Belgium, the Tour Continues

Our tour of Belgium continued on Sunday. We went to Brussels and the college town of Leuven. Johan and Marleen, planned a full day of sight seeing.

Bargain hunting at a street fair




Sausage, a Belgium specialty.


This merry-go-round was in the antique district of Brussels.


We found tiny frogs in a fountain.


Petite Piss… Jack was fascinated; we could not get him to look at the camera.




Beer is to Belgium, as wine is to France. No trip to Belgium would be complete with out tasting several, of the hundreds of varieties of Belgium beers. Yum!



Cheers!

Jackson is 18 Months Old

What a difference a few months make. Jack is not really a baby any more. He is such an independent little boy. He loves to run, play, explore, sing, dance and read books. He is fascinated by any moving vehicle. The first word he says when he wakes up in the morning is truck. He spends the rest of the day pointing out trucks, trains, cars, motorcycles, helicopters, and airplanes. He talks quite a bit and has become a little parrot. We have to be careful what we say around him. He understands everything we say and will repeat any word that catches his attention. Sarah’s mom was telling a lively story which included the word Sh*^. Sure enough, clear as a bell he said “Sh*^!



Jackson is doing a great job traveling along with us as we explore Europe. He is happy checking out sites. He loves to yell hi at people we pass, and he gets excited when ever he sees another child. He shouts out “bebe” just like a little French child. All the time exploring cities and being outdoors has turned his hair a beautiful golden color. We feel fortunate to have such a joyful child.

Another Adventure in Paris

We spent the day in Paris. Marty had a book that listed all the best places to buy baguettes in Paris. We tried a few of the suggestions. We also visited a Sunday Bazzar, window shopped in the high end furniture district and boutique shops, strolled through the Luxembourg Gardens, and walked through Eiffel Tower park.

Tour d'Royal

Sarah’s mom came to visit us in France. We spent 10 days, touring different cities and small towns, sight seeing, enjoying the garden at the cottage we rent (especially the fresh raspberries growning in the yard), eating French goodies, and shopping.

Paris

We took a day trip to Paris. We drove to the Metro station in Porte de Orleans, parked, and set off for the city. We had no itinerary, no planned tours, no agenda- so un-Dillard like! We got off at St. Michelle on the blue line. We had lunch at a small café, wondered a bit, and then came upon Notre Dame.








The strangest thing was in the square directly in front of Notre Dame there was a “Fete du Pan”- a bread party! The bread was fresh and the birds appreciated the party as much as we did.









Next we wondered over down the river, past the river side vendors, bought a few posters, past the Jardin District (Garden District), and to a park with many interesting sights.



Last we came upon a park that had an under-ground mall that looked like an arboream, an ancient and beautiful church, a children’s playground and an amphitheater like court yard with a gigantic piece of modern art. We picked up some crepes and had a picnic in the park. Then hopped back on the Metro and headed back to our small cottage.

The Dillards in France - Oh NO!

We are spending 6 weeks in France, starting May 15. Martin is studying at INSEAD, the international business school. INSEAD is in Fontainebleau which is about an hour south of Paris. We are renting a cottage in the town of Recloses about a 10 minute drive from the INSEAD campus. The town is on the edge of the former royal forest for the Kings of France, with lots of recreation nearby. We will be traveling through France and some other near by countries while we are here. We will try to post pictures of our travels and sightseeing.







Our Cottage


Our yard is the size of one of the Center City parks in Philadelphia. It is chocked full of things to do. We have lots of bugs, birds, neighborhood cats that stop by, and a swing. We are so happy to have a place for Jackson to play where he can run off all of his energy and not do any damage! Plus, it is great to enjoy an evening meal out on our patio.

Getting to France

The day after Marty’s graduation we hopped on a plane and headed for France. It was no small task preparing. We packed way too much and Jackson was not a happy traveler (his worst flight so far - yes we were the people with the screaming baby on flight 120 to CDG). We did not check in with our rental company early enough and had to get a hotel for the first night but . . . we made it!!


Six suite cases, one stroller, one car seat, a port-a-crib, and a very small car!!

Graduation

Jack and I are so proud of Marty. He spent two years working hard, studying, competing & with focus and determination he earned his Masters in Business Administration from Wharton. Way to go Martin Dillard!

Happy Mother’s Day

Nana, Poppa, Sarah, Marty & Jack went to brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day. Directly after brunch we headed to the amphitheater to celebrate Marty’s graduation. A busy and special day!

South Beach

Four nights on our own in South Beach? What should we do? Visit the beach, go for bike rides, hang out at the clubs, enjoy the night life . . . sleep?



The purpose of our trip was not just to get some time away. It was a celebration trip that is now a tradition for graduating Wharton MBAs. “Beach Week” was organized by Wharton students to celebrate 2 hard years of work earning an MBA. It was a great opportunity for us to hang out with our friends and celebrate!

Scott Comes to Philly

Scott spent a week visiting us in Philly. For three days he hung out with us and toured the city. Then Scott was on his own. He watched Jackson for four days while mom and dad took a trip to South Beach in Miami Florida!