Final Kampen visitors

Last Friday, my Aunt Susan and Uncle Roger arrived in Kampen for the weekend, ready to make some very special Netherlands memories with us.  These were our final visitors of the year, and what a treat it was for us to have them come!  Seeing as their visit had them arriving on a Friday afternoon, we wasted no time, hopped on the bikes, and introduced them to our weekly tradition of "Gelato Fridays."  I know, life's tough sometimes.

Geoffrey would rather be eating than posing for pictures.

We walked around the main stretch of Kampen, giving them a brief tour of our historical town.

Aunt Susan found herself a professional "ear-warmer."  (He's really good at holding onto your ears while riding on shoulders, which comes to be appreciated when it isn't particularly warm outside!)

This was opening day of a big weekend waterfront festival called, "Sail Kampen."  We didn't go inside, but this was one of the dozens and dozens of ships docked to shore that could be explored over the weekend.

Not a sight we are used to around here...the bell tower, and then a giant Ferris Wheel off in the distance (set up for the festival).  The kids spotted it immediately and we knew, before the holiday weekend was over, we would need to make a special trip to the wheel.

One thing Maddie and Geoffrey have become a little too accustomed to, living so far away, is that visitors with suitcases means there might be something special inside for them.  This was no exception!

Thumbs up!  We're ready!

I think they are equally excited...all three of them.

Geoffrey was given some new headphones, just like the ones his big sister already has.  He was thrilled!  And so are we; now the airplane ride home won't be spent fiddling with the cheap ear buds the plane has.

They brought Maddie two very special Frozen books - she was beyond excited!

Story time, complete with headphones!

And Geoffrey was given a special book we remembered from our childhood's: Richard Scarry's, Cars and Trucks, and Things that Go!   It was a big hit.

Uncle Roger read Frozen to Maddie twice the first night, and it's not a short book.  Lucky Maddie!

On Saturday morning, we woke up to a gorgeous day.  We took our special guests on a bike ride to the Kampen windmill, the market and our favorite lunch spot on Oudestraat.  After lunch, the kids and I went home for naps, and Brant took Aunt Susan and Uncle Roger out across the river for a view of the skyline (and the hopping festival that was taking place).  The late afternoon also included a special outing where Maddie showed Aunt Susan her school and playground, and two rounds of Old Maid were enjoyed by all.  It was a great day!

Our favorite volunteer miller was on hand once again, to give us an in-depth look at the inner workings of a flour mill.

Grinding the flour down into the sack.  It was quite loud in the mill, with all gears turning and stones grinding.  

That's us!

Beautiful day.  Beautiful windmill.  Beautiful bunch.

An impromptu session of rolling down the hill began, which led to several minutes of belly laughing and dizzy kids!

Aunt Susan and Maddie, holding hands, preparing to roll down together.

Far more successful when two are linked together.

Of course, Geoffrey wasn't going to be left out! 

One of the best sandwich makers I've ever come across.  And yes, those fresh baguettes you see in the background are a big reason why!

Maddie explaining the menu.

The bike ride looked like it was lovely.  Springtime in the Netherlands sure is a treat!

Blue Herons are everywhere around here.

"Sail Kampen."

So many boats were on the water.

I know pictures similar to these have been published on the blog, but what's the harm in another one?

Kind of looks like a Californian family, am I right?

Old Maid shenanigans.  One of Maddie's favorites!  

On our final day together, we took my aunt and uncle to see some tulips, cause you know, that's sort of the "thing to do" around here.  Stay tuned...