I had this whole trip planned out exactly how I wanted it to happen. But my plans never do seem to go just the way I would like them to go. The first and most obvious setback had to do with something I have absolutely no control over... the LATE SPRING! Winter was holding on with its icy cold grip which trickled over into the spring flowers which were technically supposed to be in full bloom when we were in The Netherlands, but they were not. Regardless of this somewhat disappointing visit to Keukenhof ( I have seen this place in ALL it's glory) our family was together, we made some great memories and got to visit with some wonderful friends. Let the photos begin:
BURG ELTZ
If you read up on Rick Steve's travel books you won't miss him mentioning that Burg Eltz is his most favorite castle to tour through. I had taken the boys a few years ago so this was actually Ben's very first time. We had our own private tour, just Ben, Cael, and I to wander, ask questions and really take in all there is inside and out.
TRIER
Me and my Honey!
We love stopping and staying with our very good friends- The Atwoods. And just because we are cool like that Sabrina and I wore matching shirts on one of our outings and made the coolest four-armed monster. It is a good thing we are so close- this could have been weird with anyone else!
COCHEM CASTLE - renovated by some rich Frenchman a long time ago. Nice little hike and beautiful views of the Mosel River and valley.
OPEN AIR MUSEUM- The Netherlands
We strolled along the countryside and went through many old buildings that were transported here in one location. A fun little trolley car can take you all around and you can get off when ever you want. I really loved the old thatched-roof barn/home, the tiniest little house that was made out of peat, and the school house that was used only in the winter when the children weren't helping their families on the farm with all that needs to be done there. We bought some tiny pancakes and scarfed them down in a minute and also some interesting old fashioned black licorice candy. The boys were excited until they took a bite of the gummy stuff. Connor was seen hunched over and trying as forcefully as he could to get the taste out of his mouth.
So we got this huge suckers that the kids thought were pretty great. Brielle loved them too. Until we took it away from her. Poor little thing had a rough trip and by weeks end was banged up and bruised all over her forehead, nose, and face. Something about flipping out of the stroller, walking into an opened kitchen drawer, uneven surface stumble-- you get the idea.
This is what "taking candy from a baby" looks like.
KEUKENHOF GARDENS
Like I said the gardens were beautiful, just not TULIP beautiful. The crocuses and daffodils were blooming and bright, the weather was breezy and chilly too. They even had consolation boxes of tulips along side the benches on the path so you didn't feel too bad ( I still did) So after we walked into the information display our children drew some amazing pictures so we could all warm up. We were given bulbs to plant in our gardens someday-- there was no way I was going to put them in the ground yet (the timing is wrong and we are moving!)
We packed a picnic and shivered when the wind really started to blow our way. The kids had a great time at the animal petting area, a quick hedge maze, and then we hustled over to the green house where there were pretty - pretty tulips all over the place.
Brecon could not contain himself! He loved this place- can't you tell? He was sulking and sad when Ben wasn't holding his hand for some reason. We kept walking and he stayed put... it's a good thing we could spot that frowning face anywhere!
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