With our move to France coming up, our time there last summer has been on my mind a lot lately. It was a pretty big trip filled with so many dear family and friends, a big celebration of love for Mamie and Papi, and a family "holiday" in the south on the Mediterranean. You were just 11 days away from being four months old when you first met all of your French relatives. The flight there went so well, and I was so thankful. I had prayed long and hard that all would go smoothly and you would get the rest you needed. You were such a joy to all of those that sat around us on the flight when you woke up from your 5-6 hour slumber. Behind us sat a sweet elderly Croatian couple that adored you as you peeked over the seat with your big, gregarious smile. It was such a blessing to Dad and I to see the way you brought so much joy to them. You were wonderful and didn't complain once. I was the one that didn't get much rest because I was so paranoid that you would wake up and be a wreck. You slept between Dad and I on the middle seat on your tummy and we made a tent over you with a blanket to keep out the light and muffle the noise a bit. You move a LOT in your sleep, so slowly you kept pushing your way over to Dad's side causing him to have very little room to find comfort. We laughed about how such a small little girl could take up so much space!
Getting ready for take off and changing into pajamas!
When we arrived in Lyon, Papi and Aunt Jenny greeted us at the airport. They couldn't get enough of you, and you just studied their faces as you gazed up at their teary eyes! You slept on the very tightly packed car ride home between Uncle Timmy and I, as I was yet again struck by the beauty of where your father grew up. We arrived home, and were greeted by the rest of the family with lots more snuggles and kisses for you to be had. It was a great afternoon of just enjoying the family, sitting around the table, and just letting them all get to know pieces of you! We even made a quick visit the the Puget's house for an American style Fourth of July Party, and you got to meet your "uncle" Steph!
View from the front porch!
The Zaylee tree planted for you the day you were born.
You slept 13 hours the first night we were there and it was so wonderful for all of us! We felt so refreshed and ready for the busy days ahead. Jetlag didn't seem to bother you one bit. Impressive to say the least. Your schedule was still intact, and you took long, solid naps and were so happy for everyone the whole trip. It was so special because they really got to know YOU for the happy girl you are. Mamie Suzanne was so sweet with you and thought you looked just like your daddy, and we all agree! :) We had long talks around the table, walks outside with the beautiful scenery surrounding us, and just enjoyed being with one another. I was still a bit crazy and a little controlling about your naps and such because I knew it would be for the benefit of all if you stayed on schedule, but looking back I wish I had been a bit more forgiving and flexible on certain things! You slept in each morning until between 8 and 9 and we would roll out of bed and mosey our way down to the kitchen where Mamie and Papi were usually waiting so patiently (or impatiently I imagine!) for you! Meals in France are so special, and really are a great family time of conversation and bonding. They are some of my favorite moments from both of my trips home to see the family.
We celebrated Mamie and Papi's 30th anniversary with many close friends and family, and it was such a joyous time with everyone! They truly are a great example to us and to so many. You were passed around to so many people and at the end of the party Uncle Joe got you laughing so very hard. It was contagiously cute! It was such a wonderful time with so many wonderful people, great food, bright sunny (super hot!) day, a wonderful song written and sung by Aunt Jenny, a beautiful speech (daddy had to translate for me, but regardless of the language barrier tears were shed from its beauty!), and just good fellowship with ones that love and admire your Grandparents! You have quite the legacy set before you little darling!
Trying to cool you off from the heat! :)
The following day we left on holiday. It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Grenoble to Toulon in the south of France. Uncle Luc and Aunt Anna drove with us, and when you weren't sleeping they were singing you countless old French songs. It was the sweetest thing. I was blown away by the beauty that surrounded us as we drove through the mountains. Breathtaking! We took three vehicles in order to fit everyone, and all made it down there within a couple hours of each other. The house we stayed in was big enough for all of us to fit comfortably, and had such a beautiful view of the Sea. Auntie Tina came with us as well, and she was a great addition and kept us all on track and made plans to keep us moving! It was so great to have her with us. We each had a a team and a selected day to prepare and clean up meals. It was a great way to share in the task of meal planning and it was so nice to see Mamie actually get to sit down and enjoy her time instead of always preparing everything for us! We spent our days out and about exploring the beauty of the south and ate dinners late in the evening on the front porch looking over the water by night. Since everyone was spread out for sleeping arrangements, each morning we had to wake up a few so that we could enjoy the morning sun on the porch. Thankfully we had you as the wake up call, because it usually went quite smoothly with your smiling face greeting them bright and early. We sat around in the mornings before heading out for our daily adventure, and you would be entertained by the family while I would get ready. They would sing to you, have meaningful chats, and just enjoy watching you enjoy life.
View from our house. Photo Credit: Uncle Timmy
View from our house. Photo Credit: Uncle Timmy
Night time stroll down at the Street Market
Breakfast on the front porch
Waking up Uncle Lukey!
We took a ferry boat to the Iles d'Heyeres and took a long walk to a beautiful beach. The water was a bit frigid and you were ready for a nap, so the dip in the Sea didn't go so well that first time around! We stopped at a little vineyard on the island, and continued our walk back to the boat. It was perfect weather our entire trip, and for that we were so grateful! Our next day trip was a stop at Port Grimaud on our way to St. Tropez. It was a beautiful little town that is a small version of Venice. It was so fun to see all the colors on the houses, and the boats as they made their way through the city. We took a quick dip in the Sea as the sun was very hot, and this time to our great surprise, you actually liked it! And it was FREEZING! We had a cool drink before heading back to the cars for the rest of the drive to St. Tropez. The drive in is crowded with cars, as there is only one small road that leads into the beautiful, little town. The yachts that surround the harbor are gigantic, lavish, and so over the top that they make you stop and stare! I wish we would have had more time to explore and walk the path around the water, but there is always next time, right!? It was a wonderful, long, beautiful day!
It was such a wonderful vacation, and I can't believe I am just writing about it now! So many memories made, and so many pictures to savor. We ended our trip with a visit with Mamie Suzanne and the Sanchez family. We sat around Mamie's apartment and talked and passed Naia and you around savoring each moment. We couldn't have asked for a better first trip as a family of three to Daddy's home town! It was so hard to leave, but we look forward to our time there this year and the memories that will be made.
We just turned in the paper work for you to be a true French baby, Zaylee Jean! So thankful for such a wonderful family to be married into. God has blessed me more than I deserve.
