Saying "Goodbye" is Never Easy

Being a part of this expat community has allowed us the opportunity to meet some really amazing people.  But, with this expat life comes the sad moments of saying goodbye.  

Some of our goodbyes are only for the summer, but when you are used to spending a lot of time together that seems like a super long time.  The Adventure Club had lunch on Thursday.  Next summer, we need to plan our departures for the same time.  We're pretty much going to miss each other the entire summer with trips back to the USA.  Thank goodness for Facebook!

I just love this shot of Allison and Ella...school and church friends.  Thankfully, they are only parting for the summer.

Thomas' friend Patrik is moving to Prague.  We are hoping to see them in October when we travel there for a long weekend.

Christen and family are headed back to live in the USA.  We sure will miss them, but at least there is an opportunity to see them once we are home!

Two out of four of these boys are leaving Brussels for good.  It's not often you see nine year old boys hugging on the playground.

Thomas is going to miss Patrik's little brother too.

Thomas and Caio are such good buds.  Caio is off to China. :(

This is Patrik's mom Minna...we are both trying hard to smile.  It was very emotional.  Love her!

Adriana and Allison...she belongs to Christen (see above), and the girls already have plans to meet at AG in Chicago.

And, today I said goodbye to my friend Mindy.  She is off to Sweden!  Gretchen and I will be taking her place in running the "Hints" class at the American Women's Club.  We sure are going to miss her!

Even though our friends are off to new places, they will always be our dear friends and in our hearts.  Prayers are with all of you as you embark on these new and exciting adventures.  Let us know when you're ready for visitors!

Until next time,
Wendy

Last Day of School 2012

The 2011-2012 school year has finally come to an end.  It was a memorable one to say the least.  Today was bittersweet.  The kids are so excited about the summer ahead, but it was really sad too.  Thomas has two very good friends who are moving to Prague and China.  One of Allison's closest friends is moving back to US.  Such is the life of an expat kid.  Your friends become your family and too quickly you are forced to say goodbye.  There were tears shed...mostly by the parents.  And, then the buses all pulled away and honked their horns as they left the school.  It was emotional and just verified how much we love it here and how blessed we are by the friends we have made.

Here are Allison and Thomas in Morton, Illinois starting 3rd grade and 5th grade back in August of 2011.

And, ending their year at the International School of Brussels in Belgium.  I now have a 4th grader and 6th grader!  Wow!
Not many smiles from Thomas.  He said he doesn't like summer and just wants to stay at school.

I'm happy to report that these two had phenomenal report cards, and I am looking forward to a fun-filled summer with activities around Brussels,  Tim, Cheryl, and Brandon visiting us in July, and a big trip back to the US!

Until next time,
Wendy

Happy Father's Day!

Today was Chris' day, but he very graciously shared the fun with all of us and the events that were already scheduled on this Father's Day.  The important thing was we were able to spend the day together.  In the end, that's all that really matters.

Greetings to Daddy in the morning.

New running clothes!  My friend, Gretchen, found a great running store.  I'm sure we will now be going there regularly.

Thomas' class had a little end of the year picnic for the families.  Not too many attended, but it was at a beautiful park in Brussels, and we enjoyed getting to know other classroom parents that were there.  Allison was excited about the roller blading area, and all the kids enjoyed soccer and building forts in the woods.

Our little group of chit chatting parents.

Pony rides were going on throughout the day.

There was ice cream....of course!

Some of the boys of 3DC.

Mrs. daCosta (their third grade teacher) and the some of the sweet girls from the class.

Thomas and Mrs. daCosta...he adores her! 

Then, we were off to the BSA (Brussels Sports Association) cookout and sports day at ISB.  The kids will be participating in soccer this fall.  

They tried out Lacrosse.

Thomas wasn't too bad.  I think he might try his hand at this in the fall as well.

Who's that handsome lacrosse player? ;)

I love the chateau at school.  I especially love it when the sun is shining on it!

After our busy day, we came home and grilled out, Skyped with family, and then the kids were off to bed.  What a great weekend, and we are excited about the upcoming last week of school!

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there.  I hope you've had a terrific day!

Until next time,
Wendy

Allison's 1st Orchestra Concert

Tonight, was Allison's first orchestra concert.  She started violin when we arrived here in Belgium, but because she was several months behind with our second semester arrival, she's been taking private lessons each week to get caught up to her peers.  Lessons paid off, and she's doing a great job.  She was so nervous for the performance, but it was terrific!

Ready to get started!

Allison and Adriana

Serious as a heart attack!

Really not the view I was hoping for.  Luckily, he moved.

The entire 5th grade band and strings combined

Can you see her back there in the dark?

So proud of my girl!

Daddy is very proud too.

Tomorrow night is Thomas' birthday party.  Yes, his birthday was in March, but for a number of reasons we are celebrating late.  He is having five friends over and four will be spending the night.  If you think about it, I could use a little prayer for my sanity and no rain.  I would prefer to have them play outside.  Wishful thinking!

Until next time,
Wendy

ISB Spring Fling Pictures

This was the first school dance for the kids.  The parents were also invited, so it was a great family event. And, Chris was super excited to hear they would be serving beer. :)

 Thomas wanted to wear a nice shirt, but he kept it simple with jeans.  He didn't want to look like he was "dressed up".  Allison, of course, wanted to look fancy.  She really didn't want to wear her glasses, but halfway through the dance she went out to the car to get them.  Poor thing can't see a thing.  I can't believe how much they have grown up since we arrived in December.

The elementary school cafeteria was all decked out for the dance.  As you saw from the video posted yesterday, it didn't take long for that dance floor to fill up.  The kids had a ball!

Allison and her friend Adriana at the dance.  We are very sad she will be moving back to the States next month.

This is the deck outside the cafeteria where the parents hung out all night.

Happy Dad!

Love these girls!  Feeling very blessed  that we have met so many great people in such a short time.

Chris was loving on Baby Emerson.  He was even hinting at having another one...what?!?  Where were you five years ago when I really, really wanted a third?  Too late now!  I've got traveling to do, and the big 4-0 is knocking on the door! :)

Impressive turnout!

More fantastic ISB moms!

The beautiful chateau!  I've never seen it at night.  It was almost 9:30, but still light out.

Big weekend here!  The kids are both attending birthday parties today, the Brussels 20K for Chris is tomorrow, and Mom and Mike arrive on Monday morning!  So much to look forward to.

Until next time,
Wendy