A Pimpin' Ride to the Clog Factory

Today was a truly Dutch day! For Christmas, Jude got his very own baby bike seat and helmet. It was a beautiful day so we installed it and took our inaugural ride together. We headed 20 minutes south to the Clara Maria Cheese and Clog Farm. For our 5 year anniversary, we decided "no gifts" so that we could save more money for our travels. Pete had the great idea though to get a pair of clogs engraved since the 5 year anniversary gift is wood. I asked around and found out that there was a place to do it not too far from our apartment. We settled on a plain wood pair for ourselves. One of the girls working there engraved it for us to our specifications and we are happy with how they turned out. We also got Jude a pair of shoes, mostly as a memento of our time here, but also for him to practice walking! 

We had in mind to get Jude a BoBike Mini, a Dutch brand of front riding seats for babies age 9 months to 3 years. One of the big chain bike stores in the Netherlands went bankrupt before the holidays (shocking, I know) and had a liquidation sale. I rushed over as soon as I heard the news and got Jude the BoBike Mini Exclusive for a steal. The seat is tricked out! The straps have three heights so that the seat can grow with Jude. They also have plastic moulding for the shoulders so that if he happens to fall asleep on a ride, he'll stay upright. There are foot rests and a handle bar and the best part, the windshield to keep the wind and rain out of his face. 

The seat is very close to my lap so riding took some getting used to. I had Pete helping me take Jude in and out today and will need to get more comfortable doing it myself. The seat can easily be removed from my bike and mounted on Pete's after we install the hardware. 

Some playdate moms rave about biking with baby because 1) it gets you where you need to go for free 2) it entertains your baby and 3) it is exercise for you! A win-win-win!

Check out your new ride, Jude!

Safety First

Jude's new facial expression, which kills us! He knows he's being funny, which is the best part.

And we're off!

Beautiful landscape

Clara Maria Cheese and Clog Factory

Clog-making room 

Cheese!  

Post ride- We think he liked it!

Our Clogs

Today in Amsterdam

The rain and grey this week admittedly put me in a funk after we got back from Vienna. My motivation to leave the house with Jude in the pouring rain/hail was zero and staying indoors all day drove me a little crazy. That, coupled with some late work nights for Pete had me thinking for the first time in a long time, "boy, these days are loooong." 

But then last night after hosting some friends for dinner, the most beautiful snow fell and stuck around for the first half of the day today. Then we had two playdates, followed by a long stroll along the canals before meeting Pete promptly at 4pm for some beers. 

The little man turned 10 months today! For the first time, he said mamamama. Still very non-specific babbling, but heartwarming none the less! Now, he is fast asleep, more snowing is falling fast and the jacuzzi tub and a tall glass of wine are calling my name. Happy Friday everyone! 

View out our windows this morning

Snow quickly melting, but snowman holding strong! 

Gorgeous sky!

Stepped inside Westerkerk for the first time today. Very stark in true Protestant form, especially compared to the opulent cathedral and churches of Vienna. 

"Walking" is my new favorite

The number "1" didn't stand a chance against this squirmy munchkin

Auf Wiedersehen, Vienna!

With one final day in Vienna, we headed a bit out of the city to Grinzing at the suggestion of Laura and another college friend, Kevin who also studied abroad there. This suburb is known for its restaurants that serve local Austrian wine and play live music. Sadly, this was not happening on a Monday morning in January though we still enjoyed the quaint village and lunch of local fare. 

We took one final stroll through the streets of Vienna before making our way back to the airport.

Auf wiedersehen, Vienna!

KLM's free beer and wine aboard the flight home helped soften the blow of our "misplaced" stroller delaying Jude's bedtime by 2 hours. Thankfully it was found and I did get to sleep in until 8am the following morning as a result. Oh, and they gave Jude a stuffed airplane that turns inside out into a globe for our trouble.

Vienna: Snow, Baby Playtime and More Grandeur

As much fun as Jude and I had exploring together, I couldn't wait for Pete's conference to wrap up so that he could see the city with us. We spent the day as a family of 3 going to the ZOOM Children's museum, strolling past centuries old palaces, cathedrals and churches in the fresh fallen snow and having drinks in an 800 year old restaurant whose notable dinners including Mozart, Bethoven, and David Hasselholf have made their mark by singing the ceiling. A wonderful day in beautiful Vienna! 

Jude's first snow!

Museum Quarter- Formerly the Palace Stables

Zoom Children's Museum

Instead of visiting museums to see great art or learn about the culture and history of Vienna, we learned about the Ocean at this great Children's museum/play space :)

Under the belly of the ship 

Captain my Captain

"Here fishy fishy"

While Jude napped, we took in the splendor of the city.

More Museums

Natural History Museum

Palace Library

Palace Panorama 

St. Stephen's Cathedral

My boys rightfully in awe

Nativity Scene

I had passed by the Jesuit Church the day before and snapped the photo below. I thought the building was beautiful, but had no idea the wonder that was within! Thankfully Laura said to check it out. 

 

Our last stop in the city was to the Griechenbeisl, an 800 year old restaurant with a famous patronage. All those worthy were invited to sign the ceiling in one of the rooms. After asking nicely, a server showed up the room and pointed out the famous John Hancocks. Mozart, Bethoven, Johnny Cash, Rinaldo, Schubert, and of course, David Hasselhof to name a few. 

Griechenbeisl

Peek a Boo!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Johnny Cash

Bethoven

"Alright, mom and dad, I admit this is pretty cool"