#JAHEuropeanAdventure

trip facts

1. my entire trip was documented with my iphone/ipad mini.
2. it rained.  a lot.
3. bitterballen is my new favorite dutch word.  but not my favorite dutch food.
4. i consumed approximately 76,429 grams of carbohydrates and 25,000 calories of cheese alone.  but don't worry, we walked all of the calories off.
5. i now hate my umbrella and my green sweatshirt/jacket.
6. fat tire bike tours Paris FTW (mom, this means "for the win")  :)  everyone should do this if they visit a city with their tours
7. i should win the honest abe's photo contest (pictures taken in abe's shirt in cool locations).  but apparently i am disqualified because of my last name.  lame.
8. i paid 6€90 for a 16 ounce coke (withOUT ice) which equal approximately $9.00.  lame.
9. i drank a minimum of 3 espressos a day.
10. pigeons are everywhere.  and they fly in your face in paris.  yuck.
11. oh and yes we did work.  :) we met some awesome dutch educators.  excited to take students next year.
12. i traveled with the two best people.  awesome travel mates.
13. parisians are very nice. americans are embarrassing+loud.
14. every dutch person we met spoke english (and usually a third language...)
15. i finished two books.  for those of you who know my reading history...this is an amazing accomplishment.

holland/netherlands/dutchland

paris, france

somewhere in between amsterdam and paris

Keller's first birthday party

We had so much fun celebrating KGs first birthday. I themed the party (yes I am one of those moms) using the colors of the rainbow. Our sweet munchkin was lucky to celebrate alongside her Grandma and Grandpa and all of the Hustad aunts/uncles/cousins. We are blessed. 

 

 

it's my party and i will cry if i want to!!

cousins!

Keller Grace, you bring so much joy to our lives!  Happy birthday sweet baby!

one year old

My sweet Keller Grace. I have treasured everyday of your first year and am so thankful that you are healthy and happy!  My heart is so full and I am so in love you dearest KG. 

• keller had a growth spurt and is now 20lbs and 28 3/4 inches long (40th percentile)

• she is wearing size 2 diapers and 9-12 month clothes

• kg is a champion crawler and is attempting to walk. she can successful stand on her one for long periods of time and walks holding onto the couch or wall. 

• she LOVES to dance! any music she hears causes her entire body to move and groove!  

• keller, like her sis, is a late teether. she only has her two bottom teeth. 

• she loves to play peekaboo

• keller needs her blankie to sleep and immediately cuddles and buries her face into it when it's time for bed

• she still has a paci when she sleeps

• kg loves to eat...and eat. some of her favorite foods are blueberries, peas, pears, cheese, and peaches

• she loves to play ball, especially with her sis

•keller is a babbler but can say "dadda" "mama" "uh-oh" "bye-bye"

• she can sign "all done" "more" "hello/goodbye"

• keller can make monkey noises and can point out several different animals in pictures

• keller loves to clap her hands after she's "accomplished" something....or just wants our attention to cheer for her

• keller got her new carseat this month, but will stay rear facing for awhile

• she loves bath time
• she adores her big sis, but has mastered the art of tattling

European Adventure

I'm leaving today for Europe for 11 days.  I am traveling with two of my colleagues from UNL as we are doing a scouting/planning trip in Amsterdam to prepare for a student study abroad experience for May 2014.  I'm lucky enough to be able to go along.  I will be helping with the logistics and recruiting for the trip and couldn't be more thrilled.  At the end of our work week we will take the train down to Paris for a few days.  Rough life...ha!  I plan to post pictures as I go on my tumblr and instagram.

My mommy heart is having hard time leaving the girls but they are in excellent hands!  My parents will be here through next Tuesday to help Erik since he will still be working.  And then my wonderful in.laws will help Erik the last half of the trip.  Thank you Erik, Mom, Dad, and G&J!  Appreciate you helping so I can leave knowing how much fun the girls will be having!  LOVE YOU ALL!

And now to brag a little about my rockstar packing skills. As cheesy as it sounds, I spent a lot of time researching how to pack for this trip.  I wanted to make sure I didn't overpack (especially since we have the ability to do laundry at the apartments we are staying at).  I also wanted to save room for some European shopping!

Carryon Suitcase (not including the clothes wore while traveling):

5 shirts

4 tanks for layering

4 pairs of shoes (I know...I know)

1 dress

3 cardigans

1 trench coat

3 pairs of pants (khaki, black, skinny jeans)

1 pair of black shorts

4 scarves

umbrella

hair straightener

european adapter

toiletry bag (jewelry, makeup, etc)

north face roo to use while "touristing"

extra ziplock bags

small mesh laundry bag

belt

Carryon Tote/Purse

Wallet/Passport

2 Real Simple Magazines (for the flight!)

iPad Mini

Kindle

Camera

Chargers

Ziplock baggy with liquids (shampoo, conditioner, etc)

Small bag within to hold randoms: chargers, gum, first aid stuff, earplugs

Socks (must!)

Mother's Day and Dedication Sunday

Mother's Day was special this year for a number of reasons.

We started the day at church and had the honor of dedicating Keller Grace. We were surrounded by her grandparents and had many aunts and uncles in the congregation. We are blessed to have such a supportive, loving, and gracious family. What a privilege to stand in front of our family, church, and Lord promising to raise our daughter to be like Him. 

Following the service our family came to our house to celebrate our moms!  We had the most beautiful weather and enjoyed some yummy food!

I was able to celebrate this special day with my own mama!  And that was great!  But most of all, I couldn't be more thrilled to be the mama of these two precious girls. Evie and Keller, I love you through and through. Yesterday. Today. And tomorrow, too.