Carver is 5!

Carver turned the big 5 last week and we were ready to party.  We decided before we moved here that instead of having big birthday parties for the kids, it would be more fun to pick something new to see or do together as a family.  Poor Carver didn't have very many options in the middle of blizzard weather in January.  Luckily, the all you can eat pancake boat that cruises around the Rotterdam harbor was still up and running.  With the mention of the words "huge ball pit" that we explained to him was in the hold of the ship for kids to play in, he was SOLD.  Here's how his day went…

Sweet sisters - ready to go!

Waiting to board the ship...

 Let the food fest begin!  The Dutch love their pancakes, which are really more like crepes filled with toppings.  We could choose apple, bacon, or plain pancakes and then walk through the bar of toppings and load them up with whatever.  Repeat.  As many times as possible.  Yum!

I love this guy - he can't even stop mid-bite to smile for a picture, because he has to make sure he's getting his FULL money's worth of pancakes!  Too bad we ordered all the drinks we wanted and realized afterwards that drinks were NOT included in the price.  Poor Ry, I think it about killed the accountant in him to pay 20 euros for half drunken chocolate milks for the kids!

The Bar O' Goodness - my personal favs were the soft cheeses, salami, and toffee bites.

The ball pit...

That's Aves in purple at the bottom, & Elsie in pink climbing out

C was the only kid who slid head first!

Enjoying the harbor while the kids played...

 All smiles as we left...

I have a feeling we'll be making a return trip or 2 to the pancake boat.  It was pricey, but a night to remember for sure.
Here are some fun facts about Carver at 5:
favorite color - blue, favorite toy - batman/batcave, favorite food - chocolate, favorite book - spiderman secrets, best friend - Fabian Scheffer, most often in trouble for - sneaking snacks, screaming in the house, we are proud of him when - he's polite and a good listener at preschool, makes friend easily, eats well, and is the most affectionate little guy I've ever seen.  Happy Birthday Carver!