More Fun with Visiting Friends!

We are just off a fun-filled week with my college friend, Ella, her husband Jake and their 21 month old daughter, Cora. Having just missed our 10 year college reunion, it was so nice to see a friendly Polar Bear face and get the gossip from reunion, which she attended. Though, as it turns out, we have gotten too old for there to be any really good gossip! 

I didn't get the chance to meet Cora before we left for Europe and was so thrilled to be able to do so in Amsterdam. It was really fun to see her language skills and what we have to look forward to with Jude. She also rocks at baby signing and taught Jude, "please," which is the cutest thing ever! They were either really into each other, trying to hug and kiss one another, or really mad at each other, fighting over the same silly toy. 

As hard as it is to get a good picture with one active toddler, it was that much more difficult to get good shots of the two of them. The decent ones are below, highlighting their visit! The day after they left, Jude was in a noticeable funk. I think he was really missing his new pal :( 

A local friend was having a birthday BBQ that was very child friendly (aren't those the best events once you're a parent!?)

The BBQ fun wore these kids out!

On Sunday we walked through the canal rings and happened to walk into a cafe with Cora's namesake! The owner, Cora, was tickled that a little someone with her name was there. 

Lunch at baby friendly Mazzo (great recommendation, Amsterdam Mamas)

Getting high in Amsterdam

They had really gorgeous weather for their visit and the city was shining! 

Canal side drinks at Arendsnest. Once the babies woke up from their naps, we moved the party inside where there was a private back room we could all run around in. 

Bus rides are much more entertaining with company

A lot of side-by-side reading time back at home. 

Turns out Ella and I are very good at building castles. And the kids are really good at knocking them down!

On our outing to the science museum, NEMO, they spontaneously started walking holding hands. 

Jude and the scary electric orb. Totally thought it was safe until a museum worker demonstrated that you could light a light bulb with the current. Sorry, buddy!

Swing time fun at Melkhuis in Vondelpark

If Ella was on the floor, Jude was on her lap. He really loved her!

Semi-successful attempts at a Bowdoin pic