The Durneys Go Dutch

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Jude's 12th Birthday

12! Wow. How did we get here?? Jude's celebrations were drawn out as it took until the end of April to find a date for all of his friends to join his birthday party at Tikibad/Duinrell.

Even though Jude told us about this birthday surprise idea, he was still startled when we did it to him. Balloons held in place in doorframe behind streamers, which fall all around you when you open the door.

Morning snuggles, cards, and pancakes.

Afterschool presents

Dinner out at his favorite Japanese spot, Tanuki, followed by angel food cake.

Tikibad/Duinrell were worth the wait as we had a beautiful day for it with Jude's friends. They spent a few hours in the water park and then all afternoon at the theme park.

They let me ride rides with them

Finn opted to soak himself on a water ride + splash zone!

Nothing says a Dutch birthday party like Dunkin Donuts ;)

Happy 12th birthday, Jude! We are so proud of your work ethic, your loyalty to your friends, your kindness to your sister, the respect you garner at school, and your creative/dramatic spirit. You still like to snuggle and show us all affection and we hope that never changes!

March 2026

Frog Maeve in the Great Kapok Tree 4th Grade Performance

4th Grade Fieldtrip to the weekly Friday Market

Pete headed to Austin for the SXSW Education conference and got to spend a lot of time having fun (and supporting the Longhorms) with the Welters. To add insult to injury, he was also sending me photos of all of the delicious food he was eating! I was so jealous, but had my turn in Austin a few years ago so couldn't complain (too much!).

I saw the Yellow Exhibit at the Van Gogh Museum and really enjoyed all of the portraits that were on loan from other galleries.

Kai came back for a visit with her family and we got to catch up at Market 33.

After a week away, Pete landed home on his birthday. We were all happy to see and celebrate him!

Maeve made a rainbow cake, complete with a surprise sprinkle center.

St. Patty's Day and our magnolia tree starting to bloom

My springtime craft

Another lovely spring with flowering trees everywhere you looked for weeks

A beautiful bakfiets ride in for dinner with Dana, Lance, Fred and Sophie at A Fusion

Pete headed to Belgium with his dad friends for a night, while I joined friends for the 80s, 90s and today dance party at AnnaKerk. The music was even worse than I'd remembered. We still made it fun, but need to remember this for the next time people try to convince me to go!