A Short Weekend Away

When we contemplated moving here, I was most excited by the idea of traveling throughout Europe. Seven months into this adventure abroad we have not really begun that part of our journey. We have spent our time really learning Amsterdam. We could probably spend all of our travel time the next year or so taking quick weekend trips around the Netherlands and to close surrounding towns in Belgium and Germany. Planning and geography are two of my weakest skills so each attempt so far at traveling has been quite the adventure. Throw in two small kids and you have the perfect equation for a true Adventure Abroad!
This past weekend I overbooked our activities and chose to take a short weekend trip to an amusement park in the Netherlands called Efteling followed by an overnight in Brugge, Belgium. Both sites were good choices although an amusement park in freezing cold weather with two small kids and no stroller is not quite paradise. Needless to say we did LOVE our time there.

              "It's a Small World" Dutch Style

Prince Charming driving Princess Aurora 

I just LOVE watching the world through a childs eyes- they were so fascinated by things!

Clearly Daddy was the fan of the day- I was just the Mom behind the camera toting around bags and snotty tissues.

Luke thought this was a power ranger show- he couldn't stop talking about it!

"SUCCESS" as the Dutch always say- Our timing was perfect for leaving the park and driving two hours to Brugge with SLEEPING children.

Full moon by night, double rainbow in the morning, hail in the late morning and sunshine by departure time! After 7 months of living abroad- I'd call that a European Weather SUCCESS!

Belgium is best known for Waffels, Chocolate and Beer

Dat es Lekker! (It's is Yummy) SUCCESS!

Brugge is a quaint small village with canals woven throughout. 

We enjoyed strolling the streets, taking a canal tour, watching candy making demonstrations, drinking hot chocolate and being together- 

SUCCESS!