November 2014

November always seems to come and go so quickly.  I really didn't think we did much in November, but as I went through my pictures, we really did quite a bit.

I am now a co-director of The Gift Boutique.  This lovely little boutique is located inside the house of the American Women's Club of Brussels.  So, it my job set up displays, shop for merchandise, price, sell, etc.  It's a big time commitment, but it's a lot of fun.  It's especially fun because of the terrific volunteers we have to work with.  In November, Vanessa and I went shopping for merchandise in The Netherlands.  Two things are always sure to happen. We have a ridiculous amount of fun, and we always end up in Germany on the way home.  My GPS can't seem to figure out recent road changes, and well, it's a great excuse to stop at the McDonalds in Germany that always serves the McRib.

Everyone's taste is a little different when you are wholesale shopping.  Perhaps you would like a life size pink angel for your house or church.  What the heck???

Giant cherries?  Anyone?

Now, this is a crown fit for a queen. :)

We seemed to have a lot of really beautiful sunrises and sunsets in November.

The American Women's Club hosted a shopping trip to Maasmechelen Village for outlet shopping.  This was a great kickstart to my holiday shopping.  And, it was a terrific day spent with friends.

It was necessary to refuel with waffles covered in whipped cream.

We tried out some new places to eat like this burger spot in La Hulpe called Shievelavabo.  Pronouncing that name took some practice.  The burgers were great, and the fact that we had dinner with the Smiths made it even better.

The American Women's Club also held the annual Beer and History Night in November.  Murray Frick explains the history behind a select group of Belgian beers, and then we have a beer tasting the rest of the evening.  Extra beers can be purchased, and everyone gets a glass to take home.  It's a fun night…especially for the guys!

Ericka took family pictures for us to use for our Christmas card.  It had been two years since we've had family pictures taken.  It's a bit like the story where the cobblers children have no shoes.  Well, the photographer has no family pictures.  Thank you Ericka for so many great images of our family.  Here are just a few.

I absolutely adore the shots of Chris and Allison.  Is she 13 or what?!

My favorite shot

The Vastines in color!
I chose to do our Christmas card in all black and white shots, but I do really love the color shots too.

If you have any plans to visit Belgium, I highly recommend doing so in the fall.  It is magnificent!

Chateau de la Hulpe

Our street

Driving through the forest.

The International School of Brussels

This beauty was spotted on a drive from Brussels to Mons.

Allison attended the fall dance at the Middle School.  The girls got ready at our house.  That sure brought back memories….

We spent one of our Saturdays in Leuven, Belgium.  It was time to finally find Donki, which supposedly has burritos as good as Chipotle!  Must find Donki…..

We found it located on the Oude Market right in the heart of the university.

Do I dare say the burritos are better than Chipotle?…gasp!!  Chips are even served in a bag, and the guacamole is to die for.  The margaritas are delicious too but unusually cold.  I had the brain freeze from hell.  Oh my word was it awful!

Happy Campers!

Gorgeous Leuven…my favorite city in Belgium!

That evening, we enjoyed a coffee before our movie.  The moms took the kids to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (a couple hours of my life I'll never get back) and Chris saw Fury.  It was a really fabulous day!

The AWCB hosted the annual Holiday Bazaar held at St. John's International School.  It is a huge event for the AWCB, and it's a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.  It really gets you in the holiday spirit.

The Gift Boutique booth

Here's the Spanish wine barrel we ordered in August, and it was ready to be picked up a the bazaar.  We love it!!  It's hip height on me and takes up the better part of a corner in our foyer.

Allison volunteered at the bazaar, and we had to grab a pic of the two of them with Santa.

Making wreaths!

We also bought this oak cabinet.  I can't tell you how much I love it.  It's from The Netherlands and made in the 1880's.  It has secret compartments and loads of shelves with all original hardware.  And now, it is full of Belgian beer glasses.  It's my favorite thing we've purchased since moving here.  Now let's hope it will survive the move home.

Karin invited the Holiday Bazaar team over for some fun during the Holiday Bazaar weekend.  I love these people.  They are so easy to be with, and we never stop laughing.  She introduced us to The Game of Things.  It's a new family favorite.

The Schuermans invited us for Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Since it isn't celebrated in Belgium, we have the liberty of celebrating whenever we want. This was a really spectacular evening, and we were blessed to be a part of it.

The kids' table + Ericka :)

Look how good they are.  And, they cleaned up all of their dishes.

Wendy (not me) made these cornucopias.  So talented.  She's our Pinterest girl and makes us all look bad.  LOL!

The ladies!
Thank you Wendy and Sebastien for such a wonderful evening of friendship and food.

Thomas' band concert!

Such a handsome guy.  Love the bow tie!

On Thanksgiving night, we celebrated at the Smith home with the Kuznicki and Heubner families as well.  This sure beats the Pizza Hut we had last Thanksgiving. It was really nice to celebrate on the holiday while the US was celebrating as well.  

The beautiful table

You may recognize this kitchen from House Hunters International. :) 

Our awesome kids

 Amazing friends!!!

After dinner, these five were making movies about killing each other, and then editing with blood spatter and other special effects.  Nothing says "I'm thankful for you" like that!  Ha!

Black Friday was just as exciting over here…even though Europeans have no idea what Black Friday is.  The Le Creuset warehouse sale just happened to be the day after Thanksgiving.  The warehouse, in France, hosts a private sale in the AM that we were able to attend through the AWCB.  We purchased  Dutch ovens for really reasonable prices.  We may have picked up a ton of extra things as well.  The prices were just too good to pass up.

Kate, me, Nikki, and Karin

We did a little damage.

Somehow, we managed to fit it all in my car.  Poor Kate and Nikki had quite a bit on their laps.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Holiday drinks at Starbucks

I made an Advent wreath in a class at the AWCB.

My wreath from the bazaar.

 Time to set up the tree!

It wouldn't be a setting up the tree picture if Chris wasn't wearing his white t-shirt.

She's tall enough to reach the top now.  Sniff Sniff….

Even the gate was decked out this year.

We had the pleasure of watching two of Ericka and Dwight's girls while they traveled for work.  We had such a good time together!  No pics of Ari??

The Grand Place is ready for Christmas!

The Vastine house is too!

Ari did a fantastic job performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at St. John's.

Thomas hosted the rehearsal for "Musical Explosion", which is a group of sixth grade boys who get together once a month to jam on their instruments.  So much fun!

Performing for the parents.

Brussels during the holidays.

We are ready for Christmas Markets!

That concludes November.  Check back for December fun.  There's a lot of it!

Until next time,
Wendy