Holland - Day 2

We got started a bit late on this day since Carsten slept in until 8:15 am (SO amazing!), but that was totally ok since it was vacation. While we were getting ready in the morning Andy took Carsten outside to go see the tractor on the neighboring farm. The farmer was gracious enough to let Carsten get INSIDE the tractor, which totally made Carsten's life. And I'm serious about that. The boy loves tractors. Here's a few photos of our morning:

Yummy breakfast

Hillie and Andy

The neighbor and his tractor that Carsten LOVED.

Carsten loved this so much.

Carsten also loved the ponies!

We got in the car and drove for about an hour to the Kopstukken, which was the home (has been taken down since then) where my Grandma's grandpa was born; he was the one who came to the US. Near the Kopstukken, a relative was still living nearby so we had coffee with him and his wife. Afterwards, we went out to lunch at a cafe in the Boutrange, which was an reconstructed replica of a star-shaped fortress which used to protect the area. It had beautiful bridges and the food was fantastic. We couldn't stay long since Carsten needed to nap and we needed to drive back. On the way back we stopped at an area where witches were burned and the cemetery where Hillie's grandparents were buried. Here's a few photos of our day:

The Kopstukken

Bourtange

One of the pretty bridges at Bourtange

Part of the moat.

Bridge into the fortress. People actually live here - it's a town!

Center of the fortress and the cafe we ate at. You can see Andy chasing Carsten :).

Tired eyes BEFORE lunch. He did great though :).

Windmill at the fortress.

Me and my relatives. The witch hill was right behind us. 

Hillie's grandparents.

Hillie made us curried chicken for supper that night (YUM); she is an amazing cook. We got to go outside with Carsten and pet the cat, which he was super thrilled about :). We also got to meet Hillie's daughter and son-in-law who live in the old stables (converted to a house now) next to Hillie's house. The tall Dutch men and kitty photos:

Tall guys!

Carsten loved the cat.

Come here kitty!

He was very gentle, don't worry :).

All in all, it was a fun day! We very much enjoyed our time with Hillie, thanks for hosting us!