Margraten 2011

Hi

Jacob and Abi took part in a remembrance tradition. As part of the scouting organisation we were invited to lay flags at the American Cemetery just outside the town of Margraten in the Netherlands. It is a large memorial to American soldiers who lost their lives in the area during World War 2. There are just over 8000 graves there. At each cross an American flag is placed as well as a Dutch one, so over 16,000 flags need to be planted. As well as the white stone cross graves there is also a remembrance pool, column and wall of names. It was a great thing to do and really made us all think about the past and what's going on today in the world. My 2 were brilliant and I am pleased we all took part.

Rachael.

A Party and a Play!

Hi

Am doing a couple of posts, it's cleaning day so any excuse not to get on! Over the last couple of weeks we've been busy with normal things so I've chosen a couple of highlights:

Abi went to a party at Monde Verde. I have already posted about this place as we have season passes so go quite regularly. This was our first brithday party there though and it was great fun with lots of children. I've put a photo on of Abi, and some of her friends, on the roller coaster.

Jacob took part in a play at school. He was a Greek soldier and was rather good. He loved the fighting parts. The whole thing was very well done and you could clearly hear all of the speakers which is a pleasant change. I've put in a photo of him with 2 of his closer friends and also one of the group of soldiers.

Abi's in a play tomorrow so more photos will follow!

Rachael.

First windmill visit

Hi

We managed to get to a windmill. It is not a working one but you can still go up inside it. I was a total whimp and worried the whole time about the height, the wooden floorboards and the wind! Good view, steep steps and happy children. Have included a few photos. Of course there was a cafe involved and very good it was too. We will find a working windmill at some point but this was a great start! I have also included 2 photos from school of Jacob and Abi in their Easter Hats. They had to decorate them and then parade around school. I was surprised at how into it Jacob was. They both looked the part.

Rachael.

Grandma's visit over Easter

Hi

Grandma Melrose (Allen's Mum) arrived the evening we got back from Portugal. Jacob and Abi were very excited to see her and we did another birthday cake for Abi. Allen had to work for the first 2 days of Marion's visit so me and the children entertained her. On our first day we borrowed one of the neighbours bikes and cycled into our nearest town, Sittard. Abi wanted to spend some of her birthday money on clothes. She came back with 3 outfits, Jacob also got some long shorts which he loves. We had lunch in Sittard and cycled back. We met Allen at the ice cream parlour up the road and enjoyed a glass of wine and truffle ice cream.

The next day we went to Monde Verde. We'd taken Marion there when she visited in November. It was a lovely sunny day and everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. I've included photos from the day out. Allen then had a long weekend off from work so we went to the point where the 3 countries meet - see photo with flags, another nice meal out. It was a bit drizzly so we didn't go up the tower to take in the view of the 3 countries, there was also a nuclear demonstration going on on the tower!

Saturday we'd booked a nice lunch out at our favourite place - the Mill. It's an easy walk from our house although we cycled as we were late! In the morning we went to the garden centre for Marion to pick some plants for our garden. She then planted it all up and did some cutting back. It is looking so much better, just hope we don't ruin what she has done. I've included a photo of Allen and Marion at lunch.

Sunday it was Easter so we did an egg hunt in the garden, see photos. Everyone had fun hiding the eggs. We then cycled up to another favourite cafe outside of Puth. I think Marion was pleased when we returned the bike to our neighbour!

We had a great week with Grandma and look forward to her next visit.

Rachael.