An Afternoon at Keukenhof

We took our first trip to see the tulips at the keukenhof gardens outside of Amsterdam while the Dixons were in town. Six million tulips bulbs fill the gardens. We timed our trip perfectly. Everything was in full bloom, including the cherry trees and azaleas! The kids enjoyed running around the gardens. The best time to visit the gardens is at the end of April, although they are open until the third week in May. So plan your visits early, as our guest room books up quickly!

Jill, Joel and Ollie in the trees!

We all took a turn in the wooden shoes.

Maisy took this photo.

The Malay-Dixon Visit

At the end of April, my childhood friend and her husband came to visit us with their 18 month old son "Ollie." They flew over from Breckenridge, Colorado - which was a long journey. When they arrived Ollie didn't know if it was day or night, but that didn't keep his parents from sight seeing. They set out on their bikes only a few hours after arriving! Ollie was a real trooper.

Ollie's sleep was contagious.

A Castle in Milan

There is a castle in the historic center of Milan. We didn't take a tour of the castle, but we did enjoy walking the grounds. When we arrived at the castle on Saturday morning we were greeted by hundreds of Harley Davidson motorcyclists. The bikes and bikers made an interesting contrast against the backdrop of the castle.

After seeing hundreds of Italians riding around on Harleys Joel decided to buy some Harley Davidson stock when we returned from our trip. And so far it has been a good investment!

I liked this turqoise bike the best.

The castle entrance was flooded with bikers.

The girls enjoyed the watching the fountain.

Joel asked the girls if they wanted to go swimming. Sophie took him seriously and removed her sweatshirt and tried to pull her t-shirt over hear head. Daddies are such trouble makers. The poor thing was so disappointed when I told her that she couldn't actually go swimming. Maisy found the whole episode very funny. Go to the end of this post to see a little video clip of Sophie trying to take off her shirt.

The girls playing in the castle moat.

Maisy and Joel searchinf for Sophie. Where is she hiding?

Here I am daddy!

An interior courtyard with a fun water fountain.

Pulling up their sleeves to play in the water.

This is a video clip of Sophie trying to get undressed after her daddy asked her if she wanted to go swimming in the castle fountain. Daddy....

The Parks and Playgrounds of Milan

A few weeks ago the girls and I joined Joel on a business trip to Milan. When we travel to other cities we spend our time walking the streets, visiting the parks and playgrounds and looking at the historic sights from the streets. We rarely get to enter any museums or take any tours. Fortunately, I'm not a huge museum buff so I appreciate the experiences we get and vow to return someday without the kids to take in the rest of the city.

Milan wasn't a family friendly city. In our four days in Milan only one restaurant offered us a pillow as a booster for Sophie while the rest expected her to sit on a chair. I didn't see one high chair or booster seat in a single restaurant. Very few sidewalks had wheelchair/stroller ramps, so the girls were bounced on and off the side walks as we crossed the streets. We all found this to be very annoying! However, the city did have some wonderful parks and playgrounds. The girls and I spent our first day touring the city by walking from a children's boutique to a playground and then to another children's boutique. I bought them each two beautiful smocked dresses. I'll try to take photos of the girls in their new dresses and post them to the site later this week.

We also at a lot of ice cream while in Milan. Italy is famous for its Gelato, which was delicious. The girls and I indulged in a few scoops after lunch each afternoon. Sophie learned the word strawberry on this trip : )

What's the purpose of a trip to Milan without a little fashion? I bought the girls two pairs of sunglasses which they loved. They were "hot chicks" in their new shades.

Sophie would not be outdone by here sister. Everywhere Maisy went, Sophie would follow.

I love it when the girls play well together.

At moments like this I almost forget their constant bickering over toys when we are at home.

They were perfectly balanced so mommy had to step in to get the teetering started.

Nothing compares to the swings. The girls could spend hours on the swings.

Sophie especially loves under doggies. Where did that term come from anyway??

The park had a wonderful little train.

Cool shades

Sophie loves to wear her sunglasses.

Popping wheelies with daddy.