zaterdag 27 december 2014

and then there it was






























For years I wish for a white Christmas but unfortunately that's pretty rare for the last couple of years. But... we woke up and I opened the curtains and there it was! Everything covered in beautiful white. It's not a thick layer, but hey! Snow is snow! And more special, it is Pien's first snow! 
We went outside and crushed the snow under our feet. Pien was looking at it and when I held her she gently touched the coldness. She pulled back her finger but than she tried again and laughed. 

vrijdag 26 december 2014

a poetic beach in december
































During the Christmas holidays we spent our days in Brielle and the afternoon on the 26th we drove to a beach just a little more South and we had a great time. It was cold of course but the beach was really beautiful. Long and wide and I loved the change of tides and the big yellow buoy. Also the wooden bench just stands there, waiting for the water to return, kind of poetic. After a walk we warmed ourselves with a hot beverage and in the dark we drove back home. 

vrijdag 17 oktober 2014

yes! Vacation!
































After four really busy weeks it is time for one week of Autumn vacation. Just two days ago I bought a waffle iron (heart shaped!). So I decided Pien and I deserved a tiny treat and made us some waffles. I think we'll watch a movie today because of the rain outside.. Let's have a girls day!

Autumn mail part 3






























It took me quite some time but I'm happy to announce (:)) that these two are on their way! Happy autumn girls!

zondag 12 oktober 2014

goodbye old colleagues































Just two weeks ago I had my last day at work and today we finally said goodbye. We met each other at a new bar in Rotterdam called Wunderbar. One of my colleagues said 'Oh this is so Berlin'. We laughed but I must say I somewhat agree with her because of the building and all the new places in the centre. We had a drink and a vegan sausage and went to see a movie. We wanted to see the last one with Philip Seymour Hoffman (A most wanted man) but we were late so we bought a ticket for 'A ten foot journey'. We had a great time and I also feel unfortunate to leave them but some other good things are ahead of me (I hope). 

vrijdag 3 oktober 2014

mini vacation: Veluwe











































This weekend we escaped the city and moved to a more nature side of Holland. We stayed at the Veluwe in a small Finnish cabin. Even though Autumn has just started we had some really beautiful sunny days. We went out for a bike ride, a walk with our red car and we spread our blanket in the sand. It's good to clear your head and become at ease every once in a while. Sometimes it's necessary to take some time and just watch a very hairy caterpillar move around :). Pien became really good at standing and holding on to al kinds of things so she can move while up straight. On sunday M took part in a trail marathon at the National Park de Hoge Veluwe and he did great!! Yes, it was a very nice weekend with the three of us! 

woensdag 1 oktober 2014

last week's incoming mail

































My to-do pile is still growing but when I hear the mailman deliver something for us I'll just pause everything for a quick mailbox check! Last week I received these really beautiful letters by Corey, Anne and Dasha. Singapore, the Netherlands and Russia! Sweet Corey drew me this really cute and beautiful portrait of Pien. This was really special. She also sent me a small birthday card for Pien. Again, thank you thank you thank you!! I'll keep this in her photo album ;). And it's funny because Dasha and I manage to communicate at least once a season due to the slow mail system between our countries. This time she sent me some tea. Thank you all! I hope to get back to you as soon as possible!

zondag 21 september 2014

autumn mail part II: to Lotte






























And yes! A second Autumn letter went to the mailbox this morning. On it's way to Lotte :). 

zaterdag 20 september 2014

happy (early) autumn mail































Eventhough the temperatures are not (at all) Autumn-like.. There is a tiny pinch of the colder season in the air though. You can already smell the mushrooms, the old leaves and of course there are lots of spiders creating webs throughout the garden! But nonetheless, within 3 days it'll officially be Autumn. So this one is the first official Autumn letter :). On it's way to my dear penpal Anne!

vrijdag 19 september 2014

woensdag 10 september 2014

hooray for Pien










































Our little girl has become a big girl today. She changed so fast from a tiny baby to a little girl with lovely blond hair, 9 teeth and she can make some steps (while holding on). We celebrated her first birthday with cake, balloons, candles, the swimming pool, songs and some presents. She enjoyed this happy day so much! In the weekend we celebrated with the rest of the family :). For M and me it was a really special day because we are parents for 1 year and we remembered everything so beautifully. 

woensdag 27 augustus 2014

our sunny adventure









































These are my final days of summer vacation and after days of rain the sun finally returned. With a temperature of approx. 21˚c Pien and I went on an adventure. We took the metro to Den Haag (The Hague) and rode to Scheveningen. Pien really loves water and the beach. We watched the waves roll in and enjoyed our little picnic in the sand. I found a nice cycle route between Rotterdam and Den Haag so we followed one side back home. We came across a forest, parks, meadows and saw the King's house and lots of wildlife :). By the time we were back at the house it was already evening! For all the Dutchies, you can find the route here