Arrival, happy family!

We landed in Brussels and were very happy to see Greg, all smiles from all of us!  He took us back to see the temp house, quite a place, so big it has its own guesthouse.   Lucky for us our real house is around the corner and some cleaners were working inside and they let us in to have a peek.

Kids in front of our new place!

The exciting news (for me) is the house has a grape vine in the backyard, hopefully the kids and I will be making jam again in late August!

 Do you like the knock-off McDonald's chain in the background?  

We found Katie a giant chocolate elephant!

We climbed to the top of the 50th Anniversary of Belgium arch which was built by King Leopold.  Great views of the city from the top!

The arch is right next to the Belgian Military Museum (so Dad you will have to come visit) 

The first tank from WWI.

The Red Baron's plane!

 We did learn that the August weeks of Europe really are when people take vacation- even the restaurant owners.  Our first night we walked forever to find a place that was open for dinner, finally we found a deli that was about to close!

Awesome American Summer!

WWII day with Nana & Papa O'Brien at the Wolfeboro WWII Museum

We have had a great time seeing so our family and friends!  Thanks to everyone who has let us crash in a guest room or a couch and for all the great meals and conversations.  We are also so happy so many of you have made the trek up to our little slice of heaven to spend some time with us.  We feel connected again and refreshed for our next adventure.

Charlie has loved living in New Hampshire and hopping on his bike and riding down to his friends houses or to the corner store or to the pizza and pinball place.  He keeps asking why we can't just stay here!

Bike parade on the 4th!

Cousins

Ol

Jay & Charlie

What you do when you don't have a TV!  Laugh circle!

Ice cream in Wolfeboro

Saying farewell to Chloe!

Many of my loyal readers have asked if I will keep blogging and the answer is yes!  I tried to decide if I should start a new blog or change the name of this one, if I do either it will make an extra step for my current followers.  So I've decided that I'll just stick with the existing name, and continue to update you on our adventures as we get the chance to travel through Europe the next three years!

Storyland still has charm even for big kids!

Wettest ever on the water ride-bad idea on a cold day!

Even new college grads can ride Charlie's bike!

South African buddies in New Jersey!

Walsh/Hughes reunion (with cameo by Kenny)

We depart this Friday and are eager for a new chapter in our lives.  Greg gives us glowing reports of our new city, we look forward to seeing it all with him very soon.  We hope many of you will save up and find the time to come and visit.  We have six bedrooms so I think we can squeeze you in!

Tradition now...our pre-departure farewell photo with the Leary kids!