The joy of friends

So we had Katy here for two weeks, and then dear Jeff joined us for the second week and we spent the week hanging out, playing games, talking, and showing them Holland.

One day we decided to go on a bike ride through North Holland, which we had not done before but had been told was beautiful and a great way to see some of the countryside. Yes, this is true. Maybe just not in winter when it's cold and SO windy. But still, we had fun and it was an incredible workout (whether we were anticipating that or not!). We earned our dinner that night, that's for sure. I think Calvin LOVED it though. He has a windshield, so doesn't feel the wind, plus there were animals and tractors everywhere ... a little boy's dream.

A really big, old church in a village we stopped at.

Jeff took these and I love them. That's all.


Jeff & Katy were our first visitors so far to love the dutch french fries (which are quite good). Instead of a pastry a day, Jeff's rule was fritas once a day ;). Kate preferred the coffee (a girl after my own heart).



Jeff and Katy have put in a LOT of baby-sitting hours with Calvin (before moving here, of course) and they were the first people to find out we were pregnant and the first to visit us in the hospital. So we like to think they and Calvin have a special bond. Here they are earning their keep ... chasing Cal around the park and reading to him - best way into this kids heart!


And more park pictures, just because I like them ;)


It was a WONDERFUL, restorative time for us to be with such dear friends and enjoy their company. Here's hoping to live somewhere near them again some time in the future!