Uncle Brad's Visit.

My brother came to see us last week and we had such a great time. It seemed surreal to me, remembering back to when we told him we were expecting. Crying practically the entire three hours home, knowing that in a matter of days he would be headed off to war. E-mailing him and letting him know how I was doing when no one else shared our secret. And then... he was there, in person, holding my son... his nephew.

I told Kaleb all day long that his uncle Brad was coming to visit him. Apparently the excitement wore him out because I put him down for a little play time, came back a few minutes later and found this scene.



After much anticipation, Brad finally arrived and got to hold Kaleb for the first time!







The next morning we headed out on a walk to catch the bus downtown. This sports center is behind us and Brad was wishing he had brought his climbing gear when he saw this:



Coffee for us, milk for Kaleb at the Douwe Egberts. Caramel latte? Yes please.



Warm stroopwafel at the market? Lekker.



And then Kaleb had to go get his vaccinations. Poor little guy. Clearly he didn't know what he was in for, but he sure was acting tough. ;) He also got weighed and measured... 25.5 inches long and 14.5 pounds. He is growing way too fast for the liking of this mama!





Brad wanted to see how he would do. He actually didn't cry nearly as much as I anticipated, I guess he was pretty tough after all.





We have a new favorite spot for lunch and drinks. Kaap Horn, a restaurant on the lake. So when the sun came out we took advantage and went straight there to sit out on the patio.





John happened to have one day off during Brad's time here, so we took a day trip to Amsterdam. Brad and I went on a canal cruise while John stayed behind with Kaleb. (Been there, done that... and saved us time waiting in line at the VVV to get tickets to the Van Gogh museum.)



The dutch LOVE their bikes! This reminded me of my days as a nanny in Amsterdam our first year overseas. I would ride a bike from one house to the next... Often in the rain, sometimes in my heels. I was a true dutch girl.



What do I love about Amsterdam? The canals. The bridges. Sidewalk cafes. The mix of people... tourists and locals. Really though, I prefer to get out of the touristy areas and hang out where the locals do.





But when showing others around, one can't really avoid the tourist areas. Here is Dam square. Kaleb's first time in the city!



The floating flower markets. An entire canal is lined with these florist's shops.



And there is plenty of shopping. Too bad we didn't have room to take this back with us.









We just had to have dinner at the Hard Rock. Kaleb's first (and probably not last) time to one!



I went to the bathroom and met the boys outside to find my son rockin' some shades. He already thinks he's cool.





And we went to the North Sea. Nothing special, but a quick drive from Groningen and fun to say that you've seen it!



Loved chatting in this quaint little restaurant over coffee and applecake. A typical dutch treat.





The trip home... full of windmills and cows.



Sadly, all good things must come to an end and before we knew it Brad was packing up and getting ready to head home. But, not before Brad taught his nephew the fist pump.



I think he won Kaleb over with that.



He just didn't want him to leave... nor did we. Miss you already uncle Brad!