People Come and Go- Getting Used to the Expat Life

One of SSM's little 2nd grade girlfriends moved to Paris today and 3 more of her friends are leaving either in the next month or two or at the end of the year. It puts a pit in my stomach- I feel so sad. But I guess it's a good experience for the children. I am not sure I would be able to get used to this lifestyle permanently. I know some of my friends will leave this year too and that will be very hard to handle!

Highest Dunes in the Netherlands!

Today we went to Schoorl in Noord-Holland where there is a trail network that explores the tallest dunes in the netherlands -and- you are allowed to climb them and slide or run or roll down. We tried all three! At the top of the trail there are some funky gnome carvings which became the site for the girls' fairy palace. Later we found the top of the highest dune and tumbled down...After hiking in the dunes, we went to my current favorite town, Bergen, and visited the aquarium and went out to dinner. An adventurous and decadent day!!

Bergen Aan Zee

S and I went to a new beach destination today in Nord Holland- 45 mins from home-which featured not only the beach but a beachside aquarium. We touched rays that were peeking their noses out of the water, saw clown fish darting in and out of orange sea anenome and resisted putting our fingers in the piranha tank. I was particularly taken with the amazing shells collections from all over the world- amazing patterns of shape and color. After the aquarium we walked down the beach and had a fun stop at a cafe- Zilte Zoen (Salty Kiss) which was packed and happenin'!

My favorite exhibit:

Skating Again!

The canals melted, so thx to our neighbors, we all went to a skating 'track'....our youngest made it around once but SSM made it 14 times!! :-)