Larry and Ruth's Wknd Visit

Had such a WONDERFUL weekend! Lots of pictures for you to see....

Larry and Ruth arrived on Friday evening. We went to dinner at a place a few blocks from my apartment. When you go out to eat here it can take a long time to get your food! Think we got to the restaurant around 7:30 and did not get food until after 9:00. One other thing that is different than back home is you do not get free refills of pop and water is not free. I am not used to paying for water, especially multiple glasses! We had some good wine and enjoyed catching up.

On Saturday we went to Utrecht. It was approx. 40 minutes away and is a popular college town. They had a flower market with gorgeous flowers!! All of the bouquets were really cheap compared to what they are in Amsterdam and even more so than in the US. They also had a lot of different kinds of tulip bulbs. I bought a bunch to send home with Brent for family and friends to share. It was fun to walk around and explore the area. We sat outside for lunch along the canal. It was such a beautiful view and relaxing to sit in the sun. We enjoyed visiting and people watching! After lunch we got some ice cream and walked around for another hour or so before heading back to Amsterdam.

On Sunday we walked around Amsterdam and went to a few shops. We stopped at McDonalds so we could get some coffee. When we were there I had to pay to use the restroom. Something we are not used to and take so for granted back home. Later that morning we went to a wax museum called Madame Tussauds. I had never been to a wax museum before and it was very cool to see how real some of the people looked.

After the museum we went to a few shops and then had a late lunch/early dinner and came back to my apartment. We ended the day playing games, and booking travel! I bought a Eurail pass for when Brent comes to visit. The pass is good for 7 days of train to anywhere in France, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and Belgium. We are going to go to Germany the first weekend in October and will stay with Larry and Ruth at least one night, possibly two. Will also travel a few other long weekends while he is here but not sure where we will go. Ruth showed me a game called KenKen (similar to Sudoku). We played pretty late and got a case of the giggles. Pretty funny and makes me laugh just thinking about it. Was SO NICE to spend time with them. I am very thankful for their visit and really appreciate them coming to Amsterdam.

This is already my 4th week in the office! Hard to believe the first month is almost over. I am definitely feeling more relaxed and settled. Was so nice having company this past weekend and now this next weekend MY HUSBAND IS COMING!!! Brent is flying out Friday at 10:00pm and will arrive in Amsterdam at 1:00pm my time on Saturday. I will be waiting for him at the airport! Hoping we can relax and have dinner/drinks that evening and then go to the beach on Sunday if the weather is nice. Guess there is one about 20 minutes from where I am staying. Very excited to have Brent here with me. Only wish he could bring Olaf with. I miss my puppy!!

Lots of birthdays at home this past week or two… Tami, Morgan, Tim, Grandpa, Renae – Hope you all had a special day!