The day we got back from our vacation in Barcelona with the Camachos, we moved into a new apartment within the Begijnhof.

Our new place is a major upgrade, with more space for Max to run around in, and a private garden out back.

We settled into the new place just in time to host Paul’s sister Becky and brother-in-law Mike for a long weekend.

After hosting so many visitors this summer, we’ve perfected the “Highlights of Leuven” tour (complete with the usual sight-seeing, beers, waffles, etc.). Becky and Mike enjoyed experiencing all of our favorite things about Leuven.

Grabbing donuts at the Friday market
Grabbing donuts at the Friday market
Max is skeptical of Aunt Becky's shopping choices
Max is skeptical of Aunt Becky’s shopping choices
Leuven Town Hall at Sunset
Leuven Town Hall at Sunset
Walking to Arenberg Castle
Walking to Arenberg Castle
Max shows Aunt Becky how to navigate the Begijnhof cobblestones with a stroller
Max shows Aunt Becky how to navigate the Begijnhof cobblestones with a stroller

Catching up

As great as it was to share Leuven with them, what we really cherished was the time to just be together and catch up. For the night of their arrival, we had Paul’s hand-picked “Welcome to Belgian Sampler” six-pack ready to share.

Nothing says 'Welcome to Belgium!' like some of the best beers in the world
Nothing says ‘Welcome to Belgium!’ like some of the best beers in the world

Max was so happy to be with his Aunt and Uncle again. Becky and Mike knew the way to his heart: throwing him in the air, building and destroying block towers, and reading his favorite books over and over.

Uncle Mike showing Max how to blast off
Uncle Mike showing Max how to blast off
If You Take a Mouse to School
If You Take a Mouse to School

We shared good drinks, delicious food, and great conversation throughout the visit, including trappist beers at a great Belgian pub, and home-cooked dinner in our new backyard.

Drinks at De Wiering
Drinks at De Wiering

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Brussels

We took a short train-ride to Brussels for an afternoon, where we saw the Markt, made a dinner of burgers and frites, and ate brusselse wafels.

Brussels Town Hall
Brussels Town Hall
Becky really enjoying her Duvel in Brussels
Becky really enjoying her Duvel in Brussels
Mike was a fan of Brussels-style waffles
Mike was a fan of Brussels-style waffles

It was hard to say goodbye on both sides, but we are looking forward to being together again over Christmas break.

A bittersweet farewell
A bittersweet farewell

More to come soon …