So, it's been a while!

For those few of you that have been waiting patiently for my next blog...I apologize for the 3+ month delay! It's been an absolutely crazy last three months, and while I will spare you a ten page blog, I will try to be brief!

First and foremost, I have to make sure to acknowledge the visit Tonico and I got from my very best friend Jessica and her fiance Matt! They visited at the end of August and it was a blast! J&M (that's what I'm going to call you!) started their vacation in London and then made their way across the ocean to Bruges where I met them. We toured around the city and I took them to Tonico & my favorite bar spot. 

Unfortunately this is the best and only picture I got while in Bruges. Props to the photo bomb in the back ground...

After a nice long day in Bruges, we all hopped on the train back to Brussels to meet up with Tonico. The night was spent toasting J&M's engagement and catching up on life. And if I'm being honest...that's about ALL we did!  :o) We spent most mornings sleeping in, due to staying up too late drinking too much wine the night before. Then we would venture out into the city to take in some sights. And if I'm being honest again, the below pictures pretty much sum up how we spent our days!

(At the Georgette, one of our favorite Friteries/Restaurants)

Frites and Beer...

(At the Delirium bar - more than 2004 beers available from all over the world.)

and more beer!

We had so much fun trying out new foods, beers, walking around the city and hanging out on our deck talking about any and everything. We were in great company that week! On one of our last nights together, Tonico and I took J&M to the European Union area - just a short walk from our place - to enjoy what the Belgians call a "party". Every Thursday night during the summer, all of the bars and restaurants in the area (Place Lux), have drink  specials. Because most people who work at the EU are from around Europe, they usually work M-TH and travel home on Friday, making Thursday night is the night to celebrate the end of the week. 

And after this trip, we all came to a very valuable yet sad realization....we are not 18 anymore! But we would not do anything different with our visit! We absolutely LOVED seeing them and showing them around our home :o) And now, on to their big day! June cannot get here soon enough! 

After J&M left, it was difficult for me to get back to 'normal'. Tonico was back to work and I was back to the relentless job search and my housewife duties. There were things going on at home too that were making me long to be there. My absolutely wonderful and supportive husband encouraged me to make a visit home - and for that, I will be eternally grateful. While home I got to do all this:

Meet Aliyah Louise - Jen why didn't we get pictures together!?

Celebrate this beautiful woman's wedding to Reed, the perfect match for sure! It was a beautiful day and I was so glad to be able to share it with you two!

Reconnect with these blonde beauties,

Witness the absolutely personal & unique wedding of my dear friend Maida to David, 

Cuddle with my boo boo, 

Travel across the country with my Dad, in a pickup truck, to bring my brother home from San Francisco,

Drink Tea Garden with my Hermana-in-law,

Goof around with my littles,

(A journal my sweet friend Jenna sent me upon my arrival to the US and the blanket I wrapped myself with while sitting next to Gramma's bed made out of Grampa Schroeder's old corduroy shirts)

But most importantly, I got to spend days, hours and many minutes with my Gramma Schroeder. Her battle with cancer took a turn for the worst just days after I arrived in the US. While it may appear in the above pictures that I was just home for fun, know that every minute in between these pictures was spent with her - holding her hand, talking about Grampa, listening to stories from when she lived on the ridge, and enjoying the company of family who has been surrounding her these last few months. While I absolutely hate that she has to go through this, I am forever grateful for that time with her. She and I shared so many beautiful moments that could never be written about and are memories I will hold for a lifetime. She's a strong woman and will fight this as long as she can. If you believe in prayer, this is one woman who could use an extra prayer or two for peace and comfort. 

Happy Holiday's!