Christmas Bliss

"Where are you going for Christmas?" We begin to hear that question the Monday after fall break and the query continues right up until the very last person with travel plans steps into his escape vehicle and jets off. In past years we have ventured out into the wide world over the holidays. This year we stayed home. We had our reasons. Both Sarah and Benj are having minor surgeries this week (Benj's was yesterday and today he is fit and fiesty as usual) and we decided that it would be best to lay low. Wow, was that ever a good choice.

I am all for travel and exploration, but I am also a big fan of simplicity and rest. I love sleeping late (in my own bed) and waking to a house of still sleeping teenagers. I love searching for the leftover rolls that Benjamin has stashed somewhere in the kitchen. I love watching entire seasons of dumb TV shows and playing games until midnight and eating popcorn and chex mix and the apples and carrots and red bell peppers that David conscientiously sends in our direction. Love dancing to the Brave Combo Christmas album in the kitchen. I love wearing three different sweaters in one day just because I can. I love lounging about reading our Christmas books and making yet another batch of fudge on a whim and playing with the few friends who are also staying home for Christmas.

I think I just love a quiet Christmas because it is a great big sigh between intense sprints and being home allows me to just fall right down deep into that sigh and settle in for awhile. And while I am there, I can think, and be grateful for the love of a Father, and of a Savior, and of that baby born to traveling parents thousands of years ago.
Merry Christmas.

We're Only Here for the Food

One of our favorite things about travel is the FOOD. I say one, but really, it is pretty high up there on the list...maybe even at the tip top. Dave and I went on a weekend trip with some friends. Can you guess where by this culinary tour? The hints get better as you go along...

Lunch!

White Christmas

The snow is falling from the sky
On the arch as I drive by

The Stocklet Palace is cloaked in white

And Woluwe, a lovely sight

From my bedroom window clear

A stunning view to end the year.

OK--I know that was completely lame and I acknowledge my lack of poetry skills. If Dave were here, at least it would be clever. But Dave is sledding with the kids and I am making fudge, caramel, and seven layer cookies. Can I plead mental distraction? So what we lack in literary genius we try to make up for in Norman Rockwell-esque familial charm.

Let it snow.

More England

The sun is shining here in Belgium and that, my friends, is not something I can say every day. We have had snow and rain and ice and wind, but precious little sun. But today is amazing. I am about to plant myself in a ray of the precious stuff and get serious about Christmas, but before I do, here are a few more pictures from our trip to Bath, England.
All of you Jane Austen devotees out there will recognize the Royal Crescent--the most prestigious address in Bath. Anne Eliott comes out of the door on the far right to seek love and Captain Wentworth. Ahhhhh.

These baths date from the 16th century and were unknowing built right on top of the ancient Roman baths. Can you imagine the people watching 500 years ago?

Another Jane Austen reference--the pump rooms. This pump provided the wealthy access to the curative waters and the best society. You can still get water here for 50p a glass. And it tastes nasty.

A view of Pulteny Bridge and the park. Benj was run over by a man in a motorized wheelchair on this very bridge. I wish I had a picture of that to share.

We got our fall colors in abundance and class this year. We just love those Edwardians.
And the market around the corner. Fabulous scones and pastys and cheese and raspberry shortbread. It really is all about the food. And the fall. And the family.