Napoleon complex...

I didn't have the energy to blog last night, but I'm now feeling good after my run on the trails near our apartment and am ready to write about our past 2 days.

Sunday morning (yesterday) we made our way to Belgium. Our first stop was Waterloo, the sight of Napoleon's final battle. I thought we were going to last for 1 hour...tops...but as it turns out, we stayed for over 3 hours. We watched two films on the Battle of Waterloo and then walked over 200 steps to a monument in honor of the battle. If you ever find yourself near Belgium, take the time to visit Waterloo. It was well worth the time...besides, the boys were able to get a picture holding real swords.

We spent the night in Brussels...I didn't sleep a wink, but all three boys were out all night. So during the night, while everyone was sleeping, I had time to think about our trip thus far. You see, it has been me and the boys for 3 weeks straight...24/7 (Mackenzie gets here on Wednesday!!!). I've never had this much one on one time with them. Yes, it has been trying at times and yes, it is completely exhausting trying to keep up with them, but I've had so much fun just hanging with the boys. Sam and Ben have been amazing little travelers and I feel so blessed to have had this quality time with them. While Greg is working during the week, Sam, Ben and I are on our own to travel around whichever cities we happen to be in at that time. I'm pretty sure what they will remember about traveling with Mommy vs. what I remember traveling with them will be entirely different.

The boys will likely remember:

1. Stairs vs. Elevator competitions ...race to see who reaches the top first.
2. Army crawling in the dark halls trying not to set off the sensors that turn on the lights.
3. Eating ice cream.
4. Trying to sneak into the bathrooms without paying.
5. Making their way through the London underground without any guidance from Mom.
6. All the free candy they seem to accumulate.
7. All you can eat breakfast at the various hotels...and, switching around all of the signs indicating the various foods and drinks and then running out as fast as they can.

I will remember:

1. Holding their hands for hours on end as we make our way around the different cities.
2. Sam holding my right hand and gently rubbing the inside of my arm, until it was raw, with his other hand.
3. Watching them watch 'Oliver.'
4. Listening to their funny conversations...ie.
Sam: "What would happen if I ate baking powder and drank vinegar? Would I foam at the mouth?"
Ben: "I don't know, but it would be cool. You would look like you have rabies."
5. Ben singing all of the Veggie Tales songs as we walk around London.
6. Sam giving every street performer we see some of his own money until he ran out.
7. Getting continually smoked by Ben playing Monopoly Deal.

It has been a great experience for all of us and I can't wait to get Mackenzie here and bring her into our traveling fold.

Now back to today...the boys and I spent the day, while Greg was in meetings, touring Brussels. Brussels is a great city, but I think one day of seeing the sights is definitely plenty.