When talking with Lina about dates that worked for our trip to see her, the week of my birthday was perfect. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate so I booked it!

My birthday was Friday, June 16. Here are pictures from the day. It was a pretty great birthday and one I’ll always remember.

How could you have anything less than a stellar birthday when it starts with this breakfast? Lina took us to the most amazing little French restaurant called Le Canard Sauvage. We shared this breakfast spread of ham and cheese, freshly baked bread with butter and jams, yogurt and granola and scrambled eggs.

I also had a cappuccino and a croissant.

I wish that you could reach through the screen and grab a loaf of this bread. There is something about European bread that is just so pure and delicious. There is a noticeable difference from most U.S. bread. We ate so much of it while we were over there!

Here’s a look at the interior of the restaurant. It was very mismatched but comfortable for long coffee dates or working.

Take a look at these pastries! They are also open for lunch and dinner. I think I could stay here for all three meals and be so happy.

I highly recommend a visit to Le Canard Sauvage if you find yourself in Brussels. I just love all of the French influence in Brussels.

We enjoyed a leisurely brunch before heading over to the International School of Brussels to attend Lina’s son Alejandro’s end of school party. He’s in preschool and it was all very cute. Don’t they look so excited about the hats?

I loved their little party lunches. Each family contributed something different to it. (Am I a food blogger or what taking photos of toddler lunches? Lina was so glad I had it and made me send it to her!)

Big kid + little kid. 🙂

After the party we just goofed off for a little bit. We walked to Lina’s neighborhood grocery store to pick up some snacks and wine. I decided to take advantage of the mild weather and go for a run while Lina and Tanner practiced yoga. I always like to workout on my birthday if I can because I think it’s such a meaningful way to celebrate your strength and health.

I LOVE exploring new cities on foot! I covered five miles and just wandered around. Thank goodness for the map app on my phone. I pinned Lina’s address so I always had a visual of how far I was away and how to get back. I ran outside three times in Brussels and always felt very safe.

Sweaty birthday hugs from little Alejandro! 🙂

As soon as I got home from my run Lina announced it was time for birthday bubbles. Her husband Armando arrived home from his business travel right around this time.

We got all dressed up and ready for dinner out. It was such a gorgeous evening.

We loved the views from Lina and Armando’s apartment.

We walked to dinner, which I loved. I wish we had more walking to destinations in Charlotte. That is one thing I love about Europe.

Lina and Armando picked a wine and tapas bar, Etiquette for dinner. They had been before and thought it was a great spot for my birthday dinner.

Of course…wine first! It’s one of those places where you can wander and choose your bottle and your server will open it at the table.

We started with a trio of spreads with fresh bread.

You can never go wrong with the cheese and charcuterie platter.

Mini burgers.

This dessert! They surprised me with a whole pan of brownies that were served in a silicone baking sheet. You popped them out and ate them warm. They were still gooey on the inside. YUM!

(Romper: Anthroplogie, Shoes: Toms)

Such a great birthday dinner.

We took a leisurely walk back to the apartment. There are so many pretty parks in Brussels.

Armando has amazing selfie skills. We had to take a group shot.

Upon arriving back there was more conversation (and wine!). It was such a memorable and fun birthday. 🙂

How did you celebrate your last birthday? 

Tell me about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations ever? 

Any birthday traditions?