Amsterdam

On our return trip, we took the opportunity to step out of the airport in Amsterdam, Holland. Although it wasn't the hight of the tourist season, we did manage to find a tour to take us around town. Our first stop was a wooden shoe factory where those charming wooden shoes, so associated with Holland, are made. Yes, some people really do where them, although I hear that running in them can cause blisters.

Another thing Holland is so famous for..........................The rain.

Rembrandt was from Holland and the people here seemed particularly proud to call him Dutch. A number of his works are on display at the art museam.

Of course Caden was really more interested in going on a boat cruise. Amsterdam is know as being the Venice of the North with a long naval history.

No, not that one... This one:

Christmas Time is Here Again

Christmas is a wonderful gathering at the Zurick household, not just because one can be assured of being spoiled with everything from filet steaks to a seafood feast that has put the household on the watch list with the International Marine Fisheries Organization, but also because of friends and family reconnecting with each other. Caden was, of course connecting with Santa Claus, but he was happy to savour grandma and grandpa's cooking as much as the rest of us.

Gift giving can be quite the adventure and leaves pretty much everyone exhausted at the end of it.

In a last minute revision to his letter to Santa Claus, Caden got his train that he was wishing for. Grandpa was more than happy to help him set it up, complete with a landing strip for fighter planes in the middle.

And, of course, the best part about being home... Getting together with the family; all of them.

....And Caden finally got to make his snowman