Our First Guests

Our First Guests!

My mother Susie, and my step-father Larry had the honor of being our very first guests.  Words cannot describe the emotions of having family here.  I had managed to divide up our life into two parts.  The BB (Before Belgium) and the DB (During Belgium.)  The BB time period was filled with our family in our daily life, entering and exiting without even noticing.  The DB time is less busy (some days) and no family.  Our contact is limited by time differences and schedules.  We are a part of their lives and they are a part of ours, but on a distant level.  We had changed so much, what if we weren't what our family was used to?   The moment I saw my mother, tears filled my eyes.  Even though we were no longer close in distance, bonds of family are never truly broken.  It felt so good to get one of those "I love you, have missed you, and I am here" motherly hugs that only moms can give. I didn't want to let go.  They came bearing American gifts inside their many suitcases.  I could NOT wait to see what all our family had sent.  It's just like getting gifts at Christmas, only better.  

Antwerp

We had many plans for their time here.  Mom and Larry had never been to Europe.  They began their time here with a dinner with our landlord.  He is a Lion's club member here, as is Larry.  It was a wonderful opportunity for Larry to visit another Lion's club in a foreign country.  Gifts were exchanged, a delicious dinner was shared, laughter and stories were had by all.  

Ryan then took on the task of filling the rest of their time here by taking them to beautiful Belgian cities, a french castle, Amsterdam, and a trip to Paris.  Larry did not miss one patisserie.  He even used the girls as excuses to stop and try another shop.  While we were in Paris, we had our first experience at Christmas Markets.  These are so much fun!  Food, wine, beer, gifts...where do we begin?  We decided it would be in our best interest to eat and drink and shop as much as possible at the Paris Christmas Market.  We all had a great deal of fun and loved getting to experience Europe with them.

The time came to say goodbye.  This was so very hard to do.  It felt like they just got here.  We fell into our old ways of moving about each other's lives, playing games with the kids, and sharing stories as we used to do.  For a brief time, BB time period mixed with our DB time.  Even though it was hard, I learned I had grown so much from when we first left.  I knew I would miss them, but I also knew we had a new way of being in each others' lives. We made it work before they came and we would continue to make it work when they left.  At least now when they video chat with us, they can tell where we are located in the house. We can't wait for them to come again.

Mechelen

Amsterdam & Brugge