Koninginnedag (Queen's Day)

Everyone wears Orange.

The signing

New King and Queen of the Netherlands. Love her dress!!!

           One of the Dutch favorite holidays!!! This year was especailly interesting for us because Holland got a new King. So unlike England, Holland Monarchy can choose when they are done. Then the crown goes to the next person. Queen Beatrix annouced in Janaury that she was stepping down as Queen and her son Willem-Alexander. I was excited for Queen's Day but this made it more special. Last year when I was still on my mission. I got a crazy package from Martijn. Fillled with blue, white, red and a lot of orange. Queen's Day was started to celebrate Queen Juliana birthday. In each city around Holland as a huge party. People wear the national color orange and I mean a lot of orange.
           This year, Queen Beatrix decided to abdicate on Queen's Day. We went to my in-laws and spent the day eating orange foods and watch the celebration in Amsterdam. I thought that the crowning would be a huge thing like England but it turned out to more simple and elegant. It was in two parts, the first half was signing the abdictation by the Queen, King and members of the government and the rest of the Kingdom. We had a break the signing to the crown, so we hit the streets. We went to a shopping center in the Reeshof where my in-laws live. They had carnival game and people selling their stuff on the streets, games, activities. Really fun! After we went back to my in-laws to watch the crowning of Willem-Alexander.
        I have never seen anything like it. It is not like the British crowning, with the church and the HUGE traditions that have been going on for years and years and years. Holland stills has the traditional but it seems to me more like a family dinner or get together. It seems very personal.  The King came in with his family and gave a speech then parliment pledge to the King. Totally really great experience. Martijn and I decided to head off to Breda to see the last of the celebrations. I have never sseen so much drinking and I lived in Germany. At moment I step in a puddle of beer and got beer in my shoes. :)
       Overall it was a great day and was interesting. I can't wait for next year.

Update- Traveling around Europe

We have been a lot of place lately and I keep forgetting to post the pictures. I love being able to live in Europe and travel to so many different places. Especially with Martijn. As we sit in the car he goes on about the History or interesting fact about the area. It pretty cool for me. Martijn and I both love History and he is really great at remembering facts. 

Bossche bollen, chocolate ball with cream in the middle

Really good but so filling.

Den Bosch, really pretty city.

Ravenstein. Beautiful old city.

Weird Statue in Belgium, we dont know what it is. Any guesses?

After a job, Martijn and I met up with my in-laws. We went to a place called the Holy Land. It was really fun to be able to spend time with family.

Our trips to Germany, we went to Rewe, got some of our favorite products. Pictures from when we were at the Schwartz's.

Martijn drinking Malz and watching the soccer game.

Wedding Photos

With over 400 photos I wish that I could put them all. Coral did an amazing job. I am so grateful for all those who helped my family to put together this wedding. I am so lucky that I was able to marry my best friend.