Fietspaden (Bike Paths)

It has been another adventurous day! After eating lunch we all got on the bikes and headed out for a ride through the countryside. We rode a total of about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) through a couple of towns. We first headed to Rolde where we visited some hunnebed, which are megalithic tombs dating back to between 400o to 3000 BC. Justin wanted to use the rocks as slides and he found a smaller one that he kept climbing on and scooting down. We then headed to another small town of Loon and back to Assen. On the last leg of our trip Justin fell asleep. Poor thing, his head was like a bobblehead doll. Before we reached home we stopped at some benches and had a snack.

It is beautiful land and it was just so enjoyable to be out on the bikes with the family. It is a holiday weekend so there were many people out bicycling. The area that we live in is popular for cycling. People will come here on holidays just to cycle around the area and there are bike paths everywhere. Jason is trying to get me to be bolder on the bike. I always ride following him because I don't want to get in the way of cars or bikers coming the opposite way. He wants me to ride next to him "like everyone else rides." Cars tend to give cyclist room and go around them but I am not that comfortable yet. I am sure I will get there soon.

I still haven't driven the car yet, maybe tomorrow....

A Biking We Will Go

It has been another beautiful day here. Sun shining and in the low 70s. One of Jason's coworkers has said he is being very deceitful moving us here this time of the year because come October, the weather will be awful, overcast and raining all the time with short periods of daylight. But we will just enjoy how wonderful it is right now.

Today I was given a tour around town. Jason had already covered most everything but it was good to hear more history. I think I am feeling a little more comfortable with directions, it gets better everyday. Tomorrow I think I will try to drive. I need to get ready for Tuesday when I have to start taking Lauren to school.

On our trip into town today we bought Lauren's bike seat and a shield for Justin's bike seat. We also bought me a phone, similar to a GoPhone. So, after about 10 years of 832-567-0777, that number no longer belongs to Jason or I (sigh). We have canceled that account. We also visited the market but did not buy anything. There are people selling a variety of items including fish, cheeses, fruits, breads, nuts, belts, hair bows, dog items, furniture, etc.

After our trip to the market we came home and installed our new bike accessories and then we headed out for a family bike trip through the forest. It is so nice! There are a couple of forest areas around here with bike trails all through them. We just kept riding until we eventually came out on a street. We then decided to stop by the market on our way home and pick up a few things we need for dinner tomorrow since the stores are closed on Sundays. In the picture you can see a couple of our items strapped to the back of my bike, of course some Fruit-to-Go and also some Milner cheese. Very good cheese. I asked Lauren what is her favorite thing about here and her response was "Everything!" I think she is settling in.

Immersing in the culture

Today we spent the afternoon exploring the City Center. This is the middle of town where there are lots of shops and restaurants and where the market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Jason gave us a tour. I found plenty of clothing stores, several hodgepodge stores, and something that resembles a small mall. I also found some fabric stores! We bought Lauren a couple of pairs of pants for school, me a hairdryer, and an oscillating fan for our bedroom. There is no air conditioning in the houses here, but it is not hot. Without the sound of an air conditioner it is so quiet at night and it is hard to sleep in complete silence; hence, we need the fan for a little noise. After shopping we sat outside at a pizzeria at the end of the canal and had a delicious dinner while enjoying the beautiful weather. I am trying to fit in, which includes eating the European way. If you don't know, that means holding your fork in the left hand, tines down, using the knife to push food onto the back of the fork. The tines of the fork point down the whole time you are eating.
Jason and Lauren at dinner

After dinner we went to the big supermarket in town. Here you pick up a scanner (like the ones you use when you register for wedding or baby gifts) when you walk in. You scan everything before you put it in your cart. When you are done shopping you go to a register and put your scanner up. Then you just swipe your debit/credit card and you are done! As you are shopping, the scanner has a screen that shows everything you are getting and your total cost. It is pretty cool!

Another thing that is commonplace here is eating bread and cheese. Since we are totally new at this and don't have a clue, we asked the cheese lady at the grocery store what was her favorite cheese. So, we bought some brie with shallots and a baguette of wheat bread and tonight we ate that with some red wine. It was quite good! I definitely have to find a gym here if I am going to be eating like this.

Tomorrow I am going to be given a tour of the town by a local that works for Shell. She is the "welcoming lady". After that Jason and the kids are going to meet me in the City Center so we can go to the market, so I am sure I will have some more to report. Thanks for reading!

Our new favorite snack

I found something at the store here that the kids love and I think is a great design. They may have this in Houston, but I never came across it. It is called Fruit to Go. It is applesauce in a bag (similar to Capri Sun) that they can suck or squeeze it out of, and it has a screw top. So, if they don't finish it you can save it for later. I can give this to Justin and he can eat it all by himself as opposed to handing him a cup of applesauce and a spoon, which then ends up everywhere! Just thought I would share. Something to be on the lookout for! Also, check Lauren's blog, she has updated it.

Living the life

Yesterday I was taken back several decades, or maybe even a century. After having given Jason a goodbye kiss before he headed off to work, I then stood in the kitchen holding Justin and we waved to Jason as he hopped on his bicycle wearing his backpack and eating an apple. Then he pedaled off to work. I had to laugh at the moment. Never in America. Then today, the kids and I went for a stroll to the grocery store. We bought what we needed and strolled back home. Maybe tomorrow I will get up the courage to drive. Many people talked to Lauren and Justin, of course in Dutch, and I just nodded my head and smiled. The kids loved our little outing. Both kids are adjusting great, better than we would have hoped for or expected. Lauren says she really likes it and she is excited about starting school next week.
Justin loving the bicycle!

Tonight, Lauren decorated the table for dinner. She made a beautiful centerpiece of flowers that she picked. Then she dressed me and herself for dinner in princess accessories. We had a lovely dinner.
Lauren's beautiful centerpiece

Meeting new faces

Yesterday we went to Lauren's school where we took a tour and met her teacher and class. I think she was nervous. She stuck to my side the whole time and didn't want to let go of my hand. But, she really liked it and is excited about starting next Tuesday. Her teacher is Ms. Morgan and there are about 10 students in her class. It is a very small school with about 40 students total from preschool (age 4) to 5th grade. Every Friday they have a little program to show us what they have done that week. The Mums and Tots class also meets at her school so I will be going there with Justin on Thursdays. Now I just have to get up the courage to drive!!!

Last night Jason's boss had a barbecue for us. I was able to meet his coworkers and it was a nice evening. They cooked all kinds of meats including pork, beef, fish, chicken, and hot dogs and had some great salads with bread and wine. This was followed with a great chocolate cake, strawberries, cream, and ice cream with liquor in it. They make an event of dinner and it was 10pm before we left there. Of course I didn't realize it was that late because the sun doesn't set here until about 11pm right now. His boss lives a couple of towns north of here and our drive home was through some beautiful countryside and cute villages.

The kids have made themselves at home here and enjoy running around the house. I am just ready to get into our permanent housing so that I can get settled in. I think we are really going to like it here, I just want to learn the language (not that easy) so that I can read the signs around town and labels at the grocery store.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way! I promise to get out in the town and take some pictures soon. Lauren is bugging us to ride the train so we will be doing that soon also.

Welcome to the Netherlands!

I have experienced the life of first class and now I understand why Jason complains when he has to fly economy. It is easy to get spoiled! When we got to the airport, we went to the Continental Presidents Club Lounge; cozy seats, quiet relaxing atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages. As soon as we boarded the plane, we were welcomed by about five different flight attendants (they all had different titles which I can not remember). They offered us a beverage as soon as we sat down and gave us a menu so that we could select what we wanted to eat for our main course. As soon as we were airborne, they brought us a bowl of warm roasted nuts and took our drink order. I had champagne and they were refilling my glass every time it got less than 1/2 full. I had to tell them no more after the third refill. We were then served the following meal courses:

Appetizer: Seafood bisque with crabmeat, mini beef wellington, a tandoori chicken skewr with ancho chili sauce
Salad: Fresh greens salad with Parmesan peppercorn dressing and fresh garlic bread
Main Course: Dawn - Grilled sterling silver New York sirloin steak with pepper rub and herb glaze, sauteed spinach, roesti potatoes and a piquillo pepper filled with stewed eggplant and fresh mozarella cheese; Jason - Seared breast of chicken filled with fontina cheese and spinach, accompanied by port wine sauce, creamy polenta, broccolini and carrots; Justin and Lauren - Cheeseburger, salad, baby carrots, trailmix and milk
Fruit and cheese cart: select cheeses and fresh fruit
Dessert: Dreyer's Grand vanilla ice cream with choice of caramel, strawberry or chocolate syrup, whip cream and nuts.

Then, after we had reclined our large cozy seats and slept for several hours, they served us a breakfast of orange juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, cinnamon roll or croissant and then your choice of either cereal and banana or a cheddar cheese omelette with smoked pork loin, turkey sausage and broccoli gratin potatoes.

Now, even though this was all "airline food", I would have to say it was pretty good, the champagne may have helped that too.

We also all had our personal tv's were we could choose from a variety of movies, tv shows or interactive games to play. Lauren watched Brother Bear and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Then she slept until we landed.

Justin did great, better than I would have ever expected. The best money spent this year goes to the sit 'n' stroll! This is a FAA approved car seat that also transforms to a stroller. Justin loves it. We never had to take him out of it from before we got on the plane until we arrived at our house in Assen, besides changing his diaper and giving him a few moments of free time on the plane. He did awesome, no crying and lots of sleeping!


Once we landed at 8am we went through customs (easy), got all of our luggage; 8 bags, Lauren's carseat, stroller, and all of our carryons, and then we found our driver. We had a 2 hour drive to Assen and then we all got in bed and slept until 6pm. Jason then took us all to the grocery store. They had a child sized grocery cart for Lauren to use. She was the leader and took us down every aisle telling us what we needed to buy. Her cart was full by the time we went to check out.

We then came home, cooked dinner, got baths and put everyone in bed. At 2am, both of the kids decided they wanted to get up. So, after about an hour of watching some TV, we all got in bed again. Jason had to get up and go to work, but the kids and I slept until after noon! It may take us a few days to get used to this time change.

We are off to eat dinner with Jason's co-workers so I will write more later!

We Made It

Well, we are now in the Netherlands! The flight went great and we got to our temporary housing and have unpacked our luggage. It has been a very long day, but I think we will be able to get the kids adjusted to the new time zone fairly quickly. We are 7 hours ahead of Houston time. It is almost midnight so I am going to get a shower and head to bed. Check back tomorrow for a more in depth update. Thanks for all the prayers you sent our way!


Jason and Lauren on airplane, kids in the van on the way to Assen


Lauren having made herself at home, kids eating dinner

Let's Dance

Once again, presenting the theatrics of Lauren..... She received the High School Musical 3 CD for her birthday and has already choreographed dances to every song. I am really scared thinking about her as a teenager. Our hands are going to be full.

Princess Tea Party

This has been a girly weekend. Saturday we had Lauren's 5th birthday party. Her birthday is not until later this month, but with the big move coming up I wanted to have it early so she could get all the attention she deserves! This year the theme was Princess Tea Party. If you know me well, you know I like to take a theme and go overboard! I love it! The girls enjoyed dressing up, making necklaces, having a tea party, answering princess trivia questions to get to a treasure, and playing 'Pass the Poisoned Apple'. I think it all turned out great, but most importantly, Lauren said it was the best day ever and she loved everything about it. That means it was well worth all the time. She is my little princess and I love being able to make her feel like one! Thank you to all of her friends and family for being there and making her day special.