In the words of the great Ozzy...."Mama, I'm coming Home"

Hayden-Not quite ready to leave Belgium...He wanted to stay.

The decision has been made and executed.  The 'old country' has been left behind, but not forgotten.  Brent dropped the children and I at the Brussels airport in the wee hours of the morning and was off to work.  He will join us in Arizona when business has been settled in Belgium.  It was a good thing that he dropped us off so early.  There was no waiting in the British Airlines line and we had a lot of luggage to move around and check.  (At least it seemed that way when you have your own luggage and that of your three children)

Logan

We made it through the security check-point with ease and settled in our not-so comfortable airport chairs.  We watched planes take-off and land, read and chatted a bit about the expectation of the life that awaited us.  It was almost time to board the plane for London, Heathrow when who do we see?  The mother of one of our good friends in Belgium, Scott and Sabine.  We had unknowingly booked the same flight to England and even more crazy, had each changed our assigned seats and chose those next to each other. It was a great serendipitous surprise.  Probably much to her dismay, we chatted the whole flight to England.  She had been staying with the Sturgges family for three weeks and was most likely looking for a peaceful flight home.

Upon our arrival in England, we said our goodbyes and off we went our separate ways, she for her home and I and the children for our plane across the Atlantic Ocean.  Once again we waited.  When it was time to leave, we filed onto the plane, found our seats, and settled in for the long flight "home".  We watched movies, read and tried to sleep in our confined arrangements.  After the 9+ hour flight, we were finally landing in America.  We followed the masses of people to retrieve our luggage and then entered the que for customs. We handed over our Belgium exit papers and with minimal effort and even less time, we were through.

Landing in Phoenix

On our way through the doors that separate foreign travel from everyone else, we saw a banner held by my parents. "Welcome Home Family"!!  We were home...for now.  The children and I would be staying in my parents basement until Brent came back to the USA and we figured out where we were going and what we were going to do.

We loaded up into two cars and made our way to the Banfield homestead in Mesa, Arizona.  My sister Bridget's children were anxiously awaiting their cousins arrival with a huge "Welcome Home Fishers" sign.  It was great to see the family again waiting with open arms, but I am missing my man and wondering, "What's next?"

Some needed Happy Attitude

Freezing our Keesters Off

Yesterday the water in our house never would get hot.  This happened once

before and we were told there was just a "bubble" in the line.  So I thought it would just work out.  Right?  No.

The oil in our boiler is OUT.  That's right.  1700 euros in 4 months.  Gone.  We called today to see when we can get it filled.  Monday.  They were closing in 5 minutes.  SOL.  Yes, they close at noon on Saturday.  Of course they do.  So no heat, no hot water until Monday afternoon.  And it's less than 50 degrees F. outside in the middle of the day!

Somethings in Belgium I will definitely NOT miss!

©ColleenFisher

Movie Night

We haven't been to a movie in over 6 months and tonight we broke that dry spell.  We went as a family to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.

Interesting things of note:

• The movie was in English (YEAH) and there were double subtitles flashing (Flemish and French)
• There are assigned seats-we were told politely that we had taken someone's spot. (no really-they were so nice)
• There was an intermission (like Gone with the Wind-have to check and see if the movie was like that in America)
• The popcorn was already in the buckets-no loud popping noises and delicious smells wafting through the air.
• It was a Saturday Night and the theater filled up eventually, but there weren't a ton of people waiting for other movies or long lines for that matter.
• And why do they not shut the bathroom door.  Seriously.  If you know me you know I am not high on the propriety level, but come on people we came to see a different show.

©ColleenFisher

Feeling Blue

It all started the 8th of November.  The day before my 35th birthday.  I am not one who cared much when I turned 30.  Didn't phase me at all, but this year life seemed well, unbearable.

I think that is when the cultural shock really took hold and just about suffocated life out of me.  I would look in the mirror and think, "Man, I look old.  Where did all this blasted gray hair come from?  And the wrinkles with zits.  Come on already.  Make up your mind...teenager or adult. Oh, and next year you should just be a cowgirl because you already have half of your costume, Ole Saddlebags!"

This trip to Belgium has been such a romantic thought.  Who does this kind of thing.  Uproots her whole family, finds her cowgirl whip and cracks it behind her unwilling herd.  Giddyup.  Ok, that was just keeping with the saddlebag image.  It really consisted of 98%  bribery.  "Come on guys.  I will buy you Belgium chocolate EVERYDAY. You can choose a destination in Europe of your choice.  And on and on." (Feel free to add-lib here.  I'm sure it would fit perfectly)

But back to November 8th.  Complete and total meltdown.  I had cried that morning.  Listened once again to the daily (probably justified) whining, which I hear every school day I might add.  "Oh, no.  Not school.  Mom we hate school.  We don't understand what they are saying.  We just sit there all day.  Don't make us go."  Today it really hit.  I dropped them off at there school with hugs and kisses and then drove the 40 minute commute to my French class.

My usual route from Leuven to Overijse is really picturesque.  Through little provincial towns like Eiden, Huldenburg and Neerijse.  Next to century old churches and brick building with amazing character. There was a slight mist in the air and everything seemed dreamlike.  It was truly a gorgeous morning. But one thing.

A constant gnawing feeling.  I couldn't place it.  I arrived at my teacher's house and entered the classroom and then he asked, "Quoi de neuf?"  It means: What's new?  And my reply...crying.  Uncontrollable, body shaking, ugly crying.  My friend Wendy gave me a hug and said, "Power through."  I sat for a total of maybe 5 minutes and then I excused myself.  I drove home blinded by my tears and tucked myself into bed.  I just thought that maybe I was tired.

The next day was my birthday and I tried to rally.  Wendy took me to lunch and we had a good time walking the streets of Leuven.  My family and I went out for dinner and I cried right before I left.  No real reason that I can nail down.

For the next month I would curl myself up into the fetal position and cry at least once a day.  To say I was hormonal is a HUGE understatement.  Call it what you will.  Depression. Case of the blues. Or plain old cultural shock.  Whatever it was, I never want to go back.  The closest I can think of was my post-postpartum depression mixed with the feeling of getting kicked in the gut.  Now that I think about it, maybe it was a lot like those dark days of years ago.  Anyways....

December was here and I had done 0 shopping, 0 decorating, 0 baking and I didn't even care.  I finally bought a po-dunk Christmas tree at the local Carrefoure. (Walmart)  and some ornaments to paint.  We sat around the table that night painting our ornaments and something trivial was said and I was at it again. Crying and bed.  Crying and bed.

I am not sure what brought me out of the black abyss or blues, but right before Shea's birthday of the 14th things started looking a little brighter.  Thank you Shea for being such a sweet girl and Logan for his smile and laugh and Hayden for his ability to talk your ear off.  (He really can.  I wonder where that shy, quite kid who hid behind my legs went.)  And a big thank you shout out to Brent who loves me still through it all.  Silver linings. :)

©ColleenFisher

A Visit from Sinterklass and his helper(s) Zwarte Piet

Zwarte Piet/Pere Foutard

‘Twas the weekend before Sinterklass, when all through our house

Quiet commotions were happening and perhaps even a mouse.

Logan and Hayden were playing Monopoly with care,

Both wondering who’s the ultimate tycoon, and who’s the spare?

Brent was upstairs programming solutions to problems as usual,

Probably wishing those bugs would disappear faster than his struedel!

And Shea doing math and I sitting next to her workin',

Had just decided it was time to get dinner a cookin'.

When from down the street there arose such a clatter,

Shea and I looked at each other and wondered what was the matter.

We heard knocks on our window, laughter and voices,

Singing and cheering and all sorts of happy noises.

The doorbell then rang.  We got up to answer.

Opening the door to five Zwarte Piet dancer-s.

They were talking and smiling and we understood not one bit.

“Ik spreek Engels” and they changed language in a Jiff.

“Sinterklaas is coming, here’s a goody bag for you”

Then I said, “Can I take a picture, maybe two?’

They grabbed onto Hayden and held him in their arms.

Logan and Shea stood in front, engrossed in the swarm.

We grabbed our boots and jacket and ran to meet their St. Nick.

He was sitting in a trailer…fully equipped.

He asked if my children and been good that year.

They answered a resounding “Yes!” and were of good cheer.

He then turned to me and said, “Ma’am, how’ 'bout you?”

I said, “Absolutely Not.”...And he knew it was true.

“That’s alright by me.” He said with a wink and a smile,

And then they were off after only a short while.

A visit with Sinterklass and Zwarte Piet was just what we were needing.

To lift our spirits on this snowy cold winter’s evening!

©ColleenFisher

What's That you say?

Hayden did some painting at school today. When we got home he was walking down the hallway.

"Hayden, what is that on your butt?"  I said.
"Ass paint." Hayden said.
"What did you say?" I asked.
He said, "That's paint."
My old ears are playing tricks on me!

But, both would be correct answers.  (And no, it doesn't come out!)

"Pants a la mode"

©ColleenFisher

Concert de l'Ecole

Yesterday, Logan and Shea participated in a school singing concert.  Shea was totally excited and Logan was well, anxiety ridden.  Most of the songs were sung in French, or course.  They did sing one song in English.  It was Chim-Chim Cher-ee from Mary Poppins.  I think it might have been for our benefit, but who knows.  We don't know French well enough to ask!  There isn't really a hard CH sound in French, so the Chim sounded more like Shim-shimmanee.  When practicing for the concert, they asked Logan and Shea how to correctly pronounce the words.  Great way to get my kids a little more involved.

The concert was held in a really old small town church.  It wasn't like any concert I have ever been too.  The school children would sing a few numbers and then this orchestra made up of young and older children would play a few pieces. The director of this "orchestra/choir" is a part of some major orchestra in Liege.  You can tell these people love what they are doing and wanted to be there.  It is such a big difference from the have too and guilt-ed into involvement I am so used to.

At the end of the concert everyone kept clapping like they were asking for an encore....and one was given.  I am sure this is the norm.  It seemed like everyone knew what to do and we loved it.  So worth the money we spent to watch the performance.  (Shea front row middle; Logan top right back)

©ColleenFisher

Will the REAL Valkenburg...please stand up, please stand up!

The Real Valkenburg

Saturday we decided to go to our first European Christmas market. Different markets make claims on being the oldest, the most "lit up" etc.  The one we chose was in a town called Valkenburg located in Holland.  It's claim to fame was "the largest and oldest Christmas market held underground."  That's right, it is held in a cave.  What isn't cool about that?  So, we plugged the address, or the part of the address we did know (Valkenburg, Holland) into our GPS and off we went. 

The drive was fairly uneventful. It is amazing what a few treats and a Ninetendo DS can do. Ahh, we had finally arrived, but we could see no signs pointing us to where the Christmas market was.  We stopped in at a gas station and asked the attendant.  "No idea, maybe the airfield?"  No, they are held in caves.  "Sorry, don't know."  We drove to the airfield thinking maybe someone there could help...but no.  We pulled into a gardening store and Brent the Brave asked the lady behind the cash register if she knew anything about the Valkenburg Christmas Market.  "Yes."  Yeah!!!!

"But you are in the wrong Valkenburg.  This Valkenburg is to close to the see to have caves.  The Valkenburg you need to go to is in the 'mountains'.  About a 2 hour drive from here."  What?!?!?  That's right the 'REAL' Valkenburg we wanted was only about an hour from our house to the east, not the north.  Nice.

Decision time.  Well, we could just take the 2 hour drive home or take the 2 hour drive to the 'REAL' Valkenburg and hang out, then go home.  So off we drove again to find the 'REAL' Valkenburg.

We arrived after the festive parade and pretty late in the evening.  We found parking, always seems to be an event in itself.  Walked to one of the two Christmas Markets held in caves and asked to go in. We walked up to pay (yes, it costs money to go shop..I think it is weird too) and the lady says, "We close in 15 minutes.  It probably won't be worth it.  I could sell you a child ticket and you could go in for 2 euro cheaper." Ok.  We did drive all that way.  "Oh, sorry.  My register won't allow me to sell you tickets."

So, the kids settled for a sausage dog as a consolation prize.  Never mind that we had eaten at McDonald's, the only place near the road, just an hour earlier.   Side Note- My children are going to look so old when we move back to the states.  They are growing like crazy.

We walked the streets for a little bit and found a souvenir shop that was still open.  We spent our time looking at everything and then came home.  Had to feel like the drive was worth it.

Next day:
Drove to the Christmas Market in the 'REAL' Valekenburg.  It took a little more than one hour.  Spent 12 euro on admission into the cave.  Checked out the vendor's wares.  Went back to the market we visited the night before, ate another sausage dog and came home.''

My review:
The cave was the coolest part about the whole Christmas Market.  It is enormous.  People hid in them during the World Wars.  They reminded me of something straight out of Lord of the Rings.  The Christmas Market itelf- kinda lame.  I was expecting more Christmas ambiance.  It ended up feeling like a swap meet in the wrong place.

I haven't given up hope just yet on all Christmas Markets.  Apparently there is a really amazing one in downtown Brussels.  I better make sure it is the'REAL' Brussels before I go.

©ColleenFisher

Visitors in the Night

It is after 9 p.m.  It's cold and dark outside and then our door bell rings.  Our door bell rarely rings, so I was honestly a little nervous answering it.  I call Brent's' name just in case I need a back-up for the mystery that awaits outside  He tells me, through our awesome video surveillance phone, that it is our next door neighbor.  Ok. No major problem, unless you don't speak any Dutch and she doesn't speak English, and she has a touch of dementia.

I open the door and invite her in. (It's cold outside).  She stands at my doorway and looks around.  She walks down the front entryway and looks in the kitchen and then our living space.  I "ask" her in English and with hand movements if she want to come into the living room.  She walks in and shakes Brent's hand and then starts talking rapidly in Dutch and to help us out she uses gestures.  She is very excited as she is speaking to use.  We here the words doctor and she is holding her chest and then gesturing the hand across the throat..you know...death. I am thinking that something is happening to her husband.

We are not quite sure what to do, so Brent calls our Landlord, her son.  No answer.  I end up taking her next door, hoping that this other neighbor (who I haven't met) knows some English.  (A lot of the Flemish people know at least a little, once again amazing)  I ring his doorbell.  He come to the door, but doesn't open it.  He yells through it in Flemish, of course.  I say, in English, "I am sorry.  I live next door and only speak English, and my other neighbor is very excited and trying to tell me something and I can't understand her."  He talks in Dutch again and then opens the door.

I ask him if he speaks English and he says a little and that he will try to help me.  He talks to my other neighbor and she repeats (I assume) what she told me without the gestures. He then translates for me that she wants me to know that her uncle and some of her extended family are in a bad way.  They are dying.  Phew.

I said, "Ok.  I am sorry to have bothered you.  I thought that maybe something was happening with her husband."  He says, "No, no.  By the way let me introduce myself properly.  I am Jan.  Welcome to the neighborhood.  My wife Betty has some short-term memory loss (and in walks the son-in his 40's?)  this is my son."  I attempt, "Guten Abend".  And he says to me, "You just spoke German,  in Dutch it is Goedenavond".  Oh, sorry.

Then Jan asks me, "Are you here on holiday?"  No. My husband works at research park.  "How long are you staying here?"  We will probably go home next summer.   "Are you learning Nederlander?"  I am currently trying to learn French and a little Dutch, but am doing both terribly.  We talk a little about the kids.  They can hear them.  I don't ask whether that is a bother or not.  I am sorry to have bothered you.  Thank you for your help.

My neighbor and I leave.  I ask her if her husband is home, with pointing, and she says yes but stops at my front door.  She wants to come in again.  Ok.  She comes into the living room again and sits on our couch.  I grab my handy, dandy computer and go to my good old standby...Google translate.  I start typing and she reads the translations and answers my questions.  "Do you want to stay here?"  Yes.  "Would you like to talk to me a little?"  Yes.  "Ok."

Her son calls Brent back and talks with his mom for awhile and then Brent. For the next 10 minutes or so I type questions while she answers them.  I attempt to speak what I am typing and she just looks at me and says.  Hmnnnn, no.  We "talk" about the chickens in the backyard and her beautiful walnut tree, and about our families.  I show her some pictures form facebook.  Her husband then comes and gets her.  He tries to just call her from the door, but she ignores him.  He comes in and then she goes with him.  I type, "Thank you for the visit" (dank u voor het bezoek).

Tonight was interesting.  Kind of sad ,a little crazy but mostly weird.  Sometimes you just have to accept the abnormality of it all, be creative and use the tools you have available.  Then again, maybe I just needed one more thing to make me stand out like sore thumb.

©ColleenFisher

Amster, Amster, dam, dam dam...

Yesterday we took a road trip to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  Amsterdam is a little over 2 hours from our home and so we made our trip into a day trip.

Parking is somewhat of a nightmare in Amsterdam, so the plan was to go to the Olympic Stadium there and park and then rent bicycles.  Upon our arrival the parking lot was completely full and it was raining.  So, we made a plan B.  We drove to Anne Frank's house and were somehow lucky enough to find parking right in front.  We waited in line and then took the self-guided tour.  The more I see and hear about WWII, the more I admire those individuals that chose to hold tightly to hope and optimism.  It astounds me.  So many time I feel like abandoning ship and wonder who would I be if I lived in those times.  I wish I were one of the strong, but I really wonder.  We purchased a book call Tales from the Secret Annex by Anne Frank.  This book consists of the short-stories, poems and thoughts that Anne wrote down.  I lately seem to be having many thoughts about a little word WHY?  On the inside cover she wrote:

"Why?  Ever since I was a little girl and could barely talk, the word "why" has lived and grown along with me.  It's a well-known fact that children ask questions about anything and everything, since almost everything is new to them.  That was especially true of me,and not just as a child.  Even when I was older, I couldn't stop asking questions.  I have to admit that it can be annoying sometimes, but I comfort myself with the thought that "You won't know until you ask, " though by now I've asked so much that they ought to have made me a professor.  When I got older, I noticed that not all questions can be asked and that many whys can never be answered.  As a  result, I tried to work things our for myself by mulling over my own questions.  And I came to the important discovery that questions which you either can't or shouldn't ask in public, or questions which you can't put into words, can easily be solved in your own head.  So the word "why" not only taught me to ask, but also to think.  And thinking has never hurt anyone.  On the contrary, it does us all a world of good."

I love her thoughts.  And only a teenager.

We got lunch and then went to the Van Gogh museum.  We didn't spend as much time as I would like to of here.  Beautiful paintings.  My favorite...the Almond Blossom.  Really breathtaking.  So much beauty from a sad individual.  It was interesting to learn a little more about Van Gogh's life to.  I would love to go to this museum again.

It was time for dinner and we decided to drive outside of the city.  Like I said earlier, the parking is crazy and expensive.  We did a GPS search on places to eat and found the best Chinese food I have ever tasted in my life.  The restaurant was called Chinese Delight and it was.  I have never really enjoyed seafood, but this place has changed my mind.  It was amazing.  I asked Shea what her favorite part of the day was...dinner. I think she might have eaten more than me, and that is a big feat!

©ColleenFisher

Beethoven Who?

Brussels is home to over 80 museums, so we thought we would check out the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).  I thought it was pretty amazing.

First of all the building the museum is in was designed by an architect named Paul Saintenoy in the art nouveau style.  No, I don't know much about architecture or this architect, but I am totally digging his style.  Dark wood and trim and door with marble tiling.  Very cool.

On to the museum.  You are giving headphone to wear and when you are standing in front of and facing the exhibit the music from that particular instrument plays.  There were instruments from India, Africa, China and of course Europe dating pretty far back.  (OK.  You got me. I can't remember the oldest musical instrument there.)

My children were definitely feeling the beat.  Hayden and Shea were shaking there little tushies all over the place.  No I didn't stop them,  I joined their ranks.  In fact there were other people dancing there as well.

I only took two pictures here.  After taking them, my friend informed me that they weren't allowed.  Whoops, but I wish I would have known that a little later.  Upstairs in the piano/harpsicord/guitar area was a piano that belonged to Beethoven.  That's right THE Beethoven.  Kind of amazing. I brought the kids over to the piano and told them, "This piano belonged to Beethoven."  Shea said, "The dog?" (a movie naturally) and Logan said, "No. don't you know who Beethoven is?...he painted the Mona Lisa."  Then proceeded to laugh hysterically. "Just kidding Mom, I know who he is."

Today we are going to talk about Beethoven.

©ColleenFisher

Technopolis

Shea lost her head

Hayden using his head

On Wednesday, the kids and I joined some friends at Technopolis in Mechelen.  Technopolis is filled 100's of  hands-on experiments.  This place is amazing.  The building is so full of fun, that it spills out onto the front sidewalk.

When pulling into the parking lot you see a huge lever system with a car on one side.  The kids all pulled on the ropes hanging from the opposite side and hoisted that car like it was nothing.  They were instantly on cloud nine.

Inside Logan rode a bike 1/2 way across the lower floor on a tight-rope.  Shea lost her head on the optical-illusion table and Hayden pounded his against a drum to test sound waves.  (He originally used his fist but got tired and started using his head.  They had a chess set outside and Logan challenged some French speaking kids.  Both games the other boys quit before they lost.  Logan was a little disappointed they wouldn't let him finish.  Oh, well. We all took turns laying on a bed of nails and played with bubbles and water.  Logan and I played a "mind game". The game consists of a small ball that is pushed/pulled away from the person with the least amount of anxiety/stress/heartbeat.  Surprisingly, I won.

Logan the Acrobat

The place I learned the most, was also the most simply built.  It was a hallway with alternating light and dark carpet tiles.  You are given the instructions to cross to the other side of the hallway only on the light grey tiles.

Carpet with a meaning

On the other side you read.  "Did you only walk on the light grey tiles?  You really are a good girl or boy, aren't you? In some situations it's good to follow orders, but it's best if you maintain a healthy critical spirit.  Here at Technopolis also, when you're doing an experiment, critical thinking about why you're doing the various things you're asked to do is always better than the slavish following of orders."Sometimes, I honestly wish my kids would just do what I told them to do.  They are always asking why and do have strong wills.  I need to remember that that isn't such a bad trait.  Asking WHY is a valid question and so simple to do.  WHY don't I ask Why more?  WHY don't you?

©ColleenFisher

Koln, Germany

Kolner Dom

This past weekend was a 3-day weekend for Brent, so we packed up the car and headed to Koln (Cologne) Germany. Koln is only 2 1/2 hours away and we actually made it in about that much time.  I am not sure how, but I think I might have witnessed a miracle. (If wondering why, read about our trip to Paris)

Upon arrival we had pent-up energy from sitting for SO long that we decided to climb to the top of the Kolner Dom.  The children climbed with our friend Ron at record speed I am sure.  Brent stayed behind with the straggler, me. Not the best day to choose style over comfort.  Boots with heels are not the best way to climb a small and winding staircase. There was only one way up and down, so part of the time I was barely stepping on any stone as the crowd of people were trying to get past each other..  A little scary.

Forest Art

After this amazing feet we were starving.  (We hadn't eaten for like 3 hours.)  We headed to the massive train station to find a place to eat.  We divided and conquered the quest for lunch.  The adults bringing sushi/Chinese food in to the Pizza Hut for the kids.  After lunch we walked around a chocolate/candy and bought the kids a bag.  (Everything seems to go so much smoother when food and candy are involved.)

We then watched street performers and toured inside the cathedral.  We were a little tired of walking around so we decided to take a little train tour of Koln. Honestly it was kinda hmm, but it was nice to sit, chat and eat candy.  The kids loved it.

Rheinfels Castle

The next day we went to Rheinfels Castle near the town of St. Goar on the Rhine River.  This castle, built in 1245, is now in ruins.  It is amazing to see the size of this place, even in such a state.  There is a maze of tunnels underneath the ruins that you can go into still today.  It is so small that most adults would have to crawl through them.  Shea was the bravest and went with Brent first.  The boys followed later.  The boys went through twice and Shea 4 times.  Colleen 0.  I hate small spaces, especially in the dark.  The Rhine River was so beautiful dressed in its' full Autumn attire.  On the way home we looked down a forest road and had to turn around.  Carved out of trees were the coolest wooded statues.  Someone has amazing talent hidden in the forest.  My guess...forest gnomes.

The large prison cell (30 people)

Monday was All-Saints' Day and no school.  We were still in Koln and decided to go to the "El De" house.  It was used as a Gestapo Prison during WWII.  In the basement were cells built to hold 1 or two person, but really held 8-10 sometimes more.  On the walls were engraving written by the prisoners themselves in many different languages.  Russian, Czech, French, Dutch, German, Romanian and on.  Many saying they didn't know why they were there and about the torture they could hear coming from the other rooms. Heart wrenching stories. These stories could change a persons' life if we pondered them for any amount of time and....if we let them.


©ColleenFisher

Halloween

Hayden and his friend the Werewolf

Shea getting some fairy advice

Halloween isn't a big holiday here in Belgium.  Only a few homes have festive decorations and when entering the grocery store you might be lucky to find 1/2 of a shelf on half of a aisle tucked in the back with anything Halloween.  The only trick-or-treating I heard of was organized by an American expat living in Belgium.  I voted against the OD of candy and in favor of taking a "walk in the woods" with some friends at the city of Ottignes' "celebration".  It was a mash-up of Halloween meets a "Mid-Summer's Night" -only in October.  Different, but really fun.

Do blonds really have more fun?

Oh, but I'm a GOOD witch.

Upon arrival we followed the masses, many of whom where dressed up, into a tent with music by a live band and an offering of free pumpkin soup for the children.  They wouldn't eat it, so I indulged.  (A little spicy, but not bad.)  Onto the trail of lights winding through the park.  The next couple of hours were spent wondering the path of lights and stopping in on little gypsy looking wagons.  There were children crafts, pumpkin carving, zombies dancing, story telling, fairy/elves dancing around a bonfire, a puppet show, pumpkin carving, flashing lights in the woods, and a mid-evil wooden dragon puppet that blew fire.
We went back to the tent and bought our children a hot dog and soda. A little healthier than candy, but probably not much. It was a very cool enchanted Halloween.

©ColleenFisher

Musee Du Jouet (Toy Museum)

Today's adventure led the Fisher Family to the Musee du Jouet (Toy Museum) in Brussells. We thought to ourselves, "What could be cooler than a museum that actually lets you play with the toys? We are so there!" So off we went.

We got there a little early and had time to talk a short walk to the Botanical Gardens. It was a crisp autumn day, but in the sunshine it was quite lovely. We strolled around for about a half hour. In that time we met a man named Ben from England, who has lived all over the world, and made the decision to move to Brussels on a whim. (The last part sounds a bit familiar, and all that information was given in less than 5 minutes. I think if the Minute Menu Plan doesn't work out, I think I might have a career in the private investigator field.) (Picture-Me trying to show the kids how much fun this museum can be. I realize I am riding a "rocking motorcycle"...The real "rocking horse" was missing the handles.)

Back to the museum. It is run by a very nice elderly man, who let me attempt to speak to him in French and spoke V E R Y S L O W L Y back to me. I loved it. What I did not really care for was the museum. I was a little disappointed with the lack of toys my children and myself, could play with. Most were in glass cases, and kinda reminded me of hmmm.......an attempt at a collection of antiques, but to the untrained eye (mine) the leftover garage sale toys that manage to make it to the shelves of D.I.

We were checking out a electric train and Shea turned around and said, "If you are going to ask me what I think about this place, it's kind of weird but mostly dumb. All these toys and you can't even play with most of them."

I concur. Oh well, can't win 'em all.


(My children in their constant state of excitement. I have stopped trying to have a "great" family picture that shows everyone with beautiful smiles. It's just not possible. Plus, these make me laugh WAY more.)

©ColleenFisher

Playing with Food

Sometimes you just have to PLAY with your food.

It's WAY more Fun,

AND less filling!!

©ColleenFisher

Vossem Light Parade

Last night, with some old and new friends, we went to our first ever night parade. The city of Vossem Belgium was hosting the festivities and it was definitely a first. We had such a great time.

We had dinner at our new friends home and then made the short walk to the city center. There aren't many street lights in these small cities, but people had their homes decorated with christmas type light, candles in jars and luminaries. We found a perfect spot on the street and waited for the parade to begin.

This parade was similar to other parades that I have been to in some respects, but cooler. There were people dressed up in "traditional" Belgium costumes on differing heights of stilts all painted to look like the Belgium flag. There were others dressed up like witches with their broomsticks aglow running around the street and straight toward us. (Hayden saw one coming and let's just say the kid has good reflexes-he was outta there fast) There were the "friendly giants" of great Tervuran-2x's as tall as most men-maybe even Uncle John! And my personal favorite-A funky looking bicycle pedaled float with monks dressed up sitting around a bar-handing out beer to the parade-goers. Forget candy for the children. (They did have cool glow stick though.)

Fun night.


©ColleenFisher

Not If, But When...It's When

In my post, Pete and Repeat went to the Hospital, I mentioned that because my children were so active it wasn't a matter of IF we went back, but WHEN. Well, the when happened less than a week after Shea got her cast removed......

Shea flashing the "Peace sign/2nd time sign".

I was in the lovely town of Tervuren, with my friend Wendy when I got a phone call from Brent telling me that Shea got hurt again at school and I needed to go get her. Seriously!!! "Now, don't freak out." Brent says, "She hurt her hand, and we need to take her to the hospital, but she's ok." Off to school I go, again.

This time I needed to take Logan and Hayden out of their classes too. We only have one car and I knew I wouldn't make it out of the hospital before the school day ended. The best part? I was able to tell the Director I needed to take Logan and Hayden out in French. (Well, enough that he could understand me at least.)

What happened you might ask? There is a gate connecting the "playing field" to the "school yard" area. There were two boys (5th year) on one side of the fence pushing one way and two girls (3rd or 4th year) pushing on the other side. A sort of a game let's say. You might be able to see where I am going with this. Shea came along and knew that she, with her superwoman strength, could help these girls beat those puny boys, plus she wanted to go to the school yard side. (Never mind that she could of just walked around the building the other way.)

She starts pushing one way on the girl side and manages to move the gate inches, in their favor. To keep her stronghold she puts her hand in between the gate and the building to keep hold of the girl's small, but well-earned gain. The boys get a sudden burst of energy and SMASH. Yep. I thought for sure her hand was broken. Off to the emergency room, again.

After our visit to the E.R., radiologist and back to the E.R. We are assured that her hand in NOT broken, but that all the tissue underneath her skin is bruised badly, probably worse than a break. No cast, but and interesting hand wrap with a metal support taped to her fingers.

Thankfully it is not the same doctor who said on our last visit when the cast was removed, "I hope to not see you again." We don't see him...until the next week. When we enter, he shakes his head and he automatically knows he needs speak English to us. I felt a little like Norm on the TV show Cheers. "The crazy Americans are back." Yep, they've got us pegged.


©ColleenFisher

Deutchland Oktoberfest- Family Style

I love Autumn. It is my FAVORITE time of year. I love the smell of good-things baking, the feel of the crisp air, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet and the ABUNDANCE of color. Autumn is my Spring.

This past weekend, we enjoyed this time of year in one of the most famous/infamous places known for it's "Fall Festival". Germany. We went to visit our friend Ron Hubscher in Stuttgart. We left right after school on Friday and drove east, through the beautiful Ardenne Mountain range and onto the autobahn. After a long scenic drive and an interesting wrong turn (given to us by our moody GPS guide that we have named B, short for Beatrice when she is helpful and good, short for something else when she is not) we arrive at our destination.

Ron is gracious enough to let us stay at his place. We not only stay, we take over. He gives us his bed and he sleeps on the couch. Nice guy, right. I think so.

Saturday morning we are on the train headed for the Volksfest. Yippee! It's around 10 a.m. and people are piling into the trains dressed in their finest lederhosen and dirndls, bottles of beer in hand. (Never wanted a drinkl so bad-some were really cute) Some drunk college age kid started talking to Hayden in Germany and Hayden runs over to me. I say we only speak English and his friend translates that his "tipsy" friend was trying to have a joke with Hayden about him being and old man. Obviously the joke didn't quite work out as well as he had hoped...lost in translation I guess.

The festival was alot like an enormous carnival. It reminded us of Lagoon in Utah. They even had a roller coaster that was exactly like the Colossus. Only Hayden and I braved the roller-coaster. Shea, Logan and Hayden enjoyed riding the "musical express" three times and doing the bumper cars. (Holy crap. I have never seen bumper cars move that fast before. Hello whip-lash!) The festival/amusement park even had a log ride set up. A fun time was had by all. I think my children's favorite part was the cotton candy. I was taking a picture of Shea when right on cue an obliging German jumped in. This picture makes me laugh every time I see it.

We enjoyed eating carnival food and taking in the spectacle. We ducked into one of the restaurants for lunch. Traditional 1/2 chicken, potatoes and apple soda. I was a little disappointed in the pretzel. I was hoping for large, warm, deliciousness. Got the opposite. Next time warm delicious pretzel, you will be mine.

We did peak in some of the "tents". Really they were Ginormous building chuck full of people. Lots of laughter, music and dancing. On the day we were there we only saw 4 ambulances. The Germans sure know how to have a party.

The next day we went to the gardens at the palace in Ludwigsburg. This palace has AMAZING gardens. They have this whole "children's" section set up with famous fairytale story rides and houses. We took a boat ride featuring the story of Pinocchio, saw the Frog Prince, Little Red and the Enormous wolf, and looked through the magic mirror. Shea was of course, the fairest in the land. Hmm. Does that make me the wicked step-mother? (Just depends on the day..ask my children. Rarrr!)

We picked the best day to go. They just happen to be having a fall festival. Gourds of every shape, color and size were there. Through out the grounds there were "statues" made up of gourds. We ate our picnic lunch in the sunshine and enjoyed a wonderful day.

I'm telling you, Autumn should be called Awesome. Just saying.

©ColleenFisher

Bon Anniversaire Hayden à Paris

When planning our move to Belgium, we promised the children that they could chose a place to visit in Europe for their birthday.  Hayden's birthday is September 22, and the first one we get/got to celebrate in Belgium. This past weekend we made good on our promise. 

Hayden's birthday wish: To Eat Something on the Eiffel Tower.

Hayden's first view(candid)

We left for the 4 1/2 hour drive to Paris after school on Friday.  We arrived at our hotel in Paris about 6 hours later.  (Note to self-no more drinks for children on road trips).  We booked two rooms.  The maximum occupancy per room was 2 children.  Our friend Ron was meeting us for this weekend getaway, so he GOT to share a room with Logan or Logan with him....whichever. The rooms were as small as my childrens' bedrooms back in Highland, crammed with a "queen-sized" bed and a twin bed with a trundle.  Good thing we came to NOT stay in our hotel room the entire time.  We basically had snacks for dinner and crashed.

Saturday morning, 8 a.m..  Rise and shine!  Let's get going.  We got breakfast at a neighborhood market and  headed underground to figure out the metro system.  After some help from our friendly ticket lady, (she actually really was nice) we took the train to the city center.  First stop-la toilette.  (No more water-ever!)

Our favorite statue at the Louvre

For the next few hours we walked around town, in and out of shops, just enjoying the atmosphere.  We found a game shop and Logan was invited to play a game called War Hammer.  I don't know much about the game, but Logan won in a few minutes.  We got a bite to eat at a take-away sandwich shop and walked toward Notre Dame.  We arrived just in time for the bells.  No sign of Quasimodo. 

After Notre Dame, we walked to the Louvre.  The children were kind of tired of walking by now, so we just sat around the fountains outside and relaxed in the nice sunny weather.  After our break, we went inside to check out the inverted pyramid.  We walked around the shops, but no one really seemed to want to go in and enjoy the real art but me, so we headed to the Itunes store- just outside the museum.  We played on the new ipod nano and the iphone and then headed to the 'Latin Quarter' for dinner.  We ate at some Greek restaurant and then took the train to the Eiffel tower.

We told Hayden we would go see the Eiffel tower at night and again the next day for breakfast.  We got out of the train and looked at souvenir shops on stroll to the tower.  I was holding Hayden's hand and noticed the tower through the trees.  I said, "Hayden-look."  His face was priceless-even with gum in his mouth. When we were under the tower, he said it was smaller than he thought, but maybe he didn't want to go up in it for breakfast.  Brent and I said we would come back and just eat by the tower and then decide later if we wanted to go up it.

Moi et Mon Amore

The next morning we boarded the train and set off again to our "principale destination".  We embarked the train on the other side of the Seine.  This time at stop: Trocadero.  This is THE place to view the Eiffel tower and enjoy a breakfast of warm crepes with Nutella and banana.  What a view! and YUMMM!  (Hayden and I had the crepes, Brent-waffles, Logan and Shea-a hot dog with a coke. ???)
  
After a relaxing breakfast with a view, we decided (with some bribery) that we would climb the Eiffel tower.  We climbed to the 2nd floor and enjoyed the views of Paris.  On the way up and down around the half-way mark Shea and Hayden break into song......Whoa, we're half-way there, Whoa-o living on a prayer.  Bon Jovi would be proud.  You could hear the other "hikers" laughing.  All I can say is Thank you Rock Band.  After our time at the tower, we wandered the streets of Paris some more, passing by the the Military School and stopping in at a cafe for lunch.


Time to go.  Paris for the weekend was a whirlwind trip time wise, but once we slowed down a bit, it became enjoyable.  Sometimes I think I need to squeeze so many things into my day, a trip, a life that I forget to slow down and just APPRECIATE.  A life lesson I need to apply.

Saying good-bye to Ron

When Hayden first told me what he wanted to do for his birthday, I thought it was kind of funny...Eat something at the Eiffel Tower?  That little wish ended up being my favorite part of the whole trip- breakfast with my family on the steps of the Trocadero, while basking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

Bon Anniversiare Hayden!(and Ron)
Paris etait Merveilleux!
                   
(Happy Birthday Hayden.  Paris was Marvelous!)


©ColleenFisher