Holland ~ home of my ancesters

Finals are over and now we get to spend some quality time together as a family. Our 1st adventure over the break was to hit up the Netherlands. The Gotz family had everything all planned out so we tagged along for the ride. Our hotel was right in downtown Amsterdam which was very convenient and very interesting. I am really glad we went to Amsterdam, but I don't think I would visit the city again. I saw what I wanted there and once is enough. Monday we toured the canals a little and went to the Anne Frank House and the Van Gough Museum. Seeing the actual hiding place of the Frank Family was completely overwhelming to me. There are no words to describe it. I am extremely happy we went there.

Us outside Anne Frank's hiding place

A shot of the house and the shadow of the tree Anne speaks of in her diary

“Our chestnut tree is in full blossom. It is covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year...” - Anne Frank, 13 May 1944

Brady and his favorite Van Gough painting

I absolutely loved the Van Gough Museum. It was so interesting to compare how his style of painting changed over his life. Especially when he was feeling the effects of his illness. It was so fun to see all the classic Van Gough's that I love and also to enjoy paintings I had never seen before.

Us outside the museum

Brady and Millie

Naarden

Tuesday Brady, Millie and I left the Gotz in Amsterdam and we headed into a couple little towns. One was called Naarden and the other Weesp. Brady really wanted to go to Naarden because of an areal shot that he found on the internet. I didn't really care, I just wanted to see the windmills in Weesp. Naarden ended up being a darling little town with a cute little petting zoo for Millie. We had a fantastic lunch in a tiny cafe, where I had the best hot chocolate I have ever had, and Brady had the best sandwich ever made. We had a wonderful time.

Here an aerial shot of Naarden.

I love that they had wood shoes for the kids to borrow. Millie didn't want to take hers off.

The Giant Chicken



My Dutch Girl

Sadly I didn't realize how loud I was singing and you can hardly hear Millie's little voice

Weesp

I am so glad we made a special trip to see the windmills! When I think of Holland I think of windmills.

Wednesday the Gotz family joined us on an adventure to see a castle that ended up being closed. So Sad! But we did have a fun time seeing the little fishing town and also the smallest car I have seen in my whole life!

Danalisa, Owen, Me
They let us walk around the castle grounds
The Gardens

Thursday we did some shopping and then ate a cone of lard, well I didn't. French fries with mayo, no thanks!

Good Times!

Our Family

Downtown Amsterdam