The Reeds Arrive

Apparently flying to Europe with kids ages 7 and almost 4 is harder than it looks!  After the two hour drive to Veldhoven, the kids got to check out the 'Christmas gifts' that Jeff and I have collected from our travels so far.  Then, a good night's sleep and we were off again to Brugges, Belgium.

Brugges marks the beginning of Scott's quest for the best mussels in Europe and Chase and Carly's sampling of all the frites with mayo (frites sauce) in every possible restaurant.  No one was disappointed!   



A big fan of the Spanish National Team



You'll see that I have tried to take plenty of pictures of the kids.  Interestingly, I had no idea that Chase had taken lessons from Beau on posing for the camera.  Nor did I fully appreciate Carly's showmanship.  Her best shots are the ones she is least expecting... 

   

We managed to escape the rain in a restaurant or two along the way.  Turns out the awnings provide shelter from both sun and rain.  We were all still jet lagged (although I am not sure what my excuse was), so after two beverages were accidentally bumped or karate chopped by some one's foot off the (outdoor) table, we shortly decided to call it a night and wait for Jeff's arrival.

The next day the sun was out and we walked the entire city. We got to see some windmills.  The Dutch word for mills is mullen.  This particular one allowed you to climb inside for a view.  Chase was the first one up, followed as always, by Carly.  Then, the adults played rock, paper, scissors to see who would have to go insure their safety on the way down.



Those are some cool dudes.



We really enjoyed our walk around the city, fueled by chocolate along the way.  A beautiful canal circles the city and used to be the moat separating Brugges from the dangers of the wilderness beyond.  Today there is a great path and lots of people on bikes enjoying themselves.


Carly would soon learn to ride a two-wheeler!



None of the famous Brugges buildings in this shot, but someone should surly paint this scene



Carly is ready for the next leg of this adventure!