Nana Banana

Some of the most special moments during our time abroad have been my mom's visits to Amsterdam. 

My mom, more affectionately known as Nana in our household, accompanied us on our move to Amsterdam in June of 2013 and stayed for a month to help us get settled.  She came back to see us in May and November of 2014; and with three separate visits and a total of eight-plus weeks in Amsterdam, Nana has the honor of being our most decorated visitor.

JUNE 2013:

Ex pat life isn't this fancy-schmancy, but for our initial voyage over the Atlantic, we were treated to first class tickets.  The kids still think all our flights will include seats that recline all the way back and an ice cream sundae cart.  It was the start to many difficult life lessons.

The bulk of our stuff didn't show up until four weeks after our arrival in Amsterdam.  Until then, everyone was very resourceful, and very grateful when those special items finally made it.

Legos.

Samantha.

Our books.

Abby's beloved tea set inspired many a tea party.

 

 

We spent a lot of time exploring the neighborhood and the region during that first month.  It was really cold the first half of June (we all still needed jackets), but then it warmed up and was just downright hot.  No air conditioning in these parts, so we found as many ways to stay cool as possible. Vondelpark, practically in our backyard, provided lots of relief and amusement.

  We familiarized ourselves with local modes of transportation.

Notice Abby's death grip?!!?  Soon, we were all old pros.

 Reese still loves the tram.  That summer we took it everywhere, rain or shine, until got my bakfiets.

Abby was our appointed navigator.

We checked out Abby's and Reese's new school, Lycée Vincent Van Gogh.  What an adventure they had ahead of them that fall.

We tried new foods, especially Dutch desserts.

Apple pie.

Nutella and hagelslag.

We visited the Rijks museum, the Van Gogh museum, Delft.  We celebrated Doug's 40th birthday.

Delft

More apple pie.

Delft cufflinks.

It was a fondu-licious birthday dinner.

This neighborhood Italian restaurant became one of our favorite.

We did a lot in that first month. And we're so happy Nana helped us kick-start our big adventure.  It wouldn't be too long until she came back!  And I'll be back to scrapbook her next couple of visits.

We love you Nana!