walk to the Louvre.  We had a delicious breakfast of croissants in a park and the girls enjoyed the beautiful flowers and fountains.
We discussed going into the Louvre but the weather was AMAZING so we decided to hold off.  (our new artsy Gwen was disappointed to not see the art.) We know we will be headed back to Paris again and being inside is something we can do when the weather isn't quite so nice.

We also went to see the Eiffel Tower on Saturday.  We had planned on going up in the tower on Sunday, getting there early so we didn't have to wait forever in line, but the line wasn't bad so we decided to go on up.  This is an exhilarating experience and a LONG one!  Once you get up in the tower, there are more lines.  The first leg of your trip up (as you are packed in like cattle with about 70 other people) takes you to level one.  From here there is a view like none other.  The 360 degree view is simply breathtaking.  At this point you can still distinguish certain buildings and areas.  But wait!  There's more!  We got into ANOTHER line to continue our journey up to the next-to top level.  In a MUCH SMALLER glass elevator with about 30 other people we headed up, up, up, up.... (this is not for those who are scared of heights.  Sorry Nana!)  This level is truly a birds' eye view (or plane's eye view).

It was gorgeous and you can really see the layout of Paris from here.  I enjoyed the graph they have going along the top of the windows comparing the height of the Eiffel Tower to the other tall buildings around the world.  Ryan and the girls went up stairs to yet another level.  I stayed behind to watch the stroller and bags.  (There are signs everywhere threatening to blow up your stuff if it is not constantly attended)  The girls said the next level was even more amazing.  I greatly enjoyed the pictures and history they have posted throughout the levels about what the Tower was like when it was first built and ways they used the height to provide the ability for communication with antennas and such.  After the trip up we headed back down to the earth far below.  This long trip up warranted some ice cream and a little sit in the grassy area in front of the Tower.  With the weather being so nice, there were many areas of friends and families having picnics and bubbles being blown.  It was quite picturesque.

View from level 1

A piece of history

Relaxing in the park after a trip up the Eiffel Tower

On Sunday we decided to do a little more walking around then head back so we wouldn't get home too late. (that plan didn't work out too well)  We visited the Notre Dame.  While outside Ryan told the girls the story of the entrance (here is where Chloe becomes fascinated with John the Baptist and the fact he was beheaded) and we went in to see all the beautiful artwork.  Then we loaded into the car for the trip back.

We decided along our way back to stop off at a castle in the small french town of Pierrefond.  This was the first castle we had taken the girls to and it was PERFECT!  We got there in the late afternoon/early evening and there were closing up the inside for the day; they also seemed to be getting ready for an event to take place on the inside, so we walked around the grounds for a little bit.  The view was exquisite.  Ryan and I instantly fell in love with this quaint town and would like to return for an overnight stay.

Castle in Pierrfond, France

Due to our side trip to a castle, numerous restroom breaks, the need to feed the children, and traffic we didn't get home as early as we had hoped.   However, we didn't mind.  It was a trip we will never forget.  The girls truly loved every minute and were such great troopers with all the walking.  We can't wait to go back!  Next time, maybe some Indiana family or friends will be with us.    

 Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.” -Francis Bacon, Sr.


For more pictures..take a look below.  Here are just some extra from our trip:

(this is for Terry West)  We had to take a picture of a random goat on a
 chain in the park in Paris.
I guess this is one way to keep your grass cut and looking nice?

"We are in the picture...right?
"I don't know, the sun is in my eyes."

This is the best picture daddy could get of us with the sparkles.
We all kept getting blinded by
the flash on the camera.  The curse of having blue eyes, I suppose.

Brugge, Movers, and School

Brugge, Oostende, Movers, and School 

After our first week, the second was just as busy.  We got to meet our WONDERFUL buddy family, took a day trip to Brugge & Oostende, movers came, school orientation, and then school. 

The girls are attending St. Johns International School and one of the parts I love best about this school is the caring way they make sure all their families are taken care of.  They pair each new family with a buddy family.  I must say, I think we got the best buddy family ever!  They started contacting us as soon as this lost and confused family was assigned to them.  They invited us over for a cookout and time to visit.  They have three children, two of which are girls.  The girls hit it off right away!  We had a wonderful time visiting with them and greatly appreciated all the advice and hints they gave to help us adjust to life in Belgium.  

Chloe MUST show she has gum.  This kid seriously has an
addiction to gum!  I didn't get one picture of all of us
without her showing us her gum.

Daddy, Chloe, and gum

On the canal.

We decided to go ahead and drive to the North Sea.
The girls really enjoyed it, but were baffled that
it was too cold to get in the water.

Over the weekend, we took the girls to Brugge.  We thought they would enjoy the market and the beautiful surroundings. We walked all around Brugge, had a delicious tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.  We stopped off at mommy's favorite chocolate store; the Chocolate Line.  They have THE BEST and strangest flavors!  (Ryan's favorite is Dumon) The girls were troopers as we walked all over the city. In the late afternoon, we took the girls to the North Sea.  As a fishing community, many options of seafood awaited the Myers' Family.  The smallest shrimp in the world coupled with the world renowned Krab (yes folks, even Belgium has fake crab) was a hit as well as calamari.  Escaped a massive downpour, but the girls were able to see that the ocean is very different than the Hawaiian waters they are accustomed to.   We all had a great time!  

In normal chaotic fashion, the movers arrived the same day the girls had new student orientation at the school.  EARLY the rental furniture company came to take our rental furniture.  Not long after, the movers came with (almost all) of our belongings from Indiana.  

Rylee, Gwen, and I left daddy and Chloe to direct the movers while we went to orientation with our buddy family.  Needless to say, it was a CRAZY day.  Once our items had been delivered, the "unpacking" began (we have discovered we are missing a good deal of things).  This was new to me, and drove me a little nutty.  The movers undo every box, and dump it on the floor.  There wasn't any space to move anywhere in the house.  It was such an overwhelming mess!!  

Boxes EVERYWHERE!!!

We finally kicked them out and told them we would finish unpacking the boxes and call them back to get the empty boxes.  (it is difficult to get rid of trash here) There were many days I unpacked a room with tears.  I thought I would NEVER get everything organized.  But, it was good to have OUR things.  Having our own couches, beds, clothes, and toys has made this new house seem much more like our home.  

First Day of School

Rylee and Gwen's first official day of school was on Thursday.  They LOVED it.  

They both have great teachers who care about the girls.  They also have a nice bus driver who makes sure the girls are taken care of.  Not being at school as a teacher has been strange, but not being where the girls are has been very difficult some days.  

I find myself talking to myself (and getting an earful from Chloe).  I say the same things I said to all the new parents when they first came to my classroom.  Trying to reassure them their kids would be fine, I would keep an eye out for them, I would contact the parents if any issues arise.  

The students all met their teachers in the Gym,
then walked to their classrooms.  

It is certainly different being on the side of the parent than it is being the side of the teacher.  If I had one piece of advice to all the teachers I know out there, please be patient and understanding.  Don't be dismissive of these new parents and their fears. Be genuine in your response to them.  

Traveling to school in style.  The school busses here
are what we would consider tour busses.  Seats
that recline, buckles, and comfort.  

It is terrifying to move and not know anyone and not know how the school works. Thankfully, the school we chose completely understands this.  They welcome parents questions and concerns and each member of the school does everything they can to be sure parents and children feel safe and comfortable with where they are.  

Get to spend my day with this cutie pie!  Just love her and
her imagination.  She wore fairy wings all day and "flew"
everywhere she went.

While it was a busy and quick week, we enjoyed all the great adventures we had along the way.  I welcomed the opportunity to have our belongings and begin a schedule with the girls.  They have made many new friends.  We are all moved in and getting more settled each day.  We are so thankful for all the people who have entered our lives and given such great advice and taken time to help us figure things out. We miss everyone and can't wait to chat with them!

Had to add this one.  While shopping with our Buddy
Family for supplies the girls would need for
swim class (suits, goggles, & swim caps) Chloe insisted
she have a pair too.  She felt the need to wear them to bed.  Luckily,
I convinced her this wasn't the best idea. However, we do wear them
most every shower and bath.  I mean...doesn't everybody?