Wednesday, January 1, 2014

November Visitors: Part 2

 
Ghent
 
While Mike was at work and the boys were at school, we ventured off to Ghent and saw some canals, visited a Belgian tapestry store, explored a castle, and had an all-around good time.
 
 
 
 
Pretty Ghent!
 

 
What a dramatic sky!  On our day there, it rained some and the sun peeked out some.  (Not too surprising!)

 
 
The stunning Castle of the Counts
 

 
 
Beautiful stone architecture
 

 
 
This castle, at different times, was a Governor's home, a cloth & textile factory, and a prison. 
 

 
 
View from the top of castle
 
 
 
C&A's Birthday
 
 
While Grandma & Pop were visiting, Colin & Aidan celebrated their 9th birthday.  Where does the time go?!?  They are growing up into sweet boys, and we love them more than anything!
 

 
 
Opening one present before school!
 


 
 
Opening presents from the aunts & uncles...Thank you!
 

 
 
Party time with pizza and bowling! (The birthday boys' choice, of course)
 

 
 
Cake x2
 

 
 Our happy family
 
 
Lille, France
 
 
On the Eve of Thanksgiving, we drove less than an hour to Lille, France.  Once there, we explored the city streets, admired work in the Palais des Beaux-Art museum of Lille, and walked through a Christmas market.  

 
 
Great sculpture space
 

 
 
Joan of Arc
 

 
 
 
 
An artist doing a copy of the one on the wall
 

 
 
Beautiful Lille!
 




 
Walking through the Christmas stalls
 
 
(To be Continued...)
 

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