Grandpa was here!

What an unbelievable treat to have Grandpa here for 3 whole weeks! We hadn't seen Grandpa (or anyone in my family) for more than 14 months. But time and distance had not weakened the bond between Simon and his Grandpa - they picked up right where they left off. Being silly.

It definitely helps that my dad is just a really grandpa fun go who can't say no to hours of bouncing on the knee or flying overhead. The favorite activity was definitely taking out all animals (stuffed, lego, you name it) and having them all play and talk together. That man has some patience, I tell you.

Grandpa dove right in to both the grand parenting and sight-seeing activities. With Simon in creche two days per week, that gave him plenty of time to explore Amsterdam on 2 wheels (the only way) and check out some of the many museums. Like nearly every visitor to this great city, he was fascinated with the bike culture that truly rules the road. He learned his way around (sort of - he was also lost a lot) and could take Simon to school or run to the market on his own. With Simon on board he also checked out the library, the science museum, and the fabulous Artis Zoo. (And probably a lot of other things as he tried to find his way back home.)

He even got to celebrate his birthday with us. Which means....cake for breakfast! We made use of all of the candles we have, he is not quite as old as the cake might indicate. For his birthday I found a book on the history of biking in Amsterdam, so if you've talked to him since his return he is probably spewing all sorts of interesting Amsterdam biking facts your way. You're welcome.

Grandpa's visit also provided me with some much appreciated R&R. While I have been feeling good, I am definitely a bit more tired and have been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions (hard tummy), which can be uncomfortable and just annoying. I was very happy to have Simon entertained and be able to just lay low for a few weeks. I know that things will change shortly, so I cherished my down time. I even escaped to Düsseldorf for a day to visit friends and meet a beautiful new addition to this world.

At the apple orchard.

Grandpa also watched Simon for a weekend while Martin and I went to the Ardennes region of Belgium. Belgium is fast becoming one of our favorite countries with good food, delicious beer, friendly people, and a beautiful landscape. We had never really been to the Belgian countryside before and really enjoyed our pleasant B&B and the surrounding small villages. We slept a lot and enjoyed a last weekend away before the baby arrives.

Belgian waffles!

Some of these pictures are a bit deceiving, as it rained for the first 15 days that my dad was here. But in the end the sun came back and we were able to end his visit on some beautiful fall weather.

At the petting zoo.

We miss him very much already! Come back soon, Grandpa!