Fun Local Stuff!

 Sean was gone most of September so we took advantage of some local stuff to do! Day trips are super fun!!!

Valkenburg Castle Ruins - I have blogged about Valkenburg before, but the kids and I finally went up to their Castle Ruins and cave to check it out! While the cave tour was in Dutch (I did have an english paper guide with me), I don't think I would do it again.  I felt like I missed the conversation totally. But, it was really cool to see.  The caves have so much history that it is hard to write about all of it, so here is the link http://www.fluweelengrot.nl/EN/.

In memorium of when the city was liberated in WWII

So beautiful.  I think this one was in the chapel.

At the top of the ruins overlooking the town 

Huh?

Thorn - I had heard about this place that does Dutch pancakes when we got here are our hotel, but though 30 minutes was too much of a drive just for pancakes. One Saturday we didn't have much to do (and after a little money and atm issue) only had 35 euro to our name so we decided why not, lets drive 30 minutes for pancakes. OMG, should have done it much sooner! This place was so good and had every type of topping for your pancake that you could imagine.  Dutch pancakes are thinner than what we American's are used to but are not as thin as a crepe.  We all love them! The small town that the place was in was super cute with white washed buildings and cobblestone streets to stroll along! Every visitor with be visiting this place!

Heaven!

My Apple!

Sean's Apples with rasins 

Bella devoured the cherry!

Appelplukdag - This nursery about 20ish minutes from here once a year hosts a day to come and pick apples, pears and plumbs.  It is super cheap (like so cheap it is ridiculous) and they have so many different varieties to choose from. Top it all of with some pie and you have a perfect morning!

So many to choose from! 

Eating and picking...opps!

Super yummy pie

Bella's turn with the camera

Tongeren - This town in Belgium has an awesome antique market on Sundays! We had been before but it is always fun to go and wander and see what's new.  This was such a beautiful day that we explored a little bit more and had some lunch.  

One of the beautiful squares 

It was hard to keep the kids out of this fountain.  Can't wait to come in the summer when it is warmer!

Don't remember the name of the church but it was really beautiful.

Super yummy pasta

Bella liked it too

He loves fountains!

Can't wait to keep exploring! So much to do within 2 hours it is crazy.