Hey - Dutch Girl!

If you ask one of my 4 children how many kids we have in our family they will tell you 5 and then list off Torby, Brynn, Annika, Kyra ..., and Jolien - our Dutch girl (she loved that nickname - or maybe NOT)!!!   ;-)  

So I thought it only appropriate that we properly introduce Jolien (pronounced Yo-lene) to our distant family and friends through our blog.  As many of you know, Jolien was our foriegn exchange student from Amsterdam Holland.  She lived with us for almost 10 months and just left us to return home at the end of May (so sad - too many tears).

This picture is from the day she left - look at Brynn desperately clinging to her "big sis".

 WE MISS HER SOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Jolien is coming back for a visit soon (can't tell ya the exact date - she wants to surprise the kids) and we can hardly wait.  

Hey Dutch girl - here's a couple things the kids are looking forward to upon your arrival ...

Brynn just wants some "snuggle time" with her big sister... lots of "snuggle time".

Torby is working on his latest comedic routine - he lives to make you laugh.  

I'm sure Annika and Kyra will tackle you with hugs and kisses the minute you step off the plane. Don't you miss the way they would come running with cheers of delight every day when you returned from school or Lacrosse?  

Halloween won't be the same without you this year.  

For those wondering, yes - that is Annika dressed up as a penguin ... her costume choice last year.  I didn't see that one coming - she's a very unpredictable little girl.

Per and I are looking forward to taking you to some of your favorite American food joints.  I'm sure you miss the HOT Krispy Kremes - and so do we - no more donuts since we've been trying to eat healthier.  And last but not least, ALL the girls are planning to do lots of shopping with you. When's the last time you saw the inside of an Abercrombie or VS store ... or a mall for that matter!!! Hmmm ... better bring an extra suitcase!

Back to my story - our family fell head-over-heels in love with this sweet, intelligent, feisty, vivacious and beautiful girl.  Actually, I think everyone who met her fell in love with her.  She's just an amazing person.  Jolien has a fabulous family in the Netherlands (Dad - Ge, Mom - Loes, Sister - Sofie, and Brother - Bart) but she will ALWAYS be welcome in the home of her American family too.  

We can't wait to see you again, Jolien!!!  

Someday we're going to come see your beautiful homeland...

... until then give your family all our love!!!