Jen's Dutch Vacay

It's been quiet here on the blog because we've been busy having fun with my college friend Jen. Jen arrived last week from Maine and left on Tuesday. We fit in a lot of sightseeing and also lots of down time to play with Jude. Jen is an auntie to two little boys and was so great with Jude. Two afternoons, when Jen was out on her own, Jude was inconsolable that she wasn't around to play with him. We explained when she left that Jen had to go home on an airplane and now he walks around saying, "Jen. Airplane." Bless him!

On Wednesday, I kept Jude in day care and took the day off work so that we could sightsee together. Wonderful day with pancakes, walking the canals, cheese tasting, shopping and the Munch/Van Gogh museum exhibit.

A gorgeous day to introduce Jen to the city.

On Friday, we showed Jen around the goat farm. A few goats escaped, but it added to the excitement.

And in the evening, we went to Oudekerk aan de Amstel for dinner and their Sinterklaas parade. Sint arrived on boat and then hopped on his horse, Amerigo, before parading the town with the Piets. Jude is pretty obsessed with Sinterklaas these days and was psyched to see him!

On Saturday, we day tripped to Den Haag (The Hague). Pete had yet to go and it had been over a year since I went with Nana and Pops. We hit up the Mauritshuis Museum to take in the great works of art, walked the streets and visited the peace palace. Then we drove to de Molen brewery, 30 minutes away. Only to find out that it is closed in November for renovations. Pete fail.

Pointing out the animals.

Jen was so great to take family photos of us!

Jude with the Pearl Earring :) 

On Sunday, Jen day tripped to Haarlem while the Durneys went to ISA's Winter Carnival and caught up on work and sleep.

Monday morning, we visited the Willet-Holthuysen Museum and enjoyed another beautiful, brisk day.

Winter blossoms!

Thanks for visiting, Aunt Jen! We hope to see you soon!