AMSTERDAM

We made it here!
There were no gypsies searchin for presents from us on last night's train from Praha to AMS, but it was Julian's 18th birthday at midnight and we all lined up in the hallway of the train with our legs wide open and we made him crawl through them and we each took our turn spanking him 18 times. My family tradition, called the "Birthday Spanking Machine". Those are the memories we do not have on film, but will last forever in the kid's hearts. What a great birthday for Julian!
We all SLEPT so soundly on the train that we woke up when the Netherlands Customs asked us for our passports an hour before departure, so at 9:30 everyone groggily made their way to the train restroom, (no toilet paper) and tried to freshen up before entering the prettiest of all of the cities.

It was very easy to take the tram to the hotel, the streets were not cobble stoned, so the kids didnn't have too much trouble walking the few blocks to our hotel, and the rooms were not ready...as usual...so we all walked to the INFAMOUS PANCAKE BAKERY, which was took us past Anne Frank's Huis, and we all did a Family Style ordering so we could taste the many different delectables, such as cinammon caramel and ice cream pancake, nutella and banana, and chocolate sauce. OMGosh we all agreed one of the best meals (although we have been saying that alot recently). We didn't write about Prague's group meal in Wenceslas Square. The waiters were by far all models, and the food from Devilish Chicken Stew, to Roasted Chicken (served on the spit) the kids were so full, but not tired enough to call it a night. Again they went dancing. So much fun, following them around and watching them dance. The smiles and the sweat and the friendships are so far unreal!!! I am so happy to watch them become a family and absorb these memories together.
So, we just finished a 3 hour bike tour of Amsterdam, not as many historical monuments to listen to stories about, but our Tour Guide, Aaron, is from Long Beach, actually, Wrightwood, and helped the kids find out the friendliest neighborhoods, the local Los Angeles shops, and took us up and down the MANY canals, and taught us how to understand the "Bike"" culture. We also ALL loved Vondelpark, which is where the hippies lay out (sometimes nude, although not today... thank goodness) and we admired how beautiful everyone is riding their bikes around.
Most of the kids are tired, but not enough to not hit the Amsterdam H & M and get lost along the canals.
We just finished eating at Eat At Joe's and had Vegetairan lasagne, BBQ ribs, the BEST Greek salad (it was the Goat Cheese) ever!
We will meet back up at 10 pm for a safe tour of the Red Light District, before we hit the dance club which opens after midnight....(I have like 50 more gray hairs...and I am in EXCELLENT SHAPE), but my eyes are watering right now, as I must get back my room and close them for at least an hour before another whirlwind night, and day.
Tomorrow, there are many who are visiting the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank's House, and others just want to SHOP as it is OUR LAST DAY IN EUROPE.
(The Two Jen's went to Anne's house today, and said it was depressing).
In any case,
Phone less, but still able to keep an eye on all the kids, and happy that we have made it this far with only Marcella's skinned toe, a few mosquito bites and one or two hickies (huh???)
Ok,
Love to all parents family and friends.
See you soon!
oh, and sorry no more pictures, i was only able to do the pictures because of my phone and now...poo poo, the gypsies took out sight away...
Each kid has over 1000 pictures, so you will see them soon~!
:Love
Ty