Big Day #2, Queensday

Yesterday we celebrated Queensday in The Netherlands... as far as I'm concerned the best holiday we have in this country.
Here you can read about last year's koninginnedag... it was so cold and wet then, this year the weather was GORGEOUS!

This year we weren't just partying, but we were also doing serious business at the free market. We had a stall with family where we dumped all our junk and tried to sell as much as we could. The point with the free market is not making as much money as possible, but to have fun in trying to sell your old stuff and enjoy the interaction with the people around you. This said though, we did sell very nicely.

We spent most of our day behind the stall, which didn't give us much time to stroll around Harderwijk looking for treasures. Perhaps a good thing, since our goal was to go home with significantly less junk than we came. We did score a lamp and some books & clothes for the children.

The children enjoyed themselves wonderfully at the small space behind the stall. Simon played with his cars

and Amber read her new books

(this one she's reading here is a wonderful old-fashioned children's book; I'll make a note to tell you some more about a few Dutch illustrators someday!)
When Simon got really tired he took a nap in oma's arms, undisturbed by all the noise and fuss around him.

The youngest member of the family, our niece Sarah, amused herself with the left-over crockery. 

All in all, a great day.

Now, about Big Day #3... that's going to happen tomorrow. It'll involve Michel, an online game, local press (in my house!) and a 50% chance of winning a brand-new car!!
Please, keep your fingers crossed tomorrow morning around 10.45... I'll let you know yes or no as soon as I can!
Ok, I'll be off washing my filthy windows... imagine my shame if the photographer decides to photograph Michel in front of the window tomorrow ;))

Comments

[Kim]

This all sounds very exciting .... fingers crossed for you. The giant market sounds like fun - my daughter's friend was over in your country last year at the same time and she says it was brilliant!
Kim x

[Kristy]

Sounds like a great day and well done for coming home with less than went with.

[kirsten]

so fun! we really need a holiday like that here!

[PJ]

That sounds like fun! Like a 'Southern Swap Meet'! Looks like it was a gorgeous day as well. Isn't it wonderful to have 'new finds'? treasures!

[Joanna]

A brand new car. Eeek! Oh my! Hope you win it! Yes, go clean your house!!!