Filling All Facets

April 30th –

We had planned to do some shopping more focused on Mich, (since I had my day in South Africa 🤓) so we drove to Arnhem to check out our old shopping grounds 😏

It was chilly out while walking between the shops but not too bad and luckily the warmth of that ‘accomplished shopping trip’ feeling, was with us, as Mike quickly found a new pair of jeans that were on sale, fit and in a good color… three rarities . Plus I got a free, in store coffee to enjoy while he tried stuff on 👍🏻

This art caught my attention during our walking, the bright colors calling out to be seen 😁💜

We got a freshly made large stroopwafel to accompany us for a few steps down the chilly streets and shopping continued.

Ending with Mich finding three shirts, riveting details I know 😉

 

Plans to visit cousins for dinner had been made, so we headed there, pausing at the Starbucks along the way 🤓☕️

Probably one of the only Starbucks that he can say his full, actual name at and they will even spell it right 😉

We dined on ‘bami’ and chatted awhile before settling onto the couch to converse between watching the soccer game that was going on. True bonding time for the boys 😉
We left there around 11:00 or so, having over an hours drive to get back home.

 

May 1st –

Mike finally completed his house painting assignment around 12:30 that afternoon 🙌🏻

The whole upper portion of the house went from dark blue and creamy, off white windows and trim to entirely dark grey 👌🏻🏠
Some of the lower areas being left for the father-in-law to finish up, as the heights aren’t his favourite thing. Thus they were the main focus for Mich to complete.

The littlest niece from nearby was spending time at Inge’s home, so when Mich and I went to town for loempia’s and ice cream, she came along ☺️

A few of the groceries we wanted to take back home with us were purchased during the quick town trip as well.
As always, I thought we’d have spacious suitcase situations post the gift giving but our shopping has proved to be rather, successful.
Which is always a mixed feeling of satisfaction and trepidation, depending on just HOW successful 🤪

We left Doesburg a bit later in the afternoon, along with Inge and the niece, to go to Germany for the birthday party of our brother-in-law and another niece.
Moments after arrival, we had cake and coffee in our hands… not a bad way to be welcomed 😉
Mich had his, as well as my piece, of the chocolate banana ‘mole’ cake and I had a crunchy, white chocolate & cornflake sweet, served with strawberries.
No pictures available… as it often is when food is handed to us quickly and we forget that pictures are the only enjoyment for those reading this 🤪

The BBQ was lit, the meat grilled and the spread of food greatly enjoyed 👌🏻🤤

A strawberry and white asparagus salad, a couscous salad, fried mushrooms, seasoned feta cheese, a feta sauce for the meat, a pull apart garlic roll, fries and a variety of meats to choose from.

It was all delicious and ate with much pleasure 👍🏻

Our brother-in-laws grandpa asked us if we’d like to go for a ride in his 1995, Jaguar.
So we of course politely declined, as the shiny forest green car with that well known jaguar emblem on the hood, held no interest for us 😉 <- Lies.

Before the car was passed to him, his friend had originally bought it for his wedding and kept it in pristine condition until he passed away.
We were told about all aspects of the car in great detail, hearing the attachment and reverence in his voice, more than the actual facts 😉👌🏻

Once we left the party, we drove to Roermond to the shopping outlet there to look for some soccer shoes for Mich.
He didn’t find any of those but he did find everyday shoes instead 😏👍🏻