Keukenhof

We rounded out our family vacation with a day trip to Keukenhof. It is a large park in the Netherlands with many MANY flowers, all types. Very famous for tulips and wooden shoes and waffles (all things Holland). We drove there after leaving the Center Parc, and took a chance that they would allow dogs, luckily we were right! It was doggy smell heaven!

We pretty much walked around, enjoyed the air and the sunshine. It was a warm day (mid 70s) and the flowers were beautiful. They also had a wishing well, fountains and a windmill that are perfect for pictures. Here are some from that day.

Spring Break

Over spring break, Aubrey came to visit us. We also took off for a family vacation! We found a great deal on a bungalow in a "Center Parc" resort in the Netherlands. They even let you bring dogs!

So, Monday morning we got ready and headed out. It was a 2.5 hour drive north to De Huttenheugte center parc.
Our bungalow was right on the lake, with gorgeous views. It was also right next to a playground, which was great for Brady, Keira and Aubrey.

Center Parcs are laid out as a village with a central area called the "market dome". This area has a large playground, little marina for paddle boats and canoes, petting zoo, mini golf, and climbing wall all outside.


Inside the market done is a large indoor water park with slides, wave pool, and kid pools. There are also four restaurants, a food market, bowling alley and live entertainment area. While we were there, the kids played bingo, Aubrey and Chris saw a show, we went to a kid's disco and of course we all went swimming!
Aubrey got to go "wild water rafting" on Thursday morning.

We had a really good week at the resort, swimming every day and getting some good family bonding time. I absolutely recommend a center parc vacation to families with little and big kids, they are all over Europe and UK, and totally worth it!

YIKES!

Okay, I admit, I've really let my blog go. I mean to update every week, then the days come and go and the next thing I know my dear friend Bethany is saying "You need to update your blog!"

So, It's April 11, and many things have happened. I'll post this post about my parent visiting last month.

My Mom and Dad came in March, much to Keira and Brady's pleasant surprise. We took the kids out of school for a little over a week, so they could get as much Oma/Granddaddy time as possible.

During the time they were here, we went to ikea. Chris and Dad got our oven, dishwasher and new cooktop all installed and we had actual meals! We've been living with a 2 burning hot plate and a microwave since December, so the new applicances are fanastic!

We had the Wright family over for dinner on night, and all twelve of us had delicious fondue (cheese and meat, not chocolate) and a fun time playing Wii.

We also went into the Altstadt in Dusseldorf, and showed my parents around town. We had a nice dinner at Maredo- so they got to see where we were for my last birthday, and met my friend Alex.

Mom took Brady and Keira to the local indoor play area a few times, and wore them out with running and climbing. At night she read stories to them, which they both love.

Mom and I went shopping a couple times, and got a crock pot (Which was THE hardest small appliance to find in Germany) and some american foods.

It was really lovely having them here, and we're looking forward to see them again.