Dutch elections

Even though we are probably more up to date of election issues in the US than In Holland we did exercise our right to vote for our home country. Even though the elections are not until the 12 of September, dutchies living abroad get to vote by mail before that.

I found this example of a US presidential election ballot from a few years ago.

Now, this is what our Dutch one looks like! (only slightly larger)

Thijs' ballot.

Mine.

And no, we did not vote for the same party :)

First week of school

It's Friday! Yeah, first week of school has just finished. Of course we have some pictures to share.

Both girls had a good week. It was a bit tough to get back into the routine after three months but we managed. Getting up at 6.30 and out of the house before 9 was not something we had done much this vacation!

Famke is now in fourth grade. Her teacher's name is Mrs Mech and they seem to have gotten off to a good start together.

Floortje is in first grade, her teacher's name is Mrs Shortt. She has got some cool stuff in her room, like a real shark and jellyfish in jars!

The Stanley Elementary theme of the year is 'T E A M' - Together Everyone Achieves More. Every year group has chosen a sport. First grade has soccer and fourth grade's sport is volleyball. They have a chant to go with the sport. I will try to get them to recite it and post :)

Christmas in August

Today I was in one of the craft/decoration shops and to my surprise all the Christmas decoration and trees were out on full display already!

Incredible! Just to let you know, at the moment it is 35 degrees outside :)

 

Diving boards

Even though we have our own pool, sometimes the girls like going to one of the community pools. They like to meet up with friends and use the slides. Last Thursday we tried out a new pool and found out they had diving boards there. Initially the girls were a bit weary but after they had tried it once they wouldn't stop!

This afternoon therefore, another visit to a 'diving board' pool! This time I took some video and pictures! (need to figure out how to upload the videos with my new blogging app though).

Too bad we didn't know this before. All the community pools will be closed after next weeks labor day weekend.

Fun in the pool...

...with our 'HEMA rookworsten'

 

 

Different

Yesterday the girls were playing with their Polly Pockets. When I looked at the table I couldn't help but smile at how each of them had 'organized' their clothes, shoes, etc.

Amazing how two girls from the same parents can be so different :) I will leave it up to you to decide which picture goes with which girl.

 

Blue Bell Creamery

Last week we took a trip to Blue Bell Creamery with our neighbors, Lori, Lauren, Claire and Megan. Blue Bell ice cream is world famous in Texas! First we had a tour of the factory were we could see some of the 55+ flavors being made. At the end of the tour we all got to pick a flavor to taste! Texas size scoop of course...

Only in Texas

On our way back from the airport we were very surprised to see this by the side of the road. I have seen funny things beings sold by the side of the road but a drilling rig was a first for us!

Apologies for the bad quality pictures but it is a bit hard when you are passing it at 65 mph (I wasn't the one driving though!)