After finally posting our last blog entry of our Italian holiday, we have a lot of catching up to do!! We actually did quite a bit since we returned from Italy, so stay tuned for our latest adventures.
As you know, GM and GP came for a visit just two days after our return from Italy. We were quite busy while they were here.
Like most women, GM loves flowers. So, she came during the perfect time of year to see the most famous garden in the world -- Keukenhof. Grandma, Grandpa, the girls and I departed for a one-night get-away to Lisse in the Netherlands to visit Keukenhof, which coincidentally celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.
As you know, GM and GP came for a visit just two days after our return from Italy. We were quite busy while they were here.
Like most women, GM loves flowers. So, she came during the perfect time of year to see the most famous garden in the world -- Keukenhof. Grandma, Grandpa, the girls and I departed for a one-night get-away to Lisse in the Netherlands to visit Keukenhof, which coincidentally celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.
Last year, Ray and I took the girls there on probably one of its busiest days -- in April, on the Saturday of its annual flower parade. In an effort to avoid the insane traffic and Disneyland-type crowds, this time we went midweek while no special events were scheduled at the park. This turned out to be "oh-so-perfect" being able to experience the gardens with not so many people there. The gardens were again breathtakingly beautiful. And while we were there, we quickly understood why it is one of the most photographed places in the world (you must view our slide show!). I'll have to admit that the gardens were a bit nicer last year while the flowers were in its prime, in addition to the stunning carpets of flower fields exploding with color in all the surrounding areas (most were harvested by now). But even still, Keukenhof was magical... And minus the crowds meant we were able to see much more of the park than we did the previous year.
The girls had a blast exploring the park and its gardens, romping in the playgrounds, maze, petting zoo, and even climbing up a working windmill.
DS even got a little wet when she accidentally stepped into the water while crossing a stone path over a lake. Luckily, we had her slippers in the car!
After spending the day at Keukenhof, we decided to have dinner at Noordwijk, a beach resort located about 5 minutes from our hotel. Before dinner, the girls got to play on a lovely sandy beach (which kind of reminded me of California!) while my parents and I enjoyed a cocktail at one of the beach bars (so unlike California). I am really going to miss this European lifestyle!
The next day, the girls wanted more beach fun, so this time we headed for Scheveningen -- another seaside resort in the Netherlands. We walked through an enclosed pier to sample poffertjes (a traditional dutch batter treat -- think tiny pancakes, but much sweeter!), which we remembered to be so yummy when we first tried them in Amsterdam. These, too, were sinfully delish.
After walking around and stopping for lunch on the boardwalk, the girls wanted to play on the beach (as we had promised). By this time, however, it was getting VERY windy which makes playing in the sand not so much fun. So instead, they got to jump on trampolines right on the beach which was actually even more fun! By the time the girls (and mommy) finished jumping, the wind was becoming quite fierce, so we left and made it back to our car just before it started to rain. Talk about good timing!
Our little get-away turned out to be really wonderful. And, the best part was spending it with GM and GP...
It was just this time last year when we made our first trip to the Netherlands. We'll always remember DS' comment on how she really likes it here in "Neverland". From the mouths of babes...
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