Jasmine van Zoest

(She didn't attempt to touch any of the miniatures)

Jasmine has not been feeling well lately. She developed a mild case of croup and we have been spending time at home. She grows more bored daily, so this weekend we took her to Madurodam. She found it very interesting and loved looking at the miniature city. I was surprised by her reaction, but her Papa said that Jasmine understood that we went there just for her sake. From the moment, her Papa told her we were taking her on the train to go to Madurodam Jasmine postponed her nap until we boarded the train home. She remained excited throughout the entire trip. It was her first time there as well as mine I am glad we both enjoyed it immensely.

(Jasmine and Kylie)

Outside of our living room window, the excavator has finalized its job. In place of the metal monster that was once there, Jasmine now is greeted by orange metallic bars glistening against the sunlight as if whispering to her, "come here". Little hands, little toes, and gentle giggles is all it needs, but we will need to wait until the construction workers complete the final touches. Jasmine will have a playground that she can visit right outside of our apartment building by December. Her friends and her can play together in the cold, wearing warm thick jackets and mittens. Children are so wonderful. They are blissfully blind towards the cold and they can play forever without getting tired.

Lately, Jasmine and Kai has been spending much time together. Jasmine loves to play with Kai, although she does not understand Kai's frustration towards her at times. But at the end of the day, they love being able to spend time together and shares their toys. We know they like each other very much because both have said, "I love you" to one another.

Jasmine has been getting her hair trimmed every now and then for the last couple months. Each time we cut an inch off it grows back quickly. Her hair is quite long although not thick at all. Mama wonder if her hair will ever get thicker. It would be nice if it does.

Nothing new, we have been looking for a pumpkin patch and corn maze to attend but there is not a single one around. The closest place Mama has been able to find is located in Europa Park in Southern Germany. That would be too far for Mama to travel at the moment. However I did manage to find a neighboring town that has a Halloween festival with parades, kids in costumes, and a pumpkin craving contest on the 31st of October. Jasmine will show up as Nemo, if all goes well.

Thank you Jenny and Drew for thinking of Jasmine and getting her the Nemo outfit. She loves it especially once she discovered his tail.

(Jasmine and the musical mushroom)

Below is a brief dialog between Mama and Jasmine about the Efteling amusement park on the way home.

Mama: Did you like the park?

Jasmine: (while nodding her head)
I like the park

Mama: Would you go back again?

Jasmine: Yes

So the short recap about our weekend at Efteling....

The park is still a little too big for her since most of the rides are made for older children. Still Jasmine did managed to enjoy it. She likes the fairy tale forest its landscape, and most of all she loves the musical mushrooms. Each time we passed one, Jasmine walked over to it and placed one of her ears close to mushroom. She then started to touch it and shortly after she would say, "Mama [ or Papa] feel it."

Jasmine spent two days at the park and one night at the hotel. She felt a bit overwhelmed by the hotel room. Each time she finds herself at the room entrance, she would say, "I think I go home". And when Mama ask her if she wants to go home, she said, "no". To be sure we understood her correctly, on Sunday, while back at the park and Jasmine said to us, "I like it". Hence, we think she meant to say, "I thought I was going home" since we did not go home she felt relieved and was happy to be able to spend more time at the park.

We have had a wonderful time at Efteling. Both days were relaxing and fun, although Saturday was the least busy day of the weekend and therefore more enjoyable.

Beloved Papa,

You are an inspiration. You teach me, by example, what to do -- and what not to do.

To some you are a difficult person and a passionate one as well. To me you are always my Papa and I love you!

I wish you the greatest birthday ever and I hope to share with you many more.

With all my heart,
Jasmine Sibi van Zoest