Hatch Parents' visit 2015 part III

Hatch Parents' visit 2015 Part II

Normandy American Cemetary

Our little Normandy Villa

Longues Sur Mer

Omaha Beach

 Blueberry Grandpa was remembered on the Normandy coast.  I thought of him as our boys ran around with arms out stretched for airplane wings.  He told me a few times of his training during WWII.  He volunteered for the airforce.  He, along with several other young me,n were to be trained to fly.  His commander told him, "Hunt, it's easy.  Just like driving a car."   He always told this part with a big grin on his face, "But sir, I have never driven a car."  That laid his teacher flat.  Grandpa said the trainer dude told him that he was going to be the first one up, "And I was."

Sainte-Mère-Église, one of our favorite towns in all of France.  I always feel at home in this little church.  Can you see the paratrooper on the edge of the steeple there? The man's name was John Steele.  He hung there for two hours before he was taken prisoner and he lived to tell about it.  This was one of the first towns that was liberated during D-Day operations. Americans are welcomed and loved even now in this charming town.

The fellas played while everyone else cleaned up.  

I did the most expensive load of laundry ever!  9€!!!

Hatch parents' trip 2015

Good stuff happened. 

 

This happened.

And "Sunday cooking club" happened with Amy.

Obligatory Sunday dress picture.  I always love these.

Of course we made a welcome sign.  Also obligatory.

Games were played.  Lotsa games.

Paris locals? Mmm no. 

Our visit to the Louvre was short and sweet, or rather short and sweaty.  It was warm and crowded so we didn't stay long.  I think we did the main objective which was to see the Mona Lisa, albeit over the heads of 200 asian tourists.  It's not pictured, in part because I can NOT figure out why she is so famous.

Greek goddess of victory...and Eric's favorite shoe brand=NIKE.

I have been to Paris a few times.  I LOVE IT!  Seeing it from the Seine was a new experience.  

 When is Paris, one should naturally eat a baguette...OR A CREPE! This little creperie received our patronage several times.

At one point I told Amy I didn't think she was as reluctant to spend money as she professes, as evidenced by her purchase of the wonderful smelling, not cheap Fragonard perfume.  She replied, "But I only purchase it once every couple years when I'm in Paris."  And then we laughed at the irony of it.

 Paris does not smell pretty.  Amy sprayed her scarf, which was BRILLIANT! And she was kind enough to share a smell of her pleasant perfume smelling scarf with me.  Take note, future Paris travelers, were a scarf and spray it with perfume, preferably Fragonard.  You can conspicuously bring it to your nose without causing offense.

 I found a new Fragonard perfume I love called Belle cherie.  Thanks Amy.
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 These people were wonderful traveling companions...AND I like how their coats all looked together

    This photo is from the Sacre Coeur.  It was one of my favorite places.  Lots of people to watch, the view was spectacular, and there happened to be a harp player.  Loved it.  We went up the stairs via the funicular, which we called a vernacular per a post on tripadvisor.

  Paris Plage- they bring the beach to you in Paris, so you dont have to go to the beach.
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 I love to walk on the side of Notre Dame.  It's easier to see the gargoyles, the flying buttresses, and I love the little garden on the side

 These two are one of my favorite couples on the planet.  I like 'em and they like each other.

I do love the Eiffel Tower. 

Of note:  During WWII when Hitler visited Paris, the French cut the lift cables so that Hitler would have to climb the stairs if he wanted to reach the top.

  I love this picture of Cindy.  I dont think she planned to were her purple shirt in order to match Monet's Water Lillies, but with her lovely white hair she blended splendidly.