Holland

 We had so much fun playing with our cousins in Rotterdam, although it was slightly FREEZING outside!

While mommy and daddy were away we played! and made ginger bread houses! and stayed in our jammies ALL day long!

We went to Amsterdam one afternoon to visit the Anne Frank house that is now a very nice museum.

No pics allowed inside, so this is Stephen, Zo and Brooks standing outside the front door.

Iconic canal pic.

Zoey has become such a goof ball, she makes the best faces and says some pretty funny stuff.

Walking the streets- taking in the sights, shops, and smells of Amsterdam.

Carrie and I went on a quick getaway to Delft to see the pottery and find some fun souvenirs.

Then we all headed to see some windmills, did you know they are used to pump water out to clear out the land, well I didn't.

We had tons of fun with our cousins, hopefully we can make it back sometime when we can walk around without losing feeling in our fingers and toes!

Brugge, Belgium...as in Chocolate and Waffles!

We love Brugge. It is Awesome. It will probably always be our favorite spot in Europe, simply for the fact that we were able to experience it together, just the two of us, no cranky kids in tow. And probably a little to do with the fact that we just ate warm, delicious, amazing treats ALL day long.

Did you know that french fries were NOT invented in France, but in fact originated in Belgium. They have frite shops everywhere, and they are DELICIOUS!

"American" style...drenched in Ketchup.

(French fries were consumed more than once on this trip)

Then we hit up the bakery for some delicious cream filled, puffy, chocolate covered deliciousness.

This is our B&B where we stayed the night. So cute, so quaint, so perfect for a couples retreat.

Relaxing before we venture into the city.

The view from our room window.

From our B&B we walked a block to this adorable gate and bridge- over the canal into the main city area of Brugge.

Within a few blocks of cute store fronts and historical buildings we came upon the Christmas markets- A magical place full of crafts, souvenirs, and FOOD!

So after we just ate fries and pastries about an hour earlier, we just had to try a Belgium waffle with the works, smothered in Belgium chocolate (yes there IS a difference) and whipped cream.

We thought we should burn off some of those calories by climbing the bell tower.

360ish steps, doesn't sound like a lot when you're at the bottom....but when you reach the top you're a bit winded.

This pic was taken about 1/3 of the way up, the city square with an ice-skating rink and more Christmas Market.

View from the top!

Belgium is also known for it's hand-crafted lace.

One of the MANY chocolate shops.

Beautiful canals run all through the city.

Here we are again getting a bite to eat, bratwurst and potatoe mush stuff (not our favorite).

If we look freezing in these pics it's because WE ARE! But it was still a great trip and Brugges will hold a special place in our hearts.

Thanksgiving and Tree decorating

My first pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin, DELICIOUS!

Home-made rolls, turned out perfect!

The Menu:

Turkey, brined overnight

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Glazed Carrots

Broccoli Salad

Rolls, honey butter

Cranberry Sauce (made by Crystal)

Green Bean Casserole

Stuffing

PIE: pumpkin, pecan, lemon, apple

The guests: Crystal, Vanessa, Derek, Christy, Jared, Alan, Louise