POD-84: Jenevers

My friend Kate was also stuck here for over a week with the volcano so for her last day we went out with some people from work for Tapas in Antwerpen. Since no one had really tried the local jenevers we walked down the street afterwards to a place that served over 200 jenevers. Basically every flavor you could imagine from strong to fruity to spicy. We may need a few trips back before we try all 200, but we made a good start. Tried a few night shots on the way back to the car.

POD-83: The Corner

Old picture, but finally made it to the corner pub with all the girls. Met a (little too) friendly local and got to practice some Flemmish.

POD-82: Mexican Fiesta

The advantage of having a cloud of volcanic ash delaying my family's flights is that we got a week of good quality relaxing and hanging out since I was back to work and Morgan started school. Everyone still got out a bit in Antwerp and Beerse and we had some time to make some yummy dinners. Jessie and I love our Rick Bayless cookbooks that she introduced me to so we picked out a few recipes and managed to find all the ingredients we needed (snatched the last package of jalapeños in the exotic section). Enchiladas, potato and chorizo tacos, guacamole, rice, and good friends make for a nice feast!










Morgan happily entertaining herself while all the action in the kitchen was going on. The poor little girl has actually been noticeably sad since everyone's gone. Its tough being away for so long, surrounded by loved ones, and then left alone again. Last year she would burst into tears when visitors would leave, but now she has just been a bit melancholy and clinging to our sides. We are certainly grateful for the time we had and wouldn't trade it for anything.

POD-81: Finger Painting

Aunt Jessie wanted to introduce Morgan to finger painting. I was a little worried how she would take to it since she really doesn't like to get dirty. She pretty much freaks out when she gets a little paint or marker on her fingers, but we were willing to give it a try. Jessie filled up a big bucket of water so she could wash off as often as possible. She wasn't quite sure at first, but ended up having a great time and made a very nice painting. Splashing around in the water was equally entertaining.

POD-79: Brugge

We had a fun girls day in Brugge. Our first stop is always a nice place for lunch and we found this one back a little ways off the main square. Tasty as always. We took a nice stroll through the city, some shops, took a tour of the city hall, and visited the chocolate museum.












Creepy statue made of chocolate at the chocolate museum.

POD-78: Monschau

Another fun visit to this cute little town in Germany. This time we hiked up the other side of the village and got a new view. We also took a tour of the "Red House," an old house built be a cloth maker in the 1700s and had a yummy espresso in a coffee roaster shop.












Morgan is out of her "wanting to walk" phase so after two days of carrying her around towns we stuffed her back in her backpack again.

POD-75: Keukenhof

Went back to the Keukenhof flower gardens this year. This is one of the places my mom has always wanted to go and we were so excited to be back for more pictures. It is such a beautiful place with never ending gardens. We've been there twice and still haven't seen all of it.




Cute little displays.














Scott and Morgan in the maze.


We thought it was neat that this whole field was different colors than last year just a few weeks later.

Some group shots I obviously didn't take...






And my favorite one of Scott's that he didn't post on his own blog:)

Antwerpen with Guests

My family finally arrived! We like to use the first day for the walking tour of Antwerpen while everyone is recovering from jet lag.


Het Steen Castle, Antwerpen




Scott, Morgan, and Jessie


Me and my girl


Can't miss Central Station and a yummy waffle.