Last couple of weeks

We are all starting to feel more settled and into a routine here, which is so nice.  We haven't traveled the last couple of weeks because of the weather not being great and Ryan had a school fun fair on April 14th.  Ryan's school is such a melting pot of people from all over the world.  It is really neat to hear what Ryan is learning from the other kids about their language and culture.  The school puts together what they call a Fun Fair every year as a fundraiser.  They have a flea market with all sorts of items people donate.  So interesting they do this, but it makes sense since there are so many people coming and going.  They also have simple carnival type games, bouncy house, and our favorite was the food.  Many families made authentic food from their country and the sales of this went to the school.  There was a French, Indian, Japanese, Turkish, Taiwan, Italian, UK, and American booth.  It was amazing food!  I was a little embarrassed about the American food.  All the other tables had these beautiful spreads and the American had mostly packaged goods (potato chips, candy, cookies, etc.) and a bbq.  But, I guess when you think of American food that is it?!  It was nice to meet some new people from the school as well.  I volunteered for part of the day at one of the game booths.  There are quite a few American military families at his school.  I was surprised to hear we have bases in the Netherlands.

We also signed Ryan up on a soccer team.  It is every Saturday for 45 min and there are a couple of coaches running them thru drills and then they scrimmage.  They all wear the same uniform.  We were surprised at this since they are so little, but we are in soccer country!  The coaches are really great and Ryan is loving it.  One of his friends from school is also on the team, so they can get silly together.  I think they are the only 2 English speaking, but the coaches are really great at giving directions in English and Dutch.  I found out as well that girls don't play soccer here! There are no teams whatsoever!!  My Italian friend from school said it is not ladylike to learn how to play soccer and to kick a ball. Ha!  

Abby is changing so fast these days.  She is really starting to say more and more words and let us know when she needs something.  The girlish screech has started! :)  She is so fun and just a really happy girl.  She is very sensitive and gets really embarrassed/sad when you tell her no at something she did or is doing.  I get sad watching her lip start to quiver and bury her head in my shoulder.  I took the kids to the Parrot Park again yesterday and it was so funny to watch how they play.  Ryan was running around the playground, up and down the slide and ladders and she sat for a good 30 minutes on this rocking horse just rocking and looking around.

I think we are headed to Paris this weekend to see a couple I use to work with.  I haven't seen her in over 4 years, so I'm very excited!