Amsterdam, Netherlands and an Anniversary

Even in Europe, we cannot escape traveling in snow storms.  It was kind of a running joke back in ND, as it never failed that we'd get caught in one on the rare occasion we actually went anywhere.  After Christmas, we planned a trip up to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to enjoy some family time and celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary.  On a Saturday afternoon, with no traffic, it should have taken about 2.5 hours, but it took 5.5 thanks to a couple inches of snow between here and there.  

In spite of the crazy trek north and freezing cold temperatures, we enjoyed a couple days seeing the family-friendly side of Amsterdam, plus a side trip to Haarlem, Netherlands, to tour Corrie Ten Boom's house.  We only managed to hit the tip of the iceberg, so we will definitely go back!

Hello, Holland!

Taking a canal tour our first night...

...to see the Amsterdam Lights, a special artistic light show along the canals during the holiday season.

Dandelion #4 didn't make it all the way through the canal tour.

The deck outside our apartment.

Climbing on the I AMsterdam sign.

Touring the Van Gogh museum.

The kids were free and they gave them mini, interactive iPods to listen and learn about the paintings.  One of the features was a "find the painting" game and the kids liked that a lot.  

We also took the kids to the NEMO science center.

Traditional Dutch pancakes for dinner.  Yummy!

Corrie Ten Boom's house in Haarlem.

The tour was very informative and very sobering.  We mostly learned about the events leading up to the family's capture, and were presented the Gospel, which is why the Ten Boom family and so many other Christians risked their lives to save the Jews in Holland.  We want to go back again at the end of our time here, so that the kids will really remember it! 

The kids got to demonstrate how people got in and out of the hiding place. 

 Amidst the fun and frolicking in Amsterdam, handsome Hubby and I celebrated 12 years of wedded bliss.  9 moves and 4 kids later...I wonder what the next 50 years will bring...