We're Baaaaack

I guess since I am attempting to blog again, that means we are finally getting settled back here in the good old U.S.A. We miss The Netherlands like crazy, but the move home was the right thing for us. We are still chipping away at the PhD and it has actually been a lot of fun getting settled back into B.Y.U. life again. For those who weren't aware, it was coming back for Collin's surgery that cut our European adventure a little short. Collin had his surgery in August. It went very well. His scoliosis is VERY much improved. (He grew 2 inches in one day!!) He is an amazing, adorable, and very brave little boy, so it is appropriate that my first post in months be dedicated to him.

He was still in quite a bit of pain at this point, so it was hard to get a smile out of him. A new Transformer helped a little.

Here he is a couple months later. He is still recovering a bit, but he is really getting around now and we are very happy with how well he is doing.

Last day of pre-school

Here are some pics from Collin's last day at his pre-school.  It was quite a day.  Not only were they having a little goodbye party for Collin, but they were also having a party to celebrate Carnival.  To celebrate all the kids got to dress up in costumes and then they had music, streamers, balloons, confetti and all the kids got to parade up and down the halls of the school.  I am pretty sure that Collin thought all the fuss was just for him.  

I was surprised at how emotional I was.  When we were saying goodbye, I really had to fight back tears.  The people at his school have been so kind and have really gone the extra mile to help out the clueless Americans.  Collin had a wonderful experience there.

Waiting at the bus stop.  Usually we bike to school, but we decided to "bus it", since we had a lot of stuff to carry.

We bought flowers for Collin to give to his teachers.

As soon as we got to school it was time to put on the costume.  He wanted to be a "Black Knight"  and this is the costume we found.

During the goodbye party, Collin's school friends gave him little gifts.

Giving flowers and a card to his teacher.  His teacher was wonderful.  Her and Collin became very close.  

Collin's teachers were kind enough to lend us come Carnival hats, so we would look a little more festive.

This is a video of the song that they sing to all the kids when it is time to graduate to the "big school"  It will also give you an idea of Collin's bilingual experience at school.  The teachers usually say everything in Dutch first and then in English.  When he goes to the big school they will try to speak Dutch more exclusively, but they will help him out with some English now and then when  he needs it.

Obachan

I had so many great pictures of Obachan with our kids,  I just had to do a separate post.   It was really special to watch our kids having so much fun with their Great-Grandmother.  She was so wonderful with the kids and was always ready to play anytime.  Our kids are very fortunate to have such a fun Great-Grandmother.

Another great FAMILY vacation

We had such a great time during our trip home to America.  We did so much, it would be hard to blog everything, but the best part was that we got to do all of it with our family.  I didn't manage to get pictures of everybody, but below are a few of our favorite moments. 

 So, THANK YOU:  Nana, Papa, Barbus, Grandpa, Matt, Shannon, Jackson, Bella, Obachan, Bo, Janet, Chase, James, Jessie, Peter, Linda, and (Justin, Tina, Jack and Kate- you were there on Skype and in spirit).  Thanks for spoiling us and giving us another wonderful vacation!

Christmas #1 in California

Family Guitar Hero

Christmas #2 in Utah

New Years Eve fireworks with Grandpa

Sledding with Grandpa

Visit to the Bouncy House

Playing with the dogs

Disneyland

Playing at the mall

I am back!  My camera, however, is not.  Sadly, it had a run-in with the cement outside of Pirates of the Caribbean.  So, I am still working on sorting out the vacation photos that I could salvage.  Also, I still need to open my new camera and get it working.  Plus, considering it took me well over a week this trip to recover from my jet lag, I am actually not that behind on my blogging.  I know, excuses, excuses.  Hopefully, I will be posting soon.  :)

Unexpected Visitors

A good friend of ours was kind enough to surprise us with some special holiday visitors.   We rarely have anyone knock at our door, so it was quite a shock when we opened the door and saw Sinterklaas and Black Pete standing there.  The kids were a bit overwhelmed, but once they saw the gifts and the cookies, they started to warm up to the idea.  I think, Sint and Pete, are among some of the most interesting holiday characters you will find throughout the world.  

It has been fun for us to learn about and experience some new traditions.

Haircuts

Here are some pics from our latest outing to the hair salon.  The whole family gets their hair cut at the University's hair salon.  It is located in the same building as Johnny's office.  It is convenient and the lady who works there is super nice.  

The first time Collin got his hair cut, he screamed the whole time.  Nothing has changed.  This was his reaction when we arrived at the salon.

He was squirming and crying the whole time.  I had to really struggle to hold his head still most the time.  I think at this point he was starting to get tired and give up.

All done.  His shirt is covered in hair, because he refuses to wear the cape.

It was Ethan's turn next.  As you can see from those wings over his ears, it was long overdue.

I was a little worried he would imitate his big brother and start screaming...

but he did great. He sat still and quiet the whole time.

All done.

Heading home.