As always the summer is flying by and we have had a great one. There has been quite a bit of travel for us, bringing much fun and excitement. And in between, during our days at home in Goes, some unusual weather has occured .
The Netherlands had some unusually hot days this year. We have seen several days of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which doesn’t come even once in some years, let alone 3 times or more. And not only has the weather been hot, but it has been unusually dry. A land that is accustomed to at least weekly rain has not seen it in 6 weeks or more. The lush green has faded and the fields are suffering. I water my potted flowers daily.
Despite the hot days and uneasy nights, we have certainly found joy.
The Big Wedding
In June, our youngest got married! We made the trip to the mid west United States at the end of May, staying for two weeks to wrap up last minute wedding plans. The wedding and reception went off without a hitch. I am so thankful to all the people involved for their help with every aspect of this special day. We couldn’t have done it without family, church friends and the bridal party pitching in! I am just in awe of the wonderful, supportive circle surrounding us.
A Girls’ Trip
In July, my good friend Sonya braved her first trip to Europe, traveling across the ocean by herself! She stayed at our house in Goes for the first 5 days. I showed her our special town and took her to other towns in the area. The second half of her trip we spent in London. I think it is safe to say that she got her moneys worth as her time was filled with fun activities every day! Here are some highlights.
Please note: I am using some of the pics that Sonya took. She was always present even if she isn’t in every picture. 🙂
Sonya and I by the big drill at Goes Vermeer. Factory protocol is wearing goggles and the neon vest. 🙂
Sonya took a pic of Jeremy and I in the Vermeer canteen.
I took Sonya to a brunch at the church where I attend Wednesday morning coffeetime. Her head is in the bottom right corner. 🙂
A fun afternoon in Middelburg, which is just 15 minutes from Goes.
The three of us toured a castle in Ghent, Belgium. Yes my eyes are closed.
At our favorite restaurant in Goes, Slot Oostende. I promise Sonya was there too.
Cheese and drink Canal Cruise in Amsterdam. Sonya was a trooper because she had just flown in that morning!
Bruge, Belgium is a storybook town. They don’t come much more lovely than Bruge. We took a boat ride, tried the chocolates and enjoyed the veiws.
A fabulous lunch in Bruge. The weather was perfect and so was the company.
First night in London. We are in front of Tower Bridge.
The famous dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is behind us.
Sonya in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Such an impressive structure started in 1675.
Just a fun stop.
Churchill Arms. It is a restaurant where Winston Churchill used to frequent. We had some really good Thai food there!
Approaching the Lion King theater in the Covent Garden area.
Excited for Lion King to start! The special effects were amazing, as well as the singing! They didn’t let us take pics unfortunately.
We spent a day at Kew Gardens! Such beautiful plants with a beautiful lady!
Time for High Tea! We found this cute little place across from Kew Gardens that hosted us!
Can’t forget Buckingham Palace! We saw the changing of the guard and even toured inside!
When in London, you have to try the Fish n Chips. Well, Sonya had specifically that. I tried the Calamari and Chips. Both were excellent!
And that is the summer so far! Great memories were made. Jeremy and I do have a couple of weekend trips coming up, so keep watch for those blogs. And as always, thanks so much for reading!
