Sinterklaas comes on a steamboat to Holland 4 weeks prior to December 5. Or did he come first to Spain and spend the 4 weeks to travel to Holland? Hey, I am not the real Dutch here, give me a break. Somehow Sinterklaas managed to stop in USA, at our house on December 7. It's a very good track record if you think about the four weeks from Spain to the Netherlands.
Sinterklaas is the Dutch Santa and in Holland the presents are giving on December 5th, so no presents for Christmas.
Our Dutch friends came to our place for the celebration with their 3 kids, 8, 5(she came a little late, she had a b-day party first) and 2 year old. The kids got to play right away, running around in the living room and the basement, making noise - no, not complaining at all, they were so cute. Then we sat to eat early. Sint was supposed to come 10 to 7. Our neighbor, Gordon, who accepted to be our Sint was supposed to leave for a black tie party at 7. I left the presents in the bags and the little Dutch cookies our friends got from Holland - he works between USA and Holland, so he is back quite often - in the garage. Of course I forgot to leave the garage door open and Sint had to give us a call first, uups! Finally, he arrived. He knocked on the door very hard, threw the cookies inside the house - Dutch tradition, yes we ate the cookies that were laying on the floor at the end! He left he bags full of presents. All 5 kids believe in Sint. When our Sint was gone, we all went to the foyer to see what happened. The kids started speculating how the presents and the cookies came inside - through the chimney of course. Well, we don't have a fireplace, but we sure have a chimney! They started yelling to ceiling 'thank you Sint'.
After that part of the excitement, the presents' excitement started. It was the classic 'rip the paper' act. I have to say that the kids got nice presents, and not too many. Proud of the parents here!! F got finally her trumpet. It's plastic but looks real and makes nice sounds. A got a chair for her dolls, she loves playing with dolls these days. The kids of the friends got nice stuff too. After a bit playing, the kids were tired so the party ended not too late. Jorgen had a taxi coming to pick him up at 4 am, so I think he was happy to leave.
Thanks Gordon, thanks Sint. It was very nice!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
We met Mickey!
Before my mother left, at the Thanksgiving vacation, we went to Los Angeles. We left Illinois as the first snow was falling down - falling down almost as a storm. After getting our plane treated against freezing - good to know for someone who is not very fond of flying - we had a nice trip to LA. We got our car at the rental place and drove to my cousin's house in Orange. We did arrive exhausted after getting up around 4 am and travelling the rest of the day, but we were happy and excited. My cousin lives in a nice house up on a hill with beautiful views. I saw her last time in 1987, at her wedding. Now her sons are like 17 and 19.
From their house, they can see the fireworks at Disneyland. We spent the first day not doing too much. The second day, we went to Disneyland. We arrived early in the morning and saw quite some attractions, all appropriate for the girls. Princesses, princesses and princesses. They had -and we had - such a good time. My mother went on walking the whole day and didn't say a word about it. Late at night, just before the fireworks, it started raining. We were soooo done anyway, so we went home. The last thing we saw was Mickey. We went to this very secret place, through hallways and doors and we could make pictures with Mickey. A was a bit scared of him, but I think we made nice pictures. We almost thought about coming back later with P to see the more grown-up attractions, but we were exhausted. Too bad for all the Halloween stuff. It looked interesting but we just couldn't go on anymore.
The next day, we went to visit LA. What a disappointment. We first went to see the stars, the Hollywood Boulevard. We actually passed it twice before we realized that we were there already. It looked poor, no glamour at all. We looked at the stars, ate something, and decided to see the Hollywood sign. At least that should be something, right. Well, the way to the sign was not so easy to spot. We decided to look for Mulholland Drive. We had seen a movie with that name and the street was supposed to lead to the Hollywood sign. We got quite close to it, but didn't manage to stand beside it.
Our own Beverly Hills tour was also not so very successful. We drove around in the nice looking neighborhoods. There surely was more glamour. We didn't run into any celebrity. Probably they didn't know we were there -shame on them - and they didn't enjoy the rainy weather.
Our third day was a road trip to the beaches. Oh, well, I cannot complain about that. We had the weather on our side and we saw beautiful beaches. They were all long white sandy beaches at small cosy towns with little shops and restaurants. The houses at the seaside, sometimes at a bluff, were like a piece of heaven. the kids enjoyed the beaches more than LA. That evening, we had a nice Thanksgiving dinner that my cousin had prepared.
After this beautiful trip, we went home to face the snow. It was like living the summer behind!
After the trip, we waved my mother good-bye. We did manage to go to the Sears Tower together and walked around in Chicago. It was snowing and got quite cold, so we had to keep it short. I think she had a glimpse of the city.
From their house, they can see the fireworks at Disneyland. We spent the first day not doing too much. The second day, we went to Disneyland. We arrived early in the morning and saw quite some attractions, all appropriate for the girls. Princesses, princesses and princesses. They had -and we had - such a good time. My mother went on walking the whole day and didn't say a word about it. Late at night, just before the fireworks, it started raining. We were soooo done anyway, so we went home. The last thing we saw was Mickey. We went to this very secret place, through hallways and doors and we could make pictures with Mickey. A was a bit scared of him, but I think we made nice pictures. We almost thought about coming back later with P to see the more grown-up attractions, but we were exhausted. Too bad for all the Halloween stuff. It looked interesting but we just couldn't go on anymore.
The next day, we went to visit LA. What a disappointment. We first went to see the stars, the Hollywood Boulevard. We actually passed it twice before we realized that we were there already. It looked poor, no glamour at all. We looked at the stars, ate something, and decided to see the Hollywood sign. At least that should be something, right. Well, the way to the sign was not so easy to spot. We decided to look for Mulholland Drive. We had seen a movie with that name and the street was supposed to lead to the Hollywood sign. We got quite close to it, but didn't manage to stand beside it.
Our own Beverly Hills tour was also not so very successful. We drove around in the nice looking neighborhoods. There surely was more glamour. We didn't run into any celebrity. Probably they didn't know we were there -shame on them - and they didn't enjoy the rainy weather.
Our third day was a road trip to the beaches. Oh, well, I cannot complain about that. We had the weather on our side and we saw beautiful beaches. They were all long white sandy beaches at small cosy towns with little shops and restaurants. The houses at the seaside, sometimes at a bluff, were like a piece of heaven. the kids enjoyed the beaches more than LA. That evening, we had a nice Thanksgiving dinner that my cousin had prepared.
After this beautiful trip, we went home to face the snow. It was like living the summer behind!
After the trip, we waved my mother good-bye. We did manage to go to the Sears Tower together and walked around in Chicago. It was snowing and got quite cold, so we had to keep it short. I think she had a glimpse of the city.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The real Americans
We joined the club. Literally we did. It is not told rule, if you live in the states, you have to join the club - The Sports Club! Yesterday, after putting the kids in bed and leaving them with my mother, we went to sport. We are members since the opening two months ago of this new him a tour and showed him how the exercise machines are working. We did some running and some muscle training. The ones who know P can probably picture him lifting too much weight and doing way too many exercises than he should because he thinks its funny and he is absolutely not serious about it. But I warned him, no whining, no complaining about hurting muscles, I will show no pity!
The club is beautiful. It has a whole floor of exercise machines, a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool etc, a beauty saloon, climbing wall, squash courts and basketball - indoor soccer fields. After leaving P with his puffing by the machines, I found him back at the soccer field. There was a couple of kids playing and he joined the team while I decided to relax in a whirlpool - hehe! Half hour later, I had to pick up my big baby, who had a totally red face and wet wet wet with sweat, smiling because he got to 'play' with other kids!
We came to a peaceful home and I ate couple pieces of dark chocolate - it's good for you - and P had some -not diet- ice tea. In America, that's how it's supposed to be!
The club is beautiful. It has a whole floor of exercise machines, a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool etc, a beauty saloon, climbing wall, squash courts and basketball - indoor soccer fields. After leaving P with his puffing by the machines, I found him back at the soccer field. There was a couple of kids playing and he joined the team while I decided to relax in a whirlpool - hehe! Half hour later, I had to pick up my big baby, who had a totally red face and wet wet wet with sweat, smiling because he got to 'play' with other kids!
We came to a peaceful home and I ate couple pieces of dark chocolate - it's good for you - and P had some -not diet- ice tea. In America, that's how it's supposed to be!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Teeht
We had another dentist appointment today, F has problem teeth - mother's daughter. She already had a root canal, two fillings and one more is scheduled. She is 5 and it's all about the baby teeth! We are being quite careful with brushing and what she eats and drinks, I don't want her permanent teeth to get bad. Today I got the news that we should be even more careful. She already has a molar in her mouth, more is coming and 2 of her teeth are loose. The evening before, I thought I had seen something but I just didn't want to believe it. Such a big girl.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Last bits of summer
The last 3 days were amazing! The temperature was around 18- 20 C. We walked around in t-shirts. The first day I picked up A from school and I just wanted to be outside. We went in the nature preserve next to our neighborhood for a picnic. I knew there was a bench just at the end of the forest. We biked there and had our sandwiches and cookies there. It was beautiful and I could see how A was enjoying it. Monday is my creative writing course day, so I couldn't do much with F after her pick-up. We picked-up another girl, Salma from school as her mother was to the city and her train arrived just 10 minutes too late. We walked together to the station and then went to the park for a short while. That was F's share.
Next day, we went for a picnic again with A. Our bench was taken, so we went a bit further. I knew we would end up by a playground which I was trying to avoid, but it went OK. We had our lunch, A played a while and we left without any arguments. On the way back, we ran into Kim who was walking her dog. We walked together and finally had the chance to catch up. I took F and Rowan to the park after 2.30 and of course half of their class and their mothers were at the same place. I think we stayed there till 5 p.m., left when Brooke finally managed to convince her kids to go home. I was exhausted! Hardly managed to see the speach of the new president Obama.
Today, I finally got the chance to pickup A on the bike. Today is supposed to be the last warm day, snow is expected in the week-end. The wind was quite strong, it was tiring to bike. I picked up A and she said she wanted to go for a picnic. Well, we did that too. After 1,5 hours of biking, I am exhausted, but happy. These were unexpected, beautiful days in November in Chicago. Ironically, P who is in Miami since Friday, had only rain...
Next day, we went for a picnic again with A. Our bench was taken, so we went a bit further. I knew we would end up by a playground which I was trying to avoid, but it went OK. We had our lunch, A played a while and we left without any arguments. On the way back, we ran into Kim who was walking her dog. We walked together and finally had the chance to catch up. I took F and Rowan to the park after 2.30 and of course half of their class and their mothers were at the same place. I think we stayed there till 5 p.m., left when Brooke finally managed to convince her kids to go home. I was exhausted! Hardly managed to see the speach of the new president Obama.
Today, I finally got the chance to pickup A on the bike. Today is supposed to be the last warm day, snow is expected in the week-end. The wind was quite strong, it was tiring to bike. I picked up A and she said she wanted to go for a picnic. Well, we did that too. After 1,5 hours of biking, I am exhausted, but happy. These were unexpected, beautiful days in November in Chicago. Ironically, P who is in Miami since Friday, had only rain...
Mouse stories - with a little bit of raccoon
Since my mother already went to sleep to wake in the middle of the night due to a jet lag, and the kids are in bed as well - although I can here A, I can use the time to tell about the mouse in the house.
It started couple weeks ago, I saw a dead baby mouse in the middle of the storage. The next day we found another dead baby mouse under the shelves. Then there is the story of the mouse that escaped (see posting Sunday October 5th). I finally got the exterminator, the same company that was here right before we moved in - I had seen a dead mouse next to the sump pump.
One morning the exterminator came. I just picked up A from school. I went with him to the basement, told the story and he started looking around. He said that he indeed saw traces of mouse and told me that he'll be upstairs in 20 minutes or something. I got the feeling that he didn't want to have me there, but of course I was curious. I said I would stay, I just wanted to see what he was doing. He said it was my house, I could be where ever I want. i was asking questions and I think he realized that I wasn't trying to control his work but I was truly interested. He started telling me all about this mouse business. He showed me where the holes were, what kind of places they would like, when they come inside and when they are active (between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.) and all kinds of interesting stuff.
Whenever I turned to see another mouse hole, A was asking me 'where is the mouse'. The only mouse she knows is Mickey Mouse and I shouldn't forget the mouse from Cinderella. Of course we didn't see one running around so my daughter is not disillusioned.
The guy showed me all kinds of places in the garage where the mouse can find a hole to get into the house. Of course the deck is the biggest problem, we cannot see what for holes are underneath, there is no opening or shutter. He placed poison good for 80+ mouse and headed to his car.
As I said, he seemed kind of happy to talk to someone with genuine interest, he stopped a second to chat. He was a policeman before he started with the exterminator company. He was working at the emergency of a hospital, looking to the cases that needed police attention. Once they brought a man who was getting scrap metal out of garbage containers and selling them for living. Scrap metal guy jumped in a container and came face to face with a raccoon - don't I love the raccoon -. No coincidence, I had already told him our other animal encounters. The raccoon attacked him, scratched his whole face. In panic, he climbed out of the container and got out, but somehow managed to hit his head to something while he was jumping and passed out. The raccoon got him again while he was unconscious. When they brought him to the hospital, well you can imagine that he looked horrible. See, I knew it, those raccoon are bad!
I expect the exterminator this week, I hope he can find the hole, before the mouse finds a way to come upstairs and scare the h... out of my mother and give me a lot of worries about my girls!
It started couple weeks ago, I saw a dead baby mouse in the middle of the storage. The next day we found another dead baby mouse under the shelves. Then there is the story of the mouse that escaped (see posting Sunday October 5th). I finally got the exterminator, the same company that was here right before we moved in - I had seen a dead mouse next to the sump pump.
One morning the exterminator came. I just picked up A from school. I went with him to the basement, told the story and he started looking around. He said that he indeed saw traces of mouse and told me that he'll be upstairs in 20 minutes or something. I got the feeling that he didn't want to have me there, but of course I was curious. I said I would stay, I just wanted to see what he was doing. He said it was my house, I could be where ever I want. i was asking questions and I think he realized that I wasn't trying to control his work but I was truly interested. He started telling me all about this mouse business. He showed me where the holes were, what kind of places they would like, when they come inside and when they are active (between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.) and all kinds of interesting stuff.
Whenever I turned to see another mouse hole, A was asking me 'where is the mouse'. The only mouse she knows is Mickey Mouse and I shouldn't forget the mouse from Cinderella. Of course we didn't see one running around so my daughter is not disillusioned.
The guy showed me all kinds of places in the garage where the mouse can find a hole to get into the house. Of course the deck is the biggest problem, we cannot see what for holes are underneath, there is no opening or shutter. He placed poison good for 80+ mouse and headed to his car.
As I said, he seemed kind of happy to talk to someone with genuine interest, he stopped a second to chat. He was a policeman before he started with the exterminator company. He was working at the emergency of a hospital, looking to the cases that needed police attention. Once they brought a man who was getting scrap metal out of garbage containers and selling them for living. Scrap metal guy jumped in a container and came face to face with a raccoon - don't I love the raccoon -. No coincidence, I had already told him our other animal encounters. The raccoon attacked him, scratched his whole face. In panic, he climbed out of the container and got out, but somehow managed to hit his head to something while he was jumping and passed out. The raccoon got him again while he was unconscious. When they brought him to the hospital, well you can imagine that he looked horrible. See, I knew it, those raccoon are bad!
I expect the exterminator this week, I hope he can find the hole, before the mouse finds a way to come upstairs and scare the h... out of my mother and give me a lot of worries about my girls!
My mother arrived!
For the ones who are waiting for some news, my mother arrived today and she had a nice trip. She saw most of the house and actually stood on the basement trap and looked around. She is extremely scared of mouses and yes we have them somewhere in the basement. I hired a company who is supposed to take care of them, only it takes a while. The problem is, they probably come from some place under the deck and the walls are finished. We cannot look under the deck and break all the walls, so I wonder how we will find the hole which they use to come inside the house. I'll come back to this probably.
At the airport, F was so excited, she was jumping around when she was Anneanne (grandma in Turkish). We were waiting for more than an hour. A was unfortunately sleeping. When she woke up in the car, she had this big smile. F is really trying to speak Turkish. I am expecting their Turkish to improve while my mother is here. My mother brought nice presents for them, no no-sense toys, so we are still good with our Montessori life. The kids showed their best at the dinner, setting the table, cleaning up, F helping A with stuff...
My mother went to sleep around 8.3 p.m. and I think she will be totally awake around 4 a.m. but I warned her. I'll continue with my mother's USA adventures in the coming days.
At the airport, F was so excited, she was jumping around when she was Anneanne (grandma in Turkish). We were waiting for more than an hour. A was unfortunately sleeping. When she woke up in the car, she had this big smile. F is really trying to speak Turkish. I am expecting their Turkish to improve while my mother is here. My mother brought nice presents for them, no no-sense toys, so we are still good with our Montessori life. The kids showed their best at the dinner, setting the table, cleaning up, F helping A with stuff...
My mother went to sleep around 8.3 p.m. and I think she will be totally awake around 4 a.m. but I warned her. I'll continue with my mother's USA adventures in the coming days.
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