Belgium is the Perfect Getaway!

 And my sister, Elise, is the perfect travel companion!

 I was supposed to be taking classes this summer, but when plans changed, I was able to accompany Elise on her trip to Belgium, thanks to my mother's help.

 I saw  beautiful architecture and art work, walked thru great parks, and tasted the sweetest treats.

 I got to escape the pressures of home and meander down cobblestone streets without a worry in my head.

 I saw world famous places at the peak of the the World Cup! (That's the Manneken Pis sporting a Belgium uniform, in Brussels) 

Most memorable though, was getting to travel and see it all with a seasoned traveler who let me tag along and soak up the romance of this great country.  Thanks Elise!  Some highlights follow.

Belgium is Delicious!

We usually grabbed some fruit for a late breakfast and then saved our appetite for a hearty dinner.  There was a variety of cuisine, from Italian to Greek, but we tried to savor the home flavors of Belgium as much as we could.  

 This was Chez Leon, which was recommended by our travel brochure.  Good luck finding them on the crazy, twisted roads!  Elise ordered the traditional Waterzooi soup.  Yum!

 We found this restaurant in Ghent, hidden, meaty and famous for the best ribs.  The sauce on the baked potato was lovely.  I ordered shrimp and was served the WHOLE shrimp.  Hello, little fella!  I somehow ordered a whole fish (head, skin, and bones included),  smoked salmon (that I thought was raw at first, but now have an affinity for), and rabbit with organs included ( I think I ate a lung).  We did pretty well considering the menus we had to translate.

 This was Elise's birthday.  The waiter took about 2 hours to serve us that day.  No one was in a hurry.  The fries are served everywhere.  People eat them dipped in mayo.  Lots of creamy mayo.

 Some days, we stopped for an afternoon appetizer after all the walking we did.  Soup was perfect!

 My favorite was to sample the treats along the way.  The little shops were plentiful and fabulous!  Here we found a macaron shop.  They were fresh, delicate, and unforgettable!  Another great quick bite was the gyro from the Greek street off Le Grand Plaza in Brussels!

 Here's the famous Belgium waffle!  Topped with strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream.  Of course we had to come home with traditional recipe books.  So far I've made the waffles and waterzooi, and I know Elise has made the rabbit.

This was a multi course fare from a middle eastern restaurant.  Fabulicious!  I ate more treats and more food than I had in years!  Good thing we walked as much as we did.  Too tempting to resist.  After dinner, we would trade the goodies we had bought throughout the day.  We picked our favorites, then went back on the last day to purchase more of them for gifts.  It took me a couple of weeks to get out of the habit of indulging like that after we got home.  Too many pictures of sweets to put up.  Or maybe I'm too embarrassed to show how much we ate!

Even the Doors are Exquisite!

 Everywhere we went we saw the most unique doors that were begging to be photographed!

 Some were entrances to museums.

 Some were doors to cathedrals.

But some were just on the side of buildings we passed by.

Belgium is Enlightening

 Each city had museums full of Belgium artists.  We spent hours walking through the mazes of rooms.

 Many, many artists painted Mary and the baby Jesus or the crusifiction.  There were definitely styles I preferred over others.  Some made Jesus look like a man baby and some were very graphic.

I felt very cultured and inspired after each museum. 

 It was not a trip for little kids.  No rides or beaches, but lots of looking and admiring.

It was quiet, reflective, and humbling.

Belgium is Beautiful

 It seemed like every single building was rich with detail and majesty.  Knowing that some of these structures have been standing since before 1300 adds to their strength and workmanship.

 The cathedrals each had their own style and atmosphere, but were all centered around Christ.  I kept thinking of all the people in all the world from all the generations and how his love and atonement reach them all.  Amazing.

 I had to look up, I had to look down, and I'm sure I still didn't see all of the wonder there is to see.

 It was hard to believe that people still live in this kind of city.  It wasn't a fairy tale land, it is real!

 If I were rich, I would love this ceiling above my dining room!

 Even the statues seem to know how gorgeous they are.  

 I want to sit like that!  How stunning!

60 Years is a LONG Time!!

My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.  Elise planned a beautiful party complete with photographer, dinner, and toasts.  Here is my family with the guests of honor.  They have been a perfect example of love, friendship, and endurance in a marriage.  

This is what happens when 2 people fall in love and make a commitment. 

Congratulations on 60 years together!  It is not a common thing anymore and I'm glad I got to see it happen in my family.

Boise is Better with Friends!

 March was approaching and that means it is time for our annual girls trip.  The original plan was to go to San Francisco, but my budget was not going to allow it.  I was so bummed…but, Heather and Lenette decided to surprise me and switched the destination to Boise!  No plane ticket for me meant that I could go!  YAY!  (Debbie and Mar were not able to make it this year)

We always try to go to the temple first.  That way, whatever happens on the rest of the trip won't matter.  Not really!  It sets the tone for the rest of the trip is what it does.

 We always try to find a tea place, too.  This one had lovely sandwiches and goodies.  Hard to resist!

 For our activity, we went zip lining! Heather was so cute on the platforms and jumped even though she was terrified and shaking!

We also went to the spa and had massages and pedicures and of course tried to find the tastiest places to eat.  The food was okay, but the best thing was hanging out with my girls.  They are the best!  Thank you guys!!  

The Zoo is Funner When Your Kids Are Little...

 It was Amy's idea to go to the zoo and she had the most fun, I think.

 She wanted to go down the big giraffe slide, but no one else did.

 She wanted to feed the goats, but no one else did.

 Elli was the second enthusiastic.  She was willing to try a few things.  Hello Mr. Prairie Dog!

 Adam was the least happy to be there.  After every exhibit, he would ask, "Can we go home now?" And this is his happy face!

I was just happy to be outside in the warm weather and away from the Xbox and computers!  It was our first time at the Boise Zoo and I liked the lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes the best.  It makes me  marvel at the variety of life and wonder at the creation.  Such beautiful animals.  Too bad we probably won't be going again.  The zoo is a great place, but it was definitely funner when my kids were small.

I Have the Prettiest Mom...

and I hope I can look as good as she does someday! 

Elise came over from IF and surprised everyone so we were all together again.

Happy Mother's Day!

Good Things Take Time

I have been working on this book for about 3 years now.  It is about time I finished it!  My grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this summer and it was just the push I needed to finish.  Here is the link:  http://www.bookemon.com/read-book/228039

Old Things Are the Best New Things

 I wanted a Union Jack flag, but saw this one with 48 stars and thought it would work just fine!

These butterflies are not old, but I love them anyways.  I got the idea from Penelope's room! 

 I turned this old grain sack into a table runner.  All I had to do was unpick the stitches on the edges!

Here I took old books and ripped the pages out.  Then I glued them on the wall.