The other day we all piled into the car and headed north to visit family in Belgium for a few weeks. We started our day in 37 degree heat and air conditioning and ended our 12 hour voyage in 14 degrees and heating.
We are now in the land of chocolate, waffles, beer, french fries, mussels and so much more. The kids are over the moon to be with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.
After a few days of visiting various family members we headed to the sea. We arrived in the pouring rain to a beautiful seaside apartment (thanks dear Julie!). This morning we woke up to cloudy skies but dry weather and decided to do a long cycle ride to Holland and back. The goal for the kids to get through the 50 km bike ride was the promise of the best pancakes in Belgium at the end. We all got through it and they were indeed delicious.
During our cycle trip we came across an entire town in Holland that was transformed into an outdoor rommelmarkt (flea market). We stopped and browsed through it and ended up buying these vintage umbrellas. The kids were excited until hearing from the enthusiastic seller that he found them in an old box from the 50’s in a dead woman’s house. They are in great shape and were a bargain at 5euro for all three.
I also came across this old book about making old scary looking dolls! For 1 euro I was tempted to buy it.
Pensive cyclist dreaming of pancakes.
Jillian In Italy 
Love the photos! Looks like you are having fun despite the cooler weather. Hopefully it will warm up soon!…We have family arriving Friday..my kids are also very excited to see their American cousins and show them our new city and area. Summer is so great for all these adventures! Enjoy – love reading about your adventures and adore your photography – you always give me such great ideas!
Oh let’s hope the weather turns soon! These cold/windy/rainy temps are killing me!
The umbrellas are gorgeous. Looks you all had fun posing with them.
I just wish I’d bought a few more!
I loooove Belgium! We’ll be in Germany for hte next few weeks and hope to find warmer weather as we move south towards Spain… Have fun!
I’m sure you’ll have great (hot!) weather in Spain. Enjoy your trip!
Thick Dutch (or Belgian) pancakes are the best! Very different from the crêpes here in France. I totally understand why your kids got through that bike ride, it was my favorite treat when I was their age: so yummy!
My kids could live on pancakes. It’s really their favorite food!
This sounds so wonderful! I would’ve snatched up that book, but then it probably would’ve given me nightmares.
Definite nightmare inducing book!