Special Trip

We had a break from school today, so our family went on a very special trip. We hopped in a car (the first time we had been in one in several weeks!) and headed out! We finally saw some snow!

The country was beautiful! We were almost to our destination... Krinkelt, Belgium. Before we came to Belgium we learned that Papa had been in Belgium before... in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. We knew we had to go visit.

Krinkelt is a very small town, and as we drove in, we found exactly what we were looking for. Across the street in this picture, there is a monument for Papa's Infantry Division. It is hard to tell in this picture, but there are two big stone memorials and three flags.

Here we are a little closer to the monument. This one says that it is dedicated to the "Battle Babies" of Papa's division because they were so young when they were there. Papa was 21. 

And because I know there are those interested in what it says, "This monument stands in honor of members of the 99th Infantry Division and attached units who gallantly served, and those who died for freedom and in the name of liberty during World War II in Europe. It is a memorial commemorating their service to mankind."

This was the other piece of the memorial beside the American Flag.

The back of it read, "May God help you to understand what the fighting here and in the area was like, for there was such a difference between those who suffered and those who observed the suffering from afar."

It was sobering to think of Papa being there so many years ago.

There was a house that was important in their holding the town. We think this is a picture of it (the signs were only in Dutch, German, and French, so we couldn't read any of them!).

And the sign was near this house, which has parts that look very similar to the picture. We couldn't find anyone to help explain it to us, so we'll have to do some more research!

This was the pretty church right across the street from the monument. We got to hear the bells ring at noon! It was pretty, but it was also loud!

It was a pretty amazing day, especially for Mommy and Daddy, as they thought back on the sacrifices made by so many, including Papa, who we all love so much!

Playing at the Park

*This was actually yesterday's post, but it didn't post for some reason! Sorry you were without something new to read yesterday! :)

There's a park that is not too far from our home for the month, and we needed some time outside today, so off we went! (As a side note, while it is chilly here, the weather is nothing like all of the snow pictures we are seeing from home!)

Riley Cates climbing (her favorite activity).

Go, Riley Cates! You can do it!

Finally made it, and now it is time to slide down!

I think I will try it too!

Ooh, look at this bridge. It's a little wobbly. Someone should look into that.

But if you focus real hard...

You can get across!

My favorite part of the park is right behind these leaves. Come check it out!

There's a fort inside!

Riley Cates fell and hurt her hand on the bamboo. Poor Sissy!

So back out we went, and I headed to the sail boat.

Riley Cates wanted some more sliding!

She and Jonah raced to get there!

I climbed up and then tried going down the pole. It's a little scary at first, but you get used to it!

"I'm the king of the world!" (Aunt Abby taught me that!)

On our way home we watched the airplanes getting ready to land at the airport. They looked so close I thought we could touch them! You'd think we would get tired of planes and trains since we see them all of the time right now, but you'd be wrong. They are so awesome!

Off to the Market

We needed to get some diapers today, so we headed to the market. Sissy and I love holding hands on the walk there! (Usually there is someone pushing us though...)

Finally there!

Check it out. This is pretty much the whole store. Much smaller than what we are used to at home! 

Riley Cates got a little restless in line, so she and Mommy waited outside for us. If you look closely, you can see me and Daddy in the check out line!

You either have to bring your own bags or pay for grocery bags. We forgot ours today, and since we were only getting diapers, we just held them. Riley Cates was much more enthusiastic about this task than I was!

Since Mrs. Charlotte asked about the cars I saw here, I thought I would show you my favorites from our walk today. This is a Pugeot. I love the lion on the front! Plus Pugeot is fun to say. Try it.

This is a Volkswagen. I like it because it makes me think abut our old car!

And this one is a BMW. Most of the cars here are much smaller than the ones at home, but they have some of the same names! Cars are fun to look at!

My New Favorite Fruit

What? That's not how you eat a pear? 

(Yes, I did eat all but the stem. These are delicious! I didn't want to miss a thing!)

Bowls

So bowls are a weird thing to blog about. I mean, they're fun and all, right? What's not to love about a bowl of cereal or soup?

But these are not your ordinary bowls... After you eat your cereal, you can drink out of the straw on the side! Hooray for no messes! (That part was obviously from Mommy)

Thanks, Grannie Pammie, for the fun treats! :)

Fancy Dress

I know all of these posts have been all about me this weekend, but it is my birthday, so that's ok, right? 

You have to check out my adorable dress and hat from today! Not only is it super cute, but it is very special. Someone made this for my Aunt Beth when she was a little girl, and she passed it on to me! 

Let's go so I can show off my cuteness to everyone on the train!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Today is a very special day! It is my birthday! Hooray for being 2!

Here is what I looked like 2 years ago...

And then last year...

And yesterday!

We started this morning out at a YUMMY restaurant! (We really do actually do things besides eat here, but I am 2, and food is one of my favorite things!)

Is this whole thing for me?

Jackson sure did enjoy celebrating my birthday with me!

These waffles are as good as they look!

Wait, do I have something on my mouth? That girl over there sure is cute!

Daddy, could you wipe my hand?

And again?

Yep, again!

These things sure are messy!

Awwww! Tender brother/sister moment!

I love birthdays! When do I get to have another one?!

After breakfast we met up with our friends,

And we saw a giant Smurf. They love those guys here!

And then we saw this really pretty place with gold over all the buildings and stopped for a family photo.

This building is where some guy named Victor Hugo lived. I was not impressed, but my parents seemed to be, so I thought I would show you.

I was, however, impressed by this guy. He is dressed up for today, and he is a very famous statue here. Yes, he is going to the potty!

But I was more impressed walking down the street and seeing these... (No, we didn't eat more!)

Oh, but we did eat lunch. All of this walking around town really makes you hungry! 

We ate some pizza

And drank some Fanta. 

Delicious!

Cheers!

The sign of a good birthday...

I was worn out from a fun-filled day! This was a great start to being 2!