Brugge and Pairi Daiza with the Knepps

And, the adventure continues.  After returning from Paris in the early afternoon, we jumped in the cars and headed for Brugge.  It was such a tight fit into the schedule, but I cannot let a guest leave without seeing this gem.  Bonus…the Red Devils were playing, so we planned to watch the match someone while we were there.  We just didn't know where yet.

Enjoying the canals all decked out in our Belgium gear!

A ride along the canal.  I just love Ilyse in that wig!

The sweet dog was sleeping in the window.  It's even in the movie In Bruges.

Treats to keep the kids happy since we hadn't had dinner yet.

And, keeping the moms happy too!

We found a spot to watch the match.  Heading there in full force.

We thought we would watch with just a few of our closest friends.  Ha!  It was so much fun!

But sadly….the Red Devils lost.  It was heartbreaking…especially for this little guy who cried and cried. 

I'm really hoping these two were on their way to cheer for The Netherlands.  If not, someone really needs to be honest with them about their choice of attire.

I had to include this shot for my mom.  This is one of our family names.  Did you know my mom is 100% Belgian? :)

 On Sunday, we headed to Pairi Daiza.  This is really a terrific zoo.  Leksi and Ilyse wanted to do this more than anything, and it was a fun kid day.  They needed it and deserved it!

Monkeys…behind and in front of the glass.

I'm pretty sure this was the highlight of their trip.  They got to play with the lemurs!  Andrea was in heaven!

Two pandas were recently added.  They are very entertaining.  We're really lucky to have them in Belgium.

 Then the rains came.  Not that annoying misty rain.  I'm talking the heavens opened up and dumped on us.  My pictures don't even do it justice.  Unfortunately, it cut our day short.  We don't usually let rain slow us down, but this was insane.

I guess it wouldn't be a trip to Belgium without a day like this.

Next up…London!

Until next time,

Wendy

Saying Farewell, Ommegang, and The Red Devils

July 1st was our last night with the Keown family in Brussels.  Of course, they couldn't leave Brussels without a farewell dinner at Hard Rock Cafe!  I'm guessing that will be our farewell dinner spot as well. 

Someone was pretty excited about her milkshake.

But then this happened….

And well, she wasn't so happy anymore.  Poor thing.

The boys spent most of the time watching the World Cup.  Addicted!

The whole group (minus me…your trusty photographer.)  What an awesome send off!

It's always ribs for these boys.

Allison is going to miss Preslee so much.

Really?!

I made Lucinda a Shutterfly book of all of our adventures together (57 pages worth!)  I was sad I forgot to include the Nickelback concert from last November.  That was a great night.  

Starbucks for the girls.

The WHOLE group! :)

Friends for a lifetime.

I held it together very well.  The kids decided to spend the night with each other.  We took Pres, and they took Thomas, so we were able to say goodbye one more time before they left for the airport in the morning.  We'll see each other again.  That I know!

Someone is drinking that Starbucks as fast as she can before it gets taken away from her. LOL!

One final Vastine/Keown shot in Brussels.

So sad to say farewell to these two.  We've had a lot of fun together!
As we were leaving, Lucinda handed me a Shutterfly book.  She too had made one, but she remembered the Nickelback concert.  I love our friendship.

The following day was the Belgium vs. USA game.  What are Americans living in Belgium supposed to do with this situation??  

I loved their Instagram posts!

 That evening (before the match) we attended Ommegang in the Grand Place.  Ommegang is the historical portrayal of the festival/processional that was held in 1549, but Ommegang dates back to 1359 when it was mostly religious in nature.  The procession starts at the Sablon Church and ends in the Grand Place. 

We attended with the Kring family.  About half way through, Chris cut out to go to Hard Rock to watch the match.  We joined him after.

Loved the stilts!

Front row seats at the bar at Hard Rock.

They were so excited about the Red Devils' win.  Next time, we'll be living in the USA, and I am sure they will be cheering for the US again.

Too bad I don't have pictures of them hanging out of the car windows and celebrating with the other Belgians at 1:00 am.  They were hilarious and will remember that night always.

Next up…the Knepps return from Italy!

Until next time,
Wendy