While Alexis stayed in Barcelona to finish his MBA, Jack and I decided to escape the summer heat of Spain and spend a couple of weeks with the de Kerchove family in Kamperland. Over the course of 2 weeks, we got to spend some great times with all of the families of Alex's brothers and sister...and even managed to have one complete weekend with everyone together (sans Alexis). It was the first time that all 8 de Kerchove grandchildren were together!
I think the sea air definitely did something for Jacques (I hear that it has something to do with the iodine...) because from the moment we arrived at the house, Jack had fallen in love. I don't know if it's because he's a bit older now, but he was so excited about everything and just wanted to explore, explore, explore. He doesn't quite have finger-pointing down yet, but he loved to extend his whole arm and hand to show you exactly where he wanted to go next...the water, the ducks, the playset...there were no limits.
Alexis was able to join us for our last weekend in Kamperland, which we spent with his parents and Cedric and Caroline's family. Unfortunately, for most of Jack's and my vacation we didn't think once to bring out the camera, but we did get quite a few good shots of our weekend with Papa.
Yay! Papa is back in town!
I'm so happy I can't stop smiling!
So what did Jack love so much about being in Kamperland? (Besides being with family of course...) Well he was a bit too young for crabbing yet...but there were still plenty of things to do to keep the little guy busy.
1) Playing in the sand. Whether it was the sandbox at the house or going to the beach, Jack was always eager to get his hands messy. Luckily for us he seemed to be past the stage of major sand-eating...although a few grains always seemed to end up in his mouth (and eyes, and ears...you name it)
Just another day at the sandbox
I'm just too excited...
Family beach shot: Jack wouldn't even sit for one minute...
A tiny pause with Mama to check out the waves
2) Swimming. Although Jack did not like the big pool too much (a bit too cold for his taste) he really took to the little kiddie pool. It was like bathtime except with lots more toys and outside! Hopefully by the end of the summer he'll take to the water like a fish...especially since we have quite a few beach vacations to look forward to! His cousins were definitely good examples of water-lovers...
Jack's older cousins, Thibault and Charles, liked the water...
...and so did Amelie....
3) Feeding the ducks. Jack really couldn't get enough of the duck family that constantly visited the house. If we would have let him, he probably would have fed them breakfast, lunch, dinner along with snacks.
Are you guys hungry?
4) Bike riding. When in Holland, do as the Dutch do... I must admit that I was a bit nervous to put the little guy on a bike, but it turns out he loved it! He rode in a kid seat on the back of his Mama's bike and really took to the whole experience. The unexpected bonus...free back massages for me! I'm not sure how many of you know this, but Alexis and I really did love to ride our bikes before Jack was born. After a couple weeks in Kamperland, I'm really convinced that Jack needs his own bikeseat here in Barcelona. I can't wait to start riding again!!
5) Walking. Although he has yet to take his first independent steps, Jack just loves to cruise on anything. His new found source of freedom...a little walker. He was doing laps around the yard and would even refuse help to turn the thing around. He was unstoppable.
Just mowing the grass...with such determination
6) Meeting his newest cousin. Alexis, Jack and I were all very excited to meet little Guillaume, who is the newest addition to the de Kerchove family. It was crazy to be around a few week old baby again...you quickly forget just how tiny and innocent they are.
Thibault, Charles and Guillaume
7) Ice cream eating. That's right, Jack tried his very first bite of cold vanilla goodness. Mama learned her lesson...must order a bigger cone next time.
Jack spotting the ice cream flags in the distance...and away he went
8) Watching the sunset. Before going to bed each night, Jack and I tried to take advantage of the last few sunbeams shining through the sky to relax and of course take one more opportunity to say goodnight to the ducks, crabs, and all the other sea critters...
Just one of the many beautiful sunsets over the lake...
Alexis, Jack and I had a great time in Kamperland and we keep talking about what a great place it is to vacation with kids. We are definitely looking forward to enjoying many more summers all together there.
