Thanksgiving in the US

Thanksgiving, first of all, means a lot of driving. In just a week, we drove over 1100 miles - about 18 hours. (This is why many French people decline to join us for our trips.)

Benjamin and Noah

Thanksgiving also means games. We always learn a few new games.

This year's new cooperative game was "Betrayal at House on the Hill."

Thanksgiving also means lots of cousin time.

Caleb was a big fan of Benjamin this year.

There are always a couple of puzzles going, too.

We brought one we never managed to finish, thinking that with more help, it would get done. Nope.

Fishing is usually a popular activity at Thanksgiving camp, but we had a lot of rain this year.

Noah managed to squeeze in a little fishing despite the bad weather, but he didn't catch anything.

And Ginger planned s'mores for the kids the last night.

And just like that, the week was over and it was time to head back home.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

We discovered The Gathering Place in Tulsa last year. We love it! We took the kids there twice during our short stay this year. We also had a short visit with Grandma Lundy and Uncle Jim, and a dinner with Aunt Ouida and Uncle Ray.

Benjamin

Gavin was having a blast on the rocking boat

My parents joined us one day

Frédéric, hanging out outside

Noah and Benjamin inside the main building, which has tons of comfortable seating and great views over the river.

Benjamin, Noah, and me

Georgetown, Texas

Funeral arrangements were finally organized and we were able to join the family for Frédéric's dad's funeral Friday, November 22th.

On the 23rd, we flew out to Texas to spend the week in the US with family, celebrating Thanksgiving.

We were fortunate enough to get upgraded, so had a comfortable flight to Houston, and then drove to Georgetown to see my Aunt Claire and Uncle Curtis. The boys love getting to make pottery while we are there.

Noah is a prolific pottery-maker.

Benjamin is more of a perfectionist.

Noah working hard.

It has been a difficult time for us. On Thursday, November 14th, we learned that Frédéric's dad, Michel, would be stopping chemo treatments for his cancer. By Saturday evening, the 16th, two days before his 72nd birthday, he had passed away.

Frédéric was able to spend Friday and part of Saturday with his dad and his siblings. He was able to say goodbye, and we believe those are the last words his dad heard.

The boys didn't swim in the Sunday part of their meet, but did spend the afternoon at the meet with their teammates while we took care of formalities. Our amazing friends stepped up to the plate to watch out for the boys and even drive me into Paris Saturday so Frédéric didn't have to drive himself home.

We weren't ready for this (is anyone ever) because it came so suddenly, so it's hard to say goodbye.

Winter Departmental Swim Championships

The boys' two-day departmental swim championship started today in Château-Thierry. 

 

Benjamin got two medals in the departmental championships for his age group: 3rd in 200m backstroke, 3rd in 1500m freestyle.

Noah qualified in the 1500m freestyle for regionals in March.

Noah

Benjamin getting ready

Noah, waiting around

Happy with his medal!

A rare photo of me, trying to keep up with the swim meet program.

Early Snow

Our first snow came early this year!

Gala loves the snow!

Martinique for Frédéric

One of the downsides (ha ha!) of Frédéric's job is that he has to do a fly-along in the cockpit once a year. This year's trip was to Martinique!

It's a rough life...

Playing Boggle with Benjamin...

Benjamin: I can't believe you would put a word like that!
Me: Meat?
Benjamin: I'm a vegan! I would never put a word like that!