Belgium is one of my most favorite places to visit in the world! I am a little biased because I got the opportunity to live there as an exchange student....we won't say how long ago! But here are some pictures I took at a local garden exhibition in Melin. Melin is known for it's beautiful gardens and white stone houses. Fortunately one of the families I lived with as a student in Belgium lives in Melin, so I got to live it this beautiful village!
My husband really wanted to visit some breweries while in Belgium, so here he is at Rochefort and Hoegaarden. Rochefort is a Trappist brewery so we only got to see the chapel, as the monks don't allow tourists within the brewery. I also lived in Hoegaarden as a student and the brewery is right down the street from my house. Sometimes my husband went for a 'bike ride' and I'm pretty sure that's where he ended up!
The whole reason for our trip to Belgium was to see my Belgian sister, Caroline, get married. I didn't take near as many pictures as I should have, since I was busy being a guest. If you are in the wedding party it is a long day! We woke up a 7am to go get our hair done, went to the venue to start taking pictures, then headed to the church. After the church ceremony we went back to the reception venue for the afternoon reception. Oh but it does not end there! After the reception is an 8pm, several course, sit down dinner with the biggest desert bar I've ever seen.... Nope still not done. Then they throw a huge soiree with all their friends which lasted until about 3:30am. And let me tell you it was a party! I had the best time!!! Caroline's brother is getting married next summer so I get to go back and do it all over again. Can't wait!
While I was in Belgium I got to take portraits of my Belgian niece and nephew, Louise and Estaban. They are the cutest kids ever! And so sweet. Louise loves to give big hugs and kisses. I took these images right behind their house. Love those kids!
My Belgian mom from Melin, Anne, is also a very gifted sculptor. She's started doing a lot of sculpting in the past few years and here are a few of my favorites. I think I might have her commission one for me soon!
