It was a good week, started out celebrating Mother's Day again. In France Mother's day is celebrated at the end of the May, different than the US, although Father's day is celebrated the same day. I don't know why the dates are different for Mother's Day and some things I just don't try to understand (LOL). It was great the kids made me beautiful projects at school with poems in them that just bring you tears. And once again my husband came thru with beautiful flowers, orchichs which I pray I don't kill because they are so beautiful. I say this often but I do have the best husband.

The week went by fast and we decided as the weekend was appraoching to rent a car and take a day trip. I was super excited since I miss driving so much so I couldn't wait to drive, although I have to say I was fearful of driving on Paris streets and then taking it out to the roads I was unfamiliar with. We ended up getting a volkswagon, which I love. I have owned two VW's in my life and would buy another tomorrow. Of course the car was a manual (unless you pay more that is all you will get in Europe). I love it because manuals are all I have ever driven so Keith was happy to hand the keys over to me. He doesn't miss driving at all and definitely not a manual.

Our day trip was up to the Normandy region to go to the American memorial cemetery at Omaha Beach. It was breathtaking and so sad at the same time. It was weird but as soon as we drove up it was like we were home (the French actually gave this piece of land to the US. It is actually American soil). When you first enter you can go thru the information center which shows small films and all kinds of interesting information of the D-day invasion. One of the films brought both myself and Keith to tears.

We then went on to the cemetery, it was beautiful. One of the saying stood out to me "To these we owe the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live". It was a great place to visit. This week is the 69th anniversary of the invasion. I recommend it to everyone.

We tried to explain the meaning of the memorial to the kids but to a 3 and 4 yr old their biggest priority was getting down to the beach. The kids then got their way and they were just so happy to be playing in the sand, even thought it was sooo windy and in the 50's.

After Omaha Beach we decided to drive up the coast to another shore town. It was awesome driving thru little towns in France. It is those towns you see the bikers ride thru in the tour de france. Often the front door to these houses sits right on the street and the roadway is only as wide as a small car. We saw so many Chateaus and just beautiful countryside. Our next stop was at a shore town, Deuville, it reminded me a little of the Jersey shore. It had a great boardwalk and huge houses. Of course these houses were french style. We waved to all our friends over the Atlantic since we were on the other side!!!

It was a long day and the benefit is that the sun does not go down until 21:45 (9:45pm) so driving home was nice and light. We kept the car Sunday and did errands that you can only do with a car. (IKEA shopping).

It was a successful car rental, no car dents, no parking or speeding tickets. Plus we didn't get lost. I have to admit I had my stress moments where we made wrong turns but thank God for gps and my calm husband.

All else is good, we are still getting our boxes away...still. The French Open is going on right down the street. Feel bad we didn't get tickets, definitely next year.

Then Monday came and if you are on facebook you may already know this but I woke up and couldn't find my wallet. UGH!!! It just added to my stress that I did not want to bear. Besides the fact of all my credits cards and cash, I am also upset about my little coach wallet I have had since I don't know when. My sister gave it to me ions ago and I love love love it. Now I have to find another one.

What is also making me sad is that my little guy Lance has been getting homesick lately and I have to admit, so have I. Probably more than he does.

However , we are excited about our first visitor coming next month and super excited friends are already making reservations for next year.WOOHOO!! We can't wait!!!! The more the merrier!

As always..

Life is Good...in Paris (even without a wallet)

Alicia

Kids ready to go over the wall to the beach