Sunday, November 30, 2025

November 2025

November was extra special with lots of fun celebrations and birthdays that we celebrated. This month we had Saint Martin's on November 11th which is a fun dutch holiday with lanterns and singing (the equivalent of halloween here but maybe better?) The kids made lanterns and went door to door singing dutch songs for candy. It is really fun and defiantly a highlight of the month. 

We also celebrated David and Julene's birthday (the 7th & 20) it was fun to have them over and celebrate and see our favorite missionaries/grandparents. We feel extra blessed they are serving in our ward and love their examples and so grateful for all the do for us. 

Other noteworthy things for November was Sinterklaas traveled from Spain to the Netherlands and is now leaving little presents in the shoes each day until December 5th. Lots of good times and things to look forward too that help make the month extra bright despite the darkness that creeps in and starts to take over our daytime hours. 















Enjoying another full afternoon in the forest with ramen jetboil lunch before the weather really turns. 



Morning views from bike rides and morning runs. 

Visits to the bookstore definitely increase as the weather gets worse, love this little nook to read and look out on the shoppers.
Had a great time at the maritime museum. Naturally this whale penis fossil was a highlight. 











 

Friday, October 31, 2025

October 2025

October 2025: Fall is officially in season here, which is so beautiful in Amsterdam. I just feel like the leaves and old buildings and cobblestones are just elevated with leaves changing colors around them and on the ground. It is such a pretty city! We had a great month with lots of little adventures and a big one to Sardinia during the kids school break. Riley got a road bike (which he's been daydreaming about for a few years) and finally pulled the trigger in October and learned how to ride and lock in and out and all the works.  It is already very beloved and has it's own room in the house. Some other noteworthy things for the month is Clay lost his first tooth and Luke finished the Harry Potter series! Was bittersweet to be done with them, but so cool to share them with Luke. Re-affirmed our affinity for the books and JK Rowling and the name Lily should we have a girl.  We have been reading them almost daily for over a year and finished the 7th book together this month. It was a really good month! 
 Gregory Alan Isakov concert

Carrying on the tradition of Macho night (Nacho Libre Night + nacho dinner)


tennis boys, soaking up the remaining days left that the clay courts are available 









Halloween 2025- minions, gru, vector and edith from Despicable Me 





Lucy treats most days like Halloween, always dressed up





Clay's classic 'just chillin' pose. If you know, you know. 
Lucy's 'just chillin' pose haha













Riley's new baby!

My new baby! We had some pregnancy hiccups this month, but with some prayer, rest and a chiropractor visit we are back in action. 

soaking up these days with just my Lucy girl home. Last ice cream date of the year? Probably not. 



The missing tooth in all it's glory!