Au Revoir (french); Tot ziens (flemish); Sayonara and Aloha L.A! ______________________________


Hi everyone!

As most of you know, Ray has accepted a 2-year assignment with Toyota's European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. For those of you who do not know, Belgium is located next to France, Germany and the Netherlands. The home of NATO and the European Union, it is considered the "gateway to Europe" with its easy access to many European countries. (Hint, hint--good excuse to come and visit!)

Ray started his new position in February, 2008. The girls and I arrived here in late March. We are living just outside the city of Brussels in the commune of Tervuren, Belgium.

Although we are sad to temporarily leave our family and friends, we are excited for this adventure. What an opportunity to leave our tiny box and experience life outside of America!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Balloons over Belgium...



As the mercury soared to double digits this past weekend (temps in the 50'sF), what better way to enjoy the warm weather than to watch the 1st annual Brussels Balloon Day Parade?

Modeled after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York (which itself was actually started by European immigrants in the 1920's), gigantic helium balloons shaped as comic strip characters, animals and other famous objects took to the streets of downtown Brussels.



Jo Ann, who scours the internet daily for new and unusual things for us to do, gathered the family together for a day at Grand Place and the surrounding area. And as long as we promised DS and PS a waffle, they were good-to-go!



There were thousands of free balloons, plenty of good food and a friendly crowd, all eagerly awaiting the dozen or so balloons drifting down the main road in front of the Bourse, or Brussels Stock Exchange.





There were a few awkward moments where I had to explain some of the balloons to the girls, but all in all, it was a very enjoyable day outside.





Sometimes, all you need is some nice weather and a couple of balloons to have a great day...

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