Christmas

Snow

We did get a little dusting of snow this Holiday season in The Netherlands. It did not last very long, but it was fun while it did. It made us homesick for a good old Utah white Christmas.

The park was so beautiful. Every tree branch was covered in white.

The pond froze over so lots of people were out walking on it with their dogs and ice skating. I thought they were crazy. They had their little kids out there walking on it. I did get brave and stand right on the edge.

O' Christmas Tree

Everything about our Christmas this year is a little scaled down.  Less presents, less family around, smaller house, and our Christmas tree is no exception.  Collin and I, however, still had a great time decorating this little mini tree.  When it comes to Christmas, size definitely does not matter.

 

Sinterklaas is out, Santa Claus is in

Sinterklaas is on his way back to Spain and now the Christmas season has officially begun in The Netherlands.  Here are some pics of our trip to the City Centre.  They have everything decorated for Christmas, lots of trees, lights, ice skating rink, sledding hill (with fake snow), and ice sculpture exihibit.

Collin riding the carousel in the City Centre.  It costs 1 euro to ride.  He loves it.

Johnny waiting for Collin to get off the Carousel.  You can see KFC in the background.

The next two photos were taken at the German Christmas market that is set up for the Holiday Season.

Holiday parties part two

Here are some pics from a dinner we had at Sister van Empel's home.  She is the relief society president in our ward.  The food was delicious and we got to try some traditional Dutch holiday desserts-also delicious.  Most of the conversation was in Dutch and Spanish (Sister van Empel is originally from Peru).  Johnny translated the Spanish for me and I just did my best with the Dutch.  It was a lot of fun.

(from left to right) Catharina, Harry,  Catharina,  Nathalie, Elder Steed, Elder Drake

Collin taking a break from dinner to watch the I-pod

Rachel taking a break from dinner, to feed Ethan his dinner.

Holiday parties

We have had such a fun December already.  The ward members have been very generous, (as usual), and have invited us to their homes for Sinterklaas parties.   Here are some pics from Jerry and Soile's party.  

Collin had soooo much fun playing with his friends and sitting at the kids table.  

Collin and his friend Hudson

Collin wouldn't wear the "Black Pete" hat, but Ethan was a good sport.

Collin shaking hands with Sinterklaas.  He did very well.  I didn't think he would go near him, but he was only a little bit scared.

Collin getting his present from Sinterklaas.

Ethan meets Sinterklaas.

Ethan got a present too.

Daisy gave Collin a whole pile of presents.  It was very sweet.

The Pond

I know, I know, pictures of kids feeding birds, been there done that, but this is the pond that is right near our apartment.  It is really beautiful when all the birds are out on the water.