When you don't know how to begin a story that's so stupendous it's hard to believe, you start with an exclamation:
It was Fabulous! Unbelievable! A miracle!
It begins with the fact that Astrid's ex-husband (Jaap) owns a bungalow on Texel Island with his sister, having access to it every other month. I don't remember how it was decided but because the wee kids (now 4+) had school vacation in May, Jeroen and Marissa, who are now legally "married," wanted all of us as a family to celebrate a wee vacation on Texel. That included Jaap, Astrid and me!
So we did! It helps, of course, that Astrid, Jaap and I are the best of friends and don't give a sh*t about what other people think.
Like I said, I don't know where to start but how about this, taken by a neighbor.
[l to r: Jaap, Jeroen, Ginnie, Astrid, and Marissa, with Hailey and Sem in front]
Hailey, btw, is Jeroen's daughter, one month younger than Sem, who is Marissa's son.
We've decided they're twins! And because this Texel bungalow has been Jeroen's
second home his entire life, he obviously wants to "pass it down."
Mother, father and son...and Ginnie!
Guess who the babysitters are: Opa and the two Omas!
...one of which still remembers her tricks, yes!
It was a week together for Jaap, Astrid and me, Wednesday to Wednesday,
with the kids joining us from Thursday to Sunday for the school vacation.
Lots of fine dining, both at home and at the beach.
[photo credit: Astrid]
Speaking of the beach, it's only a 20+-minute walk from the bungalow.
[photo credit: a passer-by who offered]
Don't you love it?!
[photo credit: Astrid and Ginnie]
The forest, also, is right at the fingertips of the bungalow, perfect for everyday walks.
Jaap, Astrid and I took them even when the kids weren't with us.
Talk about a therapeutic place!
There's more...a lot more...but for now, this is about us as a family.
One big, happy, blended, intertwined, connected family!
Good-bye, until the next time!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I'm at the wire with this post, just before Astrid and I leave for an almost 3-week drive through Denmark, starting early tomorrow morning. But just for the halibut, and because I turn 78 while we're gone, I leave you this from Texel:
We're never too old to have fun and enjoy life, right?!
It's all Fabulous! Unbelievable! A miracle!
Dat ziet er super gezellig uit.
ReplyDeleteDat was dus Genieten net een grote G
En veel plezier in Denemarken
Thank you, dear Marjolein. We'll never forget it and hope for many more such times to come!
DeleteYou always make me smile and give me hope for the world, Ginnie.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful vacation and happy birthday, my friend!
Bless you and thank you, Marie, on all counts!
DeleteTears once again! Absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDelete- Ruth (your sister; I can’t log in on my phone for some reason)
Oh, Ruth. Thank you for commenting "out of your element" right now. That means the world to me. Astrid and I feel so blessed by what we have, knowing not everyone in our situation has it as good as we do.
DeleteBeautiful photos that will always recall those good times. Happy spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ted. it feels very special to be starting a tradition there on Texel!
DeletePictures tell more than a thousand words and it is true. This was a wonderful time with the family and we plan to do this next year again. Family time is important even with a small family like ours. And yes, we feel blessed that we are able to do this. And the memories will be there for ever. IHVJ.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about photos speaking more than a thousand words, Astrid. And, yes, we will keep doing this, year after year, as long as we are able. Thank You!
DeleteWhat a fabulous time with family....safe travels to Denmark!
ReplyDeleteThank you most kindly, Donna!
Delete