Traveler's Log-The first four days

Hallo, Goede Morgen! We just left the Netherlands after spending two days with John and Annelies and their two kids Nadine and Vincent. They took us into Amsterdam where we were able to see some city highlights such as the red light district and the home of Anne Frank. We also got to explore some of the areas where windmills were used a few hundred years ago. Yesterday we took a trip into the city of Delft to visit some churches from the 1500's and walk around the city which was amazing. John bought some raw herring that we ate between bread...well...I ate, Heidi ran. After, John and Annelies took us and the kids on a bike ride around their town. I wish they had paths in Upland like they have here. It would make exercising much more enjoyable. We stopped to get some ice cream and watch the ships pull into and out of the harbor. To top it off what bike ride would be complete without Heidi running into a pole, which we got to see. I know she was meant for me as it is something I have done as well. At this time we are on a train headed for Paris where we plan to see all the usual tourist sites. We will post again soon. Thank you John and Annelies for letting us stay in your home.

Eric

One Week Away ...

... from heading off on our biggest married adventure yet!  We're goin' to Europe baby!  This has been a dream of mine FOREVER and I am so excited to go!  I never did the studying abroad thing when I was in college (a big regret), but getting to experience this trip with my best friend is going to be amazing =)  I know the hubs is excited, too, seeing as though his last trip to Europe (a backpacking extravaganza with some buddies) ended up with him in the hospital and a sudden ticket home.  So, here's to no hospitals and lots of fun!  We saved up for this trip, thanks to an awesome travel rewards card that we took advantage of and a handful of less shopping trips from yours truly (it wasn't easy), but now the trip is around the corner!

Here's the agenda:

1) The Netherlands. I am half Dutch and looking forward to seeing "the homeland" as my brother calls it.  We're staying with some wonderful family friends who live near Rotterdam and have been so kind to let us stay in their home and even show us around =)

2) Paris.  This was not on the original schedule, but I begged Eric to take me.  It's supposed to be romantic, right?  I am looking forward to picnicing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

3) Italy.  This is our main attraction.  Eric did not make it to this leg of his previous journey (because of said hospital visit) and I can't imagine a better place to enjoy art as I so do ... we'll be hopping around from Venice to Florence to The Cinque Terre and ending with Rome.

No Germany, Austria, Switzerland or Spain ... but you can't see it all in 3 weeks.  That will be the next trip ...

So this week will be filled with cleaning, laundry, shopping, packing and dropping the babies off at my parent's house (my mom and dad will be blessed by the Lord indeed).  My biggest fear?  Trying to pack for 3 weeks in one small suitcase.  This should be interesting ...

Cheers!

~ Heidi