PROLOGUE
On December 9, 2019, Mitch Cartwright came down at his Ponderosa Bed & Breakfast. What he didn’t see was that there was a bear on the stairs. Mitch stumbled down the stairs, decapitating the bear. A loud and painful scream came from his throat. Matthew Cartwright and his sister-in-law Lisa came running.
“Honey, what happened?”, Matthew asked worried.
“I fell down the stairs. I think my ankle is broken”, replied his husband.
Lisa saw the decapitated bear and said, “This bear was on the stairs. Amy must have put it there.”
Amy was her daughter of almost 11/2 years.
Mitch said, “She’ll get a new one from us.”
Matthew called an ambulance while Lisa grabbed a bag for her brother. Amy came to see her bear and started crying. Mitch sat by the stairs and pulled his niece towards him.
“Amy, I’m sorry. But I promise we’ll bring you a very beautiful and new bear from the Efteling”, said Mitch.
“I’m sorry Uncle Mitch”, the girl said dazed.
Mitch hugged her, gave her a kiss and said, “ It’s all right. Go play with Tim and Chip.”
Tim was his 9-year-old son and Chip their husky.
Matthew went to the hospital with Mitch.
“Our holiday continues. I’ll go on crutches if I have to. Just like when Tim turned 6”, Mitch said on the way.
Matthew nodded.
At the hospital, it turned out that Mitch had indeed broken his ankle.
Doctor Paul Kay asked, “You definitely want running plasters and one of those shoes around it?”
“If you can. We leave for Christmas so it’s nice if there’s running plaster on it.”, answered Mitch.
“Then we’ll do it around. I’ll keep you here for a few days for observation”, said Doc.
“But tomorrow is Uncle Hoss’s birthday and I’ll miss his delicious carrot cake”, Mitch said laughing.
“He doesn’t like it anyway. But I think we can save a piece for you”, reacted Matthew.
Mitch fell asleep so his husband went back home to tell the others everything.
A few days later, Mitch returned home on crutches. Of course, his ankle in the cast caught Tim and Amy’s attention.
“Do you hurt daddy?”, asked Tim.
“I’m fine. But now I certainly can’t get into all those beautiful roller coasters”, his father replied.
“We wouldn’t go into that anyway.”, was Tim’s response.
Mitch had to admit that Tim was right, and he did. Even if it wasn’t heartfelt.
In the course of Christmas Matthew and Tim packed all the suitcases and backpack to leave for the Netherlands. Mitch had to take it easy and did it.
December 24
Mark Jenson came to pick up his guests from America in Rotterdam. He waited at the station because the boys were taking a bus from the airport.
“Hello pa”, Mitch said smiling.
Mark looked at his son-in-law and asked, “What happened to you?”
“Dropped down the stairs by a toy bear in the B&B. I have running plasters and a shoe around it”, answered Mitch.
Tim ran to his Dutch grandfather and got a warm greeting. Matthew was also warmly welcomed. They left quickly.
At their host family home, Mitch told how he had broken his ankle. Matthew and Tim brought the luggage to their rooms. Then father and son came back down.
Matthew gave Diana a flat package and said, “I had to give you this on Lisa’s behalf.”
Diana unpacked it and said with emotion, “What a cutie, Amy is. Thank your sister-in-law for the photo.”
“That’s what we’ll do. Amy is a treasure but also a hand binding”, said Mitch.
Amy was 11/2 years old and the daughter of Lisa, Mitch’s sister. Diana put the picture on the mantelpiece. After that, she went to make coffee..
During the coffee and cake, the Cartwrights informed the Jensons and vice versa.
“I’ll deliver you to the Poorthuys later and pick you up again tonight”, said Mark.
Diana picked up their annual cards and gave them 15 Euros to Mitch.
“Bring cupcakes for tonight’s aniseed milk”, she said.
“We’ll try to think about it”, Mitch said teasing.
Matthew grabbed what they needed and put it in his backpack.
“Lots of fun and see you tonight guys”, said Diana when the Cartwrights left.
Mark dropped off his guests at the pad at the Poorthuys.
“Guys, lots of fun. I’ll be here around 8:30”, he said.
“We’ll be there and eat in the park.”, said Mitch.
Matthew grabbed the backpack and looked at Tim.
“I’m sure you don’t want to come to the park with us, do you?”, asked Matthew teasingly.
“Of course I do. I will stay with you”, said the boy.
They walked slowly to the park because Mitch couldn’t keep up with them otherwise. He was walking on crutches with a broken left ankle.
“Grandpa and Grandma don’t come to the park with us, do they?”, Tim suddenly asked.
“Tomorrow they’re going with us to celebrate my birthday. And we’ll eat at Polles Kitchen in the evening”, answered Mitch.
In the House of the 5 Senses, Tim looked up and saw the stained glass images.
“Look up you”, said the boy.
His parents also looked and saw the stained glass images. Matthew took a picture of them all. Then the Cartwrights went into the park. Right after the Cartwrights were in, Tim saw as 1st Aquanura and Fata Morgana.
“Look there”, he shouted enthusiastically, pointing out the 2 attractions.
The boy ran over, followed by Matthew. Mitch was bumping at the back of it at his paces. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”, Tim asked while Matthew embraced him.
“It’s definitely beautiful here”, replied his father.
Mitch had joined by now.
“Tonight it’s even more beautiful when it’s dark”, he reacted.
They all knew that.
After a while Mitch said on teasing tone, “Matt, Are you going to drink hot chocolate with me? Then we’ll leave Tim here and we’ll take him home tonight.”
“Good idea. See you tonight Tim”, said Matthew.
“I’ll go with you right away. Otherwise you’ll still get lost in the Fairy Forest”, their son responded.
The Cartwrights arrived at The White Horse via a shortened road through the Fairy Forest. “Mitch, you sit down. Tim and I will get us something.”, said Matthew.
His husband nodded and looked for a quiet spot, Tim gave the backpack to his father and then went after Matthew.
Matthew said, “Tim, you’re going to get three cupcakes. I’ll do the chocolate milk.”
“In those special cups”, said his son.
“Of course in those special cups”, was Matthew’s answer.
Tim picked up three cupcakes and followed his dad to the cash register. Matthew paid, and with Tim, he walked up to Mitch.
“Daddy, look what a nice cup with a lid. And we can take them home”, said the boy.
Mitch looked at the cup and replied, “That is indeed a nice cup for your collection. At home, we’ll clean them.”
The gentlemen let themselves taste the chocolate milk and cupcakes very well.
“What are we going to do next?”, Matthew asked after the treat.
Tim looked at the map and replied a little later, “ We’re going to admire Anton Pieck Square. And then to Carnival Festival.”
Matthew grabbed the backpack and gave it to Tim.
Matthew photographed everything from Anton Pieck Square. But Mitch and Tim were also captured by him on the sensitive plate.
“It’s like being in a completely different world.”, Tim said all of a sudden.
“In fact, you are. Away from the real world for a while”, reacted Mitch.
Matthew said, “Tonight it is also very nice here when all the lights are on.”
“Could you film it so they can see it at home?”, Mitch suggested.
“Of course I can and will film that”, said his husband.
He looked at his son and asked, “Tim, you go along and make a doll world trip?”
“I’ll go right away”, said the boy.
They walked at a leisurely pace to the Carnival Festival square where a bench was free.
“I’ll wait here for you. Have fun”, said Mitch as he sat down.
Tim put the backpack down and went with Matthew Carnival Festival. Mitch picked up his drawing gear and in the meantime made some sketches of the area around the square. When he was satisfied with that, Mitch put the backpack on and went into Jokie’s World.
While Matthew and Tim were at Carnival Festival Mitch stayed in the souvenir shop Jokie’s World. He saw a bear with a red sweater and scarf on.
Mitch bumped to the box office and asked the saleswoman, “I want for my son a bear with a red sweater. Would you like to get it for me?”
“Of course. Just wait here”, she said.
The saleswoman grabbed the bear and put it in a bag after which Mitch paid. Satisfied, he went outside to wait on a bench for his husband and son.
After a visit to Monsieur Cannibale, Matthew and Tim rejoined with Mitch.
“Tim, I had to give you this from Santa Claus”, said Mitch.
He gave me the plastic bag. Tim took it in and looked into it..
“Thank you, Daddy. I didn’t have this bear yet”, Tim said delighted.
“Let’s go to the Pagode and then go somewhere to eat through Symbolica?”, Matthew suggested.
That proposal was immediately adopted by the others. Matthew took the backpack with him.
Along the way, the Cartwrights enjoyed everything they saw and heard. Especially when things started to get dim, Tim loved it.
From the Pagoda, Matthew took a lot of pictures of the park. Tim sat next to Mitch and together they enjoyed the flight.
After the visit to the Pagoda, the Cartwrights went through the Palace of Fantasy to a dining establishment.
“Let's eat at Polle's?”, Mitch asked on the way.
“No, we'll do that tomorrow, but I'm sure you're not in the mood for tiny puff-pancakes”, Tim said defiantly.
His fathers looked at each other and both recognized the tone in their son's voice all too well. “Well Timothy Cartwright, then lead us to ’t Poffertje”, said Matthew.
So did the youngest Cartwright.
In the Poffertje restaurant they looked at the menu.
“Tim, at the children's menu you get a plate from Symbolica. What would you say if we all take a menu like that and you exchange them for 3 different plates for your collection at home?”, Mitch suggested.
“That's what we do”, replied his son.
They passed on the order of their choice and after 3 plates had been eaten, Tim swapped them for 3 different and clean ones..
Again outside Mitch asked, “Let's go through the Fairy Forest to Aquanura?”
“Alright”, said Tim.
The company crossed the track and entered the Fairy Forest in reverse route. Tim had already learned a lot from Matthew about photography because the boy also took some pictures of the Fairy Tales. He had an old Mitch's cell phone that was only used for taking pictures..
After a long walk, the Cartwrights arrived again on the Pardoes Promenade. Tim stopped Matthew a bit while Mitch bumped past the Dutch Pastry Stand.
“Dad, shouldn't we buy a present for Daddy?”, Tim asked in a whispering tone.
Matthew nodded and saw an empty bench standing.
“Mitch, You're going to rest here. Then Tim and I will check out some souvenirs in the Efteldingen”, he said.
“All right, I'll have fun”, replied his husband.
He picked up his sketchbook and drawing material and went to re-sign the great frog of Aquanura.
Matthew and Tim went to the souvenir shop. Soon they saw something suitable for Mitch. “Dad draws a lot anyway. In this booklet he can keep track of everything he makes as you keep all the guests in the computer”, Tim suggested.
“That's an excellent idea of yours. And then we buy a pen in the same style”, said Matthew.
He noticed that his son liked it too and knew that his in-laws had already bought it for Tim. “Take it and we'll pay”, said Matthew.
Put it this way, so done.
Satisfied, the Cartwrights went back to Mitch, who was still drawing.
Tim had put the gift for Mitch with his bear and went with Matthew to get 3 oil balls and 5 cupcakes.
“Are you tired?”, asked Matthew.
“Quite well. Could Grandpa come and pick us up a little earlier?”, Tim asked in turn.
“I think so. I'll text him when we finish the oil globes.”, promised his father.
He was tired himself and knew Mitch was too.
The oil globes tasted delicious and then it was time to watch and listen to the water show Aquanura. Matthew happened to be in the perfect place to film it, which he did..
When the weather was quiet in the Dwarrelplein, Matthew sent a text message to his Dutch in-laws to pick them up a little earlier. Mark sent back a message that he was leaving.
“About 35 minutes at the agreed location”, said Matthew.
His husband and son liked it. They were still suffering from jet lag and that was starting to upset the family..
At a leisurely pace, the Cartwrights headed for Poorthuys where their taxi was already waiting.
“How was the park?”,asked Mark.
“Very nice and beautiful”, answered Tim.
“It's good to hear that because tomorrow we're all going”, said Mark.
Mitch asked innocently, “What's tomorrow?”
“You won't know”, reacted Matthew.
Mitch shook off no. Matthew knew enough.
Back home, Diana made aniseed milk for everyone. The aniseed milk for Mark, Mitch, Matthew and herself went in a regular cup but Tim got it in a cup specially bought for him from Little Red Riding Hood.
“Let it make you taste gentlemen”, she said when she put the cups down.
Tim saw his cup and asked, “ Grandma, can I take that cup with me?”
“Yes, you can. We bought you 2 so you can use it here too”, answered Diana.
“Thank you grandpa and grandma”, Tim said with shining eyes.
“Nothing is too much for our grandson”, answered Mark.
After the aniseed milk with cupcakes, Tim took a shower and went to sleep afterwards.
“Ma, we can use the computer to transfer all photos and videos?”, asked Mitch.
“Of course you can”, said Diana.
Matthew quickly switched everything to a USB stick and not much later did he and Mitch go to sleep.
December 25
The next morning, Mitch and Matthew were up early every morning.
“Honey, congratulations on your 27th birthday and lots of healthy years with Tim and me.”, said Matthew.
“Thank you darling”, said Mitch.
They got up and went to wash and get dressed.
“Do you help Tim?”, asked Mitch.
“Of course. Why don't you go down?”, replied Matthew.
In the kitchen, Mark and Diana were making the Christmas breakfast.
“Mom and Dad, Merry Christmas”, Mitch said as he sat down.
“Same and congratulations on your birthday”, said Diana.
“Thanks. Unfortunately, we don't have a Christmas present for you.”, said Mitch.
Mark said:“ The fact that you're here is already a gift for us. Tim's getting so big.”
“They grow up way too fast”, said their son-in-law.
When Matthew and Tim were downstairs, too, they congratulated Mitch, too.
“Daddy, this is what we're going to get you.”, said Tim.
He gave Mitch the package. Mitch unpacked it and was very happy with it.
“For your drawings administration”, said Matthew.
“Thank you both”, said the birthday boy.
When he looked at his mobile phone, many apps had come from his family to congratulate him.
After breakfast, Mitch said, “ Because today is my birthday, you can come to the Efteling.”
“We immediately accept that offer”, said Mark.
“Thanks”, said Mitch.
Under the Christmas tree were 3 packages with the names of 3 American boys on it.
“Grandma, are those packages for us sometimes?”, asked Tim.
“Yes. Santa asked us if we wanted to give them to you. Unpack it, I'd say”, answered Diana.
The packages were unpacked and what was in them?
“Matt and Tim, we're going to put on these really wrong Christmas sweaters right away.”, said Mitch.
That happened and moments later the Cartwrights posed in their Langnek Christmas sweater for Mark who took a picture of it.
“Guys, you're on it brilliantly”, Mark said when he saw the picture.
Diana loved him, too. The Cartwrights shared her opinion.
“Send it to Grandpa by app. Then he'll send him to the others”, said Matthew.
Mark immediately sent the photo via an app to Mitch and Matthew's grandfather, Ponderosa ranch owner Ben Cartwright. The rancher immediately sent back a reply, ‘My grandsons and great-grandson are real photo models.’
“How did you know our sizes?”, Mitch wanted to know.
“We e-mailed your parents. That's why we knew”, Diana confessed.
“Grandpa and Grandma, thank you so much for these beautiful yet very wrong Christmas sweaters”, Tim said polite.
In the park, Mitch treated everyone to coffee with a tompouce. Tim took hot chocolate.
“What are the plans for today?”, Matthew wanted to know.
“Soon we'll go first to the Candy House in the Fairy Forest”, said Mark.
“Then have lunch somewhere and this afternoon we'll do different attractions”, said Diana.
Mitch responded with, “ And dinner tonight at Polle's Kitchen.”
This daily schedule was appreciated by everyone.
Tim led his family to the Candy House via two shortcuts at Sleeping Beauty's castle.
“Beautiful and nicely built cottage", said Mitch.
He saw an empty bench and immediately sat down. Matthew put the backpack next to him.
“I have a nice scavenger hunt for you”, said Mark.
The Cartwrights looked at their host asking.
“Find every Holle Bolle Gijs in the park and take a picture of it. You have 2 hours”, said Mark.
“I can't go with Matt and Tim.”, said Mitch.
“We've already taken that into account because you're going to sign the Candy House. It's easy to sit there. This is also the starting point of the search”, answered Diana.
“That's what we do. But what are you going to do in those two hours?”, asked Mitch.
“They're going to try out all the roller coasters”, was Tim's response.
Everyone laughed.
“We'll get you some extra Christmas presents. We meet again here at the Candy House”, answered Mark.
Put it this way.
Matthew took his photo bag, some money and cell phone and went with his son to do the scavenger hunt.
Mitch sat down and picked up his sketchbook and drawing material. Then he set up his MP3 so as not to be disturbed when drawing. Suddenly, his cell phone rang. Mitch looked and it was Diana.
“Mitch, Tim would like to get the Candy House puzzle?”, she asked.
“He'd really like that. At home we already have those of Raveleijn and Symbolica”, was Mitch's answer.
“Then we know enough. See you later”, she said and Diana hung up.
Mitch turned off his cell phone and continued to draw.
“Tim, you take the regular photos with my cell phone and I take the pictures with my camera that of Holle Bolle Gijs”, Matthew said before the search began.
“Alright dad”, said the youngest Cartwright.
Tim used to call Matthew Dad. They were looking for all the copies of Holle Bolle Gijs.
When his in-laws saw the drawing of the Candy House, Mitch knew he had made even more of an impression on them.
“Mitch, this is really beautifully made. Our compliments”, Mark said on behalf of his wife.
“Thanks”, Mitch said a little shy.
Matthew and Tim joined them too.
“We found all the Holle Bolle Gijzen and put them in the picture”, said Matthew.
“Now we're going to have a merry lunch at the Weapon of Raveleijn”, said Diana.
Tim's eyes started to shine when he heard that. Mitch packed his backpack.
“Mom and Dad, I'm sure you're moving forward with Tim. I'll follow with Mitch”, said Matthew.
“Good. We'll take your bags with us”, said Mark.
Put it this way.
Mark, Diana and Tim found a table with a very good view of the show. They also held two seats for Mitch and Matthew.
The couple walked to the restaurant at a leisurely pace. Just outside the Fairy Forest, Mitch saw the sign.
Matthew asked a passerby, “ Would you like to take a picture of us at that sign??”
“Of course. Sit down”, said the man after Matthew had explained how his camera worked.
Mitch was on the right side of the board and his man on the left. After the photo opportunity, the couple went to the Weapon of Raveleijn for lunch.
While the company enjoyed the blissful lunch they immediately watched the show from the restaurant.
After lunch, Mitch suggested, “Let us continue our journey?”
“Good. We start with Villa Volta”, said Mark.
“I'll wait outside for you. Then I can draw some”, responded Mitch.
They got up and went to Villa Volta. Mitch was left at the exit.
Mark, Matthew and Tim first visited Carnival Festival and then Monsieur Cannibale.
Diana asked Mitch, “ Let's have a nice cup of coffee with cakes?”
“I was just about to introduce it”, answered Mitch.
They walked to Panorama restaurant. Because the weather was lovely, they decided to sit outside.
“You sit there. I'll get some”, said Diana.
She went in and came back a little later with 2x a latte macchiato and 2 a Mushroom tompouce.
“Ma, that's really blissful”, Mitch said with smiling eyes.
“I knew that from last year”, she said smiling.
“Tim's asking more and more about his mother. How she was and things like that”, said Mitch.
He knew it was a delicate subject, but he also knew that he owed it to his son somewhat.
“We knew these questions would come up one day. Shortly after David and Claire died, we received a diary from Claire about Tim by mail. We had a copy of it made and also one book about Claire. You can take them home to read with Tim”, answered Diana.
“Tim's going to like that. He has dyslexia just like me but still reads a lot”, said Mitch.
“Tim showed us the drawings he made in your sketchbook last night. So he also has the drawing talent of yours”, said Diana.
Her son-in-law nodded.
Soon the company was complete.
“We're going on a trip in the Pagoda.”, said Tim.
After the Pagoda, they went to Fata Morgana.
“Why don't you go in there? I'll wait for you”, Mitch said on the Fata Morgana Square.
He took a seat on a free bench and got the backpack from Tim. The others went on a boating trip through 1001 nights.
Matthew and Tim were lucky enough to be at the front of the boat.
“Tim, hold my bag. I'm going to try to film the trip”, said his father.
That happened and after the trip Matthew had made another movie.
Back outside, Tim asked Mitch, “ Daddy, you're going with Dad and me to Symbolica.?”
“On 1 condition: that it is not too busy and there is not too long waiting time”, was his father's answer.
Tim agreed. They walked along Aquanura on the Pardoes Promenade to Symbolica.
“Go ahead. We'll wait here”, said Diana.
Matthew gave her his photo bag and backpack and went after Mitch and Tim. Visitors saw how Mitch walked and helped him as far as the stairs were concerned. Matthew was also a great support for him.
The ride was way too fast for the Cartwrights.
“We'll do those other 2 rides too, or not?”, asked Mitch.
Matthew gave him a look of:‘ Always ask yourself those stupid questions?’
Tim's response was, “We're not in yet?”
That happened twice more.
Meanwhile, Mark and Diana looked at all the visitors who passed by.
“Just enjoy the peace”, said Diana.
“Say that. Still tiring 3 American boys in the house who still speak Dutch reasonably well”, answered Mark.
“But they're very nice and nice guys.”, said Diana.
Mark agreed.
For the sacrament, Polles Kitchen was visited. They were there around half past five and were immediately assigned a table for 5 people and also the menu was handed out.
Mitch said, “ I'll pay the bill because it's my birthday.”
A waiter came to take the order. Tim was pointed out on the back by Matthew but didn't dare ask.
Mark saw that too and asked, “ Waiter, can this guy take these 4 menus home as a souvenir?”
“Of course he can. There are 4 cards which make 1 whole card”, said the waiter.
He went to pass on the order and came back a little later with menus.
“Here you have the whole back complete + a menu as a memento”, said the waiter.
“Thank you sir”, Tim said politely as he was brought up.
“ We'll also bring a pack of pancake flour so you can make them at home. Plus the pancake book. That's what we pay for”, said Diana.
The Cartwrights didn't object to this.
“Together with Lisa we raise Tim and Amy bilingually. In the large ranch house we speak English and in the B&B Dutch”, said Mitch.
“And Grandma Nelly also learns Dutch through us”, said Tim.
“That sweet old lady who lives with you anyway?”, asked Diana.
Mitch nodded and answered, “ She used to be a teacher and now teaches Tim at home. Also, is very always for us.”
Towards the end of the day Mark and Matthew went to the Dutch Pastry Stall for oil balls for everyone.
“We first ate them in December 2016”, Matthew said in the queue.
“We eat them especially with New Year's Eve”, said Mark.
Matthew said, “ Uncle Hoss would eat them right away. Except if it contains cheese and/or carrot.”
Mark asked, “ He certainly doesn't like that, does he?”
“Indeed not”, his son-in-law said laughing.
At home, Matthew showed all the pictures of Holle Bolle Gijs. Mark and Diana were very impressed with his talent as an amateur photographer.
December 26
Mark said, “Mitch and Matt, today we're all going to the park. But Diana and I are taking care of Tim. Then you’ll have some time for each other.”
“That offer has been accepted. Tim, you’ll listen to grandpa and grandma and stay with them. Understood?”, asked Mitch.
“Understood daddy”, replied the boy.
Shortly the following, the company went to the park.
On the Dwarrelplein at the entrance.
“We meet at Raveleijn at 4:30 p.m. Happy day gentlemen”, said Diana.
“Good. Have a good day, too.”, said Mitch.
As 1st he and Matthew went to Symbolica.
“Tim, we’ll go to that Fabula movie first and then have some goodies?”, asked Mark.
“Good. But I’m still scared in the dark”, replied his grandson.
“Just hold our hand”, said Diana.
Their grandson nodded.
They walked to the entrance to the attraction where they first encountered a large turtle.
“Tim, I’m taking a clear picture of this turtle so you can sign it at home”, said Mark.
“That is good”, said Tim.
That happened and moments later they walked past a fountain in the shape of an elephant's head. This too was of course photographed.
After the performance, Mark and Diana treated Tim to a hot chocolate with a slice of banana coconut cake.
“That looks good”, said Tim.
“That doesn't just look good. It's also tasty”, said Mark.
The young Cartwright tried the cake and had to agree with his grandfather.
“Let’s take this cake tonight for the aniseed milk?”, was Tim's proposal.
Of course, this proposal was immediately adopted.
At the souvenir shop, Mitch and Matthew saw a construction box from Symbolica.
“Shall we buy this for our boy?”, asked Mitch.
“I’ll take a picture of it and we'll pay for it. Tim can put it together at home. With our help if necessary”, answered Matthew.
He did, and the box went into the backpack.
“On to the Pagoda”, said Mitch.
They only walked the Pagoda at a leisurely pace.
After the flight Mitch and Matthew walked to Station De Oost via Baron 1898 where they stayed for a while to watch.
“Nicely built but I'm never going in”, said Mitch.
“Me neither. Continue?”, asked Matthew.
His husband nodded.
At Station De Oost and The Hungry Machinist, Mitch confiscated a table so Matthew could get two lunches. In immaculate Dutch he ordered 2 portions of fries, 2 snacks and 2 bottles of drinks.
Mark and Diana took Tim through the whole park and so did Ruigrijk. At the Game Gallery, the boy saw the photo attraction Plaetjesmaker.
“Timothy, I'm sure you don't want to be in a picture of Raveleijn, do you?”, Mark said teasing.
“Yes, I do. May it please?”, his grandson asked begging.
“Of course, it is”, Diana said smiling.
Not much later Tim had his picture taken and for his parents the same picture in 2 key chains. But also Mark and Diana had taken one each.’
Of course, Tim and his grandparents also went to the Fairy Forest. In the fairy tale of The 6 Servants they stayed a little longer. Mark, Diana and Tim knew this was a special place for Mitch and Matthew.
“I also want to give my parents some from the park as a reminder. Daddy was proposed by Dad at Langnek”, said Tim.
Mark looked at Diana and she nodded.
“Well boy, why don't we give them the image of Langnek for their Christmas and birthdays? We do know that Matt’s birthday was October, but it’s a good thing. That statue is for sale at the Martian. After purchase I take it directly to the car”, said Mark.
Tim agreed. But he still had an idea.
“We put the statue in our living room so everyone can see it. Our family then”, said the boy.
His grandparents thought that was a nice and good idea..
After lunch Matthew asked, “Are there already Laven in your sketchbook?”
Mitch checked and answered, “No, not a single Laaf.”
“Then we go by steam train to Marerijk. And from there to the Laven. We're going to pick out a nice draw for you to re-sign, I’m going to photograph them”, said Matthew.
They got up and walked to the steam train.
The couple looked around to see if they saw a nice Laaf and there were plenty of them. The problem for Mitch was that almost all of them were inside.
“You sit down at the Lachhuys. I take pictures of the baker's Laven and send them to you by app”, said Matthew.
That happened and not much later Mitch sat first to sign the Lachhuys from the bench and then the baker Laven. Matthew, meanwhile, explored the whole village.
Mitch and Matthew were at Raveleijn around 4:30 p.m. They sat on a bench enjoying everything they saw and heard.
Suddenly they heard in a loud American accent, “ Daddy and Dad.”
“That can only be one and that's our Tim”, Mitch said laughing.
Their son ran towards them and received a very warm greeting.
“I went all over the park with grandpa and grandma. It was great. We also bought you something”, Tim told excited.
He gave the two key chains with his picture to his parents.
“Thank you so much kid”, they both said at the same time.
Meanwhile Mark and Diana had joined in.
“We’re going to watch the show first and then have dinner at Weapon of Raveleijn. Mitch, can you get up and down the stairs?”, asked Diana.
“I can do that.”, said Mitch.
He and Matthew got up to go with them. With enough help, Mitch came into the stands to watch the show with the others. Tim in particular enjoyed it even though he had seen it at home millions of times.
After the show, the Jensons and the Cartwrights waited until almost everyone was gone so they could go outside quietly.
In the restaurant Het Weapon Of Raveleijn the company was brought to their table. Much to the delight of the gentlemen, Diana was crowned table lady.
“I hope the gentlemen have good table manners. Otherwise, I’ll teach them”, Diana said teasingly before she was taken to the kitchen for the meal.
Soon everyone was enjoying a delicious meal.
At one point Mark said, “We’ll make sure everything’s packed for your return journey and our outward journey. You spend the day here. I’ll bring you here and in the evening we’ll go to Rotterdam airport.”
“That is good”, said Mitch.
“And of course bring something tasty for the road”, said Tim.
“Bring some nice cakes for your uncle”, Diana suggested.
Matthew nodded.
December 27
Friday 27 December was the last day the Cartwrights were in the Efteling.
Walking along the Pardoes Promenade Tim asked, “ Let's watch the movie Fabula first and then have a drink?”
“That's what we do”, said Mitch.
They walked to the Fabula attraction.
In the room near the pre-film, Matthew said to his son, “You're going to hold my hand later.”
“And you mine”, answered Tim.
However, the boy did not say what would happen in the film.
“Let's go to Carnival Festival and the cooking pots?”, Tim asked after they left restaurant Fabula.
“We go through the Haunted House and the Pagoda to the Carnival Festival Square”, said Mitch.
The Cartwrights took a quiet walk through the park.
During the ride in Carnival Festival Matthew took several photos. He knew that his mother Laura Walker and sister-in-law Lisa had nothing to do with frogs, which is why Matthew took a picture of singing frogs.
“Let's print them and frame them for Grandma and Aunt Lisa?”, asked Tim.
“We'll do that, and you'll get one for your room”, replied his father.
Of course, the boy didn't say no to that.
“Shut up about this to your father, grandma and aunt Lisa”, said Matthew.
Tim nodded.
After the world trip with dolls, Matthew and Tim were cooked in the cooking pots of Monsieur Cannibale.
At the Anton Pieck Square Matthew said, “Mitch, you sit down. Tim and I will pick up lunch at the Smulpaap.”
At a merry-go-round, Mitch sat down. He went to draw the buildings..
As usual, lunch tasted good again.
“Matt, shall we take our son to his new school?”, Mitch asked after lunch.
Tim already felt where they were going and said, “I'm on Christmas vacation. There are plenty of students at that wacky Laven school.”
His fathers laughed.
After the visit to the Laven Tim came up with a very nice proposal with his parents, “ Let's have a tompouce with hot chocolate?”
“That's a very good and tasty idea”, said Matthew.
“Tim, We don't know the way to The White Horse so go ahead”, said Mitch.
Tim looked at him with a look of: ‘Are you kidding me?’ Still, he took his fathers to the restaurant.
Not much later the gentlemen sat on a delicious hot chocolate with a mushroom tompouce.
“Would Amy want such a cup??”, Tim asked at one point.
“I think so. We have plenty for your collection. She'll be overjoyed, I guess”, answered Mitch.
He and Matthew knew that Tim saw Amy a little bit like his little sister and Amy Tim as her big brother..
“We're going to go to the Fairy Forest and then get some last souvenirs. Plus the promised cakes for the road”, Mitch said when everything was gone.
“I don't really want to leave”, confessed Tim.
“Neither do we, but Chip and Amy are waiting for our home”, answered Matthew.
Mitch said, “We'll come back again. And Grandpa and Grandma keep us informed about this park.”
Their boy didn't know that Mitch and Matthew had agreed with Mark and Diana that they would send a package to Tim every month with something from the Efteling in it.
The Fairy Forest received a visit from 3 American boys who stood still at Langnek for a long time.
“Who would have thought we'd be back here 7 years after our engagement?”, asked Matthew.
“I do and so do you”, responded Mitch.
Tim said nothing but felt very happy with his 2 fathers who loved him and vice versa.
With great difficulty, the youngest Cartwright said goodbye to Little Red Riding Hood, which was waiting at the door of her grandmother's cottage.
Matthew took care of the cake while his husband and son looked at the souvenirs. Tim saw souvenirs of the attraction.
“Daddy, we'll bring one of those crockery and bears for Amy?”, he asked.
“We'll take it for her and for you”, answered Mitch.
Tim agreed..
Finally, the Cartwrights visited the souvenir shop the Efteldingen.
“Matt, we’ll bring one of those boxes of chocolates for us and 1 for Grandma Nelly?”, asked Mitch.
“That's what we do and that other box. The one with cards so you can draw them at home”, was Matthew's answer.
Tim also thought it was a good choice of his fathers.
Mitch said, “Tim, pick something you really like.”
The boy looked around and saw an umbrella with various fairy forest figures. He asked a saleswoman about it.
She said, “When this umbrella gets wet, the figures from the Fairy Forest emerge.”
“Thank you ma'am”, Tim said politely.
He went with smiling eyes to his parents who had long understood him.
“He's already made his choice. So, Matt, go pay with him”, said Mitch.
Matthew walked up to his son with the 3 cans and together they went to pay for the tins + umbrella.
At the exit, the Cartwrights looked over Dwarrelplein.
“It is and remains so beautiful here. Whatever season it is”, said Mitch.
“Fortunately, we still have the pictures, movies and memories. And no one's going to take it away from us anymore”, said Matthew.
Tim said nothing but his face spoke volumes.
A little later they left the park to return to their B&B in Nevada.
EPILOGUE
After a long but prosperous flight, the Cartwrights and Jensons had landed at Las Vegas airport.
“Welcome to America”, Mitch said when they passed passport control.
“Thanks Mitch”, said Diana.
They walked to the reception hall where Ben Cartwright was waiting for them. Tim immediately ran towards him, carrying his suitcase.
“Hello Timothy. What did I miss you”, said the rancher.
“I missed you too”, the boy confessed.
The others were also warmly greeted by Ben.
In the limousine, Ben was told everything that had happened during the holidays.
“Did anything happen at home?”, asked Matthew.
“Not much special apart from the fact that the dishwasher died in the B&B and Rose has now started working there as a dishwashing aid. Plus we have a double wedding on the ranch on February 1, 2020”, answered Ben.
The Cartwrights looked at each other questionable.
“Uncle Hoss and Aunt Betsy get a son-in-law and daughter-in-law?”, Mitch asked just in case.
His grandfather nodded. He delivered the company to the B&B and then went back to the big ranch house.
Arriving at the B&B, Mitch sat down on the couch with a plastic bag.
“Amy Cartwright, join your wounded uncle”, he said seriously.
The girl came and sat down next to him.
“This is for you”, Mitch said as he gave the bag.
“Thank you uncle Mitch”, said Amy.
She looked in and pulled out the bear Fabula.
“Oh what a cute bear”, Amy said delighted.
“You should actually thank Tim because he came up with the idea for Fabula”, said Mitch.
“The movie is also very nice to see”, said Tim.
Amy walked the bear to her parents and said, “Look my beautiful bear.”
Simon and Lisa looked at the bear and Lisa said, “He is indeed very beautiful.”
Diana said, “Gentlemen, if you guys go unpack, I'm going to make coffee.”
Mitch and Matthew got up and went to unpack their bags. Tim did, but he got help from Dan and Laura Walker, his grandfather and grandmother.
In the living room Mark put the figurine of Langnek on a low coffee table where there were more figurines from the Efteling. Other figurines were also put down.
“And now let's see if Mitch and Matt see it”, Mark said to Lisa.
“I'm not saying anything”, Lisa said smiling.
Meanwhile, Amy had gone to her room with her father Simon Cartwright. She put on a T-shirt and went to see her Uncles.
Amy knocked on the door and heard Mitch say, “Come in.”
“Uncle Mitch, Uncle Matt, don't I have a nice shirt?”, asked the girl.
Both looked at the T-shirt and nodded.
Matthew read aloud, “I'm going to be a big sister.”
He looked at Mitch and they thought the same thing.
When everything was unpacked as far as clothes were concerned, everyone came into the living room.
“Sis and Simon, congratulations on the big news”, said Mitch.
“Thanks. The baby arrives in July”, told his sister.
Matthew looked at the Efteling table and asked, “Mitch, are there Langnek, the fakir and Pardoes and more figurines standing?”
His husband looked and replied, “They're there. We didn't buy them.”
“We did. These are our Christmas gifts for you”, explained Mark.
Tim added, “Langnek was my idea and my gift to you.”
“Thank you so much. Amy, we've got something for you”, said Mitch.
He gave her a cup of the Efteling that had hot chocolate in it.
“Thank you Uncle Mitch and Uncle Matt. Tim you too”, said Amy.
Simon said, “Amy really missed you. She asked about you every day.”
“When she's old enough to travel, we'll take Amy with us”, promised Matthew.
He gave Nelly a can and told her, “Grandma Nelly, this is for you.”
“Thank you guys. I'm sure the chocolates are blissful”, said Nelly.
“They're really blissful”, said Mitch.
The rest of the day was spent quietly because the world travelers still suffered from jet lag. But it was another holiday to remember.