Down Under with Jan Mikaela Nora and Ella

Pffff, that was a big project. But we are finally seeing the end of it. We moved across to our new house in Bridgewater, and have handed over our old place. And despite the fact that there are still many smaller jobs to be done, we now have most boxes out of the way and it is starting to look like a real home. And just so you know: we love it. So much more space and green here, and the neighbours actually come up to us to introduce themselves. Yes, this is a nice little town in the hills. Our move coincided with the start of the winter. And since we are a good 600 meter higher than in the city, it’s no wonder that the nights get pretty chilly. We were told that by mid-winter the minimum night temperature can go down to 0°C !?! Nora has done pretty well with all these big changes. Although she is still getting used to her new room, she is starting to enjoy her new environment. Our move also coincided with her starting to really walk. No stopping her now. Let her show you around in t...

Yes, we are on the move again. After almost three years in Johnstone Place we are leaving North Adelaide tomorrow to go and settle ourselves in the Adelaide Hills. It is with a little sorrow that we depart, because this place has brought us great memories: our first arrival in Aussie, the BBQ's with friends and family, the lively atmosphere of the city and of course Nora's first year. And remember the owl on our patio when she was born? It's been a great start for us, but we are happy to move on. Next chapter is called Bridgewater ! Meanwhile Nora has decided she wants to be packed and shipped in the big box ....

Who says you can't have a proper Dutch national Koninginnedag outside Holland?!? Big party yesterday in our favorite Belgian beer place. Great turnout of Dutchies of all background and ages, and for sure all dressed up in Orange. Of course some of us had a private party at home ..... Lang leve de Koningin !!! And for those who are not familiar with Koninginnedag (Queensday) try this very educative  video !!!

It might be just a few steps, but here's the undeniable evidence that Nora is on the walking path !!!

Breaking News: we bought a house! We will be trading the busy and lively metropole for a more relaxed environment in the Adelaide Hills. About 25 minutes from the city on the other side of Mt Lofty lays a charming and lush little town called Bridgewater . That’s what we’ll be calling home from next month on. It’s a completely renovated three bedroom house with a modern kitchen and two bathrooms. In typical Aussie style it’s built on ground-floor only. And with around 1000m 2 of land it has some nice space for Nora to play and run around. The house came on the market on Saturday, and we fell for it instantly. So we made an offer immediately and by Sunday morning we had the deal sealed. We’re still in shock, but what a nice Easter present, right? Here’s a link with some  pictures . We’d love to hear what you think …..

Happy Easter everyone. Its still great weather here in Aussie, so we're in for a long weekend with big egg hunts and Easter BBQ's with many other little and grown up friends. Maybe I finally get to taste some chocolate .... Yeahhh !!!    Do you like the Easter egg I painted at child care?   By the way: have you seen me walking around with my new bike yet? Click this VIDEO

Hip hip hip hurray. Our little girl turned ONE today. And what a day it was! We went up early to video-chat with Holland and Sweden. Pake, Froukje and Susan were all singing for the birthday queen. It was wonderful picnic weather so we had a party in Kensington Gardens with many of Nora’s little friends. And Mummy made a great (gluten free) birthday cake. And we had presents: lots and lots of them. Nora found it just wonderful. Why can’t it be a birthday every day? Our girl is now officially no longer a baby, but a toddler. Mum and Dad were reflecting on this last night and realized how fast this first year went. The images of Nora’s birth are still fresh in our memories. Can you picture the early bruises on her head caused by the forceps? So many things happened since; the months have just been flying by. Think of the Owl that was posting in our patio the first weeks of her life? And the first time she did a rollover? And how she charmed everyone on her first grand Europe...