Houston Dillons: Amsterdam--the finale

We went to visit the Heerhugowaard Dillons (Carey, Bonjella, Jaden and Jace). The boys had a blast playing together. Jaden and Jace wanted to show Kaiden all their toys. I think the first hour all we heard was, "Kaiden, look at this. Kaiden, look at this!" It was so cute!

Kaiden loved all their toys, but he was also super excited about their cat.

Playing in the yard.

Yummy!

They loved their "special" drinks.

Our "special" drinks were better!

Boys will be boys! In true boy fashion, they had two spiders and a snail in that jar!

They really studied the animals.

Kaiden's first popsicle. At first he didn't know what to do with it! He thought it was yummy, but you know he is my child because when Bonjella brought out the brownies he said, "Ohhhhh, brownies!"

Mailee talking to Jaden.

The boys.

I love it that seconds after the picture above, they all turn their attention to the TV.

Jace and Kaiden getting cozy.

Lovin on Tante Bonjella

Then we spent a day with the Purmerend Hensens (Lilian, Martijn and Robin)

Once again, Kaiden had a wonderful time! He loved playing on this playground that is just in front of Robin's house.

Writing with Robin and her friend.

We walked to a park and played a little soccer.

Walking along the lake by Oma's house.

One afternoon Lichar's aunt, uncle and cousins came by to visit. I love sitting outside and visiting with everyone.

Mailee got to meet her third cousin, Faye.

Maya having fun on Oma's swing.

Maya and Robin lovin' on Lilian.

Oma with a lap full of kids!

Kaiden asked to go visit the horses again, so he and Daddy walked over to the petting zoo. This time he got to see a donkey too!

The donkey knocked over the bucket and Kaiden kept telling him "No, no, donkey!"

Oma always finds fun toys...

I love this face!!

All that playing wears a boy out.

Chillin in the yard.

After a long nap, you need a little snack. :) I mentioned earlier that Kaiden loved the snacks that everyone set out. He would have eaten just those if we let him. Notice the two police cars right beside him. He loves those cars!

Caught him in the act.

Mailee hanging out with Oom Carey.

Our last day in Amsterdam we decided to venture downtown one more time.

We were dressed, packed up and ready to walk out the door before I realized it was sprinkling. Since we were ready and it was only a light rain, we decided to brave it.

We made it to the subway with no big issues, but half way along our journey, the subway stopped between two stops. We waited and waited, finally an announcement that they were checking something mechanical. After about 15 min, we were moving again. At the next stop, they announced that everyone must get off. Due to a mechanical problem this train would not proceed downtown.

We discussed whether we should wait and hope that the train would soon be moving, or just to navigate our way to downtown from where we were. We decided to navigate. This meant going up to the street and catching a tram. We got upstairs only to realize it was pouring. POURING.

We water proofed the kids and headed across the street to the tram stop along with a million other people with our same plan. Tram 1 comes, we didn't even get close. Tram 2 comes, we were just a few people away from getting on. Tram 3 comes, Lichar gets on, but as I get on, the conductor tells me there is no more room for strollers. Both of us off. :( Tram 4 comes, it is an old one with stairs (=no strollers). As we were preparing for Tram 5, someone comes by and lets us know the subway is running again.

So, we head BACK downstairs to jump on the subway. One full hour after leaving Oma's house, we finally arrive downtown. I had one more order of fries, and it finally stopped raining. We met up with Rayan and Maya and had a great time.