Happy Birthday Archie

With the beginning of April, came the arrival of my parents for a visit.  They began their European trip with a little over a week with us.  And during that week, it was Archie's 3rd birthday.  He finally understands that it is a special day and that he gets presents and cake.  We had a small party with just the family.  

 Our little monkey has turned 3.  He is as spirited now as from the beginning.  He is talking all the time and uses some great words (delicate, frustrated, fast asleep, delicious, kachow, to infinity and beyond, and more).  He is also still very social and says hello to most everyone we pass as well as with a smile.  He is now very cuddly and wants to sit with me often.  He is growing physcially and emotionally so much right now that it is a lot for him to handle on some days.  He is more adventurous in eating but still cautious.  He loves to cook with me while Sylvie takes a nap.  And he loves Sylvie.  She is now his buddy and they play constantly.  We are so greatful and happy to have him in our family.  How did we get so lucky with 2 wonderful children?  We are blessed.

I tried my best to make the goodies again this year.  I made sugar cookies for the daycare class.  Luckily they didn't know they were supposed to look like anything as they were blobby shapes.  And the frosting dripped and looked horrible.  But they were tasty.  Then I made cupcakes for our weekly meetup at a play center.  The kids loved those and had massive sugar overloads.  Then I did my best when I made a chocolate cake.  I had grand plans to put some cars and other decorations but settled on candles and white icing.  Problem is, the kids don't really like chocolate.  So we at the cake instead!  At least Archie liked the candles!

And with my parents here there was lots of fun to be had. Grandpa brought the wooden rocking horse he made Archie in his checked luggage.  Then he and Archie assembled it.  They had a good time and then the kids had a great time riding it.

And on one rainy day, we went to the Kuekenhof flower gardens.  Archie loved running around but wasn't too respectful of keeping off the grass.  The wooden lily pads were his favorite.  I thought he and Grandpa were going to topple in a couple times.

More photos and posts to come.  Just too much that I haven't put up.  I need to upload more often!

Days in the Sun

We made it to the beach (one of many) to enjoy the sunshine and play in the sand.  It is the first time for them to play at the beach and the loved it.  It was a little cooler than we planned but we stayed for a bit and then had a nice coffee.  We will definitely go back and play as the weather gets warmer

The beaches are long, flat, low surf, and shallow.  It is perfect for the kids to enjoy.

We met up with some good British friends of ours.  They have two kids as well.  Both Archie and Sylvie love spending time with Amber and Rufus.  They even posed for a photo!

Our boy!

Archie enjoying some mint tea with his glasses.  He likes to have tea with mommy in the afternoon.

The tulips are in the stores and quite nice to bring home.

My cooking is improving.  This is my latest and greatest so far:  chicken pot pie (all homemade, including the crust)

Enjoying and afternoon gelato.  He was so happy he wouldn't 

Sylvie was into it but not as much.  So I helped her finish it!

Bathtime!

We visited a reptile house in town.  The kids enjoyed it and they have excellent coffee.  So it was fun for all.  Not sure if you can see in the photo, but in the background, there is a HUGE python with its head in the air.  Creepy!

Archie pulled the chairs to the windows so he and Amber could watch the turtles.

The kids like to dance together.

Archie wanted to help Sylvie wake up by crawling in bed with her.

Staying Busy

Archie and I do more cooking together while Sylvie is sleeping.  We have lots of new things to do since he isn't taking a nap (most days).  He loves to make muffins with me.  This is him posing for the photo.  I can't get him to smile normally but this is still cute.  We even wear aprons.

Yoghurt "ice cream" that the kids love!

Oh, it's cold!

He will either say, "Delicious!" or the Dutch version, "Lekker!"  He has been using more Dutch phrases he picks up from a friend at daycare.

This is the space under the sink that they like to sit in or hide.  They are getting pretty silly these days.  

Scack time

Archie dancing

Not a baby anymore!  She is quite the walker and runs really well too!

Best buddies off for a run.  I think we have a photo of Archie a year ago doing the exact same thing.

They like to hold hands a lot.  Archie likes to lead her around and tell her where they are going.

The first flowers of spring are up in the park.  These just bloom and rebloom in the grassy fields every year.

Nice day in the park