Monday, July 14

An exciting week


I know a lot of y'all are lovers of all things French, so I should start by saying Happy Bastille Day!



One of our favorite rooms in this home is at the very front of our house, where you see the stone fireplace.  It's my husband's study, a very masculine room.  Here's how it looked last fall:


 If you were to peek into the room today, here's what you'd see.


Take a look at the titles of the books on the ottoman:


This is most of our books about D-Day.  The D-Day books are just part of our collection of books about World War II.  The World War II books are just part of our collection of books about military history.  Yes, we're history nerds.

Lord willing, this week will bring the fulfillment of one of our long-time dreams.  We're going to Normandy!

My husband was a history major in college, and he has wanted to visit Normandy, especially the D-Day landing sites, ever since I've known him.  I was a history minor, so I share his interest.  And our children have inherited our love of history.

So this week the five of us will set off on the trip of our dreams.  We'll be spending a week in Normandy, followed by five days in Paris, all of us together.  It'll be the first big trip we've all made together since 2008.  To say that we're excited is a bit of an understatement!

Have you ever traveled with kids?  Have you ever visited France?  Aside from Paris, we've never really spent any time in France, so we have lots of questions.  Any tips to share?  I'm all ears!

15 comments:

  1. the trip sounds great- and then reading that ALL FIVE are going?!?!?! that just makes me so happy!!! what an adventure this will be! i have no travel tips to offer...just drink it all in. the views, the experiences AND your family!!! xoxo

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  2. I am SO excited for your family! I have been to Normandy and I must say, it took my breath away. The cemetery affected me much more than I anticipated. Such a quiet, hallowed place. Wish you could pack me in your suitcase. What a trip of a lifetime! Can't wait to see the pictures!

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  3. I am so excited for you all! That is a trip of a lifetime. I'm so glad the whole family will get to experience it together!!

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  4. Fabulous!! Richella, I'm so excited for you and your family and your dream come true. Praying God's hand will be upon you and for many happy memories in the making. Godspeed!
    (Wow...lucky guess!!!) ;)

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  5. I'm so happy that you'll be fulfilling a dream!! Normandy and D-Day sites have always been one of my dream trips, too. PLEASE share an in depth post when you can upon your return.

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  6. Yay! This sounds so very exciting!
    Yes, I have travelled with kids. Last winter we spent a month in Japan and Indonesia. We are counting our pennies and hoping to spend a bit over 2 weeks in Spain next February. I love traveling to see the world!

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  7. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. I remember having to be patient when dining, as the Europeans take a lot longer to eat and savor their meals, and ask for your check. They wont bring it unless asked. ;) Above all enjoy your time together creating new memories.

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  8. Many blessings on your journey... Cheryl Ann

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  9. Oh wow...sounds so awesome, Richella! Have a wonderful trip!

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  10. We spent a week there several years ago in a rented farmhouse and it was one of my very favorite trips. Every site is my favorite, but the American Cemetery will take your breath away. The contrast with the German cemetery is striking I think. We left the Normandy area for one day for a day trip to Mont St. Michel and that is pretty impressive too.
    You will have the time of your life! {and it makes you be so proud to be an American}

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  11. Oh this sounds like a fabulous trip with your family, I can't wait to hear all about it and see all the pics.

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  12. I can't wait to read about your trip!! I know that y'all will have a great time!

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  13. Lucky you…what a dream vacation - enjoy every minute…bon voyage!

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  14. Hello, My only tip is have fun take a ton of pictures and write some fun memories down for your grandchildren!
    Have a great time... I also love History and also HIS Story!
    Blessings, Roxy

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  15. Your home is so beautiful, and so warm and welcoming as well. You are so kind and helpful to include all the information and resource lists you provide, so I am a bit embarrassed to even ask this weird question: what kind of beverage bottles do you have in your bottle holder? They are the perfect size for a similar holder I have. Thank you!
    House Decoration

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