Traveling Fools

Less than a month after we returned from our Thanksgiving trip to the US, we headed off on our next adventure.

It had been three years since we last went to Reunion Island, and Frédéric was itching to go again. His aunt and uncle offered to host us, and one thing led to another, and we ended up traveling as a group of 13 - Frédéric's mom, his younger sister and her family, and his cousin and his family.

We only had a week, but we made the most of it. And we found out three years ago that we really enjoy warm Christmases!

The super comfortable bungalow we stayed in all week.

With a great terrace for eating outside.

We had great plans for everything we were going to do the first day, but (surprise, surprise), we were tired when we got there. So we just made a token visit out to the Belvédère de Bois-Court, not far from where we were staying in La Plaine-des-Cafres.

People live down at the bottom of this valley, but a footpath is the only way in or out.

This is the path that leads down to the bottom of the valley.

Benjamin, contemplating a walk down to the bottom

Noah, whistling on blades of grass.

14!

Benjamin turned 14! His friends from the swim team came over to celebrate with us. Time flies...

Disneyland for Christmas!

Frédéric's work organization changed a bit this year, and the fallout means that - we get to enjoy an evening at Disneyland Paris, privatized, at Christmastime! So we picked the boys up after school and headed to the park.

It was dark, it was chilly - but there is nothing like Disneyland with short lines! We had a great time and got to ride most of the rides the boys wanted to go on. We're thrilled they're old enough to go on rides together now.

The fireworks and video / light show on the castle was Benjamin's favorite part.

A little disappointed by the missing Y!

Cold Weather

We didn't get more snow yet, but it sure is frosty out.

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.