One more thing...

Could any of your figure out how to work this??? It took us a few minutes, no lie! It's our television remote! Ha Ha-looks like a graphic calculator!

Always wait 30 minutes after eating to exercise!!

Stephen and I found this out the hard way! We went walking in search of a sports store so we could buy a bike. We wandered, found some, wandered some more and then decided to sit and have a Carlsberg (for you Dad!). After our beer we decided to get a slice of pizza from this hole in the wall (literally, there is a hole in the wall you walk up to) and walk around again. We stumbled upon this set of stairs that happen to be a tourist attraction in Liege. I had seen them on the websites and such while learning of Liege...so we decided to try our hand at walking them in one swoop! There are 390 stairs!!! To put it bluntly, we almost ralphed by stair 70 and barely made it all the way up...but the view we got from the top made it all worth it!

All of you planning on visiting will get 10 euros if you can finish them at one time without stopping!! Does that make you want to come visit??

First day of reality...

Stephen and I decided to walk from our hotel to the main center of Liege today. It's quite a hike, but we did it! There are so many cute shops and things to see! I took some pictures that I'll attach...it's pretty!! Before we left our concierge informed us of an American lady that lives down the street that has rental properties. We called and didn't get through, and decided to carry on our day. We wandered and shopped all day, and as we were walking home we stopped at this window to look at rental properties. I said something to Stephen and this lady goes "she speaks English!" We started talking to her, and her dog Cleopatra (whom looks like a long-haired Gracie) and come to find out SHE'S the lady! She told us she had places to rent in her house, and took us to see them on the spot. Her house is a beautiful 4-story mansion right on the river, each window facing the river lined with fresh flowers. She is next door to the Moroccan consulate, so she said security is wonderful. We toured a few of her apartments, most of which were too small...but then we found the one we love! It's currently one whole floor of the house, but she's turning it into two one bedrooms. Even as a one bedroom (half of the floor) it's huge, and has 12'+ceilings. It's all hard wood, and she said if we want it, we could design the floor layout and color scheme...and even live upstairs until construction is complete and move in as soon as this weekend! We would be living on the river, in between Maastricht and Liege in a house with other tenants! We are nervous it's too good to be true...cause the rent is DEFINITELY doable...what do you all think?? Send your comments please!!!! She from her own accounts is a Christian woman who has been praying for a good person to come rent...but are we just buying into a scam? Am I too cynical?

HELP!

Either way...it was a good day! A little overwhelming...but nice! We meet with Stephen's boss and her family for dinner tonight--we'll fill you in later!

Ciao!

Don't forget to send your opinions!

We're Here!!

Well...we have arrived in Liege, et Il fait beau (it's a beautiful day!) We had relatively easy travels and are looking forward to getting acquainted with the city! Everyone here is really nice, and the French speakers aren't terribly intimidating (yet!). We are on our way out to find a lunch spot...we'll be back on soon to fill everyone in on our findings!

A Bientot!!

The Dotsons

Ahhhhhh.....

Well, here we are! Crunch time! Stress level: HIGH

We have quite a bit to do, but in all honesty...we are having fun with the time left! Stephen is playing golf today with his team at work, and tomorrow is his last day of work at the Plano office! Woo hoo!!

This Friday, we have a Karaoke party (everyone is invited) at our place, and a fun pool party on Saturday as well!! Please come out and join us, but like I said before...wear your party pants!!

We leave on Tuesday morning, and the real adventure will begin! Thanks to all that have helped us thus far--we appreciate it! Stay tuned for more to come...

Departure Date: July 31, 2007

Thank you to all that came to the going away party this past Saturday! It was great seeing everyone together in one place! We will, however, try to get everyone together for a barbeque and pool party for one last hurrah in this Texas heat.

Thankfully, everything is starting to fall into place as we make final plans and arrangements here in Dallas. We will be staying in a hotel for a few weeks in Liege until we decide on an apartment. I've made sure the hotel is dog friendly so Katie can have the dogs with her if she wants them. Our French tutor mentioned the phrase "Pet Passport" the other night and Katie hasn't been able to remove it from her head. Originally, we weren't going to take the dogs since we are hoping to do a lot of traveling, but we've learned that most European cities are extremely dog friendly. Which, if I've assumed correctly, means we'll be taking them to all of our destinations. We'll see...

I'm also slowly coming to the conclusion that I can't hoard all our possessions like I want to. I've already sold my TV, which to me, was like selling my kid. I didn't make Katie sell Gracie or Bella, why do I have to sell my TV. JK But seriously...

Goodbye for now...

A bientot (there's an accent in there somewhere but my computer doesn't speak French)

VISA

Stephen received his Visa today...and made the decision for his first day of work to be AUGUST 6TH! He is still working with Liege HR to decide when we will leave, but we've unofficially decided that we will be leaving around July 29th or 30th! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes...we're getting excited!!

Happy 4th!