Tulip Bike Hash...

The Amsterdam Hash chose a truly beautiful day to host the first Tulip Bike Hash. Jimmy had to scout trail for the Dutch Nash Hash, so unfortunately he couldn’t join me, and I thought it would be too far for the girls, so they went to Sally’s.  I took my bike for the first time on the train to Heemstede where I met about 20 hashers. We rode through the local woods and out into the tulip bulb fields of Hillegom, which were in prime bloom. The traffic around the infamous Keukenhof Gardens was insane and I was very thankful to be on a bike and not in a car. We then made our way out to Sassenheim for a picnic stop and to catch a little of the Bloemencorso (flower parade.) It was funny to see a US-themed float with Thomas Jefferson, Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. We passed a lot of farm animals on our journey back along a beautiful canal up until the time we had to take a detour due to a traffic accident, which led us onto a major road with no sights. After 35 miles and a quick hash circle at the end, I was back on the train with a big smile on my face.

More Ultimate Frisbee...

Although Veronica’s training sessions are most often outside in the wind, she was able to make the adjustment to playing indoors for the Dutch Junior National Indoor Ultimate Frisbee Tournament near Utrecht. Her team came in 2nd out of the 8 teams.  She was happy to be allowed to keep the team trophy, but disappointed that Ultimate doesn’t rate within the school’s sports hierarchy enough for it to be displayed in the school’s trophy cabinet. The coach suspects the PE department’s lack of recognition is because there are no refs in Ultimate. It appears that even if you run your butt off at a competition, it doesn’t matter if there’s not a ref there to tell you when you’re out. At least Jimmy was there to take action and goofy team shots while Ashlynn and I were at a luncheon for Camilla’s 40th. 

My Kind of Play...

Gotta love going to a play in a historic building with friends and being served wine and nibbles before it starts. Surprisingly, Deja managed to stay engaged for the entire 15 minutes and never fussed. Afterwards, there was a raffle with wine, cheese and chocolate as prizes. Obviously, we’ve done something right raising these kids. 

Rave Reviews for The Chateau Adventure...

I confess. I was a little nervous when the kids invited Ginger and Bobby to come along to their play. There was no doubt that their own parents would love whatever they’d come up with, but I was leary about inviting others in case it was goofy. I worried needlessly. The play was charming and thoroughly entertaining. Ashlynn and Andrew were young kids playing bocce who travelled through time as they chased their ball through a strange door. Veronica and David were first a servant and butler in 1843, then a fine lady and Benjamin Franklin in 1770 (it is documented that he stayed at the Chateau and is credited with bringing the lightning rods, which were the first in France.) Everyone did a great job remembering their lines. Bravo!

The Chateau Adventure...

Veronica spent hours writing a script and directing the kids in a play called The Chateau Adventure. They worked together to make posters that they placed in the halls and sold tickets for 10¢ each plus raffle tickets. They also cleaned the unused attic of the Petite Chateau to use as their theater. Needless to say, we were all impressed before the first act even began. 

Fine Dining and Good Times...

For the first time, we had five nights alone with our British buddies (although Ginger and Bobby were still around and did join us for some meals.) And for the first time, the four of us adults managed to get away and have a nice dinner in Vendome.
We were thrilled that spring had sprung and it was occasionally warm enough to eat outside. Sally introduced artichokes to the girls and Ginger actually got me to eat stuffed mushrooms. In addition to spending a lot of time eating and drinking, we tried to get outside as much as possible. Embarrassingly, the four kids managed to beat us four adults at Ultimate Frisbee and extreme bocce. They may be short, but they sure work well together as a team. 

Good Kids, Bad Parents...

All the kids were great on this trip. While we were in the Dordogne, all four kids stayed in our large family room at a surprisingly nice Best Western. When they saw the big walk-in closet, they thought it would be fun to have a slumber party in it, but Ariana soon realized that sleeping in a bed is more fun than sleeping on the floor. They also had slumber parties back at the Chateau with the girls in a king-size bed and the boys on mattresses on the floor. Jimmy took Veronica out driving again in the clunker and David got his first driving lesson as well. They both did well except for when Veronica attempted a wrong turn down into the dry moat.