Amsterdam

Evan and I went to Amsterdam this weekend for the WORLD Demolition Awards 2011.  Carl Bolander was shortlisted for Contract of the Year for Evan's project at Northrup Auditorium at the University of MN.  Unfortunately, we did not come home with an award, but were very happy to be shortlisted nonetheless.  To be recognized as a top project in the WORLD is quite an accomplishment!

Our room at Hotel Okura:

Last time we were here, we were upgraded to the Executive Level Suites, but no such luck this time!

The pillow has never felt so good as it did after a night without sleep!  We slept 16 hours - I don't think I've ever slept that long in my life!!!!

The view out our hotel room window:

Front entrance of hotel room:

Bathroom - no heated seats this year - rip deal!!!!!

The coffee station - good for a few swear words out of Evan when he was trying to figure out how it works!!!!

Evan with a half pint at O'Donnell's Pub:

O' Donnell's Pub:

Walking through Dam Square:

Checking out the beautiful colors along the canal:

We had perfect weather while we were in Amsterdam - it was 50s/60s and sunshine - gorgeous!

Another canal:

Walking to the shopping district:

 Check out how packed the streets were with shoppers!!!!

Apparently the penguin lady didn't want to be photographed during her performance in Dam Square:

Narrow row houses:

Evan in front of our hotel:

Cocktail reception prior to the Awards Dinner:

Walking into the dinner - de ja vu - this looked just like the dinner held here two years ago:

Evan ready for dinner:

WORLD Demolition Awards 2011:

Lindsay Gale, Editor of DRI Magazine:

Evan at dinner:

Shortlisted for Contract of the Year, Carl Bolander and Sons:

My dinner program:

Close up of Contract of the Year:

Lighting:

Our new friends, Brian and Rich of Jewell Manufacturing:

Evan and I outside of our hotel:

Bikes, bikes, and more bikes:

What a peaceful day on the canals:

Check out how much this building is leaning:

The flower market:

The flowers extend all the way down as far as you can see:

Everywhere you look, there are BIKES!

Evan's first bakery stop:

Yum!

One happy camper:

Cat on the window ledge above the bakery:

Angry Birds - I sense a theme for Ryan's 7th birthday:

Evan in another bakery, just down the street from the first!

This time it is heath that catches his eye!

Look how tiny their forks are!!! 

All in all, a great trip.  Wish we could have come home with an award, but incredibly proud of Evan and the job he does every day for Bolander.  Love you!!!!  XOXO