Summer Fun

We spent several weeks at the beginning of the summer at home visiting friends and family. However, we have also really enjoyed our time here in Gent this summer. Because Cameron is now in school, summertime has a whole new meaning…no set schedules, lazy mornings, impromptu outings, lots of time, snuggles, and sweet moments with both of the boys, and of course, plenty of opportunities for the boys to play/fight. :)

Although some of these things technically happened before school was out, I still consider it to be part of the summer.

Plenty of playing at the park     

Boat ride through Gent: We rented a boat at Minerva Boat Company one Saturday morning and rode through the canals in Gent and the surrounding towns.

Jake and Cole learning how to operate the boat

Kristen and I…the two preggos 

World Cup, European Style: I can honestly say that I have never given much thought to the World Cup. However, it's pretty difficult to not get excited about it here in Europe. Everyone else gets so excited about it and we actually enjoyed watching many of the matches. We were able to watch the U.S. vs Germany match with one of our German friends. Despite the outcome, we had a great time!

Random sweet moments with the boys

Working on drawing and writing 

Nap time snuggles

Genste Feesten

The boys loved dancing to the music!

Harrison may or may not have fallen into a fountain on our walk home!

Planckendael Zoo. This was a great trip because there were so many things to see and do. Of course there were lots of animals, but there were also obstacle courses, playgrounds, and interesting things to see and do throughout the whole zoo.

Baby Owen: Some of our good friends in Gent, Jake and Kristen, had a baby just a few weeks ago! The boys were so excited to meet this sweet boy and practice holding a little one. I was also more than happy to get in some sweet snuggles. Getting the low down on labor and delivery in Belgium as well as seeing the hospital when we visited was also very therapeutic for me. We are very thankful to have met Jake and Kristen and shared many wonderful experiences with them…baby Owen being one of the best. Unfortunately, they have since moved back to the U.S. for work, so we will have to continue this friendship as a long distance relationship.

Swimming lessons

Harrison was much happier observing from the sidelines 

Sports Camp: Cameron went to a week long sports camp with some friends from school. He had an awesome time and, once again, did great considering it was all in Dutch.

Certificates at the end of the camp

Sleepovers and learning to sleep in a big boy bed: In preparation for baby girl, we have started getting the boys used to the idea of sharing a room, and Harrison used to the idea of being in an actual bed. We've gotten mixed reviews from the sleepovers, but overall, I think the boys like being together and are getting the hang of it.

Still trying to figure out the big boy bed…

 Our first Belgian wedding: Some friends of ours from church got married last weekend and we were honored to be invited. It was a great day for them and a new experience for us. They literally spent all day, and into the next day, celebrating! We hung on as long as us old folks could and really enjoyed the day! :)

Ladies from church with the beautiful bride

Cole with our good friend, Aimi

The lovely couple…please excuse the blurry iPhone picture!

It seems hard to believe that summer is already over. Cameron starts school on Monday so we will have to get back into the swing of life with a schedule. I'm thankful for a great school for Cameron to attend and for his excitement to get started again. I am also very thankful for a good summer with friends and family, both here and back home, and the time to relax and recharge.