De Efteling - Dank u wel

waiting for grandparents

April is our month of visitors from home and birthdays. First visitors to arrive were Grandma and Grandad Fitz. As Herr Fitz unexpectedly popped out for the week for work the kids and I were in a bit of a flurry of organising and house cleaning. Luckily things went smoothly and we got to sit in the sun (me with a cup of tea) and wait for the grandfolks who bravely and very cost efficiently made their own way here from Cologne. We let them lighten their suitcases a bit and whisked them off to Amsterdam for a couple of days where Herr Fitz joined the adventure.

Sun shiny Amsterdam square

Those not known for their map reading skills prove together they can do it.

THEN: We went to Efteling!

We got off the bus after a rather long trip through many villages and even a few fields and all for the bargain price of 3 euros each and were greeted by the long avenue leading up to the main entrance, yes Grandma we heard you sigh at the length of the walk. Ok, I will admit it the word giddy could have been used to describe my mood. Welcome to my world folks. This is the world where the sun shines and music - that makes you want to skip - is piped through speakers or even through red and white mushrooms and castles tower in the near distance. It was at this point I really wished I had worn my red cape and was carrying a small basket instead of a large suitcase. Nevertheless we walked grinning up to the gates and then went even further on to our fairytale accomodation.

Best entrance to a holiday park EVER,

even better than the wistful illustrations on the internet believe it or not.

Our woodland cottage was just like the one in the background.

As the weather was so wonderful those over the legal age indulged in a quick beer while waiting for our cottage, quickly dropped off bags in said amazing cottage and without jackets we raced off to the theme park. Yes it was over 20 degrees celsius in April and sunny. Armed with maps of all shapes and sizes we thought it best to get the aerial view and headed straight for the "Pagoda" to get the lay of the land. Luckily this ride is nice and leisurely with no sudden drops, darkness or hidden rollercoasters. Two huge days where the Bear bravely went on his first rollercoaster and I bravely went on it the next day to see what it was like...really dark at the beginning. The Monkey rode the water rapids and was astounded by the magical fairy and troll world right at the end and the Mouse kept pointing at the 'Pirate Ship' saying 'fun'. A week before her second birthday she had to make do with the pirate ship merry-go-round ride. Whilst Herr Fitz and I did lose major good parenting points by taking the kids on the Fata Morgana-we even asked some other parents who had come out if it was ok for little kids but really it wasn't that great for our kids and to tell the truth Herr Fitz and I are still a little scared from the experience. We did however redeem ourselves by venturing throught the giant eagle gate in what I considered to be the smaller folks section to find out what the ride was. It was a rollercoaster in total darkness...I was laughing when we came out but only for the sake of the children. From there all went on the cup and saucer ride which the Mouse though was fantastic (I worry about her daredevil attitude) but left everyone else a little queasy, the kids ate giant lollipops and we found the monorail ride through the Laarfs village (just as well as the Bear had seen it on the internet and it was on his list).

First stop the Pagoda to get the lay of the land.

The kids try to be bigger but really the pedal trains were their favourite. Oh, and the water rapid ride where Grandad got wet first much to everyone's amusement. Except Grandad's.

A peaceful boat ride to start our fun.

The Bear's first rollercoaster/ spooky house, luckily Dad and Grandad were there too.

Please note the wearing of t-shirts, yes it was that warm the first day.

Tulip time in Holland ahhhh.

Back to parkas and beanies the second day but still sunny and loads of fun. Here Herr Fitz and the Monkey test their driving skills on the old timer cars.

Have to love a world where there are small carts to tow kids around. Grandma was a little upset there wasn't a grown up option.

At last Grandma found a way to travel in style.

We never did find the talking tree but had a wonderful time!