Amsterdam - Part 2

We loved Amsterdam. We would love to go back if we can at some point. The weather wasn't the best, but we made it work. Whenever we go someplace, there is a huge list of things that Ken and I would like to see and do, but that is a bit difficult when traveling with an almost 2 and almost 4 year old. Ava would be thrilled if we visited every zoo and park in Europe and Beckett is happy if we eat a lot and if we make sure he gets his naps. I have difficulty finding the balance.

We ended up finding a houseboat to stay on in Amsterdam. The bonus was that it was right across from the zoo so we could watch the giraffes and zebras any time of the day - that made for huge points with Ava! The bad part was that the red light district was in between where we were staying and the places that we wanted to go to with the kids. If you are curious, ask Ken about it!

Our houseboat for 3 nights.

Ava loved the view.

The bell was a huge hit.

At lunch.

This boy can be a character.

We thought that we would eat at this brewery for dinner our first night in Amsterdam. It ended up being a great brewery, but they didn't serve any food. Great for Ken and I, not so great for the kids.

Most of the seating was outside, so the kids could walk around. Chasing pigeons was a huge hit here.

 This was the coolest library ever.

 Inside the library.

View from the top floor of the library.

 Feeding pigeons goldfish in Dam Square. There were some American girls that stayed on the houseboat right before us. They left their snacks that they didn't eat - Goldfish and Teddy Grahams. Ava hasn't had them since we left in January! We left our French snacks and ate all of the American ones!

So happy to eat pancakes for lunch

At Beginhof.

Flower market

Ken waiting in line for raw herring.

It looks nasty!

 Ken was clearly not a fan. He made me try it too, but of course we have no documentation of that.

 

One afternoon while the kids napped, I walked around the Nine Little Street Shops. I could have spent all day there!

  I ended my afternoon with a glass of wine all by myself. Absolutely amazing!

 

The next day was rainy, so we went to the Children's Museum. Most of the stuff was for older kids, but we found a couple of things for Ava.

Ava and Ken did an experiment while Beckett and I waited next to the puberty section which was complete with videos and figurines. There would never be a section like this in the US!

 We also did a boat tour of the canals. The kids loved it for about the first 10 minutes and then they were over it.

A parking garage for just bikes near Central Station!

 In front of the Rijksmuseum.

 So cute!

 Trying to lure the ducks in.

This kid can never stay clean!

Kens duck call actually worked. I had my doubts.

Notice me hanging on to him in the reflection. We almost lost him a couple of times.

We kept promising Ava we would go to the zoo and of course she didn't forget about it because it was right out our window. So, the last morning, Ken took her there for a little Father/Daughter time.

 Trying to feed the giraffe.

 That is some kind of monkey and no, it isn't in a cage.

 De Medicijn Man - the blue one was our houseboat. Ken took this from the zoo.

This kid had to hang back with me at the boat and pack up.