So, December didn't start our on such a happy note. We had to say, "See you later" to dear friends of ours here in Brussels. Vanessa and Lee headed back to Atlanta, but we have an Illinois connection, so we hope to see them sooner than later. You would think that with people leaving all the time you would get used to it. I would say we are used to it, but that doesn't make it any easier.
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| Sweet Vanessa….I'll miss her smiling face at the AWCB. |
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| Cheers to happy days ahead in the USA! |
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| Forever friends! |
Well, we couldn't just let her LEAVE! So, Karin and I joined her at the airport for a coffee before she departed. We also thought this would be a good time to return her pan from her dessert she brought at Thanksgiving, but then Karin forgot the pan. LOL! Our family has put it to good use. :)
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| We love you, Vanessa! (Please pardon how super pretty Karin and I look…it was early!….speaking for myself….Karin always looks lovely.) |
Allison had a spectacular performance with the ISB orchestra.
Both kids are loving basketball this season!
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| For those of you who think Thomas (#15) is tall….not on this team. It's grades 6, 7, and 8, so he is one of the smallest. |
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| Hmmm….is she blushing? Chatting with Zack after her game. |
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| Post game |
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| Awww….I love this one! |
This particular weekend, we played Bonn International School. Their athletes stay in the homes of our athletes (and visa versa.) It's a great way to meet new friends and share stories about their schools and home countries.
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| New friends from the Ivory Coast and Hungary. |
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| Sinterklaas brought treats for everyone! |
I spotted this promotion while shopping at Carrefour.
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| The greatest pot of Nutella…EVER! |
We love sharing a Sunday night dinner with friends. It was a terrific night!
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| Thomas and Sophia during an intense game of chess. ;) |
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| Home sweet home….I love our Belgium house…especially at Christmas. |
The kids ride horses at La Chevalerie. The Ferrero Family...owner of Nutella, Kinder Surprise, Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher chocolate, etc…attend our school and own these stables. So, in honor of Sinterklaas, you get some pretty yummy treats from them.
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| He was getting snuggles before it was time to ride. So sweet! |
One of the best things about Europe in December is Christmas markets. A group of us took the train to Cologne (Köln) to enjoy the market(s) for the day.
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| Hehehehe |
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| Enjoying those potato pancake things….they are SO GOOD! |
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| Cheers! |
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| Such a fun group! |
This is what school drop off looks like these days…dark and rainy.
We also had to say "See you later" to the Christie family. Jo, Nathan, and the kids will really be missed here. Maybe someday we can visit them in Australia. Fingers crossed!
Next up was the Aachen, Germany market with the Smiths.
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| Bahahahaha!!!!! |
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| That is actually a rain drop over my face. The weather was miserable, but the market and company were very good. |
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| The beautiful windows |
This year, I sang with our choir for the Lessons and Carols service. I loved being a part of it. And, it reminded me that I had become a very "unfit" singer. It's a lot of work. It took some practice to get back in singing shape.
Brussels, and all of Belgium, experienced two strikes in December. Our school made these virtual school days, so no one would be caught in protests or traffic delays. The kids had to log on at home and get their assignments. Allison had to check in each hour with her teachers and turn in work for each class period. She even had a break for PE and lunch.
Oh Christmas Tree….
A platter of goodies for Chris's team.
The Christmas party for Thomas's class.
Our Hoeilaart Wine Night was an ugly Christmas sweater party. I'd say this is a pretty ugly sweater. Nice placement of the cakes….
A farewell pic with the Christie kiddos. We are really going to miss them.
One last stop in the Grand Place for treats before heading to the USA for Christmas! Yay!!!
Until next time,
Wendy
