Sojourn in the Netherlands - Amsterdam

We were lucky this year to spend time Christmas, once again, with family.  This year with youngest daughter, Alexis and family in Amsterdam.  Winter is not the best time to visit this lovely city - it is wet, cold and overcast.  But we did manage to go out almost every day and actually had a little sun.

On our walk to the Albert Cuyp Market my granddaughter pointed out these goblins on a roof top.  I had not noticed them before.

We always have to stop at playgrounds.  This small one featured a swing.

This wall art is new since the last time we were in Amsterdam.

I was attempting to photograph this section when the gentlemen stopped to rest.  So I included him as his blues matched the art.

Youngest granddaughter, Natasha.

The entrance to the Albert Cyup Market.  Our favorite frites stand is the first thing you see.

The piano player - the girls loved this!

The girls cuddling with Mom - and looking at their favorite thing - a screen!

And all the family on screens!

Lia is more serious and loves to read and do crafts.  Natasha is a little more goofy.  Things may change when she learns to read.

How our family spends evenings together.

Getting ready for Sinterklass or Santa Claus.  They also celebrate Saint Nicholas day on December 6.  He arrives by boat on the canals and also comes to your house.  There were many questions on how Santa Clause would get in with all the doors and windows locked and no chimney.

Natasha choose the cookies.

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Lia wrote the letter to Santa.

Christmas morning.  We made the girls wait until all the adults had showered before they could open presents.  The presents have been in stacks under the tree according to who gets them for weeks.

And the sun appears!  at least for a little while.

Early on on the walk Lia took a tumble off her scooter - and had to go home to be bandaged up.

For breakfast we had pancakes and bacon.  Around 2pm we had our traditional homemade pizza.  Yum!