Kinderdijk Windmills

  We had all intentions of celebrating the 4th of July with a good ole fashion American BBQ and watermelon.  But, a heat wave across most of Europe and no air conditioning in our house made us rethink our American celebration.  Instead, we opted for a cool drive and scenic road trip to the southern Netherlands for a day amongst some of those iconic Dutch windmills.   Ironically, as we were heading home, none other than Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." was playing on Dutch radio.  While our little family appreciated the history lessons of the Dutch and their windmills, we couldn't help but turn the radio a little louder, roll the windows down, and sing from the top of our lungs, "Born In The U.S.A.!!"    (And to Graham's disappointment, there was no "repeat" button for the song or his parents silly singing.)  Arrogant Proud Americans!

4th of July in Dutchland!

Nineteen authentic windmills remain today.  These were constructed in the mid-1700's as part of a water management system to prevent flooding as most of the area is under sea level.

Louisiana Summer 2015

Well, I think this is the last of the photos from our summer stay in Louisiana!

(We are settled back in The Netherlands with temps in the 60's and 70's.  Yes, I had to rub it in.  Jason informed me tonight that the heat index back home is supposed to be in the 110's this week.)

Thanks to all of our family and friends for making our time home so special!  Leaving our beloved Louisiana is never easy!!

A picture with PapaJ and Nana

I was sooo good for Uncle Willy's graduation!

And thirty years later and six college graduations after, my parents still aren't done with graduations....!
Many thanks to my parents for all of their sacrifices over the years!

Most of my first cousins on the Hymel side

The Nugents were so excited to meet sweet baby Jubilee while we were home.  We could not be happier for Wendi and Josh!  Jubilee is one lucky little girl to have DeeDee and Josh as parents!!

Graham's first trip to the dentist was a success!

Summer snowballs are the best!!

Great dinner and lots of laughs at Houmas House with these girls!

And that is a wrap on our Louisiana summer fun!

Caroline Coyne

"Oh sweet child of mine!"  I have neglected your monthly updates, so to make up for lost time here is an entire post dedicated to you, our sweet and happy Singapore-born, American daughter.  Oh my child, the places you have gone in your first 365 days.  And through month twelve, you are still smiling through it all (well except for that time you sat in a field of tulips).  We  cannot wait to see what the next 365 has in store for you and hope you always wear that beautiful smile!

Here are a few fun facts from your first year:

*You were born in Singapore, but you are a U.S. citizen.  We brought you to the U.S. Embassy when you were only two weeks ago to apply for a passport and social security card.

*At five weeks, you were a passenger on your first international flight and slept like a doll.

*You have been a trooper through four moves...three apartments and two houses.

*You have resided in three countries: Singapore, U.S., and The Netherlands.

*By my count you have been to nine countries: Singapore, Japan (if you count a layover at the airport), United States, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.` 

*I think it is safe to say your frequent flyer miles outnumber your diaper changes.

*By month 6, we were still keeping our fingers crossed that you would keep those baby blues.  Almost to month 13, and we are still holding on!

*You have celebrated Christmas season in Prague, Mardi Gras in Louisiana, Easter in Paris, King's Day in Amsterdam, Labor Day in Grand Isle, and summer in Sandestin. 

*And your trips to grandma's house stand in stark contrast to your mom's childhood trips to grandma's house. (airplanes loaded down with suitcases vs. station wagon loaded down with kiddos)

Oh the life of an expat child!  Whether good or bad, exciting or challenging, your short life as an expat child has never been dull!  And, we are so blessed to call you ours!

More than anything else about our Easter in Paris weekend, your father is more proud to say that he took you to Paris first!