Now in the fullness of summer, spring feels like a sweet memory when we looked eagerly for the first leaves in the trees and then delighted at the explosion of color and sweet smells. Yumm. This spring was also marked by one of my favorite and sure to be a perennial mini session in the sea of bluebells covering the Hallerbos Forrest. I hope you all had a chance to check it out this year.
One day of mini sessions quickly became two and in the end 15 gorgeous families joined me in the woods for this special event. I am happy to share some of the photos with you today. Enjoy the breath of fresh air. 🙂
Some time for usPlay!Ring around the rosiesBlossomsExaltOn a strollBreezyJust the girlsLooking back
It is just too beautiful out today. Exactly the kind of day that you just want to spend outside. But this next baby and toddler hot spot will have you scanning the weather report for any hint of clouds. Just enough to give you an excuse to stay inside and play.
I have written before about the ludotheque in Etterbeek. Having lived in Etterbeek and with a tiny slice of Etterbeekois pride, it pains me to say that the ludtheque in Ixelles is seriously kicking our ass. Located in a breezy neighborhood a stone’s throw from Square Ferdinand Cocq, this ludotheque is chalk-full of new, bright and shiny toys. Lots of options for play from an extensive train collection, up and downstairs playhouse, loads of lovely frocks and dresses for make believe and the mother of all crawling tunnels (see happy face snail below). I was really impressed to say the least.
There is a bit of admin to get started. Upon proof of residence in Belgium, but not necessarily Ixelles, you can get your yearly membership card for 10 EUR. This card entitles you to as much free play time as you like as well as the right to borrow toys and games from the ludotheque for between 1 – 2,50 EUR. Don’t forget to return your toys within 1 – 3 weeks or you start accruing late fees. Also don’t put them away in your closet and forget about them for nine months and end up with a fine 10x the value of the toys (lesson learned the hard way, thank you…).
Next time the clouds descend, get yourself over to Ixelle, get a cookie at Sucre Sale and play play play. Cheers!
Where: Rue Mercelis, 13-1050 Brussels
When:
Tuesday from 10h to 12h and 13h to 17h
Wednesday from 13h to 18h
Thursday from 13h to 17h
Friday from 10h to 13h and 14h to 18h (for 10 years)
Saturday from 10h to 13h
Chevaliers, pirates and indians, oh my!Are you a mouse or a bee?My partner in crime ❤Self portraitHappy faces
There are many many types of families. Big and small, those grown through new marriages and those who are families are brought together by fate. Today I share some inspiration from one of the latter.
Those who have been on the long road of adoption can tell you, it can be difficult to keep that image of your complete family in mind. Something that requires enormous commitment, patience and love. With this in mind, I was so happy to work with this beautiful family after they welcomed their new baby boy home from South Africa. To make that image in their minds a reality that celebrates their new unity.
One more example of a love that knows no bounds. If you are on the same path or thinking about adopting, I hope you find the same inspiration I did in this lovely story.
Light and lovePlay!At lastSummer lifeWhee!The Sweetest Boy
I can scarcely think of a greater honor that being asked to photograph someone’s wedding. Your big day, and unless you are Kim Kardashian, certainly one of your most photographed ones! Ieva and Mathias are one of those couple that embody all the beautiful things about being young and in love. Sweet, light-hearted and above all, incredibly devoted to one another. I had a great time getting to know them! While respecting the privacy of the ceremony, I am happy (and proud) to share some of their fun and moving portraits. Cheers to this wonderful couple. Cheers to love!
May I have this danceTwirlMerry and BrightTimelessGet over here 🙂Hand in handHandsomeNow break it down!VeiledFrom this momentSunshineA classicTrue loveThe fun lies aheadEnjoy the ride
I constantly get amazed at how many great resources and things to do with kids there are in Brussels. Especially when I get a hot tip on an English-language Children’s Library right in our very backyard in Woluwe Saint-Pierre. Thank you so much to Pippa for cluing us in!
Set back from the street a ways, the library is housed along with a ludotheque in an intriguing old home surrounded by a garden. Head up the stairs and to the left and sure enough, there it is. A 20 sq meter space packed floor to ceiling with loads of children’s book. Board books on the bottom all the way up to early teen novels near the top of the shelves. So many books and a nostalgic atmosphere of the children’s library section you visited growing up complete with little cards that get stamped with the date when you check them out.
With so many options we had a lengthy negotiation process but ultimately all left happy. To check out books, you have to sign up for a library card that is 4 EUR per year. Then you can check out up to three books for 50 cents. 50 cents! If you are addicted to acquiring children’s books like me, this is a real coup. 🙂 You can keep your books for two weeks and then the fun begins again.
The library is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays so you have to plan things a bit. Saturday morning has story time every other week.
Happy reading
Where: Center Crousse, Rue au Bois, 11 — 1150 Brussels
When:
Wednesday 3-5.30 pm
Saturday 10-12.30 pm
Closed on public holidays
School Holidays – opening times may vary, changes will be posted on this site
The adventure beginsSome magicDeep in thought. Is this my book?ColorEndless possibilitiesCome for the books, stay for the storytimeShadows and lightThere is magic everywhere
Ages and ages ago, I took a walk with a friend and our new babies in Kessel-Lo. Taking in the monumental climbing areas and wood structures, I looked at my little bababoo and tried to imagine her big enough to take on some of these amazing adventures. Well today we set out to try our chops on the king of all local playsets.
Kessel-lo is situated in Leuven and about a 25 minute drive from Brussels. It is also possible to get there by bus. At Kessel-lo you really can have it your way. On the grounds you will find beautiful walking paths, lined with flowers, trees and ponds. If you care to venture out on the pond, there are some sweet little paddle boats on offer. Also a small animal park sporting donkeys, goats, and chickens. Yes, there is even a pool! But truly the highlight for us are the gorgeous and abundant play structures which cater to around ages 2 and up.
The play structures are mostly made out of wood and blend in with the forested surroundings. That makes it all the more fun as you get tired on one and then notice a castle or massive slide peaking out from behind the trees around the corner. There is so much to discover! It is a real paradise for the adventurous little one.
Though the pool was closed today, it looked really fun with a big slide and plenty of space for kids to play. We would return just for this as well, should the weather gods turn it up past 25 one of these days. 🙂
Not the adventure sort? There is plenty of space for a nice stroll and a picnic with lots of flowery fields, picnic tables and neat designed wooden seating.
So one of these warm early summer days, definitely check this place out! Though there are a number of parking areas, I recommend P1 which you can find by putting 203 Eénmeilaan, Leuven. Happy whatever you like. 🙂
King of the castleMy big girl now 🙂Saving a seat for youLean inBlack diamond slideFloatA pool!Its the climb
Even as a photographer, I am loathed to drag my big camera out for family vacations. It just does not do getting lugged from sight to sight, thrown around with sandy beach towels and jostling with iPads, jars of baby food and books as precious carry on. That might be the reason that most vacation moments are either stuck in my head or on my iPhone. Not that I am in them anyhow. What a pity!
That is why I was so excited to be contacted by a fledgling start up called Localgrapher. An idea born in Prague when a solo traveller contacted the founder, Matej, to be photographed around his city. Just exploring, taking in the sights and enjoying her adventure. Since this inspiration, Matej has put together a team of photographers (myself included) in dozens of cities. San Francisco, Hong Kong, Vienna, Sao Paulo, etc – a dreamy list indeed. You can leave your camera behind and instead be photographed by a friendly professional who can also give you some great tips on what to do in their city. Why didn’t I think of that?
Check out their website and you might find a (very embarrassing) video of myself talking about what to wear for a photoshoot. Urgh, definitely more suited for behind the camera work. Travel, have fun, get amazing pictures taken. Ta da!
Ok, I could not resist. I mean I have been preparing for these blossom mini sessions and hey, I have a nice little family I like to take pictures of so why not get a jump on the fun and a little practice at the same time! We head out to scout the location and enjoy some beautiful spring weather. We had an amazing time and I can’t wait to get some of these pics up on the mantle. If this does not convince you, I don’t know what will. Three spots left! Just email bearanddragonphotography@gmail.com to reserve your place.
Happy blossoming. 🙂
Scream!Dandelion girlAll the world for meseriously, I love these twoSwingMost handsomeSoftContrastSweetnessMovementBlooms
This one goes out to those gorgeous ladies out there rocking their bumps to the max. You are awesome, beautiful and I salute you!!
Major hair envy aside, I loved having Stacy and Jason in for their maternity session and can’t wait to see then again when their little girl arrives late this spring. Rock on!
Right as rainThat momentIn these handsUsGlowShape of things to come
Life of Bear and Dragon 