Brugge, Belgium

The second day in Belgium we got up and drove to Brugge which is about an hour from Brussels. This is one of our favorite places, so we couldn't wait to take YaYa there.

 The best chocolatier!

 In the main square by the ice skating rink. 

 Great dinner at a gourmet burger place. Hard to believe we are eating outside in December. This year has been an oddly warm winter. 

 Loved the different color lights they had on the church.

 The kids had to ride the carousel again. This time Grace got to ride the horse.

 Jackson was the captain of the boat.

 These two have turned into two wrestle buddies. They love to play with each other...until someone gets hurt. It usually ends up that way, but start playing soon after.

Great way to end up 2012 for our vacations!

Brussels, Belgium

For Christmas break we took a road trip to Belgium for a few days. It is only about 3 hours from our house into the city of Brussels. Jason has been there a few times, but it was a first for the rest of us.

Unfortunately it rained the majority of the days we were there, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the city.

 The Mannequin Pis statue was dressed up for the "Mannequin Pis 12 km Run" through the city that took place that night. 

 Grace and YaYa enjoying an amazing Belgian waffle.

 With the Christmas Market going on there we were able enjoy that as well. The kids rode on hands down the most amazing carousel I have ever seen.

 Here they pedaled this flying guy which made him go up and down.

 This guy freaked me out. A kid holds on to the handle on the top of his head and it makes it move all around. Very life like!

 Around the ice skating rink.

(This part of the market was around the corner from out hotel.)

 Jason enjoying (and YaYa admiring) a yummy belgian beer called Chimay.

 After dinner we stopped by one of the hundreds of chocolatier shops for some dessert. There is nothing like chocolate from Belgium!

Christmas Eve/Morning

This time of year is so special to us watching the kids have that Christmas joy.

The kids got Santa's cookies and milk ready, as well as carrots and water for the reindeer. 

They could hardly contain themselves before bedtime!

 After watching Polar Express the kids fell fast alseep.

 Every year I rope off the top of the stairs with a note that reads, "Please wait for the music." Once they hear the Christmas music they have the go to tear through the crepe paper and make their way down to see the gifts.

And they are off!

 Proof Santa was here! They even received a note from Micah as it was his last night to be with us on Christmas Eve.

 Oh, the joy!

 What would a gift for Emma be without a stuffed animal. Within about 2 minutes of this picture our little Houdini managed to remove the squeaker and about 3/4 of the stuffing.

 Jason got these hand carved candle holders from India for me and his mom. They look so nice when a tea light is lit.

 Snap Circuits, Chess, K-Nex, Dream Lite, Ninjago, Legos, Paper Airplane book and Avengers movie are some of the items Jackson got.

 Dream Lite, My Little Pony, Little Pet Shop, Zoobles, Fur Real Dog, Brave movie, Spot It game are some of the items Grace got.

 She is "organizing" her toys. Like mother like daughter.

 Yaya made us this amazing crocheted blanket! We love it!

 The rest of the day we relaxed, played with new toys, watched movies and had dinner with the Greens. It was a fantastic, memorable Christmas!!

Yaya's Here!

Yaya arrived and will be here with us for the next 14 days. We are so excited to have her here during the Christmas break.

On her first day here we headed to the Strasbourg, France Christmas Market. I have heard that this is a beautiful one to see, so I couldn't wait to see it for myself.

Love this one of them!

 I wish I would of taken more pictures of the streets. They were beautifully decorated with the most amazing detail. 

 One of the main streets had the Swarovski crystal chandeliers hanging down the middle. They were all different and very beautiful!

Christmas Caroling

 Jackson class (along with a few other first grade classes) went Christmas caroling at the local KMCC mall on Friday. This boy LOVES to sing! He has been singing these songs for weeks for us, so it was finally nice to see him in action with all the other kids. 

They did a fantastic job and drew a nice size crowd while singing.

Check out that tooth! That is within days of coming out. We have asked him if he wants us to pull it, but he says since its his first tooth he wants it to fall out by itself. Fair enough...but my goodness!

Here is a video of one of the songs he sang.

(If you get emailed my blog, you will have to go to the link below, "Jackson's song" to view it:

Jackson's song

Jackson's 7th Birthday

Jackson is 7! Where have the years gone? 

We started something new in the Scherden home and have done away with big, lots of friends, busy birthday parties. We told Jackson he can invite a few friends to go bowling and dinner of his choice after. I have to say it was one of the best birthday celebrations. He enjoyed having just a couple close friends and Jason and I loved being able to focus on him and his special day.

                                           

Breakfast #1                                                  

Breakfast #2

Jackson with his friends at the bowling alley. Luke is a friend in his class and Alex is our neighbor from across the street.

 The gang eating at Macaroni Grill.

 Happy Birthday Jackson! We are so proud of you and all you have become at the age of 7. We know that the Lord has a great plan for your life and look forward to seeing what He has in store for you in the many more years to come!