Active "winter" weekend

Today, Sunday, we went to Snowworld in Landgraaf. The largest indoor skiing piste of Europe. Fleur told me this was the coolest day of her life going up the hill with the special ski-lift. They are learning quick! See the short movies at the bottom.

Saturday we went to the famous Christmas Market in Dusseldorf (Germany, about 40 minutes drive from our home). The whole city was decorated with lots of lights and X-mas decorations. In the stalls you could buy all the special winter treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen (kind of sweet bread with marsipan and raisens) Gluhwein, pancakes etc etc. There was even an ice skate ring!

So Julie and Fleur had to try on their special beginners iceskates. Double irons so you dont fall easily.

Dutch customs

Sinterklaas is comming to town. On his birthday, the 5th of December he is giving all the childeren presents. But only if you've been 'sweet' otherwise he takes you home to Spain.

Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain.

Of course he needs lots of help to deliver the presents and check if everybody has been nice, that help are his 'Piets'.

Julie and Fleur with Zoe and Matisse at the St. Martin's fire on the 11th of November. They ate a lot of Nonnevotten, like donuts/beignets.

In the Church they listen to the story of St Martin. After the play all the childeren walk with their ligths through town towards the place where the big fire will be lightened.

Julie and Fleur in front of the Munsterkerk in town.

Nice weather in Autumn; playing in te woods with Julie's friend Lois.

Fleur in the ropes of the play area.

Julie making a Jackal Lantern.