The high-tea

This week, my little oak tree grew another 9cm. Just like that.

Simone doesn't miss an opportunity to write her name in my dust. This is the only spot visible to the eye of the camera. She did it in at least 2 more spots. I guess I should dust soon ;-)

In the afternoon, Ilse, my folks and I drove to a venue in Putten to celebrate my uncle and auntie's 40th wedding anniversary. They organised a high-tea which was lovely.

Mom and dad.

They arranged for us to see the next door museum about Putten and its surroundings which was very nice I think.

They also arranged for all their visitors to go up a 38 metres tall tower and enjoy the view.

I like that house.

The view was nice. Pity it was cloudy though but hey, this is The Netherlands after all, where we are happy when summer is on a weekend ;-)

There were trees growing on top of the tower as well, which was really cool.  I dig towers like this.

There was also a side-extension. Not for people with fear of heights ;-)

My dad, tower-guy and Ilse.

My mom striking a fantastic eating-pose again ;-) Ilse in the middle talking to another aunty, and my dad.

I had a very nice afternoon!

On the way home I got dropped off at Simone's and had a lovely evening with her as well :-)

Mom and dad

My mom and dad came over and we had dinner together. It was very nice.

I made them traditional Dutch winter food: Kale, potatoes, sausage and meatballs. Best I ever made!

Happy anniversary mom and dad!

My mom and dad threw a party today for their 40th wedding anniversary. The actual anniversary was yesterday.

About 75 people showed up for a high tea. It was a very enjoyable and fun afternoon!

Mom and dad opening.

Anita, someone I don't know and my cousin Margareth.

Rina clearly enjoying herself ;-)

My mom's sister Heleen and my mom.

Cassie, Frank, Ilse, dad, my cousin Margareth, aunty Heleen and my mom.

Cheers!

The party place in Alkmaar.

Around 6PM my mom and dad said an emotional thanks to everyone. They were quite impressed seeing so many friends and family. I'm very happy for them that it turned out so well :-)

Yours truly. Thanks mom and dad for a very fun day :-)

2007 wrap-up: Australia

Life in Australia is now slowly starting to take shape. We're not tourists anymore and are now eager for our stuff to arrive so we can slowly start to look for work etc.

I am superhappy with the photo that Ilse and Cassie gave us of them and my parents. It's infront of me whenever I sit behind my computer and we all know; that's a lot!

2007 wrap-up: The last Dutch days

The last week before we left was very chaotic and busy. We slept in our old apartment untill the last day. On the day we sold, my mum came to pick up the last things. Also we had drinks with colleagues and some of my family came over for a last chat while we were at my mums and dads.

Also we visited Suzanne and Alex for a wonderfull afternoon and evening. And I couldn't leave without saying bye to Wil, the owner of a frie-stand I used to go to when I started living in Amsterdam.

The last dutch day (for now)

Sorting my papers. I threw out about 90% of all my paper. After this we had 1 final box to be send off. It was 12 kilo's which costs 53 euro's to send away on a whopping speed of 8 weeks...

Nicole overexposed. I like her eyes very much.

The mall close to my parent's house. Ain't it stunningly beautifull?

Ilse and Cassie while having a little snackie. It was fun to meet them "in the wild".

The visits

Wonderfull portrait of my mum.

Re-packing my suitcase to get rid of the last excess weight.

My mum and her friend Joke.

Joke's husband Jan and my mum's brother in law Johan.

My mum's sister Heleen.

The travelgirls. My aunties Kitty and Margot.

Aunt Kitty, my dad Jan, aunt Jo and aunt Margot.

Henriette and Herman digging in.

Cassie looking pretty.

Cassie's cat Ukkie.