Tiny Dancers

Pictured above is my older sister, Becky, and I (age five) before my first dance recital. I'm on deck to teach Hailey's class again this week...she's still loving ballet, hooray!

School Pictures

The 2011 results are in...

A Healthy Wager

My sisters and I have challenged one another to get healthy in 2011. In order to motivate and hold ourselves accountable, we are throwing some change into 1 or 2 pots each day: "WAY TO GO!" and "UH-OH!" Each goal is worth 25 cents- if you complete the goals of the day, 25-50 cents are added to the "WAY TO GO!" jar. If you do not complete one or both goals of the day, the change is added to the "UH-OH!" jar. We rest from exercise on Sunday. The one with the MOST in the "WAY TO GO!" jar WINS the change in everyone else's "UH-OH!" jar. The challenge lasts for 50 days and we start today!

They've done the research (thank you) and I feel like shedding some inches and taking better care of myself, so I'm actually excited!

Here are the goals:


(Diet) "The 7-day Low Carb Rescue and Recovery Plan" (book written by Dr. Rachael F. Heller and D. Richard F. Heller)- Eat a low carb veggie and protein before eating any carbs, and reduce carb intake


*I've added NO eating after 8 pm and drink 8 glasses of water/day

(Exercise)- Exercise a minimum of 10 minutes per day, and at least 30 minutes 3 times per week

The Holidays

On Christmas Day, Aunt Kiki and Uncle Chris arrived from Indianapolis. We kicked off the morning with a big breakfast, gift exchange, and a walk around Delft at its most quiet and still time of day. After naps we enjoyed playing with all the toys, watching movies, and eating the delicious prime rib Tom prepared. A few days later, we all took the train to Paris for some sight-seeing fun. Had a great time with Kiki and Chris and look forward to future get-togethers.

  We attended the RODIN Museum, famous for sculptures and paintings; THE CRY and THE THINKER are pictured here. Family shots by the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, and Kiki and Chris by the Eiffel Tower at night- excuse the lackluster detail of our camera.

Germany Road Trip

How far are you willing to drive in the snow to tell Santa your wish list, roller skate to the Bee Gees, and gnaw on giant German pretzels? That would be 4 plus hours one way for us- but TOTALLY worth it.

OK...

Strangely (to me), substitute teachers are not readily available in schools, or dance schools in Delft. When Lucas and Hailey's teachers are sick and cannot work, kids are often distributed to other classes or told to be kept at home.

Frustrated by the prospect of missing yet another ballet class, I volunteered to teach the class with assistance. I was surprised and delighted to be taken up on the offer last week. No photos- no need to see this lady in a leotard, but it all went well. Fortunately, my "Goed zo!" (good job), linx/rechts (left/right), and een, twee, drie, veer (1,2,3,4) Dutch was all I really need to communicate. The 10 girls mostly copied my every move and giggled curiously at I what I was doing. For the record, I was classically trained in ballet years ago. It is my favorite kind of dance and I'm excited to take the kids to the Nutcracker next week.

Happy 5th Birthday to H & L

Special birthday hats from school teachers

Spider Sandwiches

The boys...and a friends's sister

The Princesses

Couldn't turn this- girls found all the pieces/parts to assemble this princess

Halloween 2010

Halloween is not a Dutch tradition...so we got together with our American pals and enjoyed some spooky treats and fun games. Witch hats off to Sara for her creativity in the kitchen. Eating donuts off a string was Lucas' favorite activity. Buzz Lightyear and the Peacock Princess were in attendance.

Praha (Prague), Czech Republic

This is an awesome city! A remarkable change since its former communist rule, Prague offers beautiful architecture, interesting history, modern shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and a reserved but welcoming atmosphere.

The experience started on the right foot when we checked into the Hotel Julian. http://julian.cz/en/ Great service, spacious rooms, tasty breakfast & dinner menus.

Pictured here is THE CHARLES BRIDGE, the family at dinner, THE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, miss Hailey, a watch tower, and THE LENNON WALL.

We had fun in a hall of mirrors and climbing Petrin Tower; a structure about 1/4 the size of the Eiffel Tower.

Also pictured here is Cathedral of St. Vitus, fountain with water spouting on Tom's head, Prague Castle, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building where we attended church, and the best looking buildings in Old Town.

L & H

Autumn in Delft

September is a nearly perfect month. Kids are back to school, the weather is crisp but comfortable, vacation destinations begin their cheaper shoulder season rates, and apple and pumpkin scents smell better than ever.

Some of late August and September's fun included the Tall Ship Parade in Amsterdam, Tom's birthday, Monster Truck Rally, visits from friends, a turn for Lucas in the Aqua Ball (video footage to come) during some bizarre carnival week, and Amy's birthday.

The Taylor family, from Connecticut, came to The Netherlands and stayed with us for a few days. While the dad, Todd, spent time with Tom talking shop about the present and future of Tom's Phd, Ricky, Ryan, and Sophie spent time exploring Delft and hanging out with the kids and I. Paddle boats in the canal and a trip to Zaanse Schans were 2 of the highlights of the weekend.

In other news- Lucas and Hailey have made great progress in their swim lessons. Both have advance to the next level and will hopefully have an official diploma before we leave.

Lucas has been enjoying soccer on Saturday mornings. The club sponsors kids 4-6 to learn the basics and have fun. The lemonade and frites afterwards are also a fantastic selling point.

Hailey tried her first ballet class this week. After much whining and apprehension, I've never seen a child happier to be dancing. She learned quickly and seemed to impress the teachers. I'm delighted with her coordination, confidence, and joy. She wants to go again- hooray!