February 2026

Filled the dreary month of February with fun with friends and a Crocus break staycation (with a quick trip to Carnival in Maastricht). 

Hilary's birthday brunch

A surprise visit from Rachel whose flight home to Berlin was canceled. She found herself stranded at the Amsterdam airport for the day/night and reached out. Happy to host her and catch up! 

The much anticipated final house party of friends Fred and Sophie who are leaving this summer to move back to Paris :( This year's theme: LOVE

Front photos only... 

The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics added a lot of joy to the month. Being able to watch all of the events in real time was great! With our VPN we got the British coverage, which left a lot to be desired. Really weird hearing a Manchester accent running commentary on snowboard half pipe. The lady who covered the figure skating was so snooty!

Pete and Jude had been enjoying playing RISK Europe with our neighbor friends Mike and Alex. Pete got the kids involved in making our own game, drawing the game board on the back of a used canvas. We used the 3D printer to make the castle pieces. I was quite impressed. Pete did decide he'd rather have the actual board game for his birthday in March though, so this one is retired. 

Our global girl on Global Village Day

Jude and his international crew

Maeve and friends

A huge Chinese New Year lunch organized by Hilary and her friend. Melding two large women friend groups (different schools). 

Valentine's day at La Condesa Taqueria followed by listening to Irish music at Mulligans

Galentine's crafting party at Erin's as the snow was coming down. 

The kids requested to go to the indoor ski place, SnowWorld over the break so Pete took them and they loved it! 

Chinese New Year Makers Celebration at the Werld Museum

Learned to play Mahjong. Really enjoyed it and easier than I thought it would be. 

Fun at Loreen and George's Beer Fest

Pete's homebrew won him the gold! 

From snow to sunny and 60s a week later. Had to sit and feel the warmth of the sun while reading in the garden (with full sun coverage of course!). 

Crocuses came out right on time

Wuthering Heights outing with friends. So wonderfully weird!