Zuid Holland

This past weekend we decided to take Grandma to see some of the Netherlands. We made plans to visit some of the oldest cities in the country (Dordtrecht, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, & Delft). It was a great trip even though we stayed in a crappy Rotterdam hotel. Delft and kinderdijk made the trip worthwhile. Delft is a small town that is known for their famous pottery (white pottery with blue painted designs), but the town itself was incredible. It had three huge churches, and a beautiful town center, along with small winding canals. There were great shops, and cafes. It was a great place to visit, and we discovered why there are so many windmills in this country, as we were nearly blown away on more than one occasion.

Kinderdijk was great as well. There they have canals and 19 windmills that help maintain water levels throughout the area. In 1366 they began work to adjust the levels of the river, and canals in the area. The site is now on the UNESCO List which is basically the UN's historical Society being on the list means the UN will help to preserve and maintain the area.

Oh boy!

Our favorite Christmas present this year was finding out we are having a BOY! Of course we would have been just as excited if it were a girl, but Joe would have already started cringing over the thoughts of barbies, boyfriends and wedding expenses. However, after seeing how rambunctious this little guy is already, I think we are in for it no matter what. Every ultrasound we have been to the nurses have been laughing the whole time at how active he is and joking at how he is going to be a "handful" (much like his father so I have heard!). This particular time they were unable to do all of the proper measurements to make sure he was healthy because he wouldn't be still enough. We had to go back the next week. He was still moving quite a bit, but the nurse was able to tell that he is perfectly healthy.