Bruges, Belgium

On New Year's Eve we decided to head to Bruges, Belgium for the day.  This was one of the prettiest cities we had been to.   It is called the "Venice of the North" and is known for its lace.



Here we are after we first arrived on our way to go eat mussels.    We had a great meal and my mom and even Jeanie found a Belgian Beer that they liked.



Horse and buggies were all over the city and since we were there for only a short time we had to be true tourists and take a carriage ride to see the city.



The Belfry of Bruges - 366 steps to the top where there are currently 47 bells.  You can climb to the top but we opted out of this.



Our carriage ride took us to this cute little swan pond.



Attempt at the family photo.  I think my children are boycotting posed pictures these days.



So peaceful here.



Mom and Jeanie in front of The Church of Our Lady.  After we were so impressed with the Cathedral in Aachen, we have decided we have to go in any church we can.



The Church of our Lady was just as impressive.  I just finished reading Pillars of the Earth not too long ago.  Great book!  I have thought of this book a lot as we have seen all of the churches.



This sign was shown in about 5 different languages.  What a beautifully written welcome.



This church is home to one of the few works by Michelangelo outside of Italy.
The 'Madonna and Child' (1504-05)



Carolyn was fascinated by this manager scene.  She just stood here for the longest time staring at it.



Carolyn has a Nativity scene that we let her play with at home.  I kept thinking she was going to try to touch the baby Jesus and I just didn't think the church would like that too much.  Here is Aunt Jeanie helping to make sure that didn't happen and explaining everything to her.



Then Carolyn got to help her light a candle for my grandmother, Buddie.



Lots of hugs for GG.  My mom says that this is her favorite place that we went to.  I am sure we will go back, there was way more to do than we could fit into one day.