Yes, we had our first visitors from the States and the kids were thrilled! Of course, they're always happy to see their grandparents, but seeing them after so long... it was just something very special. We all had a wonderful time during Grandma and Poppa Roosien's visit. We tried to pace ourselves with some busy days and some more relaxed days around the house so they could "endure" our everyday craziness and also enjoy some of the sights of Europe while here. Amongst those were a day trip to the Netherlands where we visited some of the "homelands" of family. We also went downtown to the Grand Platz to see the architecture and have a gooey waffle : ). Then we had a great vacation down to Southern Germany and Austria to see some castles there. The kids did fairly well for the most part, but they were definately ready to come home.
We're now getting back into the swing of things as Mikayla's spring break has come to an end. You're reminded of another "difference" with that too when people talk about their holidays to Southern France, Florence for a week, or a cruise in Spain rather than going to Florida or Alabama!

Abbey of Villers-la-Ville

These pictures were taken last Saturday. The Abbey was recommended as a "local" sight to see in my "Hints for Living in Belgium" class. So, we took a short drive through Waterloo and found the Abbey down a winding backroad. It's easy to see why it was recommended and that people have pictures for weddings and family photos taken there! The weather was wonderful (warmer than the kids attire makes it appear) and the ruins were absolutely beautiful. I'm anxious to go back when the trees have filled in and the grounds have more color! Apparently it's amazing in Autumn too when the ivy and leaves all change color. Guess we'll be making multiple trips back! Keegan enjoyed exploring the "rooms". Unfortunately Mikayla wasn't feeling well and didn't really appreciate all the walking. We were able to manuever the stroller through most of it, so Cayden could check out most of it too. Here's a link for more information and pictures of the Abbey - http://www.eupedia.com/belgium/villers-la-ville.shtml.

We're waiting for what?

Hello All. Well, we enjoyed a day at the Antwerp Zoo on Saturday and I was hoping to share some of that experience, but I guess that will have to wait. This morning I was reminded what a blessing it is to have Chris bring Mikayla to school. He had an early meeting this morning so the rest of us were headed to ISB.
Ok, so after waking up early with Cayden and having him snuggle back in bed with me, we actually got out of bed late. Good start. Mikayla woke up on her own, so I got her dressed before getting myself ready. At least she looked cute, the rest of us were presentable "enough" to get out the door before 8 and hope to get her to school on time (8:40 - no traffic, 10 minute drive). So we got out and into traffic going and stopping along the way. We made it to the "rocking shape" as the kids call it - a piece of art in the middle of a roundabout in a straight street (poorly pictured above). From there, Keegan knows it's only "two lights and then we're at Mikayla's school". Check the clock, 8:30, still doing ok. Wait through the lights and merging traffic from what I thought was a bicycle only lane and finally turn in to the entrance... what is the back-up about? Finally get up to the parking lot and am directed to the exit lane, even though I still have Mikayla in the car. Directed then to do a U-turn. Nice. Finally in the parking lot... no spots, drive around 10 minutes and then park.. only blocking in a few people - we'll be quick! Drop Mikayla off and find out the parking lot for the high school students is closed, causing the back-up and especially bad parking situation this morning. Nice. Ok, say good-bye to Mikayla, head back to the car. Heading home, back-up at the "rocking shape" turnabout... what now? We're all waiting for a lady to cross with her herd of Shetland ponies! Seriously!?!?! She had four fuzzy ponies on leashes like dogs and was pulling them across the two lanes of traffic fighting the "pony pace" she was obviously dealing with. HA! Now we're back home and I have my second cup of coffee sitting here with me at the computer. The boys are actually occupying themselves quietly at the moment (in the same room)... I think we'll turn on a movie so I can take a shower and try to start my day again : ). I have about an hour before leaving to get her again and hopefully stop for a picture of the "rocking shape" along the way. So what if I hold up a little traffic doing it! Hope you all have a GREAT day!

We have arrived!

Hello All! Well, it's been a long time since updating this blog. Most of you reading this already know that things have changed considerably in our lives since Keegan's first birthday! Birthdays have come and gone again. Holidays too. We've had some fun family vacations. Our family was blessed with the arrival of our beautiful baby boy, Cayden David, back in June. And now we're living in Belgium! Yes, that's right, we're on a temporary "expatriot" assignment for Chris's work and we're now starting an adventure of a lifetime! The kids did great on the flights over and that was a real blessing. Chris has been sick, but he's finally starting to feel better. Mikayla's starting school tomorrow at the International School of Brussels (ISB). She's thrilled to go meet new friends. Keegan's enjoying using his little chair and stepstools to get into absolutely everything around the house (cupboards, sinks, and thermostats to name a few). And Cayden's just watching everything his siblings do wishing he could scoot faster to keep up! Oh, and I'm just trying to get some sleep here - still on Michigan time!
Pictures to come soon, but the house is still pretty empty since our shipments haven't come in yet and I haven't been out shopping! And we haven't been out any where exciting yet - the grocery store really wasn't photo worthy : ).
Stay tuned!