After a month of "vacation" from posting here at In Soul, how about a fun get-together to celebrate Astrid's 66th birthday this past Sunday!
There were other plans for her actual day, Monday (another post altogether), so to figure out something special during these social-distancing times, Astrid decided to have a family get-together outside at a place that especially catered to granddaughter Hailey, who turns 2 next month.
Welcome to the Adventure Farm Molenwaard in Groot-Ammers, NL,
half an hour's drive from home!
[photo credit: Avonturenboerderij Molenwaard's Facebook page]
It so happens that Hailey has been here several times already because it's a favorite for her and her friends, accompanied by all the mamas. It was time for US to see what the fuss was all about!
Before we got started, Oma Ginnie did some snooping around...
and discovered that the windmill was actually part of the "adventure" at the beginning of the route.
(If you squint, you can see "our family" in the bottom-left image.)
There were other treats from the farm, when I wasn't watching the fun...
but THIS is what I want you to see, all from Astrid's camera and collage-making:
There was a waiting period of 30 minutes before the farm adventure actually opened,
with a playground nearby to keep the kids occupied.
Papa is so proud of his little girl!
And, of course, so is Mama!
And...so is Opa!
We were three generations enjoying each other.
Look at those faces!
Hailey LOVES animals and has learned to be so gentle with them.
I stood from afar and smiled at them. :)
(Mama Pig was pooped, having just recently delivered 11 piglets!)
Just as it started to rain, we found a shelter to enjoy Astrid's appeltaart.
Happy Birthday to Oma Astrid!
This collage is probably my favorite of the day.
This is a close second, with Father, Mother and Son.
I love that we ALL are a family, loving each other, no matter what.
And if this doesn't say it all, what does!
[photo credit: Astrid]
What a great way to celebrate Astrid's birthday with our family here!
Ginnie, you made an incredible post out of the pictures that we have between us. It was a fun morning and to see Hailey really liking the animals was a real feast. Thank you so much for making this endearing memory to keep. I know that we will be back at this adventure farm another time. It was fun to celebrate my birthday this way. We all had fun. Thank you again. IHVJ.
ReplyDeleteMama and Papa are doing such a good job of teaching her how to treat these precious creatures, Astrid. You can be very proud of your son because, as we all know, it starts from the top! :)
DeleteHappy birthday to Astrid! What better way to celebrate?
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe that Hailey will be two so soon. That two years sped past! She is such a cutie!
It is good to see you back again!
Thank you, Marie, for welcoming me back. I was surprised to see it's been a month. How is it possible that with COVID-19 time seems to be flying??? You'd think it'd be the other way around!
DeleteOh my gosh! How much she has grown!!!! She is adorable. And PAPA? Omg…so handsome!
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
It's one adorable family, Robin, isn't it! We're so thrilled for how they're maturing together. Thank you.
DeleteWat een héérlijke vrolijke en blije log.
ReplyDeleteEn die kleine Hailey steelt toch echt de show, ondanks oma's Astrid's verjaardag.
HAHA, Marjolein. Well said. You can totally understand why we need to get our "fix" from time to time. :)
DeleteOh such bliss! Isn't it incredible how so many loved ones can focus on one precious wee girl?! I love it so much. And I am thrilled to see Hailey after not seeing photos for a while. I am so happy you could post them here! That curly blonde hair!!! She is simply adorable. Not that you and Astrid need convincing on that score! Happy Birthday again to Astrid! This was a brilliant way to celebrate her special day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Ruth. Nobody else needs to know I post these photos here, my own holy place apart from peering eyes. I need to share them with you and those far away from us here, who really want to know. I don't take any photos of Hailey, unless they're of her with Astrid. But Astrid has an on-going story of collages that she sends to Mama and Papa. I'm so glad.
DeleteGoats, sheep. rabbits, windmills family and a birthday! What could be better. Great photos if the fun. Happy birthday, Astird again. You deserve it.
ReplyDeletet&j
What could be better, indeed, Ted! Thank you for sharing the joy. :)
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