4th month

In my fourth month already! I can't believe it! But as you can read in my blog, I have a weekly routine now so not only for me but also for you, it's not that fun to write and read something about my life here every day. That's why I decided to update my blog only once a week with a short summary. I hope everyone agrees with this and that you still like to read my blog:)

This week (December 9-15) I bought all my Christmas presents and some other things for Christmas. On Friday night I watched the movie Home Alone with the girls and Paige, which was really fun! On Saturday I bought the Christmas presents for my hostparents together with Lara. It was great and we had so much fun! Later that day I went to Prenisha to have an 'early Christmas dinner' together with Hendry, Karolina, Bereket en Angelika. It was sooo great! Everyone brought some self-made food and it was really good. We put on some Christmas songs and were wearing Christmas heads. After this we played some games and drank together and then we relaxed a bit. After that we went to Blue Cross Riverink because we rented a Wintercabin again. (This is a cute wooden launge home which is cozy and really warm. We played games and I gave the photo frames with the photo collage to all of my friends adn they really loved it. Then we went back to Prenisha and they were all hungry, but I decided to go home because it was 1:00 am and I was awake since 5:30 am so almost a whole day! We had so much fun! I love these crazy people! Unfortunately, they are all already here for their second year and some will have to leave in February and March:( Don't want to think about that!

Christmasfeelings with these crazy people!

This week (December 16 - 22) the girls were almost the whole week at Arjan's place, so I had much more free time! On Thursday after school the girls went to gymnastics and then they went back to Paige. On Friday Paige's family came over because it was her mother's 70th birthday! We set up a big party and I made fancy cupcakes with the girls. I also added Dutch stroopwafels in the cupcakes. Those are like caramel waffles. Paige's mother really loved everything! I made a Dutch apple pie for her and I made a birthday card which she also loved! On Friday evening the family went out for having dinner and I had to watch the girls and Lara came over. We talked about our trip to Orlando and booked our hotel and we decided we want to go to Universal Studios and Disneyworld! So excited for this! 

This weekend I went to New York again to meet a friend from the Netherlands that I haven't seen since 5 years! Her name is Francisca. We were sooo happy to see each other again! But because we hadn't seen each other for so long, that we didn't even know each other's voice and it was so funny! We have so many things in common like we both love to travel, wake up early, explore the world, meet new people etc. It was so great! Esmay and Robin (other Dutch Au Pairs) also came and we went to Hudsons Yards, we had lunch together and we went to Central Park to and it was sooo funny! I shared a pizza with Francisca. but it was a 'little bit' larger then we expected.... But it was really yummy! At Central Park was a big Christmas Market and it was cute to walk there all together! After this we made a lot of pictures and then Esmay and Robin went to Union Square and Francisca and I went to Rockefeller Center. We stayed at a Airbnb in New York and On Sunday we woke up at 6:00 am to go to the Brooklyn Bridge and we wanted to take beautiful pictures with the sunrise. It was sooo great! and then I went back to Philadelphia and she went back to Massachusetts.

What a great weekend with those girls!

This week (December 23-29) was finally the most wonderful time of the year! CHRISTMAS! I was looking forward to see Paige's family again and I was so excited for giving the girls my presents! On Monday I only had to work from 10 am until 3 pm and on Tuesday I went to the gym at 6:00 am!!! Soooo early, but I made it! After that I helped the girls with getting dressed and when Paige got back from the gym we waited for Arjan to go to Harpers Ferry (Paige's parents) again. Every house we passed while driving there was decorated lovely for Christmas. The girls were sooo excited because today was the day Santa would bring all the presents. In the evening we went to the Church in Harpers Ferry and we had dinner all togetherOn Wednesday we had breakfast all together and then we opened all the presents. I got some presents too! I got a lovely warm scarf from Paige's sister, some earrings from Paige's parents, Candles, a powerbank and some other small things from Arjan, and last but definitely not least: $100 from Paige and Arjan together! How sweet! I really appreciate it! Everyboday was so happy! Later in the afternoon on Christmasday, we had an early dinner all together and then we watched a movie. We also went out for a walk.

Christmas in Harpers Ferry with the whole Family Fleming!

On Thursday I woke up at 5:45 am because I as going to Washington DC! I was soo excited! I wanted to see too many things in just one day, but I made it! I went to The Capital building, Washington monument, World War II memorial. Botanic Gardens, Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian Air and Space museum and African Art Museum. So definitely a bit too much but it was sooo great! I asked many people to take pictures of me at all those different places and they were amazing! I literally walked 26 km this day! I was happy when I finally got back home! My legs hurt so much! And it didn't help to sit in a bus for 3 hours... But it was definitely worth it! It is easy to see everything in DC in one day even though not everything is close to each other. All the museums are free! How great is that!?! On Friday I had to work until 7 and after that I went to Lara to discuss where we want to go in Orlando and what we need to arrange for New Year's Eve with the other girls.

Washington DC! The Capital of this huge amazing country!

This week ( December 30th - January 5th) it was New Year's Eve. I was very excited for this! I reserved a wintercabine at Blue Cross Riverink for my friends and I. I didn't know all the people who were coming with us, but at least I knew 4 of the 10 people! I also reserved a table at a Chinese restaurant which would have a buffet and I bought so New Years decorations to make pictures with in the evening. The day before New Year's Eve totally ruined my New Year... I found out that I by accident reserved a wintercabine for 10:00 am instead of 10:00 pm... And of course the other times weren't available anymore. All the money was gone... I could only change the date and go another day with my friends. How can I be so stupid?! Luckily the other people weren't mad on me and they said we could go there on Saturday night and just go to the river park after dinner on New Year's eve. I made a bananabread for everyone and this was yummie. We brought games and snacks and we had so much fun! So even though I messed it up, we had a great night! 
On Thursday the girls had to go to school again and they had gymnastics. On Friday night I went out with Lara and Gian-Luca, (both German Au Pairs. I met Gian-Luca with New Year's Eve and he is one of Lara's friends. On Saturday I met with some friends and on Sunday I went to the center city with Lara and I bought a new phone because I really needed a new one. I bought the iPhone 11! It is so much cheaper here then in The Netherlands but of course it was still expensive and it hurted a lot to spend so much money but now I am very happy I did it!

HAPPY 2020 everyone!!

3rd month

Monday November 4, Paige and I brought th egirs to school and I walked the last half way to school. I dropped Elin and we were exactly on time because of the traffic and then I walked to Jana's doctor's appointment. This was about 18 minutes walk and when we got there we met Arjan and he went to the doctor with Jana. He came back from China yesterday so he had a very bad jetlag. It is 12 hours later in China so for hijm it was already evening. I went to the gym and when I came back home the cleaning lady was at Paige's home again (she comes every 2 weeks) and I talked to her for a long time. She is so nice and sweet! I think I can better talk with her than with my hostparents because she really seems interested in me and she Always helps me and my hostparents are too busy to talk to me sometimes. So for me, it is great that I sometimes have someone else to talk with! Then I made lunch and made some snacks for the girls and then I biked to Arjan to drop of the Ipads, headphones, stuffed animals and medicines. After that I walked to school to pick up the gris and to go to the music school again. After music, Elin's therapist came to Arjan's home and Jana made her homework. Then we had dinner all together and went swimming for an hour and then the girls had dessert and went to bed. I went home again and also went to bed.

Tuesday November 5, my day started very early because the girls didn't have school today. I went to Arjan at 7:00 am and made breakfast for the girls and then I made homework together with Elin. After this I took the girls to the center to look in some shops. We went to an arts and crafts shop for about an hour, we went to love park together and to the grocery store to get some stuff Arjan needed. Then we got back home and I colored with the girls for about two hours! Jana really loved to teach Elin how to draw things. After this Arjan went to Klokhuis with Gijs and his mom and I could go home because I started working very early today and went to the gym again. Then I went back home (Paige's home) and made dinner and I watched a movie. Then Paige got back home and I talked to her for a while and we both went to bed!


On Wednesday I first went to the YMCA again and after that I called with my sister. It was really nice to speak to her again and we talked about a lot! She Always makes me happy! I really miss her! After we called I saw an e-mail about the follow-up assignment about the photography course I had to make. It is much work I had to do, but I like it. I have to edit 10 pictures with Polarr on my laptop and  I had to choose 1 photographer and re-create one of his or her pictures. I chose for Barbara Kruger because her photographs with text in it really inspired me. At 2:00 pm I went to Arjan and grabbed some snacks for the girls and then I picked them up at school and brought Elin to her playdoctor. Then I went to the playground with Jana and after that we got back home and had dinner. Arjan was going out for having dinner again and I brought the girls to girls scouts and after that I gave them dessert and brought them to bed. At 11:00 pm Arjan got back home and I went to bed at Paige's home.


On Thursday, I first went to the YMCA and after that I called with some friends. It was really nice and we had to laugh very much! We called about 1,5 hour together and we didn't want to stop but one of my friends had to study and I had to make my lunch because I had to go to Arjan earlier today to make dinner. At 1:00 I started cooking at Arjan's place and at 2:30 I walked to school again to pick up the girls and go to gymnastics. But the girls didn't have much sleep tonight because Elin had a night mare again. Arjan also went to bed while I was cooking because he was so tired. When I picked the girls up from school Elin fell a sleep on my lap while Jana was playing at the playground at school so I decided to bring Elin home and go to gymnastics with Jana. AFter that we had dinner together and we went swimming and then I got back home to work on my follow-up assignment again. After that I went to bed.


On Friday, I went to the gym at 6:00 am to run on the tread mill and then I went to Arjan to help with making breakfast and bringing the girls to school because he was very busy with his work. Then I went to the gym at his place because I was not done with my workout and after that I got back home to work on my follow-up assignment for my photocourse again. It took a few hours but I am very happy with the result! After this I made my lunch and went to Arjan to grab some snacks. Then I picked up the girls from school and brought them to their first Hip Hop lesson. They really enjoyed this and they were very happy! They looked so cute while they were dancing like no one else was watching them! After we got back home I read together with Elin and then we had dinner at Marathon. Then I went out at Fado (Irish Pub) with some friends and we met there at 8:30 because then they didn't check ID's yet so we could go in and drank something. But unfortunately some girls didn't really like it so they wanted to go somewhere else at 11:00 pm and I went back home because I was sure I woudn't have been able to get in in another club because of the bouncers. I went back home and finished my follow-up assigment and handed it in. I am happy with the result! Here you can see the picture from the photographer Barbara Kruger I re-created.

My re-created picture from Barbara Kruger

On Saturday I first did a workout at home and then I had a small breakfast. After this I walked to Fashion District (shopping mall) and went to H&M and Burlington to look for winterclothes, but unfortunately I couldn't really find something. After this I went to the Magical Gardens of Philadelphia together with Lara and this was so great! It is a garden with walls that are made of recylce things and mosaic and it is so beautiful! It is small but it is a wonderful place. Philadelphia has a lot of these walls you can see when you walk through smaller Streets a few minutes away from Center City! Then we had some lunch together and I went back home to relax a bit. At 5:00 pm I was at Arjan's place because we were going to the Kidz Bob concert together with 3 other families and the kids. Kidz Bob is a great kids band and they cover top 40 songs so that's why I wanted to join them. It was really great and the children can sing so beautiful! I realluy liked it! When I got back home, Paige was also back from Miami and I talked to her for a while and then we both went to bed.

Kidz Bop concert & Magic Gardens in Philly

On Sunday, November 10 I slept a little bit longer than usualy and when I woke up, I went out for a run and I ran about 10 km. When I got bakc home, Paige was still sleeping so I tried to be quite and I made some breakfast. Then I updated my blog again and made a list with all the people I have already met here and talked with in the US. It turned out to be people! So Great! So many great new people! I love to meet new people and make new friends! At 11:00 am, Arjan brought the girls back to Paige's home and I had to watch them until 1 and I called with my parents and my sister together with them. This was really funny and the girls really liked to speak with them. After this I made lunch for me and the girls and then  Paige got back home and went to a pumpkin place with the girls. Af ter this we had dinner together and we watched a movie. Then Paige brought the girls to bed and I talked with Paige about the schedule of next week. After that, I went to bed.

Linvilla Pumpkinland

On Monday, November 11, the girls didn't have school and I first went to the gym before Paige had to go to her work. Then I helped the girls to get dressed and we went to the Franklin Institute. After this we played in Love Park and we picked up the lunchboxes at Arjan's place and then we went back home and had a late lunch. After this I painted their nails and braided their hair and then we had to go to music school. After this I made dinner for the girls (rice with corn, peas and chicken) and then I gave them a quick rince and we drew together for a while. Paige got back home earlier so she could bring the girls to bed. After this we talked about the plan for tomorrow and then I went to bed because I was really tired.

No School this Monday!

On Tuesday, November 12, I brought the girls to school and then I went to the gym. After this I did the laundry and I called with my family. It was great to speak to them again and I also talked to my sister. Then I made some lunch and I prepared dinner for the girls because they had Klokhuis (dutch school) again after school. At 2:30 pm Arjan picked me up to go to school and pick up the girls. Then Gijs also joined us and we went to Klokhuis. I went to Trader Joe's to get the groceries for Arjan and then I went to Starbucks where he was working on his laptop and I worked on my laptop too. Then we picked up the kids and went back home. I gave them a small desert and brought them to bed and then I finally had my own dinner and also went to bed.


On Wednesday, November 13, I made breakfast for the girls and I made their lunch and Paige was ready earlier this morning so she could bring the kids to school and I didn't have to go with them. I went to the gym and after that I went to Honey's Sit (Restaurant) where I had brunch with Annalena (German Au Pair), Laura and Alexandra (Au Pairs from Colombia). It was really great! I only knew Annalena but the other girls were very nice and we had very much fun together! I had pancakes with bananas and chocolat chips and it was so great! After this I talked to Annalena for a while and then I got back home. I got a letter from the parents of one of my best friends and I really liked this!! At 1:00 pm I went to Arjan to cook dinner and then I bought a hot chocolate with my own bottle because I figured out that you can refill your own bottle and then you only have to pay the refill costs! So gret here in the US and its better for the environment as well! After this I went to school and brought Elin to her therapist and I went to a grocery store with Jana. Then we had dinner at Arjan's place and I bathed the girls and then I went back home.

Honey's Sit with Laura, Annalena and Alexandra

On Thursday, November 15, I first went to the gym and then I went to Five Below to buy a hat, gloves and a scarf and now I am also 'winterproof'. It's getting colder and colder her and I am a little bit afraid for the winter, but we shall see what it's like. Then I went to Arjan to make some snacks and I went to school. On my way to school I texted Ilana if she wanted to grab a drink together. I met her 1,5 months ago at the Franklin Institute and she is a nanny and her kids go to the same school. She is so nice and it is so great to have someon like her to talk with when I am waiting to pick up the girls from school! We went to Saxyby's and I had a hot chocolate of course. Then we walked to school and let our kids play at the playgournd there for a while. Then Ilana got back home and I took the girls to gymastics. After that we went to Marathon to have dinner with Arjan and then the girls got a donut as dessert and we went back home. I helped them with putting on their pyjamas and brushing their teeth and then I went back home.


On Friday, I first went to the gym and then I went to Arjan to fold the laundry of the girls and to pick up their stuff. Then I got all the letters out of the mailbox and I got two! One from my uncle and one from the grandma of one of my best friends! So cute! I even had to cry about it a little bit because I think it is so sweet and cute if someone's grandma sends me a letter! After that I met Ilana at Rittenhouse square and we talked for a while and then we walked to school together and let the kids play for a while. Then we went to Taney (bigger playground quite close to the school) and their they played for about 2 hours. After that I brought them to hip hop and I could go inside the dance room the last 15 minutes and this was really great. They seem to enjoy it! After that we got back home and I gave the girls a shower and Paige got back home. We made dinner together and then we watched funny videos and Paige went out with a friend.


On Saturday I woke up really early because of the girls and I made them some breakfast. Then Paige went to the gym and I did some arts and crafts with them. I also finished my Dutch food for bringing to my friends this afternoon. I made something we call 'appelflappen' and 'kaasstengels'. The girls really liked them! When Paige got back home I went out for a walk. When I went outside I looked in the mailbox and then I saw a pink envelop and I immediately knew from who it was. It was a postcard from one of my Best Friends in The Netherlands. She wrote a very nice and cute message and she even put on some parfume! I really miss this girl! Especially her jokes! After reading it I went out for a walk and I called with my sister. Then I got back home and made myself ready for going to Bereket's place because that's where we were meeting up all together. Everybody made something from his or her home country and it was sooo great! I especially loved the things from South-AFrica because there were some more spicy things which I am beginning to like better. We had so much fun! I love these people! Just being crazy, and just be who you are and it's great! After this I got back home to relax a bit and then I went to bed.

Food from all over the world with my crazy friends!

On Sunday I first made some breakfast for the girls and Paige went out for a workout and after that I went to the gym too. I ran on the tread mill for an hour and then I walked on the stairs for 20 minutes and I burned 1350 calories for the whole workout! Then I took a shower and made some lunch and after that Paige took the girls to Please Touch museum and I walked to the Liberty Bell for the cluster meeting. It was really great to meet all the Au Pairs of my cluster in Philly again and we drank something together at an Irish Pub and this was really nice! After this I walked around the city with Lara and we talked for a while and then she took a bus back home and I walked back home. I helped PAige with getting the groceries iniside and then she made cookies with the girls. After this we made dinner together. I made a ceasar salad and Paige made spaghetti and then we had dinner with the girls. After this we tried the cookies which were really yummie and we danced crazy together and we had so much fun! Then Paige went out to meet some friends and I brought the girls to bed.

Cluster meeting at the Liberty Bell!

On Monday, November 18, I first made some breakfast for the girls and I made them ready for school and then Paige and I brought them to school and I walked the last part with the girls. After that I went to the gym and then I walked back home. The cleaning lady was at our home again and I talke to her and this was really nice! I told her I found a new babysitting adress for during weekends for earning some extra money and she was really happy for me. She also told me that she could ask families where she has to clean if they need a babysitter and when she was gone she texted me only one hour later that she found a family who needs a babysitter! So great! I really love to talk with the cleaning lady because she really yunderstands me and takes the time to talk to me! At 2:00 pm I walked to school again and met with Ilana at Saxyby's and we walked to school together. Then we let our kids play for a while until I had to take the girls to the music school. After that Paig got back home and the therapist came for Elin and then we had dinner together. Paige went out and I gave the girls a shower and brought them to bed. And then I started making my own budget list with things I want to do in the US and after that I also went to bed.


On Tuesday I made breakfast for the girls again and helped them with getting dressed an brushing their teeth and then Paig brought them to school by herself again and I went to the gym. After this I took a quick shower and I biked to the  center to buy a little present for the girls for Thanksgivinig. They don't really give presents here with Thanksgiving but I just wanted to buy a little present. So I bought mini squeezies (little things you can squeeze and then it gets it's Original shape again). When I got back home  I called with one of my best friends in The Netherlands and it was really nice to see her again. We talked about a lot of things and it was really funny! After this I made dinner for the girls and i had some lunch and then Arjan picked me up because we had to pick up the girls and bring them to Klokhuis. After we dropped them I practiced driving the car with Arjan together because Paige has an automatic car and I had never driven an automatic car before. It was so easy! You only have to drive! I liked driving the car, so probably next week I can drive the kids to Klokhuis (with Arjan sitting next to me). Then I went to Starbucks to work on my budget list again and after that we brought the girls and Gijs back home and I made them a little dessert and then I brought them to bed.


On Wednesday, November 20. I made the girls ready for school again and then I went to the gym and called with my mom and my sister. My sister has a testweek that is starting this Friday so she was a little bit stressed and that's why she needed me. I needed to talk to her too because I didn't know what to do during the Christmas break. After this I made lunch for me and the girls and went to Arjan to drop all their stuff. Then I walked to school and saw Ilana when I was on my way. We let the kids play for a while and I talked to her which was really nice. There were kids selling snacks to collec money for charity so I bought the girls little chocoloate pretzels. After playing for a while we walked to Arjan's place and made some homework. After that I brought Elin to her therapist and went to whole foods market with Jana to get some stuff we needed. After this we went to girls scouts and then we had dinner at Arjan's place. Then I talked to Arjan for a while and went back home.

On Thursday, I first went to the gym and after that I made pepernoten dough. This is a Dutch recipe for little cookies which taste a bit like gingerbread spices and we usually make these with Sinterklaas, a Dutch holiday between Thanksgiving and Christmis. With this holiday we get lots of sweets and presents and we also wanted to celebrate it with the girls because they go to a Dutch school. Then I met Ilana and we bought a drink together and then we walked to school to pick up the kids. We let them play for a while and then I walked back home to make the pepernoten. The girls really enjoyed making them and we kept on making jokes! They were really yummie and we ate a lot of them! Then we went to gymnastics and after that we had dinner at Marathon again. I ordered my own created salad and this was really yummie! Then Arjan went out and I brought the girls to bed. When he got back home around 11:00 pm I went home and went to bed.

Baking Pepernoten

On Friday I first went to the gym and after this I called with some of my friends which was really fun. So nice to see them again! I really really really mis my friends! I mis talking with them and making jokes with them, going out with them, having lunch together and just being crazy withh them. We talked for a long time and then I really had to go unfortunately… I was going to have a picnic with the girls at Rittenhouse square so I had to make some things for that. I walked to school with Ilana again and then we picked up our kids and I went to Rittenhouse square. I bought the girls a hot chocolate and then we had a picnic at the Park. Afer this we went back home and I made dinner. Then we had to walk to hip hop and the girls really liked it. While they were having hip hop, I walked around for a bit and then we walked back home and ate our dinner. Then we went swimming and a babysitter came to take it over from me. I went to Franklin Square and City Hall with Annalena because this was decorated for Christmas and it was really beautiful! After chilling there for a while and talking with each other we both biked back home.

Franklin Square with Annalena

On Saturday I went to the gym in the morning and then I went to AC Moore, an arts and crafts shop that has everything. I bought some nice papers to make birthday cards for some of my friends and then I went to City Hall tomeet with some friends because it was Karolina's birthday yesterday. Some of my friends went ice skating, but I didn't want to because I am going to go ice skating with the next cluster meeting probably and you have to rent skates. Then we bought a drink and sat with Karolina and her family and after that we had pizza together. After that we all went home to get changed and make ourselves ready for KArolina's party. Around 6 pm I went to Karolina's and we did some games. It was really fun, but unfortunately I had to go home when they went to a bar because I am not 21 of course... Then I went home by bus which was a bit annoying because the bus didn't come so I had to wait outside in the rain for 30 minutes... But I finally got back home and went to bed.

On Sunday, November 24, I woke up a little later and went outside for a walk and I went to Target to buy new shoe laces because one of mine was broken. Then I called with my parents and my sister and also with my grandma which was really nice! Then I met a new girl, named Alexandra, from Brazil and we did some shopping together. We both bought some new shoes and Alexanddra bought a new IPhone which is soooo cool! She bought the lila iPhone 11 and it looks sooo great!! We also had some ice cream together which was really yummy! After this I went back home and helped Paige with getting the Christmas tree inside and then the kids couldn't wait to decorate it with adornments! I had some dinner while they were decorating the tree and we put on some Christmas music which was fun! Then I made a plan for next week and went to bed.

Making new friends!

On Monday, November 25, I made the girls ready for school and I made their breakfast and lunch and then I went to the gym. After this I went to the center to bring my postcards to the nearest post office and I had to get some stuff for Paige. I went to AC Moore (arts and crafts shop) to buy some things we can make for Christmas when we are at the grandparents house over Thanksgiving and I bought some things at the grocery store. Then I went back home and made my lunch and the snacks for the girls and then I met Ilana at Rittenhouse Square. We talked for a bit and walked around and then we walked to school to pick up the kids. After that we let them play for a while and then I went to the music school again. When we got back home I made dinner and then Paige got back home. I updated my blog and looked at the pictures we made at Karolina's party and then I went to bed.


On Tuesday, November 26, I first made lunch for the girls and brought them to school by Uber and then I went to the gym at Arjan's place. After that I took a quick shower and called with my best friend from The Netherlands and this was so great! We called for more than one hour! And it was so cute because my friend told me that she felt much better after we facetimed with each other! I really miss this girl!:( After that I ate my lunch and made dinner for the girls because we had to go to Klokhuis again. After Arjan and I dropped them and Gijs, we went to Starbucks. There I tried the peppermint hot chocolate and this was really nice! I walked aroun because the weather was quite nice and grabbed another drink and then I had dinner with Arjan at Sweet Green. I had a salad which was great. We also did the groceries and then we picked up the kids and went back home.


On Wednesday, November 27, I first went to the gym and then I called with my parents and my sister. After this I went shopping in the city and I bought some new sweaters and a really great pants for only $70 all together because of the big Black Friday sale!!! I am soooo happy!! And I am sooo excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Can't wait! At 2:00 pm I walked to Arjan to make the snacks and then I walked to school and picked up the girls and we went to Elin's playdoctor. Jana and I walked to Wawa to grab a hot drink together (French vanilla latte) and then we got back home and I made dinner. Elin's other therapist came a bit later and after that I showered the girls and braided their hair while they watched 'primitive evolution'. This is a really nice YouTube channel with guys who are building houses for all kinds of animals. It is so great and the girls loved it! Arjan went out for having dinner and I stayed until 11:00 pm and then I went home and collected the last stuff I needed for the weekend in Harpers Ferry!


On Thursday, November 28, It finally was the day of Thanksgiving! I was so excited to meet the family! Around 9:00 am, Paige and I collected all the stuff and we went to Arjan to pick up the girls. Then we drove all the way to the grandparents house in Harpers Ferry. When we got there, the rest of the family had already started cooking. We took all our stuff inside and Paige's mother brought me to my room. It was a cute little sleeping room for myself! They have a very big house with an amazing view over the mountains. They also have a second home 3 blocks away which is used for AirBnb. This is a huge light blue house. I played with the girls while the rest fo the family prepared dinner. We had a great dinner with Turkey ofcourse, mashed sweet potatoes with pecanuts, mac & cheese, salmon, vegetables and another oven casserole. For dessert we had 3 really yummy pies: pumpkin pie, pecan pie and apple pie. When everybody was sitting at the table, the girls and I gave all the things we made for the grandparents and for Paige and I gave my present to the girl. They all really loved it! After having dinner together we watched a movie and then I went to bed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Friday, November 29, It was Black Friday. This means that a lot of shops have big sales. But I didn't really need something so I only bought some heels I really wanted. In the morning I made breakfast for the girls and then we decorated some ornaments and penguins. After we were done with this we went out for a walk together with uncle Josh and this was really funny! After lunch we went to a place with Christmas trees to look for one for the grandparents but they didn't have nice trees so we went to another place and they had a lot so we bought one there. We also had some hot chocolate and sat at the campfire for a while and then we got back home and ate the left overs from Thanksgiving.


On Saturday, I woke up earlier because of the girs and I went out for a run in the beautiful nature around Harpers Ferry in the direction to DC. I ran about 15 km and it was a bit hard sometimes because of the many hills but it was great! Then I had breakfast and the family was cooking because some cousin's were coming over to have brunch all together. We had 3 kinds of quiche, some salads, bagels, vegetables, smoked salmon and 3 pies as dessert. I ate way too much because it was all so yummy and it was really nice to meet everyone! We took some pictures with the family and then they left and we stayed about 2 hours longer and then we also got back home. When we were back home I saw a lot of mails and little boxes in the mailbox for me! One of my friends gave me a letter with a chocolate letter and Dutch pepernoten! My grandma gave me 2 letters and I got a postcard from the mother of one of my friends with a funny book. So sweet!! I was tired but Karolina's mom reserved a winter cabine for her and her friends so I wanted to go there too. It was really great and we had very much fun!

Winterfest with my crazy friends!

On Sunday, December 1 I first did a workout at home because the gym opens at 9:00 am on Sundays and Paige asked me if I could watch the girls from 10:00 untill 12:00 pm so she could go to the gym and do the groceries. Then I made breakfast for the girls and for myself and we did some arts and crafts together. Then we watched the movie Frozen together and Paige got back home. After putting all the groceries on the right place we had lunch together and then I went to City Hall to meet some friends. They were all German Au Pairs and I only knew Annalena and Lara, but the other two girls were also really nice. We walked through the Christmas market but because it was raining, we didn't want to stay outside for too long so we went to Fashion district to sit somewhere and grab a snack. I had cinnamon rolls which were really great! Then we went to some shops because there still was a lot of sale because of Black Friday. My mom asked me if I wanted to call my sister because she really needed me, so I went home earlier to call with her. It was nice to speak to her, but unfortunately we didn't have much time because it was already late in the Netherlands. So I told her I would call her back tomorrow!

On Monday December 2, I first made breakfast and lunch for the girls and then I went to the gym again. After that I biked to a post office because someone tried to deliver a package for me but I wasn't home because of Thanksgiving. I thought it was something I ordered online, but it turned out to be a big package from my parents for Sinterklaas (a Dutch holiday that's kind of the same as Santa who gaves presents). I almost started crying because this was soooo sweet. I immidiatly called them when I got back home and I wanted to thank them for it! Itsaid that I should open it on December 5, because that's the date Sinterklaas brings all the presents in The Netherlands, but because there were also some presents for the girls, I wanted to open it tonight because tomorrow they have Klokhuis and on Wednesday they will go to Arjan again. After eating my lunch I did the laundry and then I picked up the girls at school and we went to Music School again, Then we got back home and I mad dinner and Elin's therapist came again. When Paige got back home we could finally open the box all together and the girls loved it! They also got pepernoten and there were even presents for my hostparents! So cute! The girls started drawing in their new coloring books! After that I was really tired and went to bed.

On Tuesday December 3, I first made the girls ready for school again and then we took an Uber to school. Because it was Tuesday, there was a lot of traffic again because of the trash pick up. That's why I wanted to go earlier. After this I went to the gym at Arjan's appartment and then I went back home. I looked on my laptop to look at some possibilities for what I can do next year and after that I made dinner for the  girls because they had Klokhuis again and I made apple pancakes for lunch. Then we picked up the girls to go to Klokhuis and we went to Starbucks. I tried the Chestnut Praliné latte this time and it was really good! After this we went to Trader Joe's again and then we went back home.

On Wednesday December 4, Elin was sick and she had to throw up several times this night so I brought Jana to school and Paige could stay home untill noon so I could go to the gym after bringing Jana to school. Then I took a quick shower and went upstairs to see how Elin was doing. I brought her som water and then she fell asleep again. I did the laundry and made my lunch and then Elin woke up and she felt much better. She was really hungry so I made her some tomato soup. 

Arjan picked up Jana from school so I could stay home with Elin. She watched some tv while I called with my parents because they got the card I sent them for Christmas. Then I made some drawings with Elin and I made dinner. Only Jana had girls scouts today so it was great that Elin didn't have to go there. After girls scouts Arjan picked up Elin and I was done with work. I went to Christmas Village in Love Park and this was soooo great! It was really cute!!

On Thursday I first went to the gym because Arjan told me that Elin felt better and that I didn't have to work in the morning. After that I went back home and packed all my stuff for the weekend course at the LIU. I made my lunch, went to Arjan to make some snacks and then I went to school. Because Elin was really tired, I decided to drop her at home and go to gymnastics only with Jana. There I met Hendry again and we talked about the weekend course and what time we are going to meet at the Bus station tomorrow. I was really excited to go to the LIU with Prenisha and Hendry! After gymnastics, we had dinner at Marathon and I decided to try something new. I had the chicken pesto sandwich with mozzerella and oven dried tomatoes and it was really yummy!! After that we went to Insomnia Cookies to get a dessert for the girls. Arjan went out to drink something with a friend, so I stayed untill 11 pm and then I went back home and went to bed.

Friday morning I woke up at 7 am and I did a workout at home. Then I took a shower and checked if I had all my stuff for the weekend course. I dubble checked if I had my homework! Then I walked alll the way to the Greyhound station (about 40 minutes walk) and I grabbed a French vanilla latte. Then I met Prenisha and Hendry and we went to our bus. We all claimed 2 seats for ourselves because we wanted to sleep and there weren't that many people luckily. When we finally got in New York we ate some lunch and took the train to Hicksville station.There we met Daniëlla, a friend of Prenisha and Hendry and we went to the shuttle bus that brought us to the LIU for free and we went inside to get some papers and the keys for our room. It was a really nice room and it was also quite big. I liked it! I told Prenisha that it was okay for me if she wants to share a room with her friend Daniëla. When I chose my room, a girl came in because the door was open and she asked me if she could sleep here too. I was totally okay with that because I love to make new friends and it was a bunk bed, so it didn't really matter who you shared a room with. Her name was Bianca and she was from Austria and we talked a lot about everything. Her hostmom works for Cultural Care so she is totally obsessed with all the rules and that's a bit sad for Bianca... When we were settled we went downstairs to grab our dinner box. Thenw e had to go to the school building for our classes. Luckily it only was from 6 untill 8 today. After the class we met everyone in our rooms again and we put on some music and we made our own party. It was really fun!

On Saturday Bianca and I woke up around 7 and I took a quick shower. Then we went outside for a walk and we tried to find the building where we had to get our breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of the weekend. When we finally found it we met the others and ate our breakfast. It was a really nice buffet with everything you wanted! Then we went to our class and today we had classes from 9 untill 6.... So a really long day. Luckily my teacher was soo funny and she was fine with everything! We colored some butterflies, talked about child development and she told us her stories. Then we had lunch in one of the other buildings. After that we made a presentation about different ages and I had to make a presentation about 6-year-old kids with 4 other Au Pairs. One of the girls and I decided to portray everything the others of our group said like dancing, running, jumping etc. and we had so much fun while we practiced it! then we presented all our prewsentations and after that we watched a part of the movie 'Mathilda' because this also has something to do with child development. Everything she does to her parents is actually the result of all the agression she has becaus eher parents don't listen to her. So actually, the movie is quite vindictive, instead of only funny. After class we had dinner and this was also really good! then we went back to our rooms and Hendry joined us and we put on some music again. Everyone was really tired so we went to bed around 10 today. 

LIU Child Development course with Prenisha!

On Sunday, December 8, I took a shower and then we went downstairs to go to the building where we could get our breakfast. Then we went to our classes again and today we had school untill 12:30. Luckily we could leave a bit earlier and I got my certificate! Unfortunately they spelled my name wrong... But I am happy that I have got all my 6 credits now even though I am only here since 3 months! After school we took a train back to Penn Station ( New York) and then we met some friends from Philly and New Jersey. It was really great and we had lunch in a great chinese restaurant and we went to Rockefeller Center to admire the big Christmas Tree and the light show. This was sooo great!!! I have never seen such a beautiful Christmas Tree in my whole life! We took some pictures together and then I decided to go back home because I was really tired and Hendry and Karolina wanted to stay until 10 pm and Prenisha was going to stay in a hotel with a friend. I went to the Bus station and grabbed a drink. Then I slept in the bus because I was so tired. When I got back home I saw all the beautiful decorations Paige had for Christmas and I talked to her about my course for a while. Then I went to bed.

New York, New York!!

2nd month

On Tuesday, October 1, the grandparents went back home to Washington and I brought the kids to school by Uber. The grandparents kept on saying they really loved to meet me finally and this was so cute! Then I went to the gym at Arjan's place agian and after that I called with my family. The girls had school until 7 pm because after school they had to go to a Dutch school, called 'Klokhuis'. This is since this week for every Tuesday because their parents want them to learn the Dutch language better. During afternoon I first made some healthy muffins, because the kids weren't home and Paige and Arjan told me they really want to try to make some other healthy snacks for the girls instead of just keep on giving fruit and vegetables. I made some muffins with bananas, some with blueberries and some with apples and cinnamon. After that I went out for a walk and tried the pumpkin latte from Dunkin' Donuts (for only $2,16) and it was really great! Then I went back home and made some dinner and when the girls got back home around 7:45 pm, they had dinner. As a dessert I gave them one of my healthy muffins and luckily they liked them! I just had to add a bit of powdered sugar, so the halthy muffins weren't that healthy anymore unfortunately, but I was happy they ate them! After they watched TV for about 15 minutes, I brought them to bed. When Paige got back home I talked to her about how everything is going and some other things and that was really nice! It was great to talk to her and after that we both went to bed.

On Wednesday October 2, Paige brought us halfway to school and then we had to walk the last part again. Unfortunately the girls didn't act that nice to me this morning and Jana pushed Elin on our way to school and that's why Elin fell down on the sidewalk... Luckily she was okay, but we were a bit too late for school and I had to bring the girls inside because I had to sign a little paper because the girls were a few minutes too late... After this, I could finally go to the gym again and after that I called with my mom about some things I wanted to tell her and that relieved me a bit because there were a few things I worried about. Then I made some lunch on the rooftop and relaxed there for a while because it was 34 degrees today! At 2:00 pm I biked to Arjan, made some snacks for the girls and walked to school. Elin has been picked up by Camilla today, because she had to go to the 'playdoctor' again and Camilla is the mother of a boy from Elin's class that also goes there every week. I went to the playground with Jana and then we picked up Elin and got back to Arjan. Then I went to the swimmingpool with the girls while Arjan went to the grocery storen and after that wen went out for having dinner at 'Marathon'. I had a salad with sweet potato fries and this was so yummy!! Then I talked to Arjan abou the plan for the next they and after that I biked back home.

Thursday October 3, I first went to the YMCA (the gym) again and after that Lara came to me and we made American Pancakes together. Paige was going on a trip to New York and she was going there until Sunday, so I was 'home alone' until then. Luckily I was allowed to invite some friends to stay over and I was very happy with that! At 1:00 pm I was at Arjan's place to help him sort out the clothes of the girls, because Jana I (the older girl) is much thinner than Elin, which means they can no longer share their trousers and leggings. After that I went to school to pick up the girls but unfortunately the weather wasn't as nice as yesterday and it was a bit rainy the whole day... But we just walked back home because it wasn't too bad that we had to take an Uber. Then we dropped the backpacks and went to gymnastics. When we came back I made some dinner together with Arjan and then he went to the gym and I went swimming with the girls and after that I went home again.

On Friday October 4 I first went to the gym again and then I went to the grocery store because I had to get some stuff I needed for cooking dinner tonight. I wanted to make a casserole dish with broccoli, mushrooms, paprika, chicken and a cheesesauce. at 1:00 pm I started cooking the dinner at Arjan's place so that we could just warm it up in the evening. While I was cooking, I called with my grandma, together with my sister and my mom. Unfortunately my grandma couldn't here me because she is a little deaf... But she really loved to see me again! Then I went to school to pick up the girls and I let them play in the playground. I also talked to the babysitter I met at the Franklin Institute and it was very nice to see her again! I didn't know her name but I should definitely ask her next time and ask her number because she is a very nice girl and she is 21! After the girls played in the playground for a while, we went back to Arjan's place because Elin's therapist was coming and the girls were acting really crazy on our way back home as you can see on the pictures! At 6:30 pm after we ate dinner, there was another babysitter (Lauran) because Arajn went out for having dinner and I couldn't stay longer because Robin and Esmay (Dutch Au Pairs from the same organization as me and who I met at Schiphol airport) were coming to visit me! Esmay is living in Brooklyn and Robin in Long Beach. Arjan explained her a few things while I bathed the children and then he went out for having dinner and the girls watched TV for a while. I talked to Lauren and she is a really nice girl! Very great to met her! After we talked for a while, we brought the kids to bed together and I shoed her Arjan's apartment and then I went back home. Esmay and Robin texted me they were a bit hungry so I puy two little pizzas in the oven and made some nachos for them. We had very much fun and after a long evening, we all went to bed.

     Acting crazy on our way home like...?

On Saturday October 5, I made some breakfast when I woke up. I made cinnamon toasts with baked little applepieces and muesli and maple syrup and also a few toasts with banana. Robin and Esmay really liked it luckily and after we got dressed, we went to the center of Philly (about 15 minutes walk from Paige's home). I showed them Walnus street, the big shopping street and they really liked it! Then we met Lara at Love Park because we invited her to join us today. We had lunch at terminal market and after that, Lara and I showed them Independence Hall, City Hall, and Fashion District and there also was a big Fall Festival in Philly. It was a great festival and we made lots of pictures together! There also was a truck with all different kinds of Instax cameras so we all wanted to have a few of these pictures of course! There were also a lot of bands playing there and it was great to here music everywhere we walked. When we came back home we made dinner together and after that we went to the swimmingpool at Arjan's place and then we watched a movie. Bereket also joined us while we were watching the movie and the girls really liked him because we had very much fun together! We also made some popcorn and tried the pumpkin m&m's which were both really tasty!! After that we all went to bed and Bereket went back home.

On Sunday October 6, I made breakfast and after that I did the bed laundry which my friends used for sleeping here and then I tidied up my room and they collected all their stuff. After that they went back home and I went to the gym. I ran for more than one hour on the treadmill and I was proud of myself becausse I usually only run for about an hour and a half when I go out for a run but now I ran for more than an hour on the treadmill! When I got back home I took a quick shower and started updating this blog. I also posted some pictures on instagram from this weekend because we took a lot of pictures! At 4:30 pm, Arjan brought the girls back to Paige's home and I had to take care of them because Paige wasn't home until 5:45 because her train delayed. Then we ate dinner together and I played a bit with the girls. After that Paige brought the grils to bed and I talked to Paige for a while and then we both went to bed too.

                                                          Had such a great weekend with those lovely girls!

On Monday October 7 I brought the kids to school and then I went to the gym at Arjan's place. After that I just chilled a bit and had lunch at Paige's home. At 2:00 pm I walked to school and piecked up the girls from school. Then we went to the Music School. Jana's piano lesson was canceled today so we dropped Elin for her Music Workshop and then I went to the playground with Jana. After that we went back to Paige's home because Elin's therapist was coming and I had to make dinner. I made peas with chicken and rice and the girls really liked it luckily. Then Paige got back home and bathed the girls and then she went to Arjan to talk about some things. I brought the kids to bed and we had very much fun together. I read them a book and brought them to bed and after that Paige got back home and we both went to bed too.

On Tuesday October 8, we went to the school by Uber and after that I walked to Trader Joe's (grocery store). There I had to get all the groceries and this turned out to be 5 big bags full with all the things Paige needed!! Luckily I could take an Uber back and the driver helped me with collecting all the stuff and he even brought everything inside with me! Because the girls had Klokhuis (the Dutch school) after school, I was free to do whatever I wanted, because they wouldn't be home until 7:30 pm. I just had to make the snacks and dinner for them around 2:00 pm because Arjan would come to Paige's home to get the car and the snacks. The girls always have to bring dinner to Klokhuis because otherwise it would be too late for them to have dinner at home. I walked to the center and went to the Apple store because my earphones didn't work very well anymore. I got some new ones for free and I was very happy with that! After that I went to the Target to look for my locker again and I finally found the one that I had been looking for since 4 weeks! I need to have a locker for the YMCA (the gym I always go). then I went back home and called with my parents. I also called with my sister for a long time because she really needed me and I always want to be there for her of course! She was very relieved after I talked to her and helped her! I really miss my friends and family and especially my sister, so I really love to call with her sometimes! I also love to call with friends and family and see how everyone is doing in the Netherlands! After I called with my sister, I made my own dinner and waited until the girls came home and then I gave them a dessert. After that PAige got back home and brought them to bed.


On Wednesday October 9, the grils didn't have to go to school because of a Jewish holiday. So I went to the gym very early in the morning and took a quick shower after that. Then Paige went to work at 9:00 am and I went to the 'Please Touch Museum'with the girls. We had so much fun there and the girls really loved it! We stayed there for aout 2,5 hours! After that we went back home and walked to Dunkin' Donuts, because I promised the girls they could both have a donut when they both finished their homework and if they were nice today. After that we went back home and the girls played for a while until Arjan picked up elin to go to her OT (playdoctor). I stayed home with Jana and we colored together in her coloring book. When Arjan had brought Elin back, I made dinner for the girls. They like frozen peas and corn very much so I gave that with some penne and turkey balles (this was hot of course!). They really liked their dinner! Then PAige got back home nd brought the girls to Girls Scouts. At 7:30 pm I went to Arjan and there I watched funny animal videos with the girls whyle Arjan went out for dinner, After having laughed for a long time, I brought them to bed. At 11:00 pm I went back home by Uber and went to bed.

Please Touch Museum

On Thursday, October 10, I first went to the gym again and then I went back home. I took a shower and did my laundry and then I made some pancakes with strawberries and muesli and a little bit vanilla ice cream! This was soooo yummie!! And at 2:00 pm I walked to Arjan and made some snacks and then I walked to school to pick the girls up. Then we walked to Rittenhouse square where we had a break. The girls were acting very funny again and couldn’t stop making jokes. When we went back home, I collected all the stuff for gymnastics and then we went there by Uber. Jana’s friends were already at the parc so I dropped Elin at gymnastics and helped her with her leotard and then I walked to the Park with Jana. After we walked around for 15 minutes we finally found her friends luckily! When we got back home I made dinner and then Arjan went out again and I went to the swimming pool with the girls. We had very much fun and they watched their Ipads for a few minutes and then I brought them to bed. At 11:00 pm Arjan got back home and I went home by Uber.

On Friday, October 11 I first went to the gym again and after that I called with two of my friends. It was really great to see them again and talk to them! After a few minutes, one friend had to go because a friend of her was coming but then the friend who still was on the phone with me was putting on her make-up and she acted like she was making a vlog so it was really funny! After I called, I made my lunch, made some snacks for the girls and went back to school again. The girls were both very happy to see me again and I brought them a pumpkin donut which I got at my hostdad’s apartment complex for free! We went to the playground together and after that we went back home and I dressed them up because we were going to watch a National Squash game. Paige got tickets from her work so that’s why we went there. We first ate a pizza together and after that we went to the game. It was really cool to see it! Also because it is not a popular sport and because the guys turned out to be very famous!

National Squash Game in Philly!

On Saturday, October 12, I first had to watch the girls from 7:00 until 10:00 am because Paige asked me if I wanted to do that because she wasn't feeling well and at 9:00 am she had a group lesson (at the gym). I made a pumpkin pendulum with my girls for Halloween and they really loved it After Paige got back home, I went out for a run. I ran along the river side again but I really wanted to call with my family because my mother was celebrating her birthday and everyone was there. But unfortunately, there weren't any wifi-places close to me... So I ran about 20 more minutes to get free wifi at a Mc Donald's and I called with my family. They really liked to see me again! When I came home, I watched my health app and found out that I ran about 18,5 km! I was very proud of myself because a half marathon is about 21 km! After I took a shower the girls and Paige went out for the indoor camping trip of Girls Scouts and I went to the Center City to meet Prenisha and Angelika (both Au Pairs in Philly). We went to a few shops together and Angelika had to leave earlier so I had some late lunch with prenisha and we went shopping together which was really fun! When I got back home I made dinner (shrimps with vegetables and rice) and I looked for winter clothes online. After that I went to bed.

On Sunday October 13, I woke up around 7:30 am and then I made pancakes for breakfast. After that I called with my sister and a friend, because they had garden sale in our neighborhood and they were selling things. After that I called with Arjan to talk about the courses I probably want to do and the taxes I will have to pay next year and some other things. Then I made my lunch and went to the place where I met Lara and Annalena. We went to two festivals in Philly and it was really great! I also really liked to meet Annelena, because I hadn't met her before and she is alsoan Au Pair and lives really close to me! First we went to the 'Old City Festival' and then we went to 'The OUT Festival' (like a gay pride). After that we went shopping together and then I walked back home together with Annalena because we had to go the same way and Lara took a bus to get back home. When I came home Paige ordered sushi for both of us and we made mac&cheese for the girls. The sushi was really great! We watched the movie 'Aladdin'with the girls and after that Paige brought the girls to bed and also went to bed and I updated my blog and went to bed as well.

Festivals in Philly with Lara and Annalena!

Monday October 14, I first brought the kids to school with the Uber. Elin was very happy because she got a new backpack in the shape of a unicorn and she got a fluffy jacket with a hat with ears! So cute!! After I dropped Elin and waved at the window were Jana always walks I went to the gym at Arjan's place. I really thought that he wasn't home so I texted him that I had the key for the gym in case he was looking for it, but then it turned out that he was still sleeping so that was very funny! After that I went to the H&M because I saw a really nice skirt there yesterday but it wasn't the right size. Unfortunatly they didn't have it anymore... Then I went home and made my lunch and updated the blog again. After that I made some snacks for the girls and went to school. On my way to school I bought a frozen latte and then I picked up the girls and we went to the music school again. Jana's piano lesson was cancelled again we made her homework together and then we got back home because Elin's therapist was coming. I made dinner for the girls and gave them a dessert and then we watched the movie Aladdin because we hadn't finished it yesterday. After that I added the Halloween decoration at the window and brought the girls to bed.

 Elin was so happy with her new backpack and her fluffy jacket!

Tuesday October 15, Paige departed to Washington DC for work at 5:45 am! So the girls also woke up very early and they watched tv and I made their breakfast. After that we called my mom because it was her birthday and we sang 'Lang zal ze leven' and she really loved it! The girls can also sing this because they have a Dutch father so that is very funny! Luckily, the birthdaycard I made for my mom was delivered today! But it turned out to be a really big card so that was very funny! My mom really liked it! After that we went to school and I went to the YMCA (gym) again. After that I went to the Burlington (shop with all famous brands but then much cheaper) and I had lunch at home. Then I made pancakes for the girls because they had to bring dinner to the Dutch school again. Today I could go with them and Arjan and another boy, named Gijs. He also goes to the Dutch school because his parents are from the Netherlands. While the kids were at the Dutch school and Arjan was working, I got an ice cream and walked around in Ardmore for a while. I also registered for the courses I am going to do here. I have chosen to do a Photography course in New Jersey and a Childcare course at the Long Island University in Brooklyn. I am very excited to go to these Universities and do the courses! After school, we went back home and Arjan dropped the car at Paige's home and we got back to his apartment. There we went to the swimmingpool and gave the girls their dessert and Arjan and I both had dinner together. It was very stressful because Arjan was baking an egg but because we were talking, he forgot about it and the fire alarm almost turned on! And if that happens, the whole apartmentcomples has to be evacuated! After dinner I went back home and went to bed.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Wednesday October 16, I first went to the gym again and after that I called with my mom because she wanted to tell me about the holiday in April, when they want to come to the US and travel with me. After that I called with one of my best friends in the Netherlands and this was great! We talked about a lot and it really felt like she was sitting next to me and we were drinking tea together. I really miss her! So it was great to see her again! Then I made some lunch and I saw some e-mails from a site where I used to sell my summaries from college and I found out that I have sold 2 more summaries! So funny! Because I am not at that school anymore! At 2:00 pm I went back to Arjan and made some snacks and then I walked to school to hand Elin over to Camilla for going to the playdoctor and I picked Jana up to go to the playground. In the evening we had dinner at Marathon again and I had a salad with sweet potatoefries. After that we went swimming and I brought the girls to bed together with Arjan and then I got back home and Paige was also home again.

On Thursday, October 17, I first went to the YMCA and after that I went to the Forever 21 and I bought a skirt and a dress! I got a membership there and thats's why I got 20% discount!! After that I went to the Target to look for something I wanted to have for Halloween, but unfortunately they didn't have it.... So I had to look for something else. Then I went to Rittenhouse Market (grocery store) and there I grabbed some stuff I needed to make lasagna for the girls. I went back home and made some lunch and after that I went to Arjan. But because I had to cut all the vegetables in very small pieces, it took me really long and I couldn't finish it before I went to school to pick up the girls. So Arjan finished it, but we didn't have enough so after I brought the girls to gymnastics, I made tortellini with beans and Turkey meatballs. The girls really loved their dinner! I had noodles with peanutsauce. This was a recipe from Hester- A friend of Arjan who has her own company for deliver foodboxes. She makes really good and healthy meals and usually you only have to warm it up or put it in the oven so that's great! After having dinner I watched funny videos on YouTube with the girls and we all laughed very hard!! Then I made some jokes and brought them to bed again. Arjan went out for having dinner, so I stayed until 11:00 pm and then I went back home. Paige was in New York now because of someone's birthday and she would be bakc home on Saturday around noon.

On Friday, I first went to the gym again and after that I called with my best friend in the Netherlands. I really miss her (and my other friends of course)! It was very nice to speak to her again and see how she is doing in the Netherlands without me. After that I called with my mom and my sister to talk about the holiday in April because my family is probably going to visit the US then. And of cours I want to join them when they go traveling through the US eastcoast (to NY, Boston, Thousand Islands, Niagara Falls and Toronto)!! And my sister told me she is probably going on a holiday with her best friends during summer! I am so happy for her and I can't wait until she is going and I really love to help finding the perfect holiday for her!! After calling them I biked to Walmart (about 15 minutes bike). I never went to a Walmart before so it was a very nice experience! This is a very very very big shop with groceries, clothes, home stuff, Halloween costumes -> EVERYTHING! I bought a sweater and some stuff I needed for making lasagne, because today I was going to make lasagna for the girls and me. Then I went back home and made my lunch (little tortillas with chicken, salad and vegetables with cheese) and at 1:30 pm I went to Arjan and started making the lasagne. Then I made snacks for the girls and picked them up from school. We went to Tany (playground) together and the grils had very much fun there. After that we went back home and made homework together and we ate the lasagne (which was really tasty!!) Then Arjan went out for having dinner and Sarina (another babysitter) came to his apartment to watch the girls and bring them to bed. I went to the grocery store to buy some snacks because Lara and Bereket were coming over tonight and Lara also was going to sleep over here. I bought three little boxes with Pringles and they had funny flavors which I really wanted to try and you can see them on the picture here! The Pringles were yummy and we also had very small reese's and some selfmade popcorn. We had very much fun together and we made a funny video and then we went to bed and Bereket went back home.

First time Walmart and having a fun night with Bereket and Lara

On Saturday October 19, I woke up very early like I Always do and after Lara woke up and we ate a small breakfast, we went out for a walk. The weather was quite nice even though it was pretty cold because the sun was shining. We just had a very small breakfast because we were going to have lunch together with Bereket, Angelika, Karolina, Hendry en Prenisha (all Au Pairs in Philly and my friends). We had lunch / brunch at Sabrina Café and this was so great! It is a really popular restaurant and you always have to wait outside for about half an hour! But luckily Bereket already reserved a table for all of us. I couldn't choose what I wanted to have and Lara neither so we decided to share the waffles with fruit and a sandwich with chicken and sweet potato fries. This was soooo YUMMIE! And we had so much fun together with the other Au Pairs! Lara really liked to meet them finally. After we had lunch we went to Fashion District and went shopping there. Lara bought some stuff at Hollister and I bought a sports legging and asweater at the Burlington. This is a shop that has all famous brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger etc but then much cheaper! We also went to a few other shops and after that we both went back home. When I got home, Paige was also home and she was going out for having dinner so I went to Walmart again because my sweater turned out to be a bit smaller than I thought but one size bigger was way too big so I just kept mine. Then I made some dinner and updated this blog again and I watched a movie and then I went to bed.

Had a great day with all those people!!

On Sunday October 20, I wanted to go for a run in the morning, but unfortunately the weather was really bad and it was raining all day long so I just went to the center quickly to look for something for Halloween but I couldn't really find what I was looking for. After I got back home, Paige had done the groceries and I helped her with storing all the stuff and then she picked up the girls from soccer and we had lunch together. Then I called with my parents and my grandma and sister together and it was really nice to speak to them together! After that we made pumpkins for Halloween and this was really fun to do! I made the one with the hair on top of it, Elin has the one in shape of a cat and Jana has the other scary pumpkin. We had very much fun while we were making them but it was harder than I expected to cut into the pumpkins. Luckily I also finished the pumpkin I wanted to make and I am happy with the result! AFter we made the pumpkins Jana and Elin both had a playdate for a few hours. Elin was playing at home with a friend and Jana went to her friend. While Elin was playing, I updated my blog again and brought them a snack and some drinks. Then Elin's friend got back home and Paige picked Jana up and we had dinner together. After the girls watched tv for a while, Paige brought them to bed and I talked to Paige about the schedule for next week and then we also went to bed.

Making Pumpkins for Halloween!

Monday October 21, I first brought the kids to school by Uber because Paige didn't feel very well and she wanted to sleep a bit more. Then I went to the YMCA again and after that I went to the Burlington to return a sportslegging and I got a new one. I also ordered something for Halloween. Because some of my Au Pair friends are going as a Harry Potter character, I bought a Harry Potter robe because I am going to be Ginny. Bereket is going to be Dean Thomas, Prenisha is going as Bellatrix, and I don't know what the others are going to be but everyone is someone from Harry Potter. I think it is going to be very funny! I can't wait for Halloween! Especially after we made the pumpkins yesterday! 

At 2:00 pm I went to school again and let the girls play for a while and then we got to the musicschool again. Jana's piano lesson was cancelled again! (What a surprise!) We were a bit sad because now her piano lessons have been cancelled very often and we still don't know why… When we got back home Elin's therapist came again and I made some dinner (fusilli with sugar snap peas and salmon). After that we made Elin's homework together and I rinced the kids quickly and then they watched tv for a while and I brought them to bed. Then Paige got back home and I talked to her about my parents because they want to visit me in April and they also want to go to Philly. After that we also went to bed.

On Tuesday I brought the girls to school again and after that I went to the YMCA. Then I went back home and made my lunch and after that I made dinner for the girls because they had Klokhuis again. Arjan picked me up at 2:30 pm and then we went to school to pick up the girls and Gijs for Klokhuis. We dropped them of and went to Trader Joe's to do the groceries and then I went to Starbucks to make my pre-assignment on my laptop for one of the courses I am going to do. Arjan went out for a run and then he also got to the Starbucks and worked on his laptop. Then we went to HipCityVeg (a vegan restaurant) and had dinner there. The food was really good and I had a Philly 'steak' with sweet potato fries and a Veggie smoothie (green healthy smoothie). It was very nice! After we had dinner we got back to Klokhuis and picked up the kids. We went back to Arjan's apartment, or I mean, that's what we planned, but we couldn't go inside the building because there were fire trucks because the fire alarm went of (probably because sombody was cooking and something got a bit burned) and then everybody has to leave the building. Arjan told me this happens often and also very quick when there is a little bit smoke in the house because you are cooking. That is why I am always a bit scared if I have to cook at Arjan's apartment. But because we couldn't go inside, we first dropped Gijs at home and then we got back to Paige's home and I could stay there because I was going to 'Terror Behind The Walls'. This is a real prison in Philly that's a museum by day time and a scary Haunted House during night time. I went there with Angelika, Bereket, Karolina, Hendry and Prenisha and it was really really great!! We chose to get the red light necklaces and then the creepy people could touch us and also lead one of us through secret passenge ways. This happened to me 3 times and I was scared because I couldn't find the group! There also was a Glow in the Dark part in the prison where we had to were 3D glasses and this was so great! You couldn't see where the creeps were exactly so that was awesome! At the and there were some creeps dancing very nice! So it waws a great adventure and I would definitely recommend it if you are in Philly at this time of the year!

    Terror Behind The Walls!!!

On Wednesday, I was really stressed, because yesterday after I got back home around 11:45 pm I found out something really bad happened to me. I found out that I had left my wallet with all my cards (credit card, debit card, driver's license, Insurance card) in the bus after I went to the prison... I was totally shocked and didn't know what to do. Luckily Arjan was still awake so he helped me and sent me the phonenumbers I had to call for blocking my credit and debit cards. Then I tried to call Septa but they didn't answer the Phone... At 6:00 I woke up again and tried to call them again. It took a long time but finally a woman picked up the Phone and I told her what happened. Then she asked me some questions and told me they had found my wallet! And they told me which buses I had to take. But it wasn't as easy as I thought. I didn't understand where to go so I called the girl again. She asked me for my phonenumber and sent me the location where I had to go. But as you know, I didn't have my cards so I couldn't pay for the bus or train... Luckily all the people in the buses and train were so nice that I could travel for free! 2 hours later, I finally got my cards back and I was so happy! I unblocked all my Dutch cards and I got a new TD bank card for free so I am so Lucky!!

After this happened, I went back home, did a workout there and made my lunch and then I went to Arjan at 2:00 pm to make some snacks and go to school. I picked the girls up and went to OT to drop Elin and then I went to some shops with Jana and got back to pick Elin up. We went back to Arjan and had dinner and then Paige picked up the girls for girls scouts and brought them back at 7:15. Then I made a healthy fruit dessert for them and then I brought the girls to bed and went back home. I talked to Paige about when my parents want to visit me in the US and then I also went to bed.

On Thursday, I woke up very early and went to the gym again. After that I went to FedEx office to pick up my Halloween costume. I am very happy with my costume. I bought a Gryffindor Robe because a lot of my friends are going as a Harry Potter Character and I chose to go as Ginny Weaseley. With halloween I am going to wear this robe with a bordeaux red blouse and a black skirt. I am really looking forward to Halloween! Tomorrow I am going to the Halloween party at the girl's school with them and my hostmom. I am looking forward to it! After I picked up my costume I went back home and had a little breakfast because I am not Always hungry when I wake up very early like I Always do. Then I took a shower and tried my costume. I am very glad I bought it and I can't wait to wear it tomorrow and with Halloween next Thursday! At 2:00 pm I went to Arjan, made snacks and took the leotards of the girls for gymnastics and then I walked to school. I let the girls play at the playgorund for a while and then we took an Uber to gymnastics. There I met Hendry and we went to Central Taco & Tequila because there was an event and we ate some nachos which were great! After that I picked up Elin and read her books together and after Jana was done with gymnastics we went back to Arjan. There we had lasagne (left from last week) and we went swimming after dinner. Then I made the girls their dessert and we went back to Paige's home. The girls watched tv for a while and I gave them a quick rince and then I brought them to bed.

On Friday, I brought the girls to school and then I went to the YMCA (gym) again. Then I made some snacks and went to Arjan to pick up some food he had left and then I went to school because the girls only had school for half a day. We went back home and the girls didn't want to go to the playground or anywhere else because they couldn't wait to put on their Halloween costumes and play with it. I made my lunch and also made some chicken and vegetables already for dinner. While the girls were playing, I tried to figure out what to do next weekend with traveling to the course and where to stay. I am going to the course with Lara and Litzy and we were invited to drive to the course in New Jersey with two of Litzy's friends. But it then we had to pay them $40 for a roundtrip and the bus to New Jersey would be $22, so that's much cheaper… And we also had to find a hotel which would be around $50 per person, so it was hard to figure out what is the best to do. After we finally found something Paige got back home and we had dinner all together. Then we dressed up for the Halloween party and went to school. It was a great party and we had lots of fun together! After that we got back home and we brought the girls to bed. Then we talked about the plan for this weekend and also went to bed and I realized this was my 7th week in Philly already! OMG! Time Flies!

Halloween Party at Greenfield school!

On Saturday I had a really great but very busy day! In the morning I went out for a quick workout and then Paige went to a gym class and after that we went to 2 different Halloween events for the kids together with another mother and her two kids (friends from Paige and Arjan). The first Halloween event was really great and the girls got so much candy, even though it wasn't Halloween yet! There were also lots of beautiful little market stalls with jewellery, home stuff, food etc so it was really great! There also was a costume competition for all the kids. Jana and Elin signed up for the competition and they were so cute! And after this we had lunch at an Italian restaurant. I shared pizza, salad and some vegetables with Paige and Jana had a pizza en Elin had spaghetti of course. After we had lunch we went to the second festival which was also really great! There was a circus show which was great to see and the girls decorated baby pumpkins! Then we got back home and I worked a bit on my laptop for the photocourse I am going to do next weekend and after that I wen to the glow event in Philly. I first met with Lara and we had a small dinner together and then we met two other girls we hadn't met before and we went to the glow event together. One girl was Laura, an Au Pair from Germany and the other girl was Hanna, an Au Pair from Sweden. They are both very nice and we had so much fun together, even though the glow event wasn't as we expected it to be. It was just a small room with some glow in the dark paintings and glow in the dark stripes on the floor. But it was great to see and after this we walked to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (the bridge from Philly to New Jersey) and there was the ghostship underneath the bridge I really wanted to see. It was a ship made of lights and water ant it was really cool! After making a picture of it we bought some hot chocolate and sat at the Riverside for a while. Then Laura and Hanna went back to the train station and Lara and I walked there with them and then we shared some peanutbutter-cookiedough ice cream which was sooo great! And after this we also went back home.

Halloween events in Philly and the night with Lara, Laura and Hanna!

On Sunday, October 27 it was a really rainy day. Or at least in the morning it rained all the time. After I had some lunch together with Paige and the girls we went to the Independence Seaport Museum with Paige we and the girls. This was a museum in Philly with all kinds of things about the sea. We did some arts and crafts there which was really fun and then we went to the craft hall. This is a restaurant with an indoor playground and this was great for the girls. We hade a small dinner there and we played for a while and then we went back home. I edited the pictures for my photocourse and I am really happy with the results! I sent the pre-assignment to the teacher of the photocourse and I really hope it is okay like this. 


On Monday, October 28, I brought the kids to school together with Paige. The girls have Spirit Week this week at school, which means they can dress down every day. Today was 'Team Spirit Day' which means they can wear whataver that is college, pro, or community club. Jana wore an Eagles shirt (Philadelphia Football Team) and Elin wore a basketball shirt from Philly. After bringing them to school, Paige went to the grocery store and I went to the gym at Arjan's place. After that I assembled 2 chairs for $40 extra dollar and I called with my parents. After this I walked to school, picked up the girls and went to the music school again. Jana finally had her piano lesson again but with a different teacher. He is a really nie guy and I think he is perfect for Jana! After that Jana made her homework until Elin's Music Workshop was done and then we went back home because Elin's therapist was coming again. I made dinner while her therapist was here and after we had dinner I rinced the girls and they watched some tv. After that I brought them to bed again and Paige got back home later and I already went to bed.


On Tuesday, October 29, The girls had 'Twins day' so they decided to wear the same clothes. I brought them to school together with Paige but because of all the traffic and closed roads, we were 5 minutes too late for school. Luckily there were many people late for school so I didn't have to fill in a form for the girls. I went to the gym and after that I made dinner (spaghetti with chicken and vegetables) because the girls had Klokhuis again. After that I made some lunch (pancakes with apple and nuts and cinnamon sugar) and then I walked to school. When I picked up the girls, we walked to the Rite Aid where we had to wait for Leonie (Gijs mother) to go to Klokhuis. When we dropped the kids, we went to Suburban Square ijn Ardmore again and chilled at the Starbucks. After that we went back home and I gave the girls a little dessert and ate my dinner and  then I brought them to bed. I made the plan for tomorrow and Paige gt back home later so I went to bed.



Wednesday, October 30, I first brought the girls to school with Paige together and today they had 'Miss matchday', which meant they should wear something really crazzy or 'miss-matching'. The girls really like to go to school with two different shoes, the most creazies clothing combinations and show this to everyone. After we dropped the girls, I went to the YMCA again and after that I did the laundry and made my lunch. Then I went to school and picked Jana up. Elin had to go to the playdoctor and could go there together with Camilla again. Jana and I went to AC Moore (ars and crafts shop) because she had a gift card from her birthday from that shop. We found some things she really liked (one thing you can make bracelets with, some pens and some stickers) and after that we picked Elin up from the playdoctor and got back home. The girls made their homework while 
I finished folding the laundry and I made dinner (salmon with sugar snap peas and rice and a salad). They really liked their dinner and I also gave them smoothie ice cream we made in the weekend. After that I bathed them and then they watched tv for a while and I read them a story from Klokhuis (The Dutch school) and then I brought them to bed and Paige got back home. I talked to her for a while and then we both went to bed.


Thursday. October 31, FINALLY HALLOWEEN!!! I was so excited! MY FIRST REAL HALLOWEEN!! I first went to school and watched the parade at the girls's school and after that I went to the gym. I called with my parents and they made me sooooo happy because they told me they booked the flight tickets for NY in April! I am reallly really really looking forward to this! Can't wait to see them again, even though it's still far away! BUt now I have something to look forward to!:) AT 2:00 pm, Paige's parents arrived in Philly (they live closte to the Potomac river one hour from Washington D.C). THey were very happy to see me agian and we picked up the girls together and after that I made a pumpkin cake and we waited until Paige got home from work (earlier today because of Halloween). Then we went to some friends of the girls and friends from Paige and ate Pizza and some snacks together and then we went Trick or Treat together! THIS WAS SOOO GREAT!! Al the decorations people made for only this day! It's crazy! I really loved it and I will never forget this moment! And I was so happy it didn't rain when we were outside! In short, an AMAZING Halloween!!!

Best Halloween I could've wished!!

Friday, November 1, TWO MONTHS HERE ALREADY!!!? I can't believe it! 
First I brought the girls to school together with their grandma. But because of the traffic, we were  few minutes too late. Luckily I didn't have to fill in a from for them! Then I went to the gym and I walked all the way to Walmart (50 minutes) for returning something. When I came back I made some lunch and then the grandma and I went to school to pick up the girls. I brought some snacks and after school the grandma dropped us at the playground. After the girls played there for a while we took an Uber to Marathon restaurant and there we had dinner together with the grandparents. I had a salad with some sweet potato fries. Then we walked back home and Lara came to me because we were going to be picked up at my place to drive to Jersey city where we were staying this weekend because of our Photography course there. Ale and Andre picked us up and they were going to New York and they were friends with Litzy (the girl who also was going to do the photography course) and they invited us to drive with them together. They wera all really nice and we had so much fun together! The AirBnb where we stayed was really basic but it was good enough for just one weekend. When we arrived there I took a quick shower and then we all went to bed because we were really tired.

The Photocourse in New Jersey / New York!

On Saturday, November 2, Litzy, Lara and I first ate some breakfast and then we went to Hudson County Community College. Here we had a brief explanation from our photography teacher for this weekend, named William Ortega, and then we went to the Subway Station to go to World Trade Center with the PATH train. But this train was not running so we went to NY with the ferry. We took pictures with our smartphones all day and it was really great that we went to so many different places in New York! We also had to photograph 5 strange people and first I was very excited to ask strange people to make pictures of them but I succeeded! I was even allowed to photograph a younger child and a train conductor! We also went to Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Time Square, Central Park and the Columbus Circle with the whole group to take pictures and it was really great After the nice, but really exhausting day, we had dinner at an Indonesian restaurant and I really liked it! Then we quickly ran to our bus to go back to our AirBnb and we went to bed soon enough because we were so tired… In short- a very busy, great and exhausting day!

Today, November 3, the clock was set an hour backwards here and I could actually sleep an hour longer, but I was up earlier so I went to the grocery store to get some breakfast for Lara, Litzy and me. I chose for multigrain bagels, some fruit and hot chocolate milkpowder because we didn't really want to drink the water from the AirBnb when it's not cooked and because it's cold here now. When I returned we had breakfast together and afterwards we went to the College. Today was the second (and last) day of the photography course and we had to edit some of the pictures we made yesterday. We had to choose 2 pictures that we edited and wanted to discuss within the class. I had chosen the picture with the palm trees and the picture of New York with the river in front of the buildings. We took a lot of beautiful pictures yesterday and I edited them all and I am very happy with the result! You can see some of the edited pictures here! The course ended at 6:30 pm instead of 7:00 pm and then we were picked up by Ale and Andre again to go back to Philly. At 9:30 I got back home and talked to Paige for a few minutes and then I went to bed because I was really, really tired! But, I had a great weekend and met lots of new wonderful people!