January was a very long month! But not in a bad way. The weather here has been pretty mild and there's always my birthday to look forward to after the holidays. Lots of cozy home time, which I love this time of year. Here are some highlights.
Enjoying their Christmas presents.
Amsterdam Light Festival with Sandi and Brett on a Dam Boat Guys tour. Everyone gave me a hard time for my cozy neck warmer/neck brace ;)
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| Very moving installation at the zoo, depicting the Jews who hid there during the war. |
Exploring a new part of the Netherlands at Archeon, an archeological living museum in Alphen aan den Rijn.
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| Thankfully the kids didn't have too many questions about why Santa was there post-Christmas... |
Really nice birthday celebrations. I did something I've wanted to do for a while, gather the (mostly) mom friends I've made in the city for a night of board games at home. I've met so many wonderful women in the 5 years here and mostly see people one-on-one for coffee or meals. It was about time to introduce everyone! I loved watching everyone make connections and give their all at Pictionary. And my friend Bobbie offered to make a cake and you don't say no to a former professional baker/cupcake store owner! She entitled it "Llama llama, party momma." So appropriate!
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| Missing Sara and Tracy who had just left |
On my actual birthday, I enjoyed a nice sleep in with breakfast in bed and two very excited children. After cake for late afternoon snack, Pete and I went out for Mexican. Bring on 37!
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| With the flowers she picked out for me at the store. |
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| They really did "Nail It" |
We had to say goodbye to more dear friends. Sandi, Brett, Blake and Jude's true love, Zoe, moved mid-month to Jakarta. Jude and Zoe were best friends since he was 2 and we loved all our time with our Kiwi friends/neighbors. We were pretty worried about how Jude would handle losing such a good friend, but kids are resilient and the universe works in amazing ways with a new kid joining his class and becoming an instant friend right after she left.
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| The kids at their last sleepover :( |
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| Their going away party at Anna Kerk |
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| Final farewells over dinner at our house. |
Cozy snuggly time at home.
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| They don't believe in personal space |
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| Making clothes for the kids' cuddlies |
Birthday party fun.
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| Learned to make sushi with Yoko at Lien's. |
Mamas Nights Out:
