Uncle Nick's visit and our trip to Krakow

Wednesday we had to say goodbye to my brother, Nick.  He was here since the 26th, and I'm sure more than ready to get back to his life at Iowa, but we were sad to see him leave.  He was able to do quite a bit of traveling himself - Berlin, Copenhagen, Luxembourg and Brugge.  It sounds like he had a great time - especially in Copenhagen over New Year's Eve - although I don't see how anything could be more exciting than ringing in the New Year putting a 22-month-old back into his 'big boy' bed 200 times, while watching t.v. and playing 'free cell' (it's my new addiction).

Last weekend the two of us traveled to Krakow, Poland for a few days.  He'd always wanted to visit Auschwitz - as have I - so the two of us flew there for the weekend, and the boys had a 'guys weekend' back here.  It was so strange being away from the kids - I really haven't been away from them - especially Bo - for over six months now!  Just like old times for Scott though, as he used to have the boys all to himself every third weekend while I worked my 12 hour days.  I was a little worried about Bo - he's become a fierce mama's boy - especially because my friend Mitzie watched them on Friday, so Scott could work.  But unless they're both lying to me, he did quite well, and only cried for me in the mornings, when he realized I wasn't in our bed, so maybe there is hope for him after all:)

Krakow is a beautiful city - and apparently holds the largest city center (basically, city square) in Europe.  We didn't get in until later Friday, so didn't get to do a lot of sight seeing then, but we did have a nice dinner out!  I cannot express with words how wonderful it was to have a whole weekend full of meals - plus drinks:) without having to worry about loud toddlers, kids' meals, and having enough toys to distract the boys to outfit a daycare.  It was so nice.  And probably won't be happening again for a long time, so I just tried to savor every minute.

Saturday morning we were scheduled to tour the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.  We decided to take a guided tour and had a company pick us up at the hotel - great decision.  The weather was very overcast, but luckily, the rain held out until towards the end - very fitting for the day.  Auschwitz was many things: depressing, bewildering, sad, sad, sad, but most of all, truly horrifying.  There just seems to be this weight - a heaviness that just blankets the whole area.  It is just mind-blowing that this actually happened - and not that incredibly long ago, really.  You can read about and study the Holocaust and World War II all you want, but until you actually see for yourself the destruction and horror the Nazis caused...I certainly never anticipated being effected this much.  I still think about it all the time.  There is one picture that I can't get out of my head:  a group of Hungarian children - all little boys - holding hands, followed by a young mom holding a baby walking towards what they were told were showers, which of course was the gas chamber.  It is haunting.  I went to take a picture of it then stopped - it's burned into my memory forever.

Although there were many concentration camps throughout Europe, there were six 'death camps' - all located in Poland - and all with the specific purpose of killing a large amount of people; Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of these.  It is estimated that between 1.1 and 1.5 million people were murdered there between 1942 and 1944.  Auschwitz was originally a Polish army base, and looked like one - or at least in my mind, of how an old army base would look.  It soon became too small for the Nazis, however, and Birkenau was then created just a short distance away.  Birkenau is much more spread out than Auschwitz is - it would've taken us quite a while to walk the whole perimeter.

"Work makes you free" - the first thing a prisoner would see as they walked into Auschwitz.  How cruel the Nazis were - a person of course had no chance of gaining freedom there.

An urn containing ashes of people murdered in the gas chambers.  The guide told us that ashes were most often sold and used as fertilizer. 

Sleeping quarters - prisoners had to sleep at least five per bunk.

This was pretty poignant - an entire wall filled with pictures of the prisoners along with the date of their arrival and the date of their death.  The Nazis soon stopped documenting the prisoners with photos and turned to tattoos instead.  They were 'labeled' so an accurate count could be done daily to insure no one had run away.  The guide told us roll call could last anywhere from an hour up to twelve hours a day - forcing the prisoners to stand there in all kinds or weather - another form of torture.  

The wall where executions were carried out.   

Sleeping quarters in Birkenau - nothing more than stables.

Memorial to the victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau; all of the languages of the prisoners are represented 

As dreary and miserable as Saturday was, Sunday was the opposite - although it started off foggy, it turned into a beautiful day, and Nick and I ran around like crazy trying to see as much as possible before we had to check out of the hotel and fly home.

Location of the Jewish ghetto - place where Jews were forced to live prior to being moved to the concentration camps.  Here they were divided into the 'able workers' versus those deemed unworthy to live.  15,000 people were forced to live where only 3,000 had previously. 

View from Wawel castle

St. Mary's Basilica

These pretzel-type things were to Krakow what waffles are to Brussels...they were yummy.  

We were able to show Nick some sights around Brussels as well.  One place he wanted to visit that we hadn't been to yet either was Mini-Europe, an outdoor park where different tourist attractions throughout the EU are displayed - all on a scale of  1 to 25 (except Mt. Vesuvius...)  It was pretty cool, quite literally, actually, as we picked probably the coldest day he was here to go - but at least it was sunny.  We'll definitely have to take a trip back sometime with Scott - in the summer.  

The Grand Place, Brussels

Buckingham Palace

Dover, England

Champs Elysees, Paris

Barcelona

And of course a trip to Brussels wouldn't be complete without seeing the Grand Place or the Mannequin Pis.  

Most of all it was just really nice having Nick here - just hanging out and playing with the boys.  Will started back to school on Monday and it was great being able to leave Bo here and get Will without dragging a stroller on to the bus.  But alas, Wednesday arrived and he packed up and went back home.  Bo was a little confused for a day or two as to where Nick went.  I feel like with him leaving the Christmas season, too, came to a close, so Wednesday all the decorations were packed back up, the tree was thrown over the balcony - bet you don't hear that very often - (easiest tree disposal ever - it was picked up first thing Thursday morning!), and now we're back  to the normal swing of things.  The weather here has been fantastic - 50's this weekend - we were able to go the park both days.  It's been great being able to walk to pick up Will from school again - although I'm not sure it's going to last - looks like it'll be back in the 30's by the end of the week.  Will seems to be making some progress with school.  He counts in French now and the other day when the boys were in the tub and I asked who wanted to get out he raises his hand and yells: 'Moi, moi!' (me).  He also calls me mama - with the French accent.  His teachers insist that he understands commands and other simple things now, and although he's not talking back in French, he will answer their questions in English, which means he must understand at least a little of what they say??  Who knows what's going on in that head of his.  

Another American started at PWC - although he's in audit and won't be working with Scott.  I was actually already in contact with his wife as she was an acquaintance - and facebook friend - of Malena, my bf from high school.  Small world - and God bless facebook...  They moved here around the first of the year and we got together Sunday night.  Always nice to know some fellow Americans 4500 miles away from home - and they have two kids too, right around Will and Bo's age, which is great!  I couldn't help but reflect on our first few days/weeks here - have to say it's nice to be where we are right now versus where they are...in temporary housing, waiting for all of their belongings, trying to get accustomed to this new city, country, life!  I mean, not that we're pros by any stretch of the imagination, but I can honestly say I'm happy that initial adjustment is behind us.  Glad we went through it.  Glad it's over.  

Not a whole lot planned for the upcoming weeks.  Some get-togethers with friends, but besides that, I'm kind of excited to just be for a little while.  Will started basketball today, so for the next six Sundays, anyway, we're here.  Scott's sister-in-law - and my good friend - Jen is coming for a few days next week - and I CAN'T WAIT!!  We don't have much planned.  A friend is going to watch the boys on Saturday so Scott, Jen and I can go to Brugge in peace, as that was one place she wanted to visit, but besides that, I think we're just going to relax and hang out in Brussels.  

Have a great week!

Our First Christmas in Belgium

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  2010 proved to be quite an interesting year - never in a million did I picture myself blogging, let alone in Belgium, last New Years.  To think that just a year ago we had no idea we'd be where we are today is incredible - looking back I'm still amazed at how fast everything came about - and here we are, nearly half a year in already!

The Christmas season here turned out to be very nice - and quiet (particularly since most of our shopping was done on-line:)  I felt like for the first time in a long time we were really able to just sit back and enjoy the holiday season.  That's certainly not to say that we didn't miss seeing our friends and family.  It was difficult not to be home, but knowing it wasn't an option just meant that we had to make the best of it - and we did.  It was fun with 'just' the four of us - who knows if we'll ever have that chance again.

I tried to cram as much 'holiday fun' in to the month of December as possible.  My friend Rachel and I hosted a cookie exchange at my apartment early in December.  Neither of us had ever had one before - let alone hosted one - but it was a really good time.  Scott and the boys were especially excited, as we ended up with A LOT of cookies - in fact, there's still a stash in the freezer...

Bo and his friend Reagan enjoying some of the cookies

Bo mooching off Rachel

Together with Brent and Rachel, we headed to Cologne, Germany for their famed Christmas market (or markets, as they had six...)  It was a warm day, if not a little dreary, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.

The markets were crazy crowded.  Here's Cologne's cathedral in the background.

Making candy canes

Not a great picture, but here you can kind of see the cathedral at night - it's beautiful.  

This year was the first year since we've been married we haven't traipsed through the forest looking for the 'perfect' Christmas tree, cutting it down ourselves.  Although we had that sad little break in tradition, we did come away with a pretty nice one, and of course had fun decorating it.  Since we didn't bring a single decoration with us, I had fun collecting some new ones!  Bo had a tough little time adjusting to a tree being in the living room - he could not stop touching it at first - and still takes it upon himself to 'rearrange' the ornaments at his whim, but we've had no major tragedies, although we do seem to find ornaments in the strangest places around the apartment.  

The boys and their friend, Andrew.  We had him and his family over for a Christmas dinner on the 23rd.

The kids and I had a great time baking this year.  I had time to try some new things I hadn't before - as well as attempt my luck at making candy without the use of a thermometer.  I searched high and low to no avail, but it actually didn't turn out too bad.  My proudest accomplishment, however, was the gingerbread house - FROM SCRATCH.  I was so proud of that stupid thing - still am.    Honestly, for about two weeks, it was my third child.  I probably took more pictures of that than of Bo when he was a newborn.  Scott thinks I'm crazy.  It wasn't even that pretty - just very difficult to make (read: stand up on its own.)   I finally threw it out today, and I nearly shed a tear.  

Bo thought the blue food coloring looked tasty and thought he'd give it a try RIGHT IN FRONT of me...

He didn't like it

Making the gingerbread

Trying to get the house to stick together - with soda bottles

Bo was in candy heaven 

We went to Christmas Eve mass Friday night at an English-speaking Catholic church we found that isn't too far from our house.  The Christmas Eve mass was their children's mass and they had kids act out the gospel reading of the birth of Jesus.  It was very sweet and actually held the boys' attention.  They had a Nativity scene outside with real live (hungry) donkeys - one tried taking a bite out of Bo.  It only got his pants - but Will laughed so hard we thought he was going to wet himself - it was pretty funny.  

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas..."

Santa did, indeed find us way over here in Belgium.  Will had the time of his life opening his presents.  It was so sweet - and a little surprising - he was so thankful for his presents.  Bo on the other hand only had eyes for the goldfish Santa put in his stocking.  

Will was soooo excited to get his 'knight castle'

Trying to get a decent picture in front of the fireplace...

Attempt #1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6...not perfect, but at least they're both looking at the camera.

We repeated the experience under the tree...

The rest of the weekend was just spent hanging out, playing with the new toys, and eating.  It was so nice and relaxing.  Sunday morning we woke up bright and early to pick up my brother Nick at the airport.  Although we had big plans for Sunday to check out the Christmas market and light show at the Grand Place, we continued our streak of laziness, and just hung out here - which I'm sure Nick probably appreciated, as he was a little jet-lagged.   

Nick played 'Santa' as well - as he had a suitcase full of presents for us from my parents, himself and Tim...

 Monday Nick left for Berlin, so we decided it was probably time to get out of our pajamas as well.  We took Will ice skating at the Christmas Market in St Catherine's square in Brussels.  He didn't actually do too bad.  A little shaky at first, but after a while, he didn't even want the 'walker' for help - or my hand - and just kind of shuffled along on his own.  

Wipe-out

I think he enjoyed himself - when we were leaving I asked if had fun - he said, and I quote:  "I had a pretty good time, for the most part."  What?!

We decided to take advantage of Scott's 'free' vacation time off work and travel somewhere.  As we waited too long to book flights - we initially were thinking of Rome or Barcelona - and tickets were crazy high, we just decided to drive instead.  We ended up going to Geneva, Switzerland, then returned home through the Burgundy area of France.  

Geneva is a beautiful city that sits on the doorstep of France, Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), and is perfect to explore on foot.  Although we had a few very dreary, foggy days, the temperature was pretty mild, so a good time to explore.  One of the main attractions of Geneva is the Jet d'Eau, a fountain that essentially comes out of the lake.  

You can barely make out the fountain way in the background.  

Geneva's cathedral, Saint Peter's, is known as the place where reformer John Calvin preached.  Having been a reformist church, it was noticeably stripped down from many religious paintings, etc. - pretty bare boned - but still a beautiful church.  

View from the cathedral

Saint Peter's cathedral

Visiting Geneva's armory - Will was in heaven

The narrow streets of Geneva.  Note the Swiss flags - national pride in Switzerland is unmatched - haven't seen more flags anywhere!

Scott and I played a mean game of checkers at Bastions Park in Geneva...we ended up getting bored and calling it a 'draw'

Statues commemorating the major events ad figures of the Protestant Reformation.  Statues of Guillaume Farel, Theodore de Beze, John Knox and John Calvin sit atop the 100 meter wall, eternally guarding over the "City of Refuge"

When the possibility of doing a travel assignment first came up the two openings were in Brussels and Geneva.  Geneva sounded to me to be the choicier option, but before Scott could even apply the position was filled.  Although I was initially disappointed, I am now thanking the Lord we didn't end up there.  Beautiful as it is, it is also VERY expensive.  I'm not sure how we would have managed that!

 Although I'm not big on French food, I couldn't resist trying fondue in Switzerland!  

Hanging out at the hotel

 We decided to see a little more of Switzerland on our way home, and drove along Lake Geneva to the city of Lausanne.  Returning home this way took us through the mountains of Switzerland and France - a beautiful drive - that got a little hairy at times, as we have no snow tires, and were making hairpin turns on narrow, mountain roads.  On the up side, though:  we were up so high the fog burned off and we had some beautiful views.

The third night we stayed in the city of Dijon, which is in the Burgundy area of France.  This area is known for it's food, wine and mustard, and I am sorry to say, the Miller's didn't get to enjoy any of that.  One fact that Scott and I have had to get used to traveling with two small children is that we don't get to eat in the places we'd often like to - or drink the wine we'd like to, for that matter.  In three days we ate at McDonald's twice! And as it was New Year's Eve, no stores were really open, so I wasn't able to buy that bottle of Dijon mustard I was wanting to...haha.  But we can't really complain too much - the kids really do travel well.  On the seven hour drive there we only had to stop once at six hours for gas - the kids didn't even get out - and yesterday again we only stopped for gas.  So, I suppose it's a give and take!

Next time we'll hit up the city of Nancy, for you Grandma!

So here it is - January first.  I can't believe Scott has to go back to work in two days.  As he's been working a lot lately it's been so nice having him around all the time - vacation has gone so fast.  I have to say I'm feeling a little 'holiday let-down'.  It went so fast, and now that it's over and I don't have it to look forward to anymore I'm really missing home more.  But Nick returns tomorrow night for ten more days - the boys are very excited (and so am I:)  The two of us are flying to Krakow on Friday for the weekend - hopefully the weather cooperates, as it's been crazy here in Europe (not unlike the Midwest, so we hear)!