We're so glad we just went ahead and booked our long weekend at the end of September. Nava had invited us to come after her visit in May, and it sounded quite do-able. It ended up being such an enjoyable and relatively easy weekend trip, and Nava being Nava, really made us feel so welcome and comfortable.
We left at lunch on Friday and were at her house by 8pm. This included driving to Malpensa, the 1.5 hour flight, and the train and tram from the airport to the Hague and then to her house. All of it was smooth and painless - thankfully. Nava's little house is so sweet - a lovely combination of old and new - and in a lovely lovely area. We got the kids to bed and enjoyed some chatting time with Nava for the evening.
Saturday's agenda was a day in Amsterdam. But not until we had gorged ourselves on the most delightful bakery treats from an AMAZING bakery right around the corner from her house. We didn't feel rushed, but still made it into Amsterdam by 11:30 with an easy 40 min train ride. We lucked out with the most beautiful weather all weekend. Blue skies and cool, but not cold temperatures. We were able to wander around the Jordaan area (love!) and eventually make our way to the Pancake Bakery for some yummy pancakes for lunch. More wandering through the quaint boutiques etc and just enjoying the sights of the city, with a quick purchase of a pair of boots from a vintage store for me =) The kids fell asleep on the go, taking turns in the stroller and Eowyn sometimes in the carrier, and by 5:30 we'd found our way to a delicious surinamese restaurant. And all this and back to the house for bedtime at 8pm! It worked out perfectly!
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| Delicious breakfast with a sweet view - the kids are happy! |
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| Deliciousness |
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| The adorable walk from Nava's house to the tram stop - with apples falling from the trees! |
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| A selfie trying to get us all in (sorry Liam!) |
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| Arriving in Amsterdam with blue skies all day! |
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| Meandering around the canals |
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| Gorgeous foliage on a building |
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| Satisfied customer at the Pancake Bakery |
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| Quintessential Amsterdam - bikes and boats |
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| Ann Frank's house with reflections in the windows |
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| So quaint - I heart the Jordaan! |
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| Starbucks pit stop |
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| Train ride home to the Hague |
Sunday we debated heading back into Amsterdam, but decided (After another bakery laden breakfast table!) to check out the Hague. Again, the pace was just right. We walked all day - popping into many of the shoe stores which ended up costing us (a pair of lovely leather boots for James and me!). And we stopped for lunch, yummy snacks etc. Our last stop for the day was a persian restaurant which was a real treat. The only tough part was Eowyn's epic meltdown before the food came. Otherwise, another awesome day. The kids did so well with just being pushed along or carried, and sometimes walking. And again we were home and had them to bed at a reasonable time so we could relax and chat together.
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| Another delicious breakfast |
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| Post breakfast reading on the steps! |
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| Walking through the embassy area of the Hague |
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| Unbelievably beautiful day |
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| Munchkins at play in the parliament square |
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| James carrying his weight |
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| An afternoon treat of delicious waffles and those crazy caramel cookie things! |
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| A comfy bed to crash in - Nava gave up her room for us, and her bed! |
Our departure on Monday was equally relaxed as we had a lunch time flight to catch and all morning to get there. Nava was even off because she was leaving that day too, so we hung out and got organized in the morning, and then she took us to the train station and we made our way back to the airport. We had lunch, hopped on the flight - kids slept, we arrived home by 3:30 in Milan, and 5pm at our house. Absolutely perfect for having little kids. We are so grateful to Nava for such a fun time!
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| Final morning - cousins! |
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| Waiting for the Tram |
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