Toverland, again

A study day for the teachers and a day off for the children. As we hadn't visited Toverland yet this year and as Emma and Janne love to go there, that's where we spent the day. Nice bonus this time around was that Emma and Janne are now big enough to get on many of the rides by themselves, while Pieter and I enjoy a cup of coffee.
Emma and Janne even rode Troy, the big wooden roller coaster by themselves; they were ever so proud :-)

Passed!

Today at dog training, Boelie and I were tested and we passed, meaning that we can start the 'obedient dog' training. The obedient dog training is one level up from 'young dog training', which is one level up from 'puppy training'. It will be our third course and it is concluded by a genuine diploma, so Boelie and I will have to work hard to meet the requirements.

Boelie finished the young dog training as best of her class, and we are very proud of her :-) That being said, there are still a few annoying habits we need to convince her to give up; she jumps up to people, she pulls at the leash when being walked and her preferred resting place in the house is our couch ... We'll get there though, I'm sure :-)

Unexpected visitor

I don't know when or how it got in, but we had a bat in our bathroom today. At first sight, I though Emma had left her hair band in the shower. When I looked closer though, the hair band seemed to breathe and it appeared to have feet and a mouth ... When I came back with Pieter (heroic me ...), the bat was hanging from the faucet. With the help of a towel I (didn't need Pieter after all) set it free. Hopefully it'll be all right.

Our little black and brown visitor

School art

Every year, Emma and Janne bring many pieces of art work home from school. If possible, I put them up on a door in the hallway for all to see. At the end of each school year, I take the art work down to make room for new ones. Some of the pieces I keep, most are thrown out. But, not before a picture is taken of all of them. Special request by the girls. Hurray for digital photography ...


The pics are a lot easier to archive than the originals :-)

New eyes

A few weeks ago, Pieter had eye surgery. Actually, he had an eye lift. Or an eye lid lift. Or whatever it's called. Most important is that his eye lids are not pushing down on his eyelashes anymore and his sight has improved considerably. For about two weeks, he did look as if he'd been in a fight though. Final picture of the result will follow, but I think you can already see the difference.
Before surgery

After surgery, same day

Two days later

New bike

After much talking about it, Pieter finally took the next step and bought himself a race bike! He now goes for a ride several times a week, for now 15-20 k each time. Maybe he'll even join a tour group. His timing is both bad and good. Bad in the sense that the road cycling season is almost over, good in the sense that it'll be his birthday soon and at least now we now what to give him :-)
Good to go

Jeugd Wandel 3-Daagse

Emma and Janne again joined the 3-Day Youth Walking Event. All three days went fine; with temperatures around 20°C and clouded skies, the conditions were great for walking.
All dressed up, ready to go. This year, the theme was Italy, due to a visiting marching band from that country.

The team

On the go

Mom also joined on day three

Proudly presenting their medals and flowers