New FAMILY Blog

August 4, 2008 in Putting First Things First by Michelle | Permalink

Hi everyone,

 

Well, I’ve finally got my act together to start our FAMILY blog … this is something that I’ve been wanting to do for some time now! So here is our new online home: http://vandenbos.typepad.com/family_from_the_forest/

So go over and check it out with some of our lastest happenings and feel free to leave comments as we love to hear from you! I won’t be spending much time here at Shelso’s Jotting it Down, however, will need to do the ocasional update to keep the site from being deleted.

 

Michelle xxx

Little road trip just me and my man

July 27, 2008 in UnDUTCHables by Michelle | Permalink

Earlier this month Marcel and I hired a car for the day, heading north our goal was to spend some time together just the two of us and see a couple of places!

 

We drove to a place called Hoorn, once a thriving coastal port and in the towns heyday had its own currency. We had a wonderfully, roaming time.

Hoorn ~ Canal
Hoorn ~ Guard gate
Hoorn ~ Habour
After Hoorn we continued north, over the dike and into Friesland to the childhood village of Marcel’s mum.
Friesland countryside ~ old bike
Quintessance of Holland ~ the windmill
Common farmhouse
Working the canals and roadways ~ sailboat moving over the autos
On this day we visited the village of Marcel’s mum, saw the old house and visited the graveyard. In all we traveled about 300Km that day – for a couple of four wonderful children we enjoyed stepping out of our normal routine for the day and simply hanging out together … yep, it was a special day.

Art Appreciation Course

July 25, 2008 in On my mind by Michelle | Permalink

I’m a ‘formal’ student! Haha … Research, discussion, assignments, deadlines! After so many years of not doing any formal study this month I decided to take the plunge with a four week art appreciation course with BraveWriter and it’s been brilliant. With two assignments due each week and some information overload in the middle my brain is really hurting but I’m learning so much about observing art and adding to my art vocab it’s been incredible. I’ve still got such a long way to go with putting much of the learning into practise, if I don’t use it I’m going to loose it, and I still feel like a child taking their first steps: very wobbly and not confident. Once again I’ve been reminded that learning is about observation skills, asking the right questions (who, where, when, what, why and how) and learning a new vocabulary: and yet, it’s great having someone who knows what they are doing to guide you through the process step-by-step, to see this new world through their eyes. Ok, just one more week to go!

Nature first-hand

July 25, 2008 in Our Week by Michelle | Permalink

While we at the zoo yesterday we saw a bit of unexpected wildlife action. We were checking out the lions when a Blue Heron flew in over the lions as they were snoozing (or so we thought) around the enclosure. Maybe the Heron realised he was too close to the lions and started to fly upwards — too late! One of the lionesses went from lying prostatrate to being airbourne in a second, snatched the Heron in midair before landing to make a run for it with her prize. As soon as she landed the male lion was after her to release the Heron and fight they did, but the lioness was not letting go. After being chased for a minute or two she secured herself a corner where much to some peoples disgust, and that of the other rest of the pride, went about chowing down into the poor bird … those of us that found it fascinating stayed to watch a little more. It’s not often that you get to see something like that in real life right before your eyes!

four weeks break from academics

July 25, 2008 in Life is Learning by Michelle | Permalink

Well, we are into our 3rd week of taking a break from academics ~ I’ve really needed it, some down time from the routine of lessons, and we’ve had a mix of days and activities. The Netherlands is in the middle of summer vacation so all the school kids are on break which has meant playdates and some sleepovers for us.

 

The first week our three older children were at their various scout camps (not sure if I update you about that yet) … they had a blast and came back very tired. Jassy has been invited to train as a patrol leader next year so as you can imagine she’s nervous but mainly excited about the thought of taking on a patrol leader role. Jackson and one of his little friends had a day together at the Aviodrom (air museum) … that was a great day.

 

In the second week we chilled out, going to the park when the weather was good, sleeping in and generally being slobs around the home ~ haha don’t ya just love those PJ days!

 

Week three has been busy! Sunday found us out in row boats in the middle of the most glorious nature with our friends the Middendorfs. I hope to have some piccies up soon. Wednesday we were at the beach … it had been awhile and we all took in too much of the sun’s rays … poor Marcel was in the worst shape, especially his feet :-( … dispite the sunburn we had a wonderful day together enjoying the sun, sand and water. Yesterday was a day at Artis, Amsterdam’s zoo, which is an older zoo but we has a fascinating time with another family who are visiting Amsterdam for the summer.

 

Next week is our last week of holidays before getting back into the more formal side of our learning — <sigh> it’s going to quickly!! ;-)

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