Back to School

August 27th, the kids were back to school starting their fourth school year at ISB.  Yes, we've only been here 2.5 years, but we arrived mid-year when Allison was in 5th grade and Thomas in 3rd grade.  And this year they started grades 8 and 6.  So hard to believe.

Flashback….Their first day at ISB, and they look so little!

And…now this school year.

Thomas - Grade 6

Allison - Grade 8

 Here's one shot, at school, at the end of day one.  But, we had to hurry before anyone noticed I was taking their picture.  Gasp!

Both school pictures have now been received (just today!)  They are looking too old!

Conferences were already held last week.  We are off to a great start and looking forward to another terrific year as ISB Raiders!

Until next time,

Wendy

Allison's 12th Birthday PARTY!!!

Allison was thrilled to have friends over to celebrate her birthday.  So, we took a group home with us after school on the Friday after her birthday for food, fun, and a sleepover.

There was a Just Dance competition.  Allison won...totally legit...I promise. :)

There was cake too.  And, it was too adorable.  I had to get a picture from every angle.  My 1D fan LOVED it!!

There she is...my sweet 12 year old!

Here are the guests.  I love these girls.  They were so easy!  Chris said eight of them was less work than three boys spending the night.  I really couldn't ask for a nicer group of friends for Allison.  They are the sweetest and still have that innocence that is so hard to keep.  The best part was when they were playing "duck duck goose" on the trampoline.  I'll just keep cherishing these moments for as long as they last.  I know they aren't here to stay.

Getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday" with their glow sticks and homemade T-shirts.

Oh, there were cupcakes too with these super cute London cups and toppers.  Thank you, Claire!

The house was decked out in Union Jack flags and balloons.  Allison loved it!  Thankfully, there is a British store close by.

It was a beautiful night, so we had to make s'mores.  Yum!

Lots of giggles

Time for presents

Do you think she's having a good time??  I just love her spirit.  She really is a happy kiddo.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!  We love you so much.

Until next time,

Wendy 

Happy 12th Birthday, Allison!

I just can't believe we have a 12 year old who will be starting 7th grade!  Yikes!  Allison's special day began with presents.  Just a few though because that 1D concert was part of her birthday gift, and I stuck to it.  And, since we are in Belgium, it was a normal school day.  She had never attended school on her birthday in the US, so this is still a little strange.

Present time

A pic with the birthday banner

 We always let the kids choose where they would like to eat on their birthday.  It should come as no surprise that Allison wanted to go to Hard Rock.  We were thrilled the Collins and Keown families could join us.

Free wifi...can you tell?

A shot of the Grand Place from Hard Rock.

 I love this series of pictures.  Her facial expressions kill me!

 She is a lucky girl to have such sweet friends!

Super Sleuths

Crazy kids...must be Americans ;)

 I can't believe how much she has grown up since we moved here.

 She adores her daddy!

Love them!  I'm so lucky!

 We had to go see the big Smurf while it was in town.  Chris thought the best shot of the Smurf was from this angle.  He is super mature.  LOL!  Okay, it made me laugh too.

What's the best part about turning 12? Allison would tell you it is legally sitting in the front seat. :)

Stay tuned.  There was a party to go along with this special day.  Check back soon!

Until next time,

Wendy