So what were some memorable moments from this reunion of long lost friends? Well, I don't normally catch spontaneous actions on film, but Laura's reaction to Stijn saying, "is this the best i'm gonna get?" was great. We had successful family outings (is that possible?), and the photo below is from our trek to the Brussels kerstmarkt. The boys took Alex, Phoebe and Max ice skating, which was a big hit, and Laura and I took Jackie and Thijs on the ferris wheel. With the obligatory Belgian frites met mayonnaise and some hot chocolate or gluhwein, our tummies were full for the tram/metro ride home.
An afternoon out for the parents included a lunch at Hoegaarden brewery and a walk in the woods where we admired the simplicity and longevity of this old chapel.
Sharing a cup of tea with Laura is one of my favorite memories of our time together. This teatime came with a Belgian wafel smothered in cream and free entertainment for the teashop - our kids! The kids loved this pitstop with hot chocolate, ice cream, cookies (complimentary with tea), coca cola - yummmmmm! This made for a calm car ride home, NOT, but at least we were able to make it to our car. Will never forget almost missing the opportunity to walk 653 steps to the top of the citadelle only to find the gate locked shut. Luckily we caught the last gondola back to the top!
Exploring a castle in the quaint Wallonian town of Dinant (southeastern Belgium). Thanks to Czar Stijn, we actually made the trip to see the citadelle in Dinant w our 5 supercharged kids (while he sat calmly/quietly behind his desk at work all day). It was a fun trip, although by no means the least stressful. This was a great way to end our trip and get us dreaming about our next adventure(s)!
2 comments:
Hey Courtenay!
You capped off the essence of our trip so well. Thank you thank you thank you for putting up with our familial insanity for so long. Speaking of high, I am still riding on one, too, and have said as much to folks around me. You injected me with a much-needed dose of life and I'm forever grateful for your friendship and inspiration.
I'm surprised you didn't put the picture of me reacting to Stijn's insult---eyes wide open, mouth agape! It is SO very pretty. NOT.
We are buried in more bionicles now. Dee's friend passed on a boxful and they are driving me nuts. New policy? Leave a bionicle on floor when you go to school or bed and they go in the Dollar bin. You have to do enuff chores to earn a buck to release them from the bin. I think I'm going to get rich this way!
Believe it or not, i got that policy from Madonna. Yes, THE Madonna, not the one that they talk about at christmas time.
Just kidding, God.
Oh, i DID get that photo in - don't you just love it! The problem is there are so many photos (nice problem, eh) and it's hard to pick and choose. Glad you enjoyed it -
Love your discipline strategy - make them earn their toys back! It'll teach them responsibility and work ethic - i like it. Think i'll find a way to use it for my kids, like with hair bobbers, for instance! The girls are forever leaving their hair decorations everywhere. Drives me crazy. Thanks for tip.
Are you in madonna fan club too?
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