Grandma's Sorry, Lukas!

Over the past month, Lukas and Alex have been great sports. Not only have they met a lot of new people (some of whom they may have known, and are too small to remember), but - since I decided to use a more nomadic approach - we stayed with various family members for 2-3 day stretches... this is no easy feat for a young child.

Doing this allowed them to get to know my Mother, sisters, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends just a little bit better. It was far better than what we've done in the past, which was to stay at one home and see everyone at one or two get-togethers.

Of course, there have been a fair share of comical moments over the course of the month, and if you remember one that I've not listed here, please drop me a line to refresh my memory!

Most recently, Lukas (who was riding back from South Florida with my Mom and sister) admonished my mother for driving away from a large heron -- without first letting him see it.

After crying for a couple minutes he pulled himself together enough to say, "What do you need to say to me, Ga-Ga?".

Mom: "Sorry, Lukas."

Lukas: "No, you need to use it in a full sentence. What are you sorry for?"

Mom: "Sorry, Lukas, for driving away from tthe heron before you had a chance to see it."

When my Mom and sister told me about this incident a couple hours later I couldn't help but grin. He's growing up so darn fast.

Today, we begin the long journey back to Europe. We'll spend a week in The Netherlands before heading back to Germany, then a week in Germany before flying over to Dubai (where Tobi's working). Though our life will remain chaotic for the next month or so, when we're together, in a sense we're home... and in my book that's really all that matters.

"Mama, Can We Stay Here Forever?"

„Mama, can we stay here forever?“

This is the question posed by Lukas on our last visit to Germany.

Now, there's little doubt in my mind that we're making the right decision. Obviously, he feels at home there. And I have no doubt that Alex will feel the same. Already, he gets so excited when he sees Oma, Opa, Uncle Steffen, and Aunt Melanie.

But moves with young children always involve a multitude of emotions. Will they miss their friends? When we leave, will they understand that contact with those children, who they've spent years getting to know, will change drastically? It weighs on your conscience, and you end up feeling your emotions, plus the emotions that your children might have, if they were old enough to fully comprehend.

Do they know that the next time we're here we'll be visiting, and we'll likely only see this wonderful old farm house from the outside? And the big question is, will I be able to hold it together, and avoid breaking down like some emotional basket case?

This week we went for our last bicycle ride here in Zeeland. Our bikes will be transported down to Germany on Monday. It was a beautiful ride, with the sun casting long shadows of baren trees onto the fields and meadows. The kids enjoyed it. And we stopped for a visit with our friends Peter and Julia along the way. The dog was there, and – this time – didn't need much persuasion to return home with us.

Are there other moments worthy of mention? Well, Alexander said his first German word today (in addition to the slang “Hoopla“ – which he began saying last week). It was „pferd“... which is so fitting, given his obsession with horses.

Alex also got on ice skates for the first time, which he seemed to enjoy. Lukas, on the other hand, (pictured below without skates) was more skeptical.

Lukas is the thinker of two, and he's getting closer and closer to being able to read. He's begun sounding things out, and is showing a real interest in words and sentences. He also adores the new Leap Frog „Sing Along, Read Along“ that Santa brought him for Christmas, which is great. He continues to compensate for Alexander's recklessness through his über-cautiousness. Today he refused to go down a slide at an indoor play area, but when I took Alex down it, he giggled and smiled from ear to ear. I'm amazed that they're so different at this young age! Alex is a real risk taker, and Lukas will only take the most calculated risks. (Sounds like someone else I know... and I'm not referring to myself!)

In less than two weeks Lukas will turn four; his last birthday here on the „boerderij“. We'll take lots of pictures, don't worry. But no amount of photos will capture what I feel for this place, much less what it has meant to my family and I to be able to live here for these incredible two and a half years. And words? Unfortunately, they're no better. It's beyond that.

The Krafts Say Goodbye to 2009, and More

As 2009 comes to a close, I have a few cute memories to record of the boys, and our adventures here in Holland as a family.

For starters, my sister Melissa is visiting, or as Alexander says, "Siss-see"! We've all been very busy passing around various illnesses, so I'm afraid I've been a terrible tour guide. Fortunately for us, the primary purpose of her trip was to spend time with me, Tobi, and the boys, and that's something we can do from home... sick or not.


Right around the time that Melissa arrived, we taught Alexander a cute little trick. "Go get your diaper", we'd say, and 16-month old Alex would run into the other room, grab a diaper, and return dutifully with his prize. Then he'd climb up onto the couch and wait for us to change his diaper.

Lukas is his typical easy-going self... with the exception of his "NO! I am NOT doing THAT!" phase. Fortunately, we're usually able to address this experimental stubborness with a brief bout of tickling; a simple remedy in most settings.

This year we celebrated Christmas early with Tobi's parents (in Franconia, Germany - photo to the left), allowing us to spend Christmas itself here in Zeeland. On Christmas day we were visited by a couple of friends from the village (Ilonka, who wanted to show us the sweet little twins in their new Christmas dress, and Peter, who we presented with a special photo album of our time here on the farm). Later, we went on a walk through the orchard at sunset, returning home to a South-African style ostrich stew. On the "second" Christmas day we celebrated with other "expats", indulging in a big ham and turkey, homemade cranberry sauce and roasted butternut squash (both made by my sister), sweet potato casserole (my creation), and freshly baked American-style chocolate chip cookies (courtesy of our guests). It was a wonderful evening, and our kids so enjoyed the company of their little American friends.

Earlier this week, just after Christmas, the boys enjoyed an afternoon at the "Winter Efteling" here in The Netherlands, which reminded me of my childhood trips to Disney at Christmastime. There was even a ride that resembled a somewhat primitive version of "It's a Small World" ("Carnaval Festival"), which the boys enjoyed. We went with our friend Angie, and her two sweet little girls, Veerle and Fabienne.

On the last day of 2009 - in the most grotesque moment of the year - the dog barfed up the insides of a hare on the kitchen floor. Later, we tried to extinguish those images through mild intoxication (innefective), as we ushered in 2010 here in town with friends. That involved a small amount of professional-grade pyrotechnics (which anyone can buy in both Germany or The Netherlands). Needless to say, those responsible for any non-slumbering children watched the fireworks from the inside, while others (the men) wrought chaos as close-as-humanly-possible to the windows. There was fondue and champagne, beer and wine. For the kids there were french fries and sausages, a kid-sized table, plenty of toys, and sparklers.

At the stroke of midnight I almost got emotional as I gave the conventional three kisses to each of our friends here in the village, with less than a month left until our final departure.

My resolution for 2010 - to finally live somewhere for long enough that we don't have to worry about the end. To know that the house we're setting up will not have to be packed up next year. And not to have to worry about the last Spring flowers, the last beautiful sunset, the last fall foliage of that place... not to mention final farewells to friends we've made.

Here's to the New Year... let's see if we can pull it off!

Sinterklaas, "Black Pete", and the "Joys" of Being Home

What's new with us? Well, to begin with, we've been pretty hermit-like for the past week, thanks to a bad case of the flu and some less than perfect weather. Not only have we all been feeling yucky (save Tobi, who seldom catches what we have), but I'm not sure our friends would forgive us if we passed this nasty bug along their way. Okay, so Dutch people do seem to be slightly less concerned about catching things (perhaps under the precipice "that which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger"), but the American in me screams "By golly, I'm going to prevent the spread of these doggon germs!"

Our being sick didn't stop Sinterklaas from coming by on Sunday evening, but, then again, he did drop the presents at the back door and run. Lukas thinks it might have been a "Zwarte Piet", or "Black Pete", since that's whose face was on the burlap sack. Zwarte Piets are Sinterklaas' helpers; there's great blog posting about them here. Computer Piet, Package Piet... the list goes on and on. Sure, there may be some racial undertones, but Zwarte Piet is more revered than Sinterklaas in most circles, so to do away with him would change the face of this bigger-than-Christmas-national holiday in unforseen ways. Also, Dutch people have more issues with their German neighbors than those with a darker shade of skin, so - to put it in context - it really is quite a bit different here than on America's racially charged, but politically correct, scene. But that's a blog posting in itself!

Lukas learned a couple of Dutch Sinterklaas songs at school, and loves to sing them. And what child doesn't adore the candy and "Pepernooten" (tiny, crunchy, ginger-bread like cookies) so characteristic of this time of year?

Sinterklaas aside, the kids continue to grow up quickly. Yesterday as I was doing the laundry, Alex waved "Goodbye" to me as he closed the kitchen door, locking me out. Later, he prepared the diaper mat and placed himself on it, handing me a diaper as a subtle cue for a change. He loves to read, and, though his language skills are still limited, he picks up what seems like a new word every day. I wish I could say so much for myself!

Meanwhile, Lukas has developed an imagination beyond that of my wildest dreams. Last Saturday, whilst hibernating indoors on a rainy Zeeland day, we got to listen to stories of "Veegie" - the Orangutan-Indian. Lukas had Papa in put on his toddler-sized pirate hat, while he sported a bright orange gangsta' hat. As if that wasn't enough, suddenly a lion just joined the equation.

Yesterday, in our daily naptime battle, a chuckling Lukas called me an "Angry old ogre." Had he not been spot-on, I would have found that offensive. Instead, I later gave him a high-five for his handling of Mama in her grumpy state. When I'm in a bad mood, he just laughs and ignores me... which is the perfect way to get me to snap out of it. What a clever boy!

Though there are days when they can't grow up fast enough, most days we wonder where the time has gone. One day, they'll be wondering the same thing. And, with only a couple months left in this incredible old farm house here in Holland, I'm doing everything I can to make sure that we treasure every last minute. Rain or shine. In sickness and in health.

While we're counting our blessings this holiday season, why not give those less fortunate something to be thankful for? Visit our travel blog to learn about the Passports with Purpose initiative, where $10 gets you a chance to win any number of prizes, such as 5 nights in Hawaii or a $150 gift certificate to Shutterfly. All money raised goes towards the construction of a new school for Cambodian children. Talk about a happy holiday! :)

A Soon-to-Be Four Year Old Gives Thanks

My Aunt Beth had a great idea. She suggested we write thank you cards to the people we care about this Thanksgiving. As much as I would love to do that, we see my family too seldom for Lukas to know what to thank people for. What he did come up with is:

To My Mom: He's thankful for your silliness (because he remembers running through the Brussels Airport with you), the Easter eggs that he hunted with you, and for the times that we've been able to stay at your house.

To Melissa (my sister): He's thankful for the cards and photos you send us. As are we!

To Jessie (my youngest sister): He's thankful for the cool Spider Man toy you gave him last Christmas.

Grandma and Grandpa Woodman: Lukas is thankful for the many cards you've sent, as well as "the money". He says his favorite is the one that sings "You are my sunshine..."

Paul, Teri, Alyssa & Evan: "Thanks for coming to visit us and for the tattoos!" :)

Grandma Hamel / "Memere": Lukas is thankful for the times that he's able to talk to you on the phone.

Oma and Opa (Tobi's Parents): Lukas is thankful for the present you sent with Tobi last week. "Oh, I love presents!"

Carrie, Danny & Mia: Alright, I'm going to be brutally honest, because his answer was kind of funny. Lukas (who adores Danny when they're together) said, "Danny doesn't like to play. He only likes to be mean all the time." But he did say that he was thankful to be able to play with Mia! :) Needless to say, we had a little talk about this one.

Caroline (Flipse, our friend at the gym): "Thank you for the cookies that we had at your house!"

Peter (Claeijs): "Thank you for hunting the food for Arda." (He thinks the food that you hunt goes into the town store).

Julia (Claeijs): "Thank you for the poffertjes!" (That she made for Lukas a long time ago!)

Bindi (Irwin): Lukas would like to thank you for being an "animal rescuer". You're his wildlife warrior hero and his new (somewhat imaginary) friend! :) He also wants to thank you for stopping to say hi to him at the Australia Zoo!

Baby Brother Alex: For your kisses! :)

Mama: Thank you for popsicles and cuddles!

Papa: Lukas thanks you for his trip to Australia!

Friends and schoolmates in Oudelande & 'S-Heerenhoek: Lukas is thankful for the many play dates and parties... and espcially for "the chips and cake" (at the parties)! :)

Viera, Miro, Laura & Gregor: Lukas is thankful for "decorating and eating the cake", and for being able to stay with you during our time Down Under! Us too! :) Thank you!!!

If your name isn't listed here, know that I'm thankful for you... even if you didn't make the list of a forgetful almost-four-year-old. We're very lucky indeed to have such wonderful friends and family... around the world. And although we'll have no turkey dinner this Thanksgiving, we're very mindful of the people that have made our lives so special. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Lukas (along with Liz, Tobi and Alexander) Kraft

Even Mini-Globetrotters Grow Up Fast

Man oh man has it been a long time since I updated this blog! In the meantime, we spent a month in Australia, Alex's last couple teeth came in, he has a couple of new words, and he's infatuated with his older brother, Lukas. Everything that Lukas has Alex must have, and what Lukas does, Alex must do. Boy, is it cute to watch (when it doesn't end violently).

Alex's vocabulary, though not as comrehensive as Lukas' at that age, includes such words as:

- Doggy, pronounced "dah-dee!"

- Elephant, pronounced "Eff-ahh!"... usually accompanied by an elephant-like tarzan call

- Pa-pa

- Lukas, I can't really make out. It's something like "lidl, lidl"

- Bottle, prounounced "bah"

- All motorized vehicles "Toooot, toooot!"

- Horse - "ah-see!"

- Cow - "Hmmmm!"

Despite his limited word index, Alex is a clever little guy. He does things that I think are uncharacteristic of a child his age. A couple days ago he brought me a walnut (which I sometimes succeed in cracking with my hands). He made a straining sound, which was his way of telling me that I should try to open it. After a couple minutes he gave up. He slid off of my lap, took the walnut out of my hands, and brought it back to the bowl. Then he shuffled them around and pulled out a new walnut, which he dutifully brought back to me. He must of been thinking, "This one should work." Little cutie.

Alex is also crazy about our saintly dog, Felix. It's kind of an obsession, really. He climbs on him, throws things for him to fetch, and showers him with plenty of affection and baby kisses.

Meanwhile, brother Lukas' active imagination is livelier than ever. He loves to talk to his somewhat-imaginary friends, Seymour (a small stuffed tortoise who he often coverses with) and Jeffa (a long-neck Schleich figure). In fact, he only just returned from a rescue mission where he single-handedly recovered 500 ladybugs from the mouth of a wild buffalo.

We're also making progress on the reading front, as Lukas can now recognize most of the letters of the alphabet by sight, and is beginning to understand how to "sound things out". Yesterday was his first day back at school in almost two months and he could hardly wait!

They seemed to enjoy our time in Australia, although the flight there and back (about 24 hours each way!) is pretty brutal for children of any age. Lukas' favorites (most of which were Alex's favorites, too) were the ferris wheel on Brisbane's South Bank; greeting Bindi and Robert Irwin, petting koalas and kangaroos, and riding ponies at Australia Zoo; the boat ride and cable car to, and animals at, Sydney's Taronga Zoo; 4-wheeling with Papa, Albert, and Mama at Corner Inlet National Marine Park in Victoria; wandering through a maze in the Dandenongs' Sky High; viewing the coral reef from the semi-submersible from the Great Barrier Reef's Reefworld; lots of warm beach and pool outings; and spotting whales and dolphins from the iconic lighthouse in Byron Bay. Lukas' has a knack for languages, and he had fun learning the Aussie mate, including such expressions as "How ya goin', mate?", "Good on ya, mate!" and "G'day, mate!". I've got to get some video of that before he loses it all! Alex meanwhile proved to be quite the swimmer, and held his breath like a pro at the count of three.

Although it certainly wasn't an inexpensive trip and - because of their ages - it definitely had its stressful moments, I can't say we'd wait until they were older. There will be other trips when they are older, and the memories that we have from this trip are captured in photos, videos, blog postings, and, of course, our minds.

Well, mommy-hood calls. Better get these boys out of their PJs so we can head out to the gym! Wishing you many happy adventures with you and your little ones, wherever you are!

~Liz

"Sweetie Brother" Takes off Running

Sweetie Brother.

That's Lukas' nickname for Alexander, when he's feeling affectionate.
But for the full effect, you really have to hear him say it,

"Awwww... you're a sweeeetie brother!"
I just melt away.

Or try this one on for size:

Lukas: "The moral of the story is, you don't yell at someone when they're on the potty!"

Me (smiling): Did you just say "The moral of the story?"

Lukas: Yeah, I did.

(And in my defence, I didn't exactly yell. His sometimes frequent, but unsuccessful, attempts to go "#2" can try my patience.)

Alex is walking... actually, running nearly! And talking. Not all of it makes sense (to us) but his first word (other than "Mama" and "Papa") is "duh-dee". This is a multi-purpose word, used primarilly to describe a "doggy", but also employed for lions and cows (or pretty much anything that walks on all-fours) and "duckies". We love it. Then there's the jibber-jabber perhaps best described as the human version of the Australian magpie call. It's kind of a sing-songy, made-up language that will sadly disappear with time. I'll see if I can get a video of it soon.

On the teething front, poor little Alex has four incisors coming in... at the same time! What did they do before Orajel?!?

Other than that, we've been very busy preparing for an excrutiatingly long journey. After about 24 hours in a plane (broken up with 2-nights' stay at Dubai's famed Atlantis), we'll touch down in Queenland's capital city of Brisbane. It's a city near and dear to our hearts, as we lived there for 13 months back in 2004/05.

We'll be in Australia for a month, and are excited to see it from more of a kid-perspective this time around... visiting zoos, rainforests, national parks, beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane's beautiful South Bank, and one of Lukas' very favorite landmarks... the Sydney Opera House (thank you, Little Einsteins!).

So on that note, "Cheers, mate"! Let the "walkabout" begin.

Enjoy this clip from the goosebumps-and-all advertising campaign for Australia, created by Baz Luhrmann.