Our trip to Europe was cancelled in 2020. Time to go back and make memories! This time, Papa is going as a chaperon with the high school orchestra to Paris and Germany. And Maman is taking the kids on a vacation in the West of France. They will all meet in Strasbourg in about two weeks. Bon voyage !
If you bring Bean, there won't be room for any clothes. It's going to be a long 4-week trip without clean underwear...
Although Sophie couldn't bring her Squishmallows with her, she had to have a group picture to look at them from time to time.
The best little travelers ever. Wendy came along too! Kansas City-Philadelphia-Paris.
Rental car from Paris to Maine & Loire. Alex relives his toddler years & sleeps in car rides. (he didn't sleep much when he was a toddler...)
Papa & Maman hosted a big outdoor party to celebrate their upcoming silver wedding anniversary, as well as a big birthday milestone. The invite threw off some guests who thought that it was Papa's birthday. So he got a few 50th birthday cards and presents--2 years in advance... That was the most delightful part of the evening!
We had 64 guests: Rainbow folks, French friends, neighbors, and one family member! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and with Papa's amazing homemade food, it was simply a lovely evening. The family photographer was so busy that she forgot to take pictures of the food. Can you believe it?!?
Papa designed the invite which sure confused some folks--for Maman's delight.
Sophie created the menu--spellcheck optional.
The Alsatian flag greeted guests.
Welcome to our backyard!
Kids immediately made a beeline to the trampoline.
Let the party begin!
Kathy, Zondi & Duane.
Mike, Christèle, Alan, Roger & Frédérique. Linda & Debra by the firepit.
Everyone enjoyed American, Vietnamese, French & German food and drinks.
Such a lovely spring evening.
Eric finally eating some delicious food & catching up with Matt.
Rainbow friends loved to visit with each other.
Neighbors: Dewayne, Ed & Marilyn.
Everyone mingling nicely.
The French connection: Dominique, Caroline, Isabelle, having a great conversation with Kenn & Henry (who they thought was Maman's French nephew!).
Papa & Lonnie chilling.
The buffet was served in the garage.
Neighbors Michaela & Kevin with one-month old Victoria.
Bruce race-car driving?!?
Frédérique, Henry, Dominique, Isabelle, Anne & Jo.
Backyard tour to check out plants.
Cyprian & Alex: who is the strongest?
Tyler Jae & Alex shooting some baskets under the stars.
Maman, can we open presents now?!?
Sophie had so much fun opening gifts that she wants to throw another party soon!
Maman was recognized by Women in Trucking Association as one of the top women to watch in 2022. She was one of eight to be honored with this recognition at Yellow and knew that this would be published on social media. What she didn't know and took a couple of days to figure out is how so many folks knew about this outside of work--until Papa admitted that he shared to the post on Facebook without tagging her... So here we go:
LinkedIn former & current coworkers' messages.
Facebook comments, including family, friends, CEO! What an honor and very humbling experience.
