So, enough about what we saw. What about the family? What did they think of all this? What did they do? What just does not fit anywhere else? Here some of the answers to these questions. (Note, the smaller pictures will enlarge if clicked)

At the beaches

When we first told the kids we were going to Normandy and showed them where it is located, they were excited about all the beaches. "So we can go swimming?!?" "You will bring our swimming suits, right?" What they did not know is that the Atlantic in April is too cold for swimming. Especially this year with air temperatures in the low 40's (F) and wet the whole time. This did not stop them from enjoying the beaches--it just changed the fun. Throwing things (rocks, sticks, your sister...) or making rivers and fortifications in the sand took the place of swimming.

Playing in the sand across from a pirate stronghold

Playing 'throw the stick in the Seine' with the locals

Have to Climb

Combine kids and historical sites and what do you get? Monkeys! No, really. It is the only explanation for all the climbing that had to take place. It if was a wall, it needed scaling. A bench needed walking on (with wet, muddy shoes...) A ancient anchor, a safety wall on the edge of a harbor, the edging of a sidewalk--it makes no difference. They all need to be climbed. Even Perri got into the act looking out over the world from each rampart.

Tastes of Normandy

One of the great joys of traveling in Europe, and especially France, is the wide range of flavors we get to experience. Of course, not all of these experiences are good ones.

Just ask Alex about oysters.

I have to give him credit, though. He tried them in every possible combination to be absolutely sure he did not like them. He doesn't.

Some of the other flavors were more enjoyable. Hot crepes filled with sweets (chocolate, butter and sugar, or apple sauce are our favorites) on a cold afternoon, Easter chocolates of all shapes and sizes, and wines from all of France.

Good thing we did a lot of walking.

Through children's eyes

As the adults were looking at the scenic overlooks and thinking of history the kids were looking at things a bit differently. Juli was often stopping to look at the little things--especially flowers and bugs. The red ones she often finds have become 'Juli bugs'. Alex was looking at all the different ways to attack, defend, arm, and disarm everything. It seems only fitting to mix him with a medieval sarcophagus.

Juli watched for the little things--like her favorite bugs from school

One of the kids

That about says it all. In the past year, Perri has firmly fixed himself as one of the kids. If we are going, he has to be there and is very vocal about it. If he can not be with the kids, then he is waiting and watching for their return. When they do return, or run off without him, it is 'full speed ahead' as he flies after them. His joy at full speed across the sites was matched only by the kids--at full speed across the sites.

One problem with a low, white, long-haired dog on a beach vacation, though--cold, wet feet. After a while, you get used to the new look. He did.

At the end of the day, the exhausted trio slept together with the same intensity they played together and for about as long, too.

"Let me get to where the action is--Please"

Running so fast he does not touch the ground

"It does not feel as bad as it looks. Let me jump up on your lap and show you."

A great trip with great memories. We all enjoyed ourselves, learned a lot, and look forward to finding a reason to go back.

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