The Belgium Trifecta

Note to Readers: I am posting the fun of our summer while simultaneously doing my best to keep you up to date on "the now." So, the posts flip back and forth from June and July to to present day...and back again. Sooner or later, we'll be all caught up! Sorry for any confusion. sbc

We do love our road trips! We made a long weekend out of our anniversary (August 21 marked four years, can you believe it?!) in pursuit of the Belgian Trifecta: Beer, Waffles and Chocolate ;-)

First stop was the capital city of Brussels, home to the European Union and headquarters of NATO. It's a great city and we had a wonderful time discovering various museums, parks (oh, the parks!) and, of course, Belgian chocolate and beer! 

Passing through the Netherlands on the way to Belgium 

We're here! 

Patria Statue at Place de Matyrs
In honor of those who gave their life for Belgium independence in 1830 

Selfie

Nathan holding hands with Belgium royalty

At the theater while Daddy buys a map 

Nose to nose 

Town Hall at Grot Markt (the central square of Brussels)

Maison du Roi at Grot Markt 

Nathan is "over" the museum (in other words, there were not dinosaurs in this one)

Kyle at European Parliament 

Little fun at the Natural History Museum with the city in the background

Littles enjoying control of the remote at the hotel

Yum, we loved this beer. 

Nathan gets a ride home from dinner :)

A mirror selfie as we departed Brussels for Bruges

Sunday we drove to Bruges for more Belgian fun.

Waiting to check into our room at the Grand Hotel Casselbergh

Local Bruges beer. LOVE. 

Room's ready! Check out the ceilings...liked this place a lot. 

Out and about in Market Square

The Belfry of Bruges 

Provincial Court Building in Market Square

Dinner on the canals (don't worry, Nate got happier after he ate...)

Nate taking pictures with my phone 

:) 

Boat tour! 

Last one on the boat!

The swans are owned by the city, which we found strange. See the black swan?

Nate hearts going under the bridges 

St. Salvator's Cathedral

Where In Bruges was filmed (when Colin Farrel jumps)

 No, mommy, I am NOT wearing this hat out 

Fun in the lounge/bar area which was like several beautiful living rooms and libraries with fireplaces

The boys after their waffle (thus completing the trifecta)

More Belgian Waffles...this time in the form of a cone

We'd planned spend Tuesday visiting Knokke on the North Sea, but it was pouring cats and dogs. Let's face it, the beach is less fun in the rain. 

:) sbc

PS: Happy birthday to Claire (4) and Kendall!