We love to go the the beach, and we’re lucky because there are lots of beaches nearby. Both Ana and I prefer a nice sandy beach. Handy for putting up the parasol, and great for relaxing in the sand. The only bad thing it that a little bit of wind can cover you with a thin layer of sand that is impossible to remove, except by jumping into the cold ocean.

Alex on the other hand prefers a rocky beach. The perfect place for walking around with a little net catching everything that moves. Shrimp, little fish, crabs, ec.

Recently Alex caught a little fish. It ended up it his little bucket, and the good times started. First he got a big scare when he put his hand in the water and the fish touched him, but this changed with amazing speed. Soon Alex was playing with the fish and the little fish became more and more tired, until we released him back into the ocean.

Today we have a big party because we celebrate Alex’ third birthday.

Alex asked for one strange thing: His daddy dressed up as a clown. Oh well, if it makes him happy I’ll be happy to dress up for him.

A sort message from Alex’ school will have some big effects. The message was

Dear parents,

Starting next monday Alex is expected to attend school without a diaper.

Uf! Alex is growing up so fast! We have already started training Alex to use his potty, but it is a slow process. Quite logical because with a diaper you can just let everything flow and still remain dry. Still, the good times are over, and Alex will need to adjust. With a big amount of underwear and pants we will start with this new phase on Monday.

It used to be quite normal. A son would follow in the footsteps of his father. ‘Like father like son’, they said. In modern times this is no longer the case. Sons can develop how they like and sometimes it is even ‘Like mother like son’.

If it ain’t Dutch, It ain’t much.

Being Dutch is something that’s in your genes. A way of being and of self consciousness that cannot be changed. Being Dutch means you are conscious of your future and you truly feel the master of your own destiny.

The Dutch are proud of their history and their culture but choose to look forwards. We have faith in the future and faith in our selves. We see changes and grab hold of them with both hands. Alex embraces his roots because he can already see that being Dutch means he is privileged.

If Alex’ theater career doesn’t go as planned he has nothing to worry about. He can get a job as a race car driver in no time. Alex has a need for speed!