Beautiful Sunshine in Beautiful Bruges

Well, I had hoped to do a better job of keeping current updates on our time with Andy and Elisa.  However, our time was so full of traveling, exploring, daily routine with three kids, conversation and laughter that it left little time for computers or blogging.  Now as I attempt to get back into our normal routine, I will do my best to catch up quickly.

After an amazing day in Paris last Saturday, we went to the Sunday morning service at the church we attend in Brussels.  Andy and Elisa were interested in joining the service as our congregation is very diverse and it is truly a unique experience.

As soon as church was over, we hopped in the car and headed to Bruges.  It is the beautiful, canal-filled village about an hour north of Brussels.  After two days of clouds and cold, we were welcomed with blue skies and mild temps. 

Not long after our arrival, we joined a guided boat ride through the canals.  Our guide left a little to be desired, but the scenery could not be beat!

On this boat ride, we encountered something in Bruges we had never previously seen.  There were dozens of people in kayaks and also some people who looked like they were standing up and paddling on a surf board.  There were more than a few times that the tour guide got a little too close to people in the kayaks.  I think he had a bit of the grumpy-old-man attitude, but thankfully I don't think anyone was injured! 

Such a beautiful day after months of grey clouds and gloomy weather! 

After the canals, we toured the city a bit and enjoyed a little window shopping.

We even stopped by the cathedral to catch a glimpse of the Michelango's sculpture, "Madonna and Child".

After several hours of exploring, we stopped for some family photos. 

Such a great family picture Andy captured...however, the photo below is a more accurate display of the other 15 he had to take to finally get the one above!

And our cute little trooper, Drew, who managed to stay in good spirits after a very full weekend and running on much less sleep than usual. 

Without a doubt, you know you are in Belgium, the country that is home to at least 125 breweries which brew over 800 standard varieties of beer, when you walk through the Sunday afternoon market and come across realistically colored beer candles - each in their appropriate glasses!
 
Our afternoon in Bruges was the perfect finish to the weekend. We were excited to share one of Belgium's most treasured sites, and even finished the day with authentic Belgian frites!