Jessi and Jack Visit - Part 1

After five loooonnnnnggggg months, Jessi and Jack were able to come visit us here in Gent. As you might recall from one of my previous posts, we have really missed spending time with them, so it was a treat to have them here...especially for 10 days! They left for the airport early this morning and I already miss them! Even though it was tough to say goodbye, we created some wonderful memories while they were here and I am so thankful for the time we had with them.

Because they were here for so long and we did so much, I am going to give a recap of their visit over several posts. So here is a overview of their first few days...along with lots of pictures!

Saturday: We all got up bright and early to catch a train to Brussels to meet Jessi and Jack at the airport. After a teary-eyed reunion, we hopped back on the train to head to Gent.

Reunited!

Train ride back to Gent

We all had some lunch before everyone took a nap!

This is what jet lag looks like!

Saturday night, we enjoyed a nice relaxing dinner on the terrace and spent time catching up.

Sunday: We spent the morning preparing for Cameron's birthday party and then enjoyed fellowshipping with some of our new friends from Gent during the party. I am sooooooo thankful for Jessi and Jack's help with getting everything ready...just like old times. :) It was also awesome to have them here with us to celebrate.

Between the party and going to church, Jessi and Jack were able to meet many of our friends here.

Monday: We decided to take advantage of the beautiful, sunny weather and spent most of the day outside. After grocery shopping in the morning, we headed to the park for a nice picnic.

After the picnic, we went on a boat tour through the city.

I took the boys home for a nap after the boat ride while Cole, Jessi, and Jack went to the Bierhuis to check out some of the Belgian beer available here.

They also (WITHOUT ME!!) went to get some waffles!!! Even though I was not there to share in the waffle experience, they still loved them! :)

 For dinner, we went to Patrick Foley's Irish Pub. We sat outside and enjoyed a beautiful evening.

Of course we topped off the night with some gelato from Nonno.

Tuesday: Jack and Jessi treated us to some yummy breakfast omelets in the morning. I don't have any pictures, but they were HUGE and filled with peppers, onions, and cheese. They were delicious!

After breakfast, we decided to take a bike ride to the Blaarmeersen to spend the afternoon at the kids beach.

Getting ready to go

Action shot...maybe not the safest picture I've ever taken

Tuesday evening we ate here at the loft and then packed and prepared for our trip to Paris. I'll tell you all about our trip to Paris in the next post...it was quite a trip! :)