Saturday we went to Breda, Holland just over and hour away. It was a picturesque town with canals a tons of great stores....
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| our walk into the city center |
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| snack and beer break |
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| dancing in the street (I never pass up an opportunity to dance with my little ones:) |
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| Sunglass shopping |
Today was the Rond van Vlaanderen, a bike race in the Flemmish Ardennes. The race passed by Sofie’s parents house in Brakel so we headed over there for lunch and front row seats. Steve and Joris rode over on bikes (about 50 km) while I drove with the kids.
Of course, I arrived too late and the roads were closed around their house so I ended up parking a few km away and walking in with the kids. What could have quickly turned into a disastrous event actually turned out to be an incredibly pleasant afternoon. We ran into a horse farmer (not sure what they're really called) who was so friendly and not only offered us a place to park but also let us come to his stables and pet his horses. He also invited us to watch the race with his friends in his fields and gave race flags to the kids. I was blown away by his generosity. That was just the start, the whole walk in we were greeted by fellow spectators and residents who wanted to know where we were from, what we were doing in Belgium, had we ever been to this race, etc… the walk wasn’t long in distance but it did take a while as we stopped so many times to visit along the way. It was a very warm and fuzzy dayJ
Of course, I arrived too late and the roads were closed around their house so I ended up parking a few km away and walking in with the kids. What could have quickly turned into a disastrous event actually turned out to be an incredibly pleasant afternoon. We ran into a horse farmer (not sure what they're really called) who was so friendly and not only offered us a place to park but also let us come to his stables and pet his horses. He also invited us to watch the race with his friends in his fields and gave race flags to the kids. I was blown away by his generosity. That was just the start, the whole walk in we were greeted by fellow spectators and residents who wanted to know where we were from, what we were doing in Belgium, had we ever been to this race, etc… the walk wasn’t long in distance but it did take a while as we stopped so many times to visit along the way. It was a very warm and fuzzy dayJ
The anticipation of the arrival of the riders made the race very exciting but it passed by very quickly. Our lunch was an amazing moussaka prepared by Sofie’s mom and was followed by some good outdoor play time in their nice yard (with deer and chickens). I have to say…today was a good dayJ
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| B & A at the stables |
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| Fields along our walk |
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| Our walk in the country with Brakel in the distance |
What a great time you had. We are so terribly jealous.It sure sounded like something we would have loved to do with you and the kids. At least we came home today from the hospital and even got a little time in the park to walk around and watch the train go by. The pictures were great. Next time get Sophie and family in a picture for us.
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Boy, you are some magical Mom who makes even the simplest event one to remember forever!!!! Steve found his soul mate in you and the chldren will be immesurably blessed as they grow in this world. I am amazed at every new section you post. How proud I am to be Mom and Gramma to you all!!!!! I love and thank you for all you do to share the wonders of your great lives!! Love and hugs.
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