Alex is lucky, because he is part Dutch he has three gift getting events. First the Sinterklaas visits him, then Santa Claus and finally the three kings. All bearing gifts. Alex clearly remembered Sinterklaas the best, and I was wondering why.

I think the answer lies in Alex experience with the three events. All events involved some great arrival. Sinterklaas arrived in Cadillac, with a drum band. Santa Claus arrived in a mini helicopter and the three kings arrived in three boats. Alex had his picture taken at all three events, and every saint was dressed up and looked impressive. Soon after each arrival Alex received a few gifts (at night) that were delivered in some magic way.

The only difference that made the Sint stand out was that when the Sint arrived he shake the hand of Alex (the picture moment, just like Santa and the Kings) but this moment was accompanied with a little present and some candy. Enough to make it a memorable event.

When Alex was heaving some surgery a few month ago we met another family who’s daughter was having the same surgery as Alex. By coincidence it turned out the the girl, like Alex, had a Dutch father and a Spanish mother.

Later we fount out that our children go to the same school because coincidentally we live quite close to each other.

Month go by and we regularly meet in the street when we take our kids to school. Thanks to them we get in contact with a few more semi Dutch families.

Today I was really surprised by the level of coincidence. While I am at home in Holland, in Noordwijkerhout Ana meets the other family in the street and somehow the conversation turns to the background of the other Dutch father. It turns out that he comes from the same small town as me, Noordwijkerhout.

Truly a remarkable coincidence!

I have no idea who is Evert Kwok, but he did make a funny drawing.

On his way to school Alex often walks past a garage, and there the employees have developed a fondness for Alex. When he passes he will even get a little present at times. Alex often repays the favor by bringing some Dutch treat like stroopwafels or some other tasty treat.

Recently Alex got a present again. Two plastic fighter men, and although we thought Alex was a bit small for these kind for toys Alex was really happy. He was fighting with his little men a lot, and he was even allowed to bring one to school… with his peers the little fighter was also very popular.

A few days ago we were in a toystore and noticed the price for the little fighters. 30 euros each! We were lucky that Alex still preferred a nice green balloon. It was a lot cheaper :)

Today it is the day of geology. I have no geological background, but that does not matter. I know a few geologists and that is enough. This year we’ll go on a nice field trip. Interesting facts, a nice walk, a pick-nick and for sure some sunshine.

Sun, swimming pool and sunblock.

A nice beer for dad and a nice old Pinkpop hat for Alex. Playing with a little ball and relaxing. Life’s good.

Salt sea water splashing in your face, accompanied by wet sand and a nice cold wind. It starts out quite hard, and I needed to use my feet quite a lot just to make a turn. After a white though you get the hang of it. You find out how to distribute your weight on the card and then things start to speed up. It is a great sensation crossing over the beach.

Blokarting is really something you need to experience!

The year is nearing its end but first we celebrate Christmas. The lights on the tree drive out the darkness and the warmth in our hearts drive out the cold. During Christmas we dream of a better future for everyone. Together we share the desire to shed light on the dark parts of our society and warm the cold relations that sometimes exist between ourselves.

We are lucky. We have our own little star right at home. A star that sends his warmth directly into our hearts. We wish everyone a very marry Christmas!