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, December 15, 2009

Party at the Bankson's


On Sunday, we had a going-away party at the Bankson home. Russ, Patt, Emi and Kumi, a "Toyota expat" family from California, have been here since last January. We were also joined by fellow TME colleagues Jan and Diane. The funny thing is that Russ and I have been trying to set a date to get together ever since they arrived! I guess that's what happens when you leave it to the men of the family...

Anyways, Russ, Patt and I go back a long way, back to our old North High School days in Torrance. I caught up again with Russ about 5 years ago in Torrance and was pleasantly surprised last year when I heard he had been assigned to Brussels too. We have since shared quite a few lunches (and laughs) together while comparing notes on our assignments in Belgium...


The girls and I arrived at the Bankson's about 4, then walked over to the Christmas market in nearby Stockel. It was wonderful to be in a fully-enclosed Christmas market, especially since the weather had turned so cold here!


Afterwards, we headed back to the house, for some warm spiced wine, some delicious appetizers and a truly international meal of Swedish meatballs, Chinese Chicken Salad and Spinach quiche.

The Bankson girls, who are truly gifted musicians, provided the musical entertainment. As you can see from the video clip, our girls enjoyed it immensely.



Some Christmas cookie decorating kept our little ones occupied while the rest of us all had a chance for a little friendly competition with the clothespin drop game, a Bankson family tradition.


In honor of Brussels' own Mannekin Pis, the game was re-christened the Mannekin Pis drop! But, while it was a close match between Russ and Jo, the match eventually went to Jo during the tie breaking "Pis-off"...


It turned out to be a lovely evening and we truly appreciate the Bankson's kindness for doing this for us. We just wish we had more time to spend together in Brussels.

But, you never know where you will end up in the world of Toyota, so perhaps we will be doing this again someday very soon... location to be announced!
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