Happy Halloween...Just a Bit Early!

Tonight, it was Halloween in Belgium.  The towns of Overijse and Waterloo offer trick-or-treating the Thursday night prior to fall break, which officially begins at 3:36 tomorrow afternoon.  Whoo hoo!  The cost is 15 euros per child which pays for the candy that is distributed to the homes participating in the festivities.  Everything is in one neighborhood, and with fall leaves covering the streets and the beautiful homes decorated, it made for a perfect evening (although we could have done without the periods of rain.)  So, even though it's nearly a week early, we celebrated like it was Halloween.

Top Ten Things We Loved about Halloween in Belgium

#1  We had our traditional chili dinner...which Dad always complains is too bland for him.  Like I said, everything about it is tradition, so the chili needs to suck every year.  Personally, I think it's good!

#2  Mom found some fun Halloween treats...because that is just what they are going to need after collecting candy!

#3  This one had fun being the Mad Hatter, but she has decided that scary is where it's at in Belgium.  We were really surprised by all the scary costumes.  She's already planning for next year.  I don't know where she gets this?? :) 

#4  Cutest Army soldier around.  And, no soldier is complete without his Star Wars gun.  

#5 I'm cherishing these last few years of trick-or-treating and the pictures of the two of them.  It's all going to be over too quickly.

#6  We went trick-or-treating with the Cundiffs!  We have to enjoy them while we can because they are moving home in December. :( 

#7  The houses were so festive...some were even downright creepy!  All homes participating were marked with orange balloons, and it was easy to tell where to go.  You just followed the masses.

#8  We ran into so many ISB friends.  Chris said he felt like he was at the Pumpkin Festival again.  That's code for Wendy talks too much and lets keep walking. :) 

#9  These two cuties win for my favorite costume...soy sauce and sushi!  Awesome!

and....

#10  For the first time ever, we were able to trick-or-treat as a family!  Priceless!

Until next time and Happy Halloween!
Wendy

International Community Morning

Today, the elementary school at ISB held their annual International Community Morning.  This event celebrates the diversity at our school.  Students rotate to different stations to participate in activities that are presented by the ISB parents (I was Texan line dancing again this year.) :)  From origami to Indonesian music, the students are introduced to activities that are special to our international families at ISB.  And best of all, they get to sample food from all of the countries as well.

Thank you to the Belgians for their amazing waffles! 

Our contribution to the event.  Nothing says USA like brownies topped with candy corn.  I actually can't remember one US dish that was healthy.  And, I think I went above and beyond sharing my candy corn.  It was not easy to watch a fourth grader pick her pumpkin off the brownie and throw it away.  What was that child thinking??? 

Sixth graders!

Trying out a dish from Turkey.

Decked out in our red, white, and blue.  Team USA!

Time for the fourth graders to eat. 

I, once again, felt blessed to be able to be a part of such a special day and celebrate it with my kids.

Until next time,
Wendy

Fabulous Fall

I knew there had to be some benefits to living in the Foret de Soignes in Belgium (I mean other than owls in your chimney.)  Turns out...fall colors can be found in Belgium, and with todays 70 degree temperatures, I couldn't help myself.  I had to stop the car and shoot a few pictures.  Breathtaking!

Okay, I didn't actually stop the car for this one.  I just sort of snapped it quickly while ascending the hill to my house. :)

I hope your fall is just as beautiful!

Until next time,

Wendy

Prague in Pictures

You're in luck!  This will be the least wordy post I ever write.  Why? Well unfortunately, I was in the US when my family made the trip to the Czech Republic last weekend.  We had already planned to go to Prague with the DeKunder family on what turned out to be the weekend of my grandma's funeral.  After weighing all of our options, I sent my people to Prague, and I went home.  I was so thankful the three of them had a fantastic family to share the weekend with.  I knew they were in good hands with these seasoned travelers and friends.  Bear with me as I give you the very abbreviated version of the beautiful Prague.

Here are the travel buddies...the DeKunder family...dear friends from school and church.  Many thanks to Staci for several of the pictures.  She got some terrific shots!

I learned that the youngest DeKunder kept quite close to the younger Vastine.  If they should ever decide to get married, we have great wedding video material. 

1.  I'm not sure what that face is all about???
2.  Thomas is soaking wet because he stood under a gargoyle that was "throwing up" and was drenched with water.  It was a rainy, dreary day but greatly improved the following day.
3.  My children are hugging for a picture.  Clearly I was not there...that would never happen for a picture for mom.

Aren't they cute!  They totally got in trouble for this. :)

Staci got some really great shots of my kids!

In front of the Charles Bridge

Enjoying some play time at an island next to Charles Bridge.  Thomas was able to spend the night with his friend Patrik on Saturday.  They were in the same class at ISB last year, and we were so sad to see them leave Brussels.  But now, we have friends in Prague...who have a sauna and indoor swimming pool!  Bonus!

This is the only Jewish cemetery in Prague which dates back to the 15th century.  Since this was the only cemetery where they could be buried, there are 100,000 people buried there with only 12,000 headstones.  The people were buried on top of one another due to the lack of space.

More wedding video material. :)  Dancing in the streets.

They ate a delicious American meal at Hard Rock Cafe.  They said the building itself was incredible!

The astronomical clock 

Beautiful views!

From the top of the astronomical tower.

There were dozens of screaming girls in the square.  They were petitioning for One Direction to come to Prague.  Our girls are NUTS about 1D, so they were super excited.  This is a great shot from the tower of the fans below.

There was plenty of good food!

And, an interesting way to get all of the dead stuff off your feet.  I will try this some day for sure! :)

I was very sad I wasn't able to join in on this fantastic trip, but I was where I needed to be.  I'll get there someday....I hope!

Until next time,
Wendy