alkmaar 2

Alkmaar

The Cheese Market. Once a week in the town of Alkmaar, they hold the cheese market. This picture doesn't show all the pageantry that goes with the cheese selling and weighing. We got there a while before it started. I told the girls to follow me because I thought we could get a better view on the other side of the square. I was on a mission for a good view. I wasn't paying attention and walked right through the middle of a public urinal. And yes, there was someone in it - using it. (The urinals are 6 foot tall half cylindars with a drain in the ground that give someone a little privacy as long as no one walks through. . .) I backed out of my shortcut before the girls knew what was happening. They had a good laugh after I explained why we couldn't take the shortcut. 

This is the best canal ride in all of Holland. The bridges are so low - you have to duck to make it under without hitting your head. We were all laughing so hard - we hardly heard the tour guide.

We were actually on the floor at times. Our boat wasn't full - so we had room to spread out. When our boat was docking - we saw a boat leaving that was completely full. I don't know how they all got low enough to not hit their heads.

Steve and Jenni ducking for their life and laughing

Views from the boat

Delft

This is the 9 passenger van (stick shift) that Steve got to drive all over Holland. On our first day with the van, the girls named it the party van. I think it was a valiant effort to make it a fun ride. Somewhere in the two hours of being stuck in traffic our first outing - we realized that it didn't have air -conditioning as promised and paid for. It did have great windows which allowed for great views and it was fun to ride together as a big group. . . and the driver was handsome. So no complaints here. And when you think that $4 a gallon is steep - think of the Europeans. Its been over $9 a gallon there for some time. 

This is Delft - where the blue china is made. More importantly, it is where my great - great grandfather was born. When we arrived - most of the shops were closed. Like I said - we had been stuck in traffic for a while due to an accident. The walk into the city was beautiful. We probably have 40 pictures of this town. Details if architecture, window boxes with flowers, church towers, canals, bridges and a few funny signs. But it takes a while to load - so these are my favorites. 
There were unique rooftops and facades in every city we visited. My favorite pictures in every city include rooftops. Every shape, size and color.

Arriving in Amsterdam

We were greeted at the airport by my parents who brought the girls tulips. After the "all night" flight we were happy to see them and know there was a bed to crash into not far away. 

There is a chime that goes off in the Schiphol airport that sounds just like a clock my Grandma Van Kampen has in her house. So the airport felt very welcoming.  

We checked into our hotel and slept for a few hours (we love the starwood heavenly beds) and then headed into Amsterdam by train.

We met Rudy and Kellie for dinner at a food court type place and then headed to the flower market. A whole street of beautiful flowers.  We thought the marijuana starter plants would make interesting gifts for everyone at home - but would send mixed messages - and we knew we couldn't get them through customs.

We ran into the missionaries after we left the flower market. One was from Park City and the other was from Missouri. Rudy made several trips to the grocery store. As we walked around we marveled at all the bikes, quaint storefronts and how easy it was to get around. Amsterdam is a big city but feels relaxed.
This is the Dam Square in Amsterdam. The architecture is beautiful and the people were very friendly and helpful. 

8 Days a Week

I know, I said I would post info about our trip - but this is funny and I have to write it down.

Last week, Tanner was in the tub and he was trying to wash off a tattoo he had on his leg. It wasn't coming off. He looked worried. I asked him what he was doing. He said, "I have to get my tattoo off by Sunday or Tuesday or Latter-day."

We have two years before kindergarten to get that cleared up.

Happy 49th Mom and Dad!

This month marks my parents 49th wedding anniversary. We celebrated in a big way - because next year my nephew will be serving a mission. My parents wanted us all to be together in Holland. My father's grandfather was born in Holland. He (my Dad) and my brother both served missions for our church there and speak Dutch.

So for my Dad and Mom who have traveled there many times - it is a special place that they wanted to share with the grandchildren. We had 4 wonderful days together - 13 of us - seeing the beautiful Netherlands. 

A highlight for my parents was going to the Temple there with all their grandchildren who were old enough. (Grace and Tanner stayed home with our dear friends and had as much fun as we did.) We were able to join a group of youth from the international branch in the Amsterdam Stake. It was great to be there together doing temple work for Dutch people. When my Dad served his mission there - it was common for the missionaries to serve as District (smaller than a stake) Presidents. My dad was the District President of the Amsterdam District and to see the growth of the church and to now have a temple there is a great blessing.

In the days to come I will write about our other adventures - but I just want to say Thank You Mom and Dad for a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing your love for travel and other cultures with all of us. You are incredible parents. We are so glad that you are "ours"!

Iris Green McCleary

Kaylene called last night to share with us that her mom, Iris had passed away.

Iris was like a Grandma to me. I have so many memories of her and Ken. 

- Having malts at their house on my birthday

- Staying with them while my parents were out of town

- When I was about 4, Iris and Kaylene took me to have my picture taken - and we gave the picture to my Mom for Mother's day (at least that is how I remember it.)

- I believe she is the one who told me that my Grandpa Rhees had passed away because were were with her when he died.

- I sat with her at church the day my brother had his mission farewell because I didn't want to choose sides with my relatives. . .

- Ken was driving the first boat I remember riding in. 

- Iris took me with her to see Grandma Green. Grandma Green gave me a beautiful doll.

- One night the electricity went out at our house. Our parents were gone. Ken and Iris came over to check on us. I remember them telling us to NOT light any candles. They knew my siblings well.

- They took me and Jenni with their family to a cabin up the canyon. The cabin had a fancy outhouse. 

- Iris was there the day I was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ken and Bryan stood in the circle.

- Iris and Ken invited me to dinner while I was at college. It was nice to have them around when my parents lived across the country.

- The first time I saw the temple square lights was with Iris and Ken. 

- Iris and Ken shared their incredible vegetable garden with us on numerous occasions.

- Iris went with me wedding dress shopping.

- Iris made my first temple dress. It fit me perfectly. She also made me a matching temple packet. I still use it and think of her when I am waiting for the session to begin.

- Iris and Ken were there when I was sealed to Steve in the Salt Lake Temple.

- We lived in their rental house (that was the house I remember in my childhood) when Hannah and Eliza were babies. 

Iris and Ken. Ken and Iris. Thank you for being so much a part of my life. Ken has asked that in lieu of flowers - we do something kind for someone in remembrance of Iris. I will.