A Sensational Sunday!

Our sensational Sunday started when the alarm went off, and I wearily opened my eyes.  First thing I always do is check my Facebook (lame..I know) before dragging myself out of bed.  The first post I saw said there was snow in Belgium (thank you, Hope.)  What?!?  Could it be???  I literally shot out of bed, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash...really I just opened the curtain, and then giddily ran around the house waking everyone up.  They did not share my enthusiasm as we got to bed VERY late the night before.

The snow is so pretty, but with no snow plows or even a shovel at our house,  you kind of pray that it doesn't stick around too long.  Or pray that you can just stay home and enjoy it.  Staying home was not an option on this sensational Sunday.

Before setting off for church and a preservice practice for the nativity play, Allison enjoyed picking the snow from outside her window and eating it.  She said it literally tasted like the roof.  Blah!  How does she know what a roof even tastes like? ;)

As if being the first Sunday in Advent wasn't sensational enough...the kids took part in their first communion.  There was no pretty white dress with a dainty little veil or a handsome black suit.  Instead, they were bundled in their coats (as they can't seem to get the heat going in our church), and they stood by our sides and those of other members of our congregation.  We've started going to the front of the church and standing around the altar to receive communion.  I really like the change, and it was even more special with our kids up there with us...partaking in a really pivotal event as they grow in their faith.  Maybe it wasn't quite as pivotal as I thought when Thomas whispered to me on the way back to our pew, "That juice was awesome!" 

After their "first communion" we snapped a picture of them with Pastor Murray. 

Next up...we were off to our first Christmas market ever.  We stopped in the Grand Place to see the crèche.  Thomas thought the people were a little too real looking for him.

The Vastines and Westercamps

My girl was all smiley on this chilly day in Brussels.

I pretty much had to beg for this shot.  That is really a pathetic attempt at a smile.

We headed over to the Sablon only to find out that market ended yesterday...story of my life!  So, we had a waffle, dodged the rain under the awning of Leonidas, gave a shout out to Sinterklaas, and made our way over to Pierre Marcolini for some really good chocolate. 

Good choice little ones!

I chose cheesecake....banana and caramel to be exact...and it was fabulous!

Making our way to the Brussels Christmas Market....I've known there were sections of the wall that once surrounded Brussels still standing in a few places around the city.  Well, I think we found one today.  Maybe? Finally!

Another crèche near Manneken Pis.  This one was all marionettes.  And, there was no baby Jesus...only a pig...am I missing something?  I get that baby Jesus will probably show up on Christmas Eve...but a pig?

Love the greenery now get that boy some clothes!  Brrrr! 

This was the most unique carrousel we've ever seen.  Check out Thomas in the chameleon.  I couldn't find him anywhere (no pun intended) and was a little worried.  Chris said he was in the frog....well no wonder I couldn't find him!  This is coming from the guy who thought Jiminy Cricket was also a frog.  What is it with him and frogs??

LOVE the lights! 

The "Christmas tree" in the Grand Place.  I'm not really a fan.  I like a good old fashioned Christmas tree.

From our table at dinner, you could see the light show going on.  The tree was all kinds of funky colors and designs and so were the buildings.  Alright, alright...it was pretty cool, but I still like the traditional tree better.

The only things not so sensational about this Sunday were...1. I forgot to take Flat Stanley to the market, and he let us know just how ticked he was when we got home.  2. We were so excited to eat at Hard Rock Cafe, and the food was cold.  I mean really cold. and 3. I think Thomas shared his pink eye with me.  We'll see how that looks tomorrow.

I have some past things I need to post, so I'll get you caught up this week.

Until next time,
Wendy

Market in Mechelen

I will sheepishly admit that today was my first visit to a market while living in Belgium. I know...I know...how have I made it this long without going to the market?  Well, I just go to the grocery store, and I just haven't felt like I "needed" to go to the market and spend the money (I've heard the produce and cheese is a bit more expensive...but probably better I'm sure.)  My friend Lisa recommended we visit the market in Mechelen which is held each Saturday morning, and I must say, I loved it!  It was HUGE...down several streets!  You could find anything you were looking for...clothing, food, pet supplies, flowers, toys, scarves, etc.  It was quite a selection.  I didn't purchase much (only a scarf and bracelet...and boots, but those were from a store), but I'm sure there will be more market shopping in my future.

Look at these olives!  Wish I liked them...blah!

Fresh fish!

Mechelen is such a beautiful city and now ranks very high on my list of favorite cities in Belgium!  You'll see why! 

Lovely architecture!

We found fairy books in Dutch.  Allison has quite the collection of these in English.

You can't leave a Belgian market without a new Justin Bieber bracelet...this comment was dripping in sarcasm if you couldn't tell! 

Group shot in front of the canal. 

And, a mom shot along the canal.

Strolling down the canal.  What a great way to walk around the city!

I will own one of these in the very near future.  I can ride my bike to my own market on Friday mornings and take all my goods home in my adorable saddlebag.  But of course, there is that little problem with the hills in Hoeilaart.  I can easily get down to the market, but getting back up is another story.

Lisa and her little ducklings

More beautiful buildings

We are determined to try the ice cream in every city we visit.  I lovingly refer to Allison's face as "The Squint".  I have to remind her to not make that face for pictures...I obviously forgot. :)

Josh tried out the waffle with chocolate.  I believe he may have been enjoying it.

When there are blue skies in Belgium, everyone eats outside.  It can be 50 degrees, and if the sun is out, the people are eating outside.  That might be a tad too cold for me, but today was lovely at nearly 70 degrees! 

St. Rumbold's Tower....the most famous landmark in Mechelen.

With the help of our friend Scott, Chris got our "new to us" grill set up today.  It was one of those  awesome afternoons/evenings at home with time to play in the yard and... 

grill our first steaks in Belgium.  We are dog sitting Chad and Amy's dog, Trixie, and I'm pretty sure he (yes Trixie is a HE) was hoping Chris would drop him a fresh piece of meat.  
Allison is having a friend spend the night, and Thomas is spending the night at a friend's house (change of plans, he was "homesick and hot", so now he is home.)  All is well here.  Hope your Saturday is just as nice.

Until next time,
Wendy