The Stevenson Ohana: 2023

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Alyssa's Paris Solo Trip

Dec 19-20: Riley surprised me with an overnight trip to Paris for an early Christmas present. I got some much needed solo time. Paris is just under 4 hours on the train, I have never enjoyed a train ride so much haha. It was a fun couple days and amazing what you can do on own with just an overnight stay. I took a french pastry class and learned to make croissants and went to d'Orsay museum and also spent some time in Versailles and go to the temple there, I think it is my favorite temple ever and highlight of the trip. Thank you Riley!!

The Museum d'Orsay was really fabulous. I enjoyed seeing so much of amazing artwork, it was really inspiring. They had a special exhibit for Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-oise France featuring his final months before he died that was really moving too.

my phone is full of moving artwork I enjoyed, this last one is of the Peter and John running to the tomb the morning of the Resurrection and reminds me of Julene <3

Also, having some good hours to draw and eat at cafes was amazing!

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Ghent Belgium Christmas Market 2023

Dec 15-16 2023: GHENT! We spent a night in Ghent to see the Christmas Market which was so fun and had the best weather. We had lots of fun festive food, lots of yummy waffles (all waffles were sponsored by the Hartley family, got a very sweet and thoughtful venmo from them) and Riley was pleasantly surprised to see the coconut macaroons still there. The boys and mom took on roller skating which was such a hit we did it the next day and was fun to see how much they improved. It was a really fun weekend together.

Easily Luke's favourite Christmas Market booth.

teaching the boys to rollerskate looked like this for awhile :)

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Long weekend in London

November 22nd-25th, 2023: We found some cheap tickets to London that coincided with a couple of school days off for Luke, so we decided to make a quick trip up. The weather was amazing (blue skies in London in November!!) and had a great time in the city and seeing a couple of shows.

Early morning solo walkin always hits the spot and so fun to see the city waking up.

Double decker bus fun.

Clay specifically asked for a picture with this dino.

Anytime we do museums with the kids we have to go pretty quick before they expire but they did pretty good in the National Gallery so that made it enjoyable for everyone.

Kids choice: Lego store

Parent's choice: Evensong at Westminster

Alyssa went to the show Matilda and Riley did 'Guys and Dolls' which was a standing seat down on the stage area which was epic.

Bumper cars was the highlight for everyone. And thanks to the friendly worker who watched Lucy while we were all driving.

Hyde Park Christmas Market was a fun time. We got there right when it opened and it was quite empty, which after having been at jam packed Christmas Markets before we were very grateful.

Made the pilgrimage out to Wimbledon. Was a bit further and more walking than we initially thought, so by the time we got there, Alyssa thought the museum sounded fun as opposed to making the walk back, which ended up being really cool and even included a trip into centre court.