Finishing up September and Early October

How's that for a creative blog title. Well, that's where I'm at, and this blog needs to get up to speed.  

Back to September!  We attended the Grape Festival (Druivenfestival) in Hoeilaart this year.  We practiced our shooting, and the kids were big winners.  They chose some sort of puddy that makes a farting sound in a plastic toilet.  Money well spent….

In Morton, we have Pharaoh's Fury.  In Hoeilaart, we have Sex Dance.  

We had a beautiful Sunday afternoon for "Car Free Day" in Brussels.  Streets inside the ring of the city are vehicle free for the day, so you can walk, ride, skate, etc through the streets of Brussels.  We loved it!

There was just a slight incident after this picture was taken.  It may have involved me being catapulted over the handlebars of my bike when I tried to brake with my left hand while holding my iPhone in my right.  No worries though…the iPhone was fine.  My shoulder, thigh, and pinky finger were feeling it for the next several weeks.  Ouch!

Avenue Louise, usually a cluster of traffic, was wide open.

Family photo!
You'll see behind us that cabs, trams, and cars with diplomat plates were allowed to use the streets that day.  So, you still had to be careful and watch out around you.  And, the bikers were a little insane as well, so we were cautious.

We rode 29 km.  It was a really great day!

Word on the street was that Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett would be performing in Brussels. Turns out, they were, but only ticket winners for a local phone service would be allowed to attend the concert on the Grand Place.  So, I thought I would make a reservation at Hard Rock, and we could watch from windows.  When we arrived for dinner, the Grand Place was completely blocked off.  A man from Hard Rock was waiting for us and gave us these bracelets to enter the Grand Place and Hard Rock.  We were so excited to find out that once you had the bracelet and you were inside the Grand Place, you were in for the concert too!  Chris was regretting that he declined our crazy dinner idea.

The view from Hard Rock.

Not so happy when a tall cameraman came and stood right it front of him and then hoisted his even taller camera on his shoulder. 

This was not a typical show for Lady Gaga. They were promoting their new album, which has a much softer, classic feel to it.  They sound great together!

We have such fun kids!

In late September, Allison was off to London with the ISB theatre department.  They saw three shows, toured theaters, drank a lot of Starbucks, and had more fun in one weekend than I had in all of eighth grade.

Just a couple shots of this guy. I told him I wanted to do some practicing.  He gave me three minutes.  I'll take it.

I love long walks in the forest around ISB.

We were excited to grab dinner in Brussels with our friend Becky.  Becky and I know each other from our days at ISU in the Big Red Marching Machine.  Chris and Becky know each other through CAT.  Small world!

The kids are still riding and still loving it!

Homecoming weekend!

No dance, no royalty, no parade.  But, we did get some Friday night lights and a tailgate.

Late night trips to Starbucks for Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Love these girls!

It just needed to be captured.

 Enjoying the massive grapes grown in Hoeilaart...compliments of our landlord.

Cutie

We spent some time working in the Raiders Cafe this fall during soccer season.  Someone had a blast helping out one afternoon.

Next up…Disneyland Paris!

Until next time,
Wendy

Druivenfestival 2012

I typically do not skip a week of blogging, but it seems everything in life has prevented me from doing so.  Here's my excuse list:

1.  I'm coordinating the Hints for Living in Belgium course at the American Women's Club.  I spend each night working on binders, agendas, food coordination, speakers, etc.  The class starts this Tuesday.  As my teacher friends can relate, the nightmares have already started.

2.  I'm a part of the Family Association at school, and I have things like champagne brunches to attend. Rough life I know.

3.  The kids are back in school which means helping them stay organized, getting homework done, practicing violin and piano, and French lessons too...and this week are adding soccer and dance to our agenda.  Feels just like I am back in Morton.  I sure did enjoy my first six months of leisure.

4. Trip planning...which take A LOT of time.  Again, rough life I know.

5.  Lunch dates and shopping with friends.  I admit that is really not a good excuse. :)

6.  I'm tired! 

But, we've been having a super fun time!  Here's a glimpse of our weekend....

We had friends over Friday night to watch the Bears vs. Packers.  It was televised at an unreasonable time for us on Thursday evening, so we had a viewing party on Friday.

Good friends, food, and fun! We should have thought of this picture before Shayna and friends went home. :(

And, as you know the game was riveting!  Can't you tell?!?

This weekend is our Druivenfestival or Grape Festival in Hoeilaart!  It made missing the Pumpkin Festival in Morton a little more manageable.  I think missing the festival was the hardest on me.  Those four days rank right up there with Christmas and Halloween!

We had to have frites...of course!

The bumper cars were super fun, but I didn't post this picture just to showcase my girl and the bumper cars...check out that wall art!  We're not in Morton anymore!

Oh my...thank goodness we found these One Direction bracelets for sale at the festival.  She's just a tad bit excited!

I love those faces!  Just like their favorite ride at the Pumpkin Festival.... 

Only the ride at the Pumpkin Festival is called 1001 Nachts...this one is called Sex Dance.  And, how about the art on the ride?!?  Nothing will ever shock my children again! 

These cars are the latest craze.  Move over Smart Car.  There's something even smaller!  A one seater car with about a half of a seat behind.  I'm sure you have to take out quite an insurance policy on this thing.  One tap and you're done for!

We picked up some local grapes.  Look at the size of them!

Saturday evening, Allison performed in a talent show to raise money for Autism Europe.  Miss Ari, on the left, was the fabulous hostess who decided to give to others rather than to receive for her birthday.  Ari is one of the kindest, funniest, hardworking, spunky, and genuine young ladies I know.  She gets it honestly though...you should meet her parents!  

She did a fantastic job!  Such a proud mom and dad!

The talented performers!

Sunday and back to the festival

The festival was more fun when shared with friends.

I thought you would enjoy this picture of some of the performers.  Now those were some interesting outfits.... 

I can assure you that he hated every moment of this ride!

Look at all the air little M is getting over there!

The streets were lined with items for sale.  I really should have bought this.  Not sure what I would have done with them or that I even wanted them, but I might have missed something valuable here.

A glimpse of the beautiful commune building!

The evening closed with a fantastic dinner with friends.  It's back to school tomorrow, but it's only a three day week!  The kids are excited for our big adventure this weekend.  Stay tuned!

Until next time,
Wendy