I DID IT!!!!!

In January I decided that it was time for me to challenge myself to get fit... Easier said than done of course, so I set a goal for myself; the Dam to Dam run, which is a 16 km (10 mile) run from AmsterDAM to ZaanDAM, that took place on a very special day; 20-09-2009, which happens to be my birthday as well...
I trained a lot, even took my running shoes with me on our trip to Thailand, but it payed off, I DID IT!!! I was joined by Pieter, my dad, and some of my friends, so it was a group effort, and training together with others is always easier than having to do it all by yourself...

Here are some pictures;

Me and my 'personal trainer' AKA dad

We made it!

And of course the medal!

My brother the chef

My brother Timo studies to become a hotel-manager. A few weeks ago, he was the head chef at the training-restaurant of his school. He invited us to come taste, and did a very good job. It was so much fun seeing him at work and eating what he and his crew prepared for us... Busy in the kitchen
One of the dishes

My cousin Tamara, me, my friend Marlous and cousin Saskia saying cheers to Timo

The big chef giving explanation at our table

FAMILYFUN...

Last weekend, Pieter's parents took the whole family to 'the Efteling', which is a fun place where you have all sorts of rides, and a fairytale forrest (what is the American word for this sort of place? I can't think of a word that explains it...). We had a great time, here are some pictures...

Pieter's 4 cute nieces Iris, Romy, Maayke and Merel (I just realize that some of these names must seem so weird to you guys...)
This fountain was hilarious, every kid that tries to drink from it gets wet, of course I convinced the girls to try it, they did pretty good, but it looked so funny!!

This is 'holle bolle gijs' (aka pieter's brother ;) ) who is sort of a trashcan, he talks and asks for trash, and when you give it to him he says thank you. He keeps the park very clean cause he is also a crowd favorite, kids love to throw their trash in his mouth...

two crazy kids in one of the (children's) rides...

Beautiful ladies...

Remembering the good times...

Oh what a great time we had...

A place that is very special to me...

A beautiful little piece of Idaho, which will always be in my heart!!

SIBLINGS

fNow that we are groing up and going our separate ways to achieve our individual goals in life, it feels great to experience that my sister, brother and I still get along so well. Of course, we have our ups and downs, but we hang out often and have lots of fun. My brother Timo calls Pieter his 'brother from another mother' and I love the fact that both him and my sister Mischa have grown so close to him too. Here are some pictures of 'Misteryland' a big outdoor dance event that we recently visited together with my cousin Saskia and her boyfriend Jasper...

My cousin Saskia, me and sister Mischa all ready for a fun day...
Crazy dance by Saskia, Pieter, Timo and Mischa
Pieter, Jasper and I
My 'little' brother, me and my sister