Gymnastics Meet

The boys had their end-of-year gymnastics meet yesterday. They did a great job, and each came in second in his category.

Rainy Swim Meet

The boys' end of year swim meet for their club was held in the outdoor pool, since the indoor one was being resealed. We were fortunate to avoid the storms, but the rain was there, and it was cold! (Just ask the time-keepers!)

It was one of the shortest meets ever, with each kid doing just one race, and no relays. After the races, we dashed back inside for snacks, and to say goodbye to the boys' coach, whose contract wasn't renewed. Their competition group met up again in the evening for a picnic to end the season - and we even got one little ray of sunshine.

End of School - almost

As the end of school draws near, we were invited to the school show, where we got to see Benjamin's amazing plate-spinning and ring-juggling skills.

Noah's class showed us they were aware of differences in the world, with illustrations of how some children are required to work from a young age, and others are able to go school, or how we have running water readily available here, but others must walk miles to get it.

They did a great job! In September, it will be on to 6th grade (middle school!) for Benjamin, and 4th grade for Noah, in our village now, with a new teacher.

Another unplanned trip home

On May 14th, the world, and more specifically, my family, lost a great man. My Uncle Vance was the heart and soul of our Thanksgiving gatherings, which won't be the same without him. Even though I only ever saw him about three days a year at our family gathering, he affected my life deeply. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to go to the camp he was directing, and those are weeks I'll never forget. He was a hard-working man who loved his family, and loved people. He and my Aunt Aimee had been married for 55 years, and showed us what marriage should look like.

We'll miss his rough, work-hardened hands, his corny jokes, his puzzles, his willingness to organize Thanksgiving plans for us, his prayers, his singing, his hugs, his love for all of us.

Paul tells us not to grieve as those who have no hope. So we grieve, but with the hope that we'll see Uncle Vance again one day.

After some reflection, Benjamin decided to go with me so we could be with family at the service.

The flight attendants on the way there were extra nice to us, and even got us upgraded to business class. It made getting there a lot easier since we could sleep on the flight.

We decided to take advantage of being in the US to see both sets of grandparents. My mom drove us around all over the place - from Oklahoma to Alabama, and back to Texas to fly out.

We got to spend some good time with my family. My grandma continued on in her tradition of playing games with her grandkids and great-grandkids, and teaching us how to be good game-players.

My grandad showed Benjamin some rocks, minerals, and petrified wood, and taught him some things about them, before giving him some to take home.

Jet lag did eventually hit... he was chattering away while I was trying to squeeze in a little bit of work - and all of a sudden, he stopped talking. I looked over to find him out like a light!

Benjamin really enjoyed the farm in Alabama. My aunt let him drive her buggy, which is about as exciting as life can get when you're 10! He drove me around to visit the farm, and showed me the latest addition - the hogs.

After a week, it was time to get back to France, Frédéric, Noah, school, and work. The pilot on the way home let Benjamin sit in the cockpit and try things out after we landed.

We're deeply saddened at the reason for our trip, but we're so glad that we got to spend some extra time with family. Living overseas, you don't take these moments for granted.

Dinner table conversation tonight

Noah: When are we going to the Centre Pompidou?
Me (exasperated by Noah's behavior all afternoon): When you are 18; you can do what you want.
Benjamin: Why 18?
Me: Because then you'll be an adult. You can get your own house.
Benjamin: Not 18! I think that is a little too soon!
Me: Oh? When do you think, then?
Benjamin: Between 20 and 25.
Me: You know how old I was when I last lived with my parents?
Benjamin: How old?
Me: 17.
Benjamin, after a short pause: So..... you didn't like your parents?