Summer Dayzzzz

Summer dayzzzz...

Since we received the news that we are heading to Slovenia, it's been hard to keep my head in the game, I feel as though my head is constantly spinning.  I have to deliberately stay focused.   Caroline and James had a sleep over at Kassy and David's house the other night, and Ben is in France... so for 24 hours it was just Em, Cosette, and me.  We had a good time. 

Gran Plaza 2 mall... hitting the rebajas. 

Saturday breakfast at Mallorca. 

Haircut gone awry.  Whoops!

Super ugly picture of me, but I had the best morning trekking through Casa de Campo, breaking in my hiking boots to prepare for our trek next month on the camino.  Beck, Bon, Tammy, and me!  I love Casa de Campo.

Read-a-thon:  It's a new trend I'm starting with the kids.  They love it and I love it. 

75th Anniversary of Day

Ben and I were delighted to be invited by the French attaches to Spain, Francois and Xavier,  to attend the ceremonies commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-day invasion in Normandy.  At first I wasn't so sure I would go... I had already been to Normandy on three different occasions, and it would be tough to get away during the last month of school, and arrange for childcare, etc.  Mom encouraged me to go while she was visiting last month,  and of course Ben was more than game.  So, we made it happen.  I'm so glad.  Some things are definitely worth the effort. 

We only had one full day there, and two half days... so it wasn't much time, but we packed in what we could.  We flew into Paris, rented a car, and headed out to Normandy.  Although the other American attaches had been invited, along with the British and Canadian, our group ended up being quite small.  It was myself, Ben, Kevin (another American army officer who works at the embassy), and Xavier.  Xavier forgot his driver's license, so he couldn't rent a car.  The four of us crammed into a teeny rental, and since Kevin is 6'7", he sat shotgun.  I was in the back seat with Xavier and Ben drove.   Talk about an odd arrangement. We didn't touch down in Paris until late afternoon on the 5th, so by the time we hit the road we were in rush hour traffic.  It took us a good four hours to travel to Grand Camp Maisy, arriving at almost 9 pm. We went directly to a restaurant where we were greeted by Xavier's wife's (Tatiana) aunt and uncle, Gerard and Brigette.  They were the kindest folks. He had such a kind, gentil light about him, it reminded me so much of the amazing people I met on my mission.   My French was pretty rusty, but with a little time it warmed up, and before too long I was communicating pretty effectively with them.  They spoke clearly and slowly, and I was amazed at how well I understood.  I think the Spanish just speak way too fast, which is why I have a harder time. 

It was a seafood restaurant, right in the harbor and I ordered the "huitres" French for oysters, having confused them with moules, or mussels.  They brought out the hugest plate of oysters... I should have taken a picture, I could barely stomach them.  I think Gerard and Brigette got a kick out of my reaction.  I had to basically slurp them down out of their shell, they were FRESH from the ocean, not a thing done to them, you could still taste the salt water.  It was freak nasty.  Ben went easy and ordered the "seafood platter."  I couldn't stop laughing when I saw his plate.  He definitely had his work cut out for him... snails, whole shrimp, every type of crustacean you could think of.  Poor guy but he handled it like a champ.

On the way back to the restaurant I rode in their car, which was fun, and we did a quick stop at Point-du-Hoc (which I didn't get a picture of), it was close to 11:00 at this point and there wasn't much daylight left, but was amazed at what little remained.  We were the only ones there and sweet memories of being there with my dad flooded over me.  I miss him so much, but I love times like this when I feel him close. 

They welcomed us warmly to their home where we spent the night and had to get up early the next day for the ceremony.  They live right on Omaha Beach, as in you walk ten steps from their front door and you're across the street on the beach.  Amazing!  There were re-enactors out there bright and early at sunrise. 

We had to leave early (7:00ish) to drive to the meeting point where they were shuttling all the attendees to the ceremony.  Xavier was able to get us VIP seating and treatment because of our association with him.  He was escorting an American veteran, 95 years old named Charles Juror  living in Alicante, who was receiving the French legion of Honor award.  Because of this, we were able to get special bracelets that got us into the tents where they served food and where the veterans and family members were mingling, as well as other foreign dignitaries, military generals, politicians, etc.  It was pretty amazing. 

We then took our seat at the ceremony and I was just amazed that we actually got to sit where we did.  We were in very comfortable chairs close to the stage.  The weather couldn't have been lovelier. 

Waiting for the ceremony to start.  Kevin got accosted where ever we went.  Everyone wanted a picture with him!

The Media

Waiting for the ceremony to begin... You can see the veterans getting seated on the stage.  There were 130ish total, only 30 who were Dday veterans.  Not sure how many will be left at the 80th ceremony.

Both Pres. Macron and Pres. Trump were there along with both First Ladies.  The ceremony started almost a half an hour late because Macron didn't show up on time!  Both gave fine speeches, although I thought Trump's was a little more personable as he highlighted the heroic stories of various veterans on stage. Macron then awarded five veterans the legion of honor medal, including Mr. Juroe Xavier escorted.  So cool! Then they took some time with the veterans

Following the ceremony we wandered the grounds... they were crowded with visitors, there were bands playing and there seemed to be a lot of fanfare.  I was grateful this wasn't my first experience there... it was quite the contrast from the subdued and reverent visits of times past.  

The Red Carpet laid out for the presidents

Following the ceremony we had to wait around for the buses.  We went back to the tent and were able to spend a few minutes with Mr. Juroe. It was interesting to talk to him as he briefly told us of his experience as a logistician on June 6 and how he made two different landings.  The first boat he was on was torpedoed so he had to abandon ship.  Ben was also speaking to the commander of USAREUR (US Army Europe), General Cavoli, and while I was standing waiting for him, a lady approached me who was waiting to get a ride back with the General.  She introduced herself as Susan Eisenhower... indeed the granddaughter of President Eisenhower. How amazing was that!  It was surreal to have a sidebar conversation with her while we were waiting on our rides.  She said that her family had adjoining property to his in Gettysburg where he retired and she saw him every day in her youth.  

After waiting for quite some time to take the bus back, we went to pick up our stuff from Gerard and Brigette's.  There were more shenanigans on the beach. And they shared with us pictures from the parade that went through their street. 

That night we headed to the large manor of Fracois' aunt and uncle where we spent the night.  This French couple were from Paris and came out to Normandy on the weekends.  They were a little more formal and stiff compared to Gerard and Brigette.  Everyone was grateful for my French skills as I bridged the gap between the two groups.  Of course, Xavier is French, but his English isn't too strong.  It was helpful that I could translate for Ben and Kevin.  

The next afternoon we had to head back to the airport, so we decided to spend our last sliver of time in Carentan, where a 101st re-elistment ceremony was happening in the town square.  The setting was unbelievable.  There were re-enactors there as well as real soldiers.  I'm really glad we went. 

General Milley, chief of staff of the Army presided over the ceremony.  He will assume command as the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff this summer. 

These Are the Days, We'll Remember

Today was one of those days that is just practically perfect... I love this time of year... this is our third June here in Spain, and sadly, our last.  I really feel like I could stay here forever.  I love our home, I especially love our little yard this time of year.  We have beautiful flowers in pots on the patio and hanging on the fence that separates the pool.  The only noise we have back here is the constant chatter of birds.  The ivy is in full bloom and hangs all along the fence, and I love the fronds from our neighbor's palm tree that pour over the fence into our yard.  The days are super long right now, the park is full in the evenings.  James is old enough now, almost six, where he can run back and forth to the park without having me to accompany him.  And he is comfortable now, he just got past the barrier, where he is not nervous to invite kids he doesn't know to play with him.  He loves being at the soccer pitch and kicking the ball with Paquito.  Paquito is a good neighbor friend.  He is hilarious, he showed up at the door last night at 9 asking if James could come to the park... just as we were saying family prayers and sending them up to bed.  Only in Spain.  How I will miss Spain!  I've never been happier, I don't think, in our entire married life than I have been here.  Perhaps Monterey, but we've been in Spain much longer and it will always hold a special place in my heart.  Cosette is so funny, she is almost three and she is exploding with personality and self confidence and cracks me up every day with her, "Thanks, Mom" and her enthusiastic, "You're welcome!" Today she excitedly reported to me that there were ants in the playroom, I got a little vacuum and took care of them.  Afterwards, "Thanks, Mom!"  Any little thing I do for her she repeats it.   It's hilarious.  And sweet tender James was concerned about the ants being vacuumed up.  "So I guess when they get sucked in the vacuum they don't stay alive?"  he said defeatedly.  "Yes, James.  Does that make you sad?"  He nods his head, "Maybe next time you can just take them outside."  "Ok, James.  I'll do that." Cosette has lately been leaving the house wandering on her own.  The other morning, when there were FOUR adults in the house (myself, Reed, Amber, and Karla the housekeeper), I got a call from Kevin asking if I was missing one of my kids.  HE found her up at the guardhouse while he was waiting for a cab to go to the airport.  She was in her pajamas and piggy slippers.  When I went to get her, she was just so pleased with herself... thought she was the funniest little thing.  Just this past week she wandered off to the park while I was making dinner.  When I realized she wasn't in the house I sent Caroline after her and she reported to me that she was at the park... yep, made her way there herself, crossing the busy road in our neighborhood to get there.

I took Cosette on a bike ride today... we went to the pirate ship park at Casa de Campo, but since no kids showed up and she was bored (she always wants a kid to play with), we headed on down to the lake.  How cool it is that I can ride my bike from my house to such a beautiful little place... they've made some improvements and there is now a walkway with railings, places to picnic and sit on benches.  WE had a great time down there looking at the ducks, wish we had had more time, but I had to make it back to my Spanish lesson.  Usually my weeks are more busy, but since I had planned on going to the attache trip, and then decided against it last minute, my week was pretty clear.  No attache events, no bookclub, no appointments, or even shopping or errands, besides the groceries.  Cozy and I have been able to spend some nice outdoor time together.  I ran five miles yesterday in Casa de Campo and went on a bike ride with Cozy the day before to the playground at the same place.  A number of kids were there and she tagged along with them and was happy the whole morning as I contentedly worked on my embroidery.  She is becoming quite independent.  A mother I was sitting by at our little playground tonight at our urbanization was commenting on what a tough little cookie she was.  She was jumping on the tramp with about 5 other kids who were stepping on her, jumping into her, rolling over her, etc. ...she was just getting battered and loved every minute of it.

I also got to see the girls perform in their gymnastics routine yesterday... this was a big part of the reason I didn't go on the attache trip.  I'm so glad I was there, front row, to see them perform... they did such a great job and had so much confidence.  Caroline was so cute in her red leotard, as she looked over at me a number of times with a huge smile on her face.  Emily was elegant and graceful and did a great job with her hula-hoops.  I recorded the numbers of course, so they are there for posterity.

Anyway, on the bike ride home today, my bike started making a terrible squeaking noise, and a group of bikers (they are everywhere in casa de campo), probably in their sixties, rode past and asked if they could help me fix the bike.  I got off and all three of them surrounded the bike, theorizing on where the noise came from and how to fix it... this was all in Spanish of course. I just love the Spaniards.  Finally one of them got out his little Allen wrench and tightened a bolt and lo and behold it was just fine and I was on my way.

 School is out next week, and things will be wild for the next couple months... but I plan to savor this time.  I truly am so sad about leaving... I will mourn leaving this place more than any other place I've lived.  I love our home, our yard, our neighborhood, the people we've met, friends we 've made, the Spanish people in general are just so wonderful.  There's so much vitality here...  Spain has a pulse that I just love.

It was so fun to have Reed here with his family for a couple weeks, mostly to see him reunite with this country he loves so much.  He was practically giddy the whole time here.  I wonder how many times he ate churros con chocolate in the two week span.  He loves the food, the culture, the people.  It was so fun to share that love with him.  Now we have something that even bonds us more.  James and Hyrum had a great time together... they are both desperate for more boy time, so I'm really glad they got it.  Their last night here, we went to a Real Madrid basketball game and watched Jaycee Carroll play... he got us free tickets on the fifth row behind the team's bench.  This was especially awesome for Reed because he was a HUGE fan of Jaycee when he played at Utah State... Reed calls it the "golden age" of USU basketball and that Jaycee was the best player to come out of that school.  So, to see him play in the semi-finals here in Madrid was just a real treat.  WE waited around for him to come out from the locker room with the other teammate's families, but he didn't show!  When Ben texted him, he said he didn't know we'd be waiting and left through another door.  That was really disappointing because Reed was so looking forward to visiting with him.  Well, then he offered to let us come to the training facilities in the morning where they would be having practice and give us a tour around.  Of course, I couldn't go because we had church and I had to teach a lesson and take the kids!  I couldn't believe how fast Reed and Ben accepted Jaycee's offer.  It's like they didn't even give skipping church a second thought!  So funny.  So, that ended up being a really nice experience for Reed and he got in a really good visit with Jaycee.    

Cordoba's Patio Festival

Life is very busy and full here, especially now that we're down to our last year, I'm feeling like I have to cram everything in!  Por ejemplo, on a random Tuesday I took Cosette on the speed train down to Cordoba to see the patio festival... because I've never been and I knew this was my last chance to see it.  Crazy? yes.  Worth it? Absolutely. 

Cosette was actually a solid traveler on the almost two hour train ride.  She had a little purse with her little toys and kept herself very busy.  But, you have to remember, the train is the easy party.  First you have to take a cab to the cercanias station.  Then you have to take the cercanias to the main train station, book it to a whole different part of the station, go through security, find your platform and board to get to this point.  Then you can finally kick up your feet and relax. 

The festival is actually an annual contest among the residents of the city to see who can display the most beautiful patio... Flowers galore.  Patios are actually inner courtyards, designed to help keep the home cool in one of the hottest cities in Europe, and a place to have your own private little garden.  Most had little fountains or running water.

First annoying thing about this festival was that it ran from 11-2 pm and 6-10 pm (got to love Spain).  So yeah, we arrived at the station at 11:30 and had exactly 2.5 hours to see what we could.
Second annoying thing, everyone else in the world knows about the patio festival... so many dang tourists where ever we go. They are taking over the world!  (And yes, I realize I'm one of them but somehow prefer to see myself as not).

We had to wait in line a half an hour just to see this patio.  And there were a ton of patios.  I knew we couldn't continue to roll like this, so we took a cab over to a less busy part of the city where we had much better luck.

This is how Cosette feels about getting her pic taken over and over

Tourists, go away please

The next part of the city had patios that had more variety and were just gorgeous in my opinion.  We were able to hit 6-7 with no problem before time ran out.  And of course, pictures don't do them justice.

This was my very favorite one:  It was huge and the bougainvillea was stunning.  

Cozy was so done getting her pic taken

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I think it's safe to say you got the idea.