Monday April 30, 2007...Postcard from Amsterdam

Wow - I missed my Blog...and some of you mentioned you did as well...so you asked for it :)

The last weekend before Spring Break we flew (1.5 hour) to Amsterdam...too cool...we visited the Ann Franke House and shared with our girls the story of this lovely young girl and the life she lived with her family during WWII..a very old city filled with wonderful museums with Rembrandt and Van Gogh next to seedy sex shops and hash bars..everyone seems to ride bikes, so there were bikes everywhere...we had a nice weekend even though Bob seemed to go out a lot for "window shopping"..hmm

Then the Stefs girls were off for 3 weeks in America..the first two were spent with friends and family in CT..ladies who lunch, smoothies at Robeks, dinner with Jen and friends at Sakura where Lauren had a private room with some friends, nails at Oasis, lots of time with Vinny, swimming in the North Haven pool, lots of Ashley's and Walmart. Bob joined us on the weekends and we appreciated his efforts to be with us when he could.
We enjoyed time with the dogs and cats, who were happy to be home with us I think, except for Jack who clearly missed his posh life with Grammy and Grampy, where he is fed regularly and lavished with attention and pets...

Weather started out nice then got colder...saw lots of the Kosh's and my folks, Grammy and Gramy and Deb and Kate, met Jenn's friend John - (the fourth John now to the clan) and got to see the growing Wilson Jr family over food and Easter eggs.


Enjoyed a wonderful - but a bit chilly - Easter at Deb's..the kids are growing so quickly and the egg hunts are still a hit even with the older crowd..food was fantastic and it was nice to spend time together. CJ and Kate, good luck with your big decisions ..we can't wait to hear where you decide to go to school in the fall. You are both so smart and talented, you can't make a bad choice.

Then it was time to return Jack to Grammy and Grampy - I am not sure who was happier, Jack or Grammy - and head off for Miami.

We had a sunny week at Ocean Reef and saw Mimi and Papa. Did some fishing and the girls all caught some fish off the back of the boat... Bob and Papa enjoyed the fish grilled for lunch at the Raw Bar...swimming was the biggest draw, though Bob did get out and played golf for the first time this year and enjoyed the course. We purchased a used red golf cart and had fun driving it around and washing it. Dined at the Caryfort Grill for the best meal on the reef..can't wait to eat there again.. Started landscaping - or strip mining - the property - anxious to see how its coming out. Love the Reef.

We extended our trip through the weekend, just in time for the Nor'ester to come and cancel our flights and delay our return even further. Weather in CT was rough and most Westporters had water in the basement I heard, happy to no longer have to worry about that. Lyndsey and the dogs fared well in Madison, but said all the spring mulch was washed away.

We finally arrive home on Tuesday and were delighted to see our friends the Perry's here to visit...we spent most of the week seeing the sights - Harrods, London Eye, Globe Theatre, boat trip down the Thames, Tower, Hard Rock cafe - and enjoying their company.

Our last night was dinner at Il Portico followed with more wine in the living room and a great conversation with Lauren and Caroline about the stresses of being a tween. Great stuff. Thanks for spending your Easter break with us..we can't wait for you to return! Jorge, your room is lonely without you!

Then, back to normal. No more skipping school from being too jet lagged...we all made it to school every day last week..yeah..Megan started swimming lessons this term, Rachel is wearing the most adorable Summer uniform complete with straw boater hat and Lauren got braces put on!! The weather here is perfect..sunny and 60-70 every day and everything is in bloom.

Lauren got a very good report card for her first semester - way to go Lolo - we are very proud of how well you have adjusted to the change.

We took a trip to Oxford yesterday...Bob wanted to see the university...the university is comprised of many colleges (Jesus college, Trinity college, Christ College, etc) each with their own very old, in some case medieval building built on a quad where the students eat, learn and study in their own college..they wear suits for exams, they wear gowns (like graduation) to supper and eat in dining halls right out of Harry Potter - we saw the dining hall from the movie Harry Potter...amazing that the traditions of hundreds of years are still alive and respected today..they take their education very seriously there...the town was so amazing and yet so small. A must see when you come.

The highlight of the trip for me, however, was when we found Bob's book on the shelves in the Oxford Library..too cool for words, across the pond and on the shelves of this wonderful old bookstore...it was a proud moment for the Stefs. Way to go Bob - you should be very proud of your achievement.

We are headed to Italy next weekend to see our friends the Pivas (Zazie, Esme and Elise) and are looking forward to seeing a new country...

We miss you all very much and can't wait to hear what you are up to as well...Good luck Molly with your First Holy Communion. We are sad not to be with you on your special day. Hang in there Cindy and enjoy the day and try not to sweat the small stuff..

Love you all...keep in touch