Shenanigans around Kampen

The weather has truly been magnificent around here the past few days, and I think it is supposed to continue for maybe a few more.  It is sunny and clear, with the perfect crisp touch!  Ah, how I love fall. :)

Friday afternoon, and Saturday, we found ourselves drawn to our bicycles and the great outdoors, visiting parks, cycling through the outskirts of Kampen, attending a local children's shop fair, and eating gelato. 

It is a beautiful town.

Sibling games are the best - especially when they are both giggling, having so much fun together.

Brant, cycling toward the bridge. 

This girl has been through a big week and a half, making it 7 days in a Dutch school.  We are so proud of you, Maddie!!

Nothing like being with your best friend, and biggest fan.

Saturday, we became wiser, and so much cooler, and added some shades.  Can't take the "California" out of these Dutch kids. 

There was a special event happening at Brant's school, and this enormous flag was proudly flying.

At the children's fair, Maddie helped make a "dread lock" for her hair.  She chose pink and purple, and the rest of the day she called herself, "Rapunzel," because of her beautiful, long hair. ;)

Bonus!  There was a bouncy house at the children's fair.  The kids were so happy!

What a guy - holding the kids' balloons and our free goody bag of samples from the fair.  I guess I'll keep him around. ;)

Not wanting to miss out on the fun!

European charm.

Bike shadows in the country.

It is a beautiful country, where if there were hills in the distance, I might mistaken it for the Willamette Valley, in Oregon.

We decided to turn around and head for home...

No children were harmed, I promise!  The dumb thing is, I wasn't even pedaling.  I was straddling the bike, walking and turning it around, when this happened.  It was a slow, and hilarious, fall. The kids didn't think it was funny, although there were no tears!  They both just started shouting at me, "Whoa! No! No! Mommy!! No!!!" :)  I was telling Brant, "Help me!!" His response, while quickly reaching for the camera and taking this picture, was, "Don't worry, everyone.  You all are fine.  Everyone is fine."

"Shenanigans" is definitely the word I choose to describe the weekend thus far. :)  Off on another adventure today - to the Gnome Village, about a 30 minute bike ride from Kampen.  Maybe Brant and I should switch bikes today? ;)