House Hunting in Santiago

House hunting in Santiago has not been what I expected. I very soon realized that I was spoiled in our 300+ sq. meter apartment in La Paz with five bedrooms was HUGE compared to what we could afford here. We don't pay for our rent but the embassy gives us a very STRICT budget of about $3,500 USD for rent. We can't go a penny over and we are not allowed to pay the difference...let's say that we find a house for $38 more a month...which happened to us with this house above. This house is very roomy with TONS of closet space, but the ownder wanted $38 USD more than our budget and the deal fell through. It was also in a gated community with trails and playgrounds close by, oh and did  I mention the short 10 minute commute to Luka and Sam's schools...so I am very sad.

Our second choice is great...this house here...but the house is not available until August 5th or so. As you can see the style of the house is more our cup of tea...high ceilings, concrete finish...way cool! My Eames chairs will look fabulous. One of the downsides is that you need to go down a flight of stairs when you go home (the house is built on a hill) and there are steps EVERYWHERE in the house. I am a little apprehensive with Sam, but the current renter that has three small daughters assures me that he will get used to it. I just wonder how many falls before that....Also it doesn't have a lot of storage space, but that will give me an excuse to purge and organize!

So that is where we are at. We have a couple of other houses that are also modern, that we like but not sold on. But they are good backups. I thought that our "generous" housing budget would get us a mansion...or at least enough space to fit all our stuff that we had in La Paz...but reality check...Santiago is WAY more expensive than La Paz or Maputo. Yesterday at Subway JJ and I spent $20 USD on two subs!!! But hey not being negative. I am sure this city has MUCH to offer but being a new, a little lost and homeless has be a little negative.

Santiago was sunny the day we arrived but since then it has been a permanent shade of grey and I have not been in the best mood, but that also has to do with our current hotel/apartment accommodations. With JJ, the two kids, the nanny*, nine suitcases and our big FEET we don't have much space to move around. We are also on the 21st floor and the windows and terrance don't lock properly so I am on constant watch with the boys. But the good news is that this is only temporary...thank goodness.

That is my update for now and i hope to have more permanent news about a house in the next couple of days.

* We flew our weekend babysitter from Bolivia to Santiago to help us with the kids. The idea was that she would be here for one month and help us take care of the kids while we moved and got the house ready. We didn't know anyone and hiring a nanny is a bit more completed in Santiago so we wanted to make sure we had someone to help while we "set up house" but that is not going to happen since she leaves July 29th and we won't get a house until August. Sam is very active these days and needs an eye on him at all times. Not having any family close by means we need someone to help. This week I will start calling and interviewing potential candidates.

This & That

Okay, so I haven't been very diligent about posting while on holiday. The truth is that running after Sam and Luka all day leaves little time to edit photos and post on the blog...I know I know this is reality some of you are saying. I miss daycare, school and babysitters. I know I know I am spoiled. But the first step is admitting it right, ha ha.

Well, just wanted to bring you up to date. Today we leave Holland and head off to our new adventure in Chile. I don't know why but I woke up today kind of nervous. I think I am feeling strange about moving to a first world city...is that crazy or what. I guess I got used to living in 3rd world countries and all the negative and positive things that come along with that. Living in the 3rd world is unique and I have grown to love it. Quiet, less traffic, not many places to go, easy to visit family and friends, distances are shorter....now we move to Santiago de Chile...probably one of the most modern cities in South America and expensive! But don't get me wrong I think I will love it, but the change is just a little strange. We will be living in a city with highways!!!! Wow! And I can probably buy everything I need in one grocery store and we have a every store imaginable (this might be dangerous).

Just wanted to let you know what was going through my mind this morning...

Oh, for those of you that subscribe to the blog I will be making retroactive updates on things that happened in the past so if you receive the update and think, "Is Melissa crazy wasn't Father's Day a while ago!" Just make sure to look at the date...I will always post it with the correct date and it will be in order on the blog, but you might not necessarily receive it in your inbox in the proper order. I will try to use some time this week to get caught up. 

I have so many things I wanted to share about Bolivia before we left that I didn't have time to do and things about our vacation...so stay tuned!

For now I will finish packing our SEVEN suitcases, car seat, booster seat, stroller and two carry ons for the drive to Schipol (Airport in Amsterdam and I am really sorry if I spelled that wrong).

Next time I post it will be from Santiago...okay, I need a new name for the blog people!

PS The photo above is of the boys and their cousins Benthe & Olin...aren't they cute?!??!?

Pannenkoeken Saturday (Pancake Saturday)

Oma Coby doesn't really like to cook, but her specialty is making Dutch pancakes, or as well call them "Pannenkoeken." There are thicker than a crepe, thinner than an American pancake and they are DELICIOUS! You can eat them sweet or savory and my kids LOVE them. But they especially like making them with Oma Coby.

Dutch families all over the country eat pancakes for dinner. In the states we are used to having them for breakfast, but here they are lunch or dinner. I don't think they eat pancakes for breakfast. 

But you don't hear me complaining. I love something sweet in the evening!

Here you can see Sam's excitement as he shakes the batter and prepares it for Oma. He really wanted to be part of the festivities.

Oma Coby's special technique for making the perfect pancake.

I think Luka might be the future pancake maker in our family. I am not really good at making them. I have tried, but nada.

Thanks Coby for such a delicious dinner! Luka had three pancakes and Sam had 2.5...too bad we can't have pancakes every night.

Luka's Favorite Place in Holland: Nienoord

Today, finally after a much anticipated wait we made it to Nienoord - a kid's park in Holland. It is a very simple park with many different playgrounds, sandboxes, a petting zoo and some (but very simple) mechanical rides and of course the BIGGEST slide Luka has even seen. We went three years ago with Luka and that slide is something he talks about ALL the time...really he mentions it at least once a week all year long.

So we couldn't leave Holland without another visit. I wish I had taken a close-up of Luka on the slide, but here you can see JJ & Sam and Luka sliding down in all their glory. I think Luka went down this slide like 15 times. He couldn't get enough.

I did manage to get a shot of Sammy's face as he slid down with Daddy. I think he liked it don't you. The boy just turned two but is a dare devil to say the least. He will try anything, especially if his brother did it. Oh, in the corner of the photo you can see Luka's joy...ha ha ha. You will see Sam wearing his Bumba outfit in all the photos. He doesn't want to take off the costume. Bumba is a Dutch kid's television show (really its from Belgium, but really popular in the Netherlands) that he loves and his aunt Marielle bought him this costume and I can't seem to pry it off him. But he looks so cute, right?

After the slide it was off to the races! 

It was very special to be there with Opa Jan Erik - JJ's Dad. A couple of months ago we almost lost him and it is amazing and very emotional to see him playing with the kids and enjoying life. 

Luka didn't like it so much, but Sam LOVED the petting zoo. 

Here you can see THREE generations of van Herksen men! Don't JJ and his father look alike? 

Sam especially loved the mechanical tractor ride. Here you can see him waving and saying, "Ciao." 

Well, Nienoord until next year or until Luka grows you out...but I guess Sam will ask to come for a couple of years after that!

Addicted to Aquaplay

For the last three years every time we visit any country in Europe JJ talks about buying Aquaplay for the boys. He talks about it so much I really think it is more for him. Finally this year was the year for Aquaplay to make its way into our lives. JJ went online to Maarkplaats - the equivalent to Craig's List in Holland and bought this ginormous set (side note: we are supposed to fit this into our suitcase to Chile...ha ha ha) for half the price. These toys are pricey so half the price is a good deal.

This afternoon JJ, Opa and the boys put the set together that we picked up two days ago. They loved it. I am sitting outside with Sam at the moment and posting as I watch him play. 

I highly recommend this toy. Not sure if you can buy it in the states. It is a Swedish company, but take a look on the website. It is a great way to teach kids how canals and water systems work. Sam is more concerned about watering the plants in the garden with the water from the canals, but when Luka was out earlier he got a kick out of using the levys and pumps to move the water along.

Here is a video on Aquaplay. Isn't it great!

I just had to post about it because JJ didn't give up until we had it...let's see if it makes the trip to Chile!??!?

Taking It Easy in Bedum

Okay, it has been over two weeks since my last post and since we left our home in Bolivia. We are on Holiday in Europe and I haven't had one spare second to update the blog, edit photos or just relax. People always ask me, "How do you do so much? kids, blog, volunteer, work, send thank you notes, etc." I thought I was wonder woman...no, not really...I just have a nanny when I am home. Now on holiday with a very active two year old and a five year old I see that I am very very blessed to be able to have help when I need it and without the help of the nanny I wouldn't be able to do any of the other things. So I salute all those moms out there that do it on their own and for those that I know blog as well...well you really are super women in my book.

So what have we been up to. We landed in Holland on the 27th of May and then on the 30th we flew to Mallorca where we spent an amazing week in an island that feels very much like home to me and the boys (including JJ). My grandmother is from there, so I have a special connection to the place, but as a family we have shared so many good times there that I think we are going to make it a tradition to visit once a year or every two years if that is possible. This was our third trip to Majestic Mallorca. This trip was extra special, Anniek, JJ's sister accompanied us....I promise to back track and make a post on that very soon. 

So now we are back in Holland and that is fun as well..a little colder and cloudier than Mallorca, but spending time with family is very important to us and since we only do it once a year we try to enjoy every minute of it. 

We are staying in Bedum...the small village where JJ's father and stepmother have their house. JJ lived here for four years when he was very little and but always visited on the weekends and this is basically his childhood home, well the only one still in the family. His mom's house was sold a couple of years ago and I know he also misses that beautiful house that was in the city.

But here we are in Bedum and this morning we explored a little and JJ showed the boys some of the things he used to do when he was little...feeding the ducks...exploring outside the house....riding bike, etc.

Here are the horses that Sam and JJ saw this morning during their bike ride with Opa Jan Erik. Unfortunately there aren't enough bikes for the whole family, but Sam was able to hitch a ride on Papa's back using our favorite Ergo Baby Carrier (for those of you with babies we highly recommend it). We don't leave the house without it (since Sam was born and Luka was about 2). Sam loves riding bike on Papa's back. For my American friends reading this blog...yes, they are very lax here when it comes to bike safety. At first I could cringe when Luka would ride without a helmet, but their Dutch father insists that it is safe and they don't need it. Well, today they were only riding in the village with NO traffic, but this week when we rent bikes as a family the boys will be wearing helmets and have proper bike seats. Although not sure who will ride with me...but they will probably be safer on Papa's back with the Ergo...ha ha ha.

Here the boys took off outside in search of the ducks with stale bread in hand...the ducks will love it!

Great, we found them...and there were tons of ducks. Next time we will bring a little more bread.

At the top of the post you can see Sammy and his look of joy when feeding the ducks. He was extremely excited and couldn't contain himself.

I promise to make more updates from our trip and keep you posted on our arrival to Chile. We "move" to Chile on June 26th. Kind of strange to "move" directly from your holiday. This life is just strange sometimes.

Sam's Final Friday Update from LIVE

This is our LAST update from LIVE. I am really going to miss them. Sam loved his school so much and I know we are VERY spoiled. Looking for a daycare for Sam in Santiago won't be easy.

Look at how much he loved making his mother's day gift (first photos).

A Day of Farewell for the Boys

Today both Luka and Sam said farewell to their friends from school in their own way. Luka was called up on stage before their End of the Year Show. All of the students that are leaving ACS were recognized ...Luka looks a little sad, no? Luka is extremely excited to move to Chile. He loves the city based on the two short trips he has done, but of course he is sad to leave all his friends in La Paz behind.

We also had a proper send-off for Sam. His teachers asked me if I wanted to do something..but things have been so hectic that I really couldn't plan a proper goodbye. I thought why not celebrate with one of Sammy's favorite treats...DONUTS!

I bought donuts for the entire class and the teachers and Sam went around and gave each classmate the donut...it was so cute.

Here I am with Sam putting on a silly face.

This is where they sit for snack time everyday. Today the menu was nutritious donuts...sorry parents! 

I couldn't resist taking this photo of Vicente...one of Luka's youngest classmates. 

After donuts Lourdes, the teacher, acted out a story and played songs on the guitar while all the kids danced around. 

Then it was time for the playground. Here Sam is playing "house" with an older woman...Sam, you little devil.

Celebrating Mother's Day in Bolivia

Today Luka and his school celebrated Mother's Day in Bolivia. They invited us to school for "Muffins for Mom" and he has this present waiting for me. It is so beautiful and I can't wait to hang it in my office in our new house in Chile. The poem that accompanied the handprint tile was so perfect I had to share it with everyone:

Handprint Poem

Sometimes you get discouraged

Because I am so small

And always leave my fingerprints

On furniture and walls.

But every day I'm growing, 

I'll be grown some day

And all those tiny handprints

Will surely fade away.

So here's a little handprint

Just so you can recall

Exactly how my fingers looked

When I was very small.

Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Luka Dario

Lukkie, thank you for being such a wonderful son and joy in my life. I love you!

Always Proud of Our Little Sammy

This week there is a very sweet note about Sam. I will attempt to translate, but you can see it on the second page under "Miercoles."

Sam shows everyone that he is very sweet, but demanding of his teachers. He is sure of  what he knows and his accomplishments. Today he was very excited to show us his album and he was talking about his brother and mother. He told us a couple of things about them.

Not sure if I got the "demanding" part right in the translation. It says "demand ante de sue maestros." Is that good or bad???

Sam is Two..Ready for Pancakes & PJs

This post is so so so very overdue. Sam is almost three and I am just getting around to posting about his 2nd Birthday...que pena (that means how embarrassing). For those of you that reading this and receive the updates, well this happened last year and it will have the correct date on the blog, but since you receive an email don't think it just happened or somehow you have gone back in time. I am just catching up big time. Besides the fact that I like to document the birthday letters on the blog, I also had to share my absolute favorite birthday party to date. That is from the birthday parties I have done for the boys. They have all been fun to plan, but this one was small, cozy and hello it involved pancakes...YUMMY! We were actually moving a couple of days later, were living in a hotel and I really didn't have the mindset to plan a party...Sam loves pancakes so the Pancakes and PJ Party was born. It landed on Mother's Day...what a perfect reason for brunch, right?

Dear Sammy -

Really, two years old? It seems like just yesterday you were still waking up 5 times a night. Oh, wait that was yesterday. Well, ok not yesterday but you did start sleeping through the night at 15 months (in the last year) and it could not have come soon enough. Mommy really thanks you for reaching that very important milestone. 

Sam, this year you started school and you absolutely love it. You have made a best friend there and I think that you and Nikki are the cutest couple ever. You get so excited when we talk about her or know she is coming over for a play date. I know you are going to miss her like crazy when we move.

Sam, this year in addition to going to school for the first time you accomplished many things. For one thing you started walking...whoo hoo. Sweetie, there is no stopping you now. You have always been "adventurous" but now you just go. You are fearless and I love that about you (ok, you give me heart attack on occasion). But I admire your determination and independence.

You love to talk. I don't always understand you...but you know who is my official translator...Luka. You guys are like two peas in a pod. I never thought the two of you would get along as well as you do. There is a three year age difference, but Luka is your best friend. He is the best big brother and you seem to have this love for him that is truly amazing to see.

Luka has passed along his love of music to you. You love to learn new songs and this year you sang your first tune. It was Happy Birthday. You love to sing it to EVERYONE.

Another thing you adore are animals. You don't miss a chance to pet a puppy or babysit a bunny. Yes, this year you took home the bunnies from your school and cared for them over the weekend. You were over the moon and so happy that they were your responsibility.

We are so proud of you and the individual spirit that you are. You are headstrong and strong minded and I can't wait to see the things you accomplish in life. For now you are keeping us on our toes and making us laugh along the way.

Yes, you do have a strong personality, but you are also very loving. You never miss an opportunity for a hug or cuddles. Kisses, we are still working on. If I am lucky you plant one on me, but most of the time you just lean in with your cheek. We will work on that.

Sam, you are two years old and already you have been to more countries than most people visit in their life time. At 3 months you had already slept on 4 continents! You adapt very well to change (thank goodness) love to explore new surroundings and learn about the world.

Sammy, Happy Birthday and may all of your wishes come true. Mine already have!

Love, 

Mami

Here is a peak into Sam's "Pancakes & PJs" Birthday Party. It was a small intimate brunch on Mother's Day & Sam's Birthday (coincidence!!) We were living at the hotel (waiting for our move to Santiago) and didn't have many options, but my friend owns Harina Cafe and the brunch is delicious so we decided to merge Sam's love for pancakes and Mommy's love for french toast at Harina and this idea was born.

The table before the guests arrived.

Luka & Sam in thier PJs and robes. "Is this a party or what?" 

Harina was amazing. We were the only ones there in the morning and the cafe was transformed for Sammy's Birthday. It was so cute...I wanted a pancake party for me. This chalkboard usually displays their menu...but not today.

This table had the chef hats and aprons all the kids received, as well as the toppings they used to decorate their own pancake.

Sam really enjoyed this activity. He looks pretty into it.

Blowing out the candles on the "Stack of Pancakes" Cake. Very easy to cut afterwards. Everyone just gets pancake.

Look at us...what a great day it was.

Here are all the chefs of the party.

Everyone took home a goodie bag.

To see all of the photos from this day click here.

My dad is the BEST...

My dad found out we were having a Pancake Birthday Breakfast for Sam and he made him this card...isn't he the cutest!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is a special Mother's Day..It is also Sammy's 2nd Birthday! I will post photos later tonight, but I just wanted to share this quote I came across today on a blog and I just thought...this is the perfect thought for Mother's Day. Things are kind of crazy with JJ and Luka traveling and packing up the house..but I just wanted to take time to share.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all the special moms in my life! I miss all of you.

Sam's Friday Updates

This was a short week at LIVE. It started on Wednesday due to the freaking blockades and transportation strikes in town, but the managed to get many activities in. Sam loved seeing all the photo albums from his classmates...I will take his next week.

A Look Back at Queen's Day

I always look forward to April 30th...It is the day the Dutch folks celebrate Queen's Day. It is a major celebration in Holland but this Cuban-American girl from Miami is always very eager to pay her respects to the Queen and enjoy the delicious bitterballen (Dutch croquets). They are delicious and I dream about them every year. This year's Queen's Day Celebration was great but the bitterballen were AMAZING!

Here I am with my favorite Dutchman. We both dressed up. I had a dress, make-up and heels...definitely a momentous occasion.

Look my hubby made the Social Pages in the paper. Here JJ is posing with his "Posse" from the American Embassy!

I apologize for my lack of posts lately...there are so many important things I have left out on the blog like Luka turning 5 and his amazing party (put a few pics up on Facebook), Sam is turning two on Sunday and we have a PJ & Pancakes Party planned, milestones for Sam like talking up a storm, fun afternoons with friends...but life is CRAZY. I have less than a week until they pack they house and so many things to take care of in the mean time. We move into the hotel on May 16th and I think life will be much calmer then. I promise to update you on everything! Wish us luck...

Sam's Friday Updates

As always, I love the LIVE Friday updates...enjoy! I am really going to miss them when we get to Chile.