More Autumn Fun

Archie is having more fun dressing up.  He decided to be "Super Archie, to the rescue" and this is his pose.  He is such a character!

Posing with Marvin the Monster from Halloween

Sylvie playing Peek-a-boo

We went trick-o-treating with our friends Sally, Daisy, and dog Maggy.  We had a few friends' houses in the neighborhood that we visited.  The kids had a great time and the Dutchies were amused since they don't do that here.  Next year will be even more fun!

We went to check out the city Rugby club and we heard more English spoken that anywhere here.  Lots of expats playing.  The kids had a great time playing in the grassy fields.

Playing rugby with Daddy.  The light, trees, and grass were really vibrant.

"Mom, I am busy reading."

Collecting concorns in the park

Favorite game: rough housing and tackling each other

Playdate at our friends' house.  All four buddies will be in the Nursery class starting in January.  Sylvie and Leonardo are the same age by a month.  Archie and Italo are best friends and only a few weeks apart in age.  The other kids are Brazilian and we all get along really well.  They decided to make a band together!

The days are getting darker and colder.  Late afternoon starts to get dark.  So we are doing more things indoors.  Playdough is the favorite at the moment.

At the end of November, we had Thanksgiving with the Women's Club at a local restaurant.  I made three pumpkin pies from scratch for auction.  They were a big hit and we loved getting try the sample pies.  I am now a convert.  I will only make my pumpkin pies with fresh roasted pumpkin.  It was super easy and delicious. 

At the dinner, they gave me a special dessert as it was just my birthday the week before.  We had a great time and even more so since we didn't have to cook!

Enjoying the meal with friends.  It is our favorite holiday and was really wonderful to share the traditions, history, and meal with other nationals.  Most had never attended a Thanksgiving or knew what it was based on.  

End of October

 In October, we had some really great weather.  It was a colorful sunny autumn and we went outdoors as much as we could.  We did many bike rides.  The one below is to the forest near our house.

Looking for the ducks and the pretty leaves.

Taking a break to have a snack

Getting ready for Halloween.  I found a candy bucket and Archie decided that it was better used as a hat.  He wouldn't take it off so why argue with him.  The Dutchies thought it was amusing.

We had a playdate with Archie's best friend, Italo.  They love each other.  Italo's family had to go on vacation the second week we were away in September because he refused go to school without Archie.  He hugs him every morning when we see him at school

The kids have a new game: sliding down the couch.

Playing in the leaves at school

For the Women's club I am in, I threw a Halloween Party for the kids.  We had 35 youngsters and 15 adults.  It was a fun time for all.  Not sure I can do that again though! :)

Archie dressed up as a pirate and Sylvie was a shark.

Some of the games I made:  Witch-Hat Ring Toss

Pin the Eyes on the Monster.  Cool Monster!  I loved making it.

Next year should be more fun.  Can't wait to work on the costumes!

Favorite Book for School

After getting back to school, Archie had a dress-up day for class.  Each child picked their favorite character from a book and dressed up like them.  I helped Archie "pick" since I was making the costume.  He chose "Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam" a book about two robber dogs turned bakers.  So I made striped shirts for Archie and Sylvie (she wanted to dress up too).

Archie and his best friend Italo.

Back in his clothes on the school parade with their books.

The day of the dress-up, Archie didn't want to dress up.  So we took the shirts to school just in case.  He dressed up for about 10 minutes and then cried to take it off.  He also didn't like seeing everyone in costumes.  It was a rough morning for him but I did get a couple cute photos.  He still doesn't like to dress up or see people dress up. And since Halloween was coming, I was a little worried!

Last week away with the Grandparents

While I had a day at the pool with the kids, Campbell and his parents headed off to Munich.  Octoberfest was beginning and the city was full of people ready to celebrate.  

More time at the lake enjoying the park and good weather.

One of the typical German houses/hotels that we saw.  

Another typical house/hotel

View of the pastures and homes in the foothills of the Alps.

On one of our last days we happened upon a castle in a small town in the foothills.  

Back in Breda, we enjoyed some more time doing bike rides and playing with the kids before they left.

On our way to Belgium in the fields near our house.  The cows sometimes get in the way!

We had a great time away to some of our favorite places to go.  And we all enjoyed it. The kids still talk about their France/Blue House and their Germany House.  They talk about the cows and the tractors.  It was a special 5 weeks for Sylvie and Archie to spend with their Grandparents.  And it was special for us to spend time together.