Saturday, December 15, 2012

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.

Friday, December 14, 2012

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



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Cliffs of Moher

The night before we saw the cliffs we stayed at the Ritz in Galway. They had a drop in kids club where the kids could play and be entertained while the adults ate a nice dinner, and played cards!

Fish-n-chips
This the visitor center, museum, gift shop, and cafe all built into the side of the cliffs.

No-one mentioned we'd have to hike all the way up to the top....

Alan and Stephen pushing the buggys

Finally catching a glimpse.

A tower, not sure if it has ANY historical relevance, pretty sure it's just a tourist trap because they charge you 2 euro to go inside.





Stephen and the kiddos at the top of the tower.

If you look really closely at the top left of the cliffs you can see the walking path and little tiny specs of people, that's how ENORMOUS the cliffs are.


Louise and Hayley

The Murtaugh Family


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