Trip to the Beach

We are getting the hang of the European vacation thing. This past Thursday was a national holiday, Ascension Day. When Jesus went to heaven. It is funny that a country where most of the inhabitants have not set foot in a church in many years, celebrates a day like this. Any ways - the country decides that Friday should be a day off as well. We spent Thursday and Friday exploring the city. There are lots of cool stores and out of the way markets to visit. By Saturday Abigail was done with the city and was not cooperating with anything we wanted to do. We thought - "Lets get in the car and drive to the beach. It will give us some peace and quiet since she loves to sleep in the car". The map makers here in Holland need to learn how to use a scale. Twenty minutes after we walked out the door we were at the beach. From looking at the map it should have taken at least an hour. Abigail had just fallen asleep so we stopped at the Dutch Target (IKEA) and Amy did some shopping while I sat in the car.

When we did finally make it to the beach we found one problem, unless you like getting sand blasted, you can't be on the beach more than 5 seconds. The walk from the sidewalk to the hard wet sand (you know, across the loose soft stuff) was painful. If you looked into the wind, your sun glasses suddenly became spotted with sand. Poor Abigail wasn't wearing anything so all you heard was "My eyes, My eyes.....". After a quick picture we decided that the sanctity of town may be the be best place for us. We were able to find Abigail some new pink crocks. Yes Amanda she is under 5 and we did not get any ourselves.

We sat down outside to enjoy the sun and and calmness of the town when out of the blue the crazies started to come out of the woodwork. Keep in mind that it is the start of the theatrical season here and the Dutch take their music and plays seriously. Abigail pointed down the sidewalk to a lady walking towards us. After a loud, ear drum piercing scream, Abigail was in Amy's lap like a leopard on the back end of an antelope. Full claws and all. The lady was wearing all white with her face painted black. She had a dead chicken on her head and a metal frame that supported bird nests protruding from her waist. She was making crowing sounds and feathers were being blown from her outfit. Real feathers from birds. Not the best thing to have flying around when you are trying to enjoy your meal.

This was the start of an hour long procession of people promoting their play. The outfits ranged from the simple all black and white to the crazy silverware sisters (see photos). The good thing was that we topped this all off with a giant ice cream cone then drove home.

On Sunday we headed to the zoo in our new cars. Abigail sure is Amy. I think she knows more animal sounds than mom. We don't even have to give her wine to bring them out. She just lets them roar. What a great weekend!!!!!!