Yesterday at 5 am we made it to bed after two weeks in Greece. This trip was a dream come true for Mommy who had wanted to visit Athens and some islands for many, many years. Daddy had already done his Contiki tour years ago. So I definitely was thrilled to see all the sights, the Parthenon, the wonderful area of Plaka with a pleasant nightlife, the ferries full of backpackers (I was one of them, although I pushed a stroller at times!), the sandy and rocky beaches and the blue and white churches. The trip was everything I had always hoped it would be and I feel like we saw the quintessential parts of Greek culture and life.

Seeing it with our two little ones was wonderful as we watched their excitement. We also travelled with their two cousins, M and D, and brother-in-law plus the nonni. For two whole weeks. It was fun to watch the cousins playing with eachother and my two really adored their older, role models picking up, among other things, a passion for chewing gum!

When we discussed highlights, we all decided the warm, clear waters of "baby beach" in Antiparos was great but mostly the time spent together. We ate a lot of Greek food. I mean, A LOT. I have never in my life had so much Greek food, day in, day out. I think I had previously had about 3 or 4 Greek restaurant experiences! By the end of the trip, I was pretty happy to eat Chinese food for a change. And getting home, I discovered I had gained 5 pounds in two weeks. The yogourt everyday, full fat, includes cream. I didn't have baklava everyday but the pitas I did have were fried. It was definitely worth it as I enjoyed the food very much...even though it was indeed covered in a lot of olive oil, as Mom and Dad warned.

We found the Greek people to be very friendly and great with the kids. They care about giving good service which is quite a contrast to what we experience, in general, here in Bruxelles. The warm weather and sunshine makes everyone relaxed and evidently sunny. So we enjoyed interacting with those we met along the trail and discovered that while we were away, it rained here and was pretty cool. I look out the window now as I write to see grey, threatening to rain skies. I don't mind it but when I am at a beach, I want heat. I actually thought Greece would be hotter but at night, their was always a coolish breeze from the ocean. And the water was, in general, cooler than expected. Anyway, not to complain about weather as many do...I loved Greece and am so happy we went.

Just a re-cap, we started in Athens for three nights in the Plaka district near the Parthenon, staying at a youth hostel called Travellers' Inn. Next, the island of Antiparos where we rented a house and stayed 4 nights. Then came the island of Naxos where we stayed in a resort-like hotel for 5 nights. We were a ten minute walk from the beach of Kastraki. Finally, a small hotel on Santorini steps from Perissa beach for 4 nights became home called Stelio's Place. Mr. Stelio and family were quite friendly as were the other people at each and every one of our accommodation. I am grateful for the warm welcome and definitely left with a great taste of Greece in my mouth!

What a wonderful day! While I was getting the poussette out of the garage to take the kids to the museum (the first Wednesday of every month is free) Frunty asked me to wait a second and dashed into the garage. He brought out a piece of pink sidewalk chalk and drew a big heart which he said was for me and that he loved me. This really made my day. What an absolute sweetheart.

We went shopping and bought items for our picnic which we enjoyed in the playground by the big GB. A student was doing a study about housing in Brussels so I participated in her project by answering questions. It was a good way to practise French and vent out all of our situations. Then we went to the museum at Cinq. to check out the Greek section this time but had to visit the Egyptian again as the kids love looking at the mummies. We even saw some strange mummies, a cat, a bird and a baby alligator!

Then we went to the park with the sand which was fun although I am covered in a thin layer of sand now! It was like being at the beach. Stopped at the GB and the kids chose the dinner for tonight. Frunty chose cherry tomatoes with mozarella and basilique, hamburger patties and Pit chose mushrooms. I chose two steaks for Daddy and me. It was such a beautiful night but I had to rush a bit as I have my prayer group at 7:30pm. I gave thanks for having such beautiful and loving boys. (and I mean all three)

I am so grateful that we leave in a home full of peace...most of the time! That our family meetings help us communicate with even Pit giving his two cents' worth now as well. Daddy has been making awesome Egyptian crafts with the kids lately and I still take them regularly for swimming and they are both doing so well. This is just a magical summer so far and we haven't even made it to Greece yet! Can't wait! Two more sleeps...

Hope everyone is as happy as I am today. Time to wash off that sand!