A trip to Paris

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

As you may know, my family and I went to Paris for a couple days at the beginning of March and I would like to tell you about it. We had visited shortly after we arrived last spring but we were hoping we would be able to get back. We left late on Friday afternoon, and arrived at our hotel at about 9:30 that night.  We were all extremely tired (& grumpy) which doesn't come in handy when you just have arrived in a new country!  We stayed at a nice hotel located in a not-so-nice area. Though my parents seemed cheerful, I think they were very tired, too.  They were very good to us on the trip.  The next morning I woke up early and tidied our room, (I was stuck with Dad and Abe, so I had a lot of work to do to keep the room tidy!) got dressed and got a small snack for us. When the whole family was up and ready to go we went out in search of a restaurant.  We found a nice cafe and had a delicious meal.  The meal was a baguette with honey, jam or butter.  And for a drink, we had hot chocolate in a big bowl!  It was wonderful!!!

"Us sipping the hot chocolate"

"My empty bowl"

   To top off breakfast, my mom and dad got two baguettes and we snacked on those on our way to "Basilique du Sacre Coeur."  Next we went to an art market where we saw a hundred different paintings.  We bought a couple of pretty watercolored painting to remind us of Paris.

"Basilique du sacre coeur"

We got off the Metro at the stop near the "Musee d'Orsay."  We saw many famous paintings there including Van Gogh's self portrait -- I love Van Gogh!

Me at the Musee d'Orsay

  Altogether, I had a good time in paris!  I would love to go there with you next time you come for a visit!!   

 Love, 

Ella

A Week until Normandy!

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
  In a week I will be in Normandy. I am looking forward to it very much.  My Mom has made us learn a lot about Normandy, France.  For example, we've had to learn some of its important places, famous people, and architecture.  You may already know, Normandy was a very important place in World War II.  On the sixth of June, 1944 the Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy.  The person I chose to do my project on is Joan of Arc.  Sadly, she was burned at the stake in Rouen, Normandy on  May 8th, 1432.   There are so many interesting things have happened in Normandy, I can't wait to learn more and see these great places!

 Love 

Ella

America, The Netherlands, and Sickness

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

As you know, we went back to America for a month over Christmas break. We had a wonderful time, but soon the month had its ending which was a sorrowful time for me and my family.  We left our home country once again.  We got on the plane and I thought of America the country I love and thought of the people I was leaving behind and the long flight ahead of me.  I woke up a couple times in the night.  In total I slept for 2 and a half hours, so I was very tired.  When the plane ride finally ended I saw my dad who was waiting for us.  Sadie and my Mom went in the car with the luggage. The luggage took up the whole car!  Me, Mia, Dad, and Abe went home by train.  Once we got home me and Abe didn't feel so well and at dinner we found out that we were both sick with fevers. I spent the next few days sleeping and playing wii.  I finally got better and was able to start homeschool again on Monday. 

As I finish this it has been almost three weeks sence we have been back.  I await the day when I will get back to America and see the people I love dearly.

Love,
Ella

The First Few Days With Bethany

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

On the 28th of November Bethany arrived in Holland from Russia.  I was really excited!  Me and my mom went to pick Bethany up from Schipol airport.  Me and my mom stopped at Albert Hien to go, we got some bread, jam, and some peachies.  Then my mom went to a different shop and told me to look for Bethany.  I waited for a couple minutes then she came up behind me and intended to scare me but I was too quick and saw her first!  We hugged then who should come back, but my mom.  She gave Bethany a hug.  As we made our way to the car, my mom talked to Bethany but while she payed for the parking ticket I gave one of the gummies to her she loved it.   By the end of the car ride we had finished the whole bag, though it normally takes two weeks.  When my mom was finished paying for the parking she decided to have a little talk with Bethany but the talk lasted the whole car ride.  When we got home Sadie, Mia, and Abe were waiting.  They gave Bethany big hugs.  Then we all talked for an hour.  When we were done talking we gave Bethany a tour of our house.  Then we watched Pride and Prejudice.  

 On Thursday I woke up, got dressed, made my bed and ate my breakfast of chocolate croissants.  I felt good that morning because we were going to a Sinterklaas party (which is my idea of fun!).  We went at about ten o'clock.  Many of our new homeschooling friends were there.  First I went up to one of the bedrooms and watched everybody play ninja.  Then we all went down stairs and did a craft made by one of the parents.  The craft was decorating a chocolate letter.  I had lots of fun. We went back to the house and played games.

Me with my Chocolate letter -- I stuffed as much candy as possible on my Chocolate S!

                                               

This is when Bethany was babysitting us back in the US.

Mia and Bethany

                                                           

Eating pizza with Bethany while she was babysitting us

                                           

Me playing a game with my friends and Bethany.

                                         

I put this picture in because Barnabas looks so funny.

                                         


Today we're packing and getting ready to come see you!  So I'll update you more tomorrow. . . in real life!

Love
Ella

Halloween

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Yesterday was Halloween!  You probably already knew that.   As you also know, we live in the Netherlands so we couldn't trick or treat as we normally would at home, so instead we did reverse trick or treating. It was nice seeing how happy our neighbors were to get some treats. My mom even let us wear our costumes during school.  It was really fun!  I was Abigail Adams.  I can't wait to see you again.


                                                Yours truly,
                                                    Ella