Four days and counting

About two months ago, I started this blog with a countdown of days until we left for NL. And as we approach late July, the blog winds down with the heading home countdown - 4 days until we fly back. 

So as I start to sift through the stacks of memorabilia I've collected, I'm aware of the moments here. 

Like the moment on Sunday when the boys and I walked into the train station in the provincial capital, Groningen. 

While Ben and I gawked at the stained glass and ceiling murals, Caleb walked to the exit to disassociate himself from the geekish tourist behavior.

And the instant I entered the Groningen art museum's rooms featuring "De Ploeg" collection http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/about-de-ploeg - a group of artists in this region of NL, post Van Gogh. They chose the name "The Plow" to describe their belief that the Dutch art scene needed to be turned over and cultivated with new ideas. I could have spent hours soaking in the colors in these artists' pallets, thanks to our host Jonathan who pointed me to the collection.

And my wanderings around the art museum itself, giving me a moment to see the art of the museum. 

And of course the many instances during which the boys tolerated my photo set ups in front of Groningen's churches, 

Provincial buildings,

and universities,

trying, but not always succeeding, to get the light and vantage point right....

And appreciating that Ben consented to another bike ride with me this morning

even as it threatened to rain on us. 

But we made it home, with moments to spare. 

Tomorrow will be three days, and we will have our moments in the mud... More on that to come.