Hi,
Its been an aweful long time since we wrote anything on this site, but now I promise to do better. so many things have happend over the last 6 months that we cannot capture in one post.
Erna and the kids spend 8 weeks in Europe, the months July and August. They had a good time. Europe is still the best place to spend holidays. Femke en Lotte went on Summercamp in Austria. On 'Pack' they spend a wonderful two weeks (well Femke two and Lotte one) in the mountains and in the woods. It was very hot those week so they went swimming a lot (1 hour walk). Some of her friends from Austria were also there, so it was great. Crying for two days when she came back because it was soo much fun. Next year they want to go again, lets see how it works out.
After two weeks in the mountains, the spoke again perfect German, wel more Steirisch, the local dialect. They had great time with camp-fires and games. It was for them the holiday we wanted when we were young.
Erna in meantime was in Hotel in Graz, visiting all our wonderful friends there. They had a great time, as the weather was very nice, and there finally was enough time to spend with all of them. Of course only after many wines and 'Jause' (snacks) she was allowed to go back to the hotel.
Where was I in all this time, well good question. I was working in Asia, i saved a lot of travels and have been on the road most of the time. Beijing Shanghai, Taipei mainly and had to miss the family for about 5 weeks before I saw them again. this was very long but knowing they had a good time it was still good, and with Skype and MSN everybody is close right ?
After alsmost three weeks of Austria my dad flew to Graz (he is a good lad :-) ) to drive together with Erna and the kids to Netherlands as alone this was a bit too much of a stretch. So after 12 hours of driving they all arrived safe in Netherlands and Grandma and Granddad Stoop could see their youngest grandchild for the very first time, after 8 months, A very emotional moment.