Fairytale Wonderland

Last Saturday we visited Fairytale Wonderland (Sproojkes Wonderland in Dutch). It is the Dutch “disney-esque” theme park for the under-6 set.



It features life-size cottages that depict scenes from fairy tales. Well, life-size for a 6-year old. Of all of us, I had the least trouble bending to see into the little windows. They had all the classics like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and also a bunch of little Kebouter (gnome) houses.



Leah and I took a turn driving Cinderella’s magic coach. Leah preferred being an equestrian than sitting in the coach. By next year, Aunties Sarah and Grace will help her choose a ball-gown so she can go to the ball at the palace.



They also had little rides, like boats and a “hobby horse” on a track. Quinten needed an adult to accompany him, so of course it was 6’5” Tomas who scrunched on that tiny horse behind Quinten!

Trip to Bouillon (Belgium)

Click here to see all the photos from the trip

Best Jousting Tournament Ever


We did a 4 day mini-holiday to Bouillon, Belgium for a 4 day weekend. One of the cool things about living in Europe is you drive a few hours and you are in another country! We stayed in Bouillon, at the French/Belgium border. Never did find out though if the soup was named after the town.

Bouillon view from our hotel


Bouillon is a pretty little town set in the Belgium hills. A change of scenery after being in flat Holland for a while. Our hotel was on a hill and had a gorgeous overview of the town and historical castle. The hotel was not as impressive as our Gent B&B, but it had a great view! We visited the castle, museum and the tourist movie about the local hero (leader of the first Crusade in 11th century)….well, I use we a little loosley. Leah did not feel like seeing a film or museum, so Rob got his museum and I got my crusader film, and Leah got to hang out with the other one and enjoy the outdoor scenery.

Rob & some lazy guards


We all had an incredible time on our day trip into Sedan, France. They had a fun castle tour, with audio tour and life-sized dolls set up in various rooms to show the historical events. They had the coolest jousting tournament ever!!! They had 5 nights doing about 6 sorts of historically accurate jousting events, a non-very-historical-but-still-incredibly-cool fire breathing dragon, princess in danger, sword fighting….anyways, it was really spectacular. We all enjoyed it, the highlight of the trip for me!

Family at Bouillon castle


Leah is in all a well-traveled baby. In the first 4 months, she has been in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. She may be up for the baby award for most castles visited before 6 months old!