Amsterdam Getaway - Day 1

We went on a getaway to Amsterdam as one final "hurrah" with Brant's parents in town, before they had to leave last Saturday.  It was a wonderful 2-night adventure, filled with history, sights, yummy food, city-life and simply just getting away from the norm, while making life-long memories.

On the first day, we boarded a morning train and arrived in Amsterdam to be greeted by cold, but dry weather.  The weather remained this way for the duration of our stay, which made things much easier to navigate around the city by foot with our group.

I requested this picture, mainly for the reason that I actually looked different for a picture, in what seems like the entire time we have lived in Kampen - I am wearing a different coat, scarf, and my hair was down.  Had to be documented!

Maddie continues to tell people that we went on an adventure to "Amsterdam Centraal" - even though we keep telling her that we went beyond just the train station.  :)

Our accommodations were in a delightful and cozy B & B in the heart of Jordaan, which is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Amsterdam.  Dale and Martha had a room right across the hall from our family room.  Each room was very clean, thoughtfully decorated and cute.  Maddie was delighted with her private little "room" within our bigger room!

Maddie's room, which was a special space tucked behind some curtains in the corner.  So fun when you're 4!!

After unpacking our things, first up on our agenda was to find food.  There are hundreds of little cafes and restaurants in Amsterdam, and in the Jordaan neighborhood was no exception.  We took our chances on a cafe that looked decent enough and seemed to have space for us.  Unfortunately, I think we all agreed it was a swing and a miss, based on food, service and ambiance.  Regardless, I snapped a few pictures, because that's what I do!

Excited to eat!

Thank goodness for apple juice.  This allowed for at least 3 minutes of peace and happiness.

The rest of the time, we occupied ourselves by taking silly pictures. :)

Monkey see, monkey do.

With food in our bellies, we set off by foot and became official tourists, stopping for lots of photos en route to the Rijksmuseum.

A big city, that can be a bit tricky to navigate around at first!

Uh-oh!

Canals, canals, everywhere.

Another photo request by Maddie.  She must be my daughter - never overlooking a moment for a picture to be taken of her.

The Rijksmuseum was an amazing place.  The kids did terrific, considering it was an art history museum.  We were very proud of them (in fact, they were outstanding throughout the entire weekend).  I managed to have one child asleep in the stroller for close to an hour, which really worked in our favor.  Maddie enjoyed looking at all of the exhibits, even without having a clue what she was looking at.  We tried to explain the different art pieces or pictures or artifacts to her.  Although she won't have a memory of the experience, I am happy we were able to give it to her all the same.

Maddie found both instruments that Mommy plays (well, played and will play again someday).  Here she is with the trombone behind her.

And although she is not in the picture, she was quick to point out the pianos to me, as well.

A very ornate carving on the cello.  How cool!

Music has been around for so many centuries.  I am so very grateful for the gift and love of music my parents instilled in me from a very young age.

That would be my daughter in the center of this picture - and the center of this room.  How fitting.

The grand entrance to the Rembrandt painting, "The Night Watch."  How exciting to actually be in Europe, physically looking at something so famous!  I remember learning about this painting from my high school history book.  Incredible. 

Self-portrait of Rembrandt. 

Self-portrait of Van Gogh. 

The Battle of Waterloo - the largest canvas painting in the museum.

After the museum, we found ourselves taking a few more pictures of the surrounding area at twilight.  It was full of activity and life - oh, how I love the city!

Maddie and Grandma Marty (and another little girl who wouldn't get out of the picture).

It really was so pretty.

The Rijksmuseum at twilight.

Our little walk conveniently brought us to a ticket stand for a canal cruise, which was perfect for our tired feet - and it also helped us cross off one of our desired activities!  Seeing the city at night, with the twinkling lights, was quite charming.

The crew, waiting for our canal boat to arrive.

Ready to board!

So in love!

The home of the Heineken Brewery.

A very fancy-pants hotel, where many celebrities have stayed upon visiting Amsterdam. 

After the cruise, we found a charming pizza restaurant and then had an adventure in and of itself, getting back to our place in the dark. :)  Needless to say, we were all happy to go to sleep that night, after such a wonderful and full day.

Stay tuned for Day 2, coming soon!