As many of you may know, our daughter and son-in-law came for a visit last week. It was so wonderful to be together in person, we have missed them immensely. We have frequent video chats, and communicate via WhatsApp at least several times per week, but being together, in person, was so special.
theTravelsketcher and I shared our love of travel with Alexis starting when she was quite young. We brought her to Europe for the first time when she was just eight years old, again several times when she was a teenager, and the last time after she graduated college. Thankfully, both she and Joe enjoy traveling as much as we do.









Joe has also visited France before, but this was their first trip here together. As an added bonus, Alexis got to spend her birthday in Paris. Neither Alexis or Joe had been to Normandie, so it was a treat for them, and us, to share our little corner of France with them. We visited many of our favorite places here including Château de Domfront, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, The Bayeux Tapestry, and Omaha Beach.










After several days here, we headed to Paris together where we visited Sainte Chapelle, La Conciergerie, Shakespeare and Company, had a fantastic dinner at Le Procope, the oldest restaurant in Paris, and enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Siene, and much more; whew!
















The last vacation we took together was pre-COVID, when we went to Tokyo for the wedding of a young woman who lived with us as an exchange student when she and Alexis were in high school. So we were overdue for a trip together. You can read about our time in Tokyo in these posts:
Tokyo, Big City, Intensity and Bright Lights




On a personal note, early in our marriage after dealing with the heartbreak and crushing disappointment of infertility, I gave up on my wish to become a parent. I figured I would enjoy my step-sons, my two nieces (at that time) and the other children in my life. However, not long after that, I found out I was pregnant. We welcomed our beautiful daughter into our family and are blessed by her daily. Terry’s oldest son, normally very quiet and reserved, sent us a letter shortly after she was born, thanking us for giving him a sister. I grieve for so many couples who deal with infertility and do not have a happy ending, it’s just so sad.
It was just so great to spend time together. We heard from them just a few hours ago; they arrived home safely, and surprisingly on time given the historical snow storm that hit Oregon and Washington a few days ago. We arrived home yesterday to a quiet, cold house. Neville wonders where his other favorite people have gone, and we continue to adjust to being so far from home and away from loved ones.
All the best,
Tricia
If I were to comment on all of the wonderful thoughts this evokes my comment would be as long as the blog. You captured the time so well, I do miss them already, the house just seems a bit empty now.
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It certainly does. We have had some wonderful experiences.
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Loved all the pictures, some where amazing, but loved seeing current pictures of your extra-special visitors. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Dave! I always appreciate your comments.
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I love that you included pictures of your travels as your daughter was growing up! I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures of the Conciergerie before. It’s really a grand place. Maggie
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos. The Conciergerie was quite lovely until you get to the prison cells. Thanks for your comment!
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Did they serve cake!!
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😂
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Such a beautiful and personal posting. You always give us so much to look at and enjoy! We learned new things anout you and loved looking at the pictures of Alexis taken over the years. The photo of the three of you holding baguettes in front of the Eiffel Tower is wonderful. I’m sure Neville isn’t the only one missing family right now….
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Thanks Shirley; I always appreciate your support and commits! I love the baguette photo too; we used it for a Christmas card years ago. You’re right about that, but we have more wonderful memories.
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Aw Trish, this is so special. The end made me cry – I hope we are blessed with a miracle in the same way as you were. I’m 35 now though and if it hasn’t worked for the last 8 years and 9 rounds of IVF, I have all but given up hope (yet still every luteal phase I am a test addict and can’t help myself….).
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Oh my, I’m so sorry Hannah, I can relate to your situation. Things have changed in the last 30 years, so maybe there’s hope. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
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A wonderful family trip! Especially with your daughter, as you got to show her more of the beauty of France: le Mont St Michel and Paris are the perfect sites to see! I can imagine it holds special meaning, considering you had your daughter despite many challenges with infertility…definitely someone to treasure on a great trip like this one!
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Thanks Rebecca! It was a lovely time together.
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Ah Tricia, you know I’m a sucker for a post packed with nostalgia. I know what it’s like to only see family and close friends every now and then. These occasions are all the more special I feel and it looks like you brought out the greatest hits for Alexis and Joe. I’m glad that after so many problems you finally got your happy ending.
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We packed a lot into 9 days, and we had a great time. I’m sure you can relate to being so far from home; it’s a choice, but not always an easy one. Thanks so much for your comments. I hope you have a great Sunday.
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How fun that you got to play host to family members you missed so dearly. I’ll bet they’re thrilled to have close family living in France. It’s what we all want, really… 🙂
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Thank you! It was a great time.
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Beautiful and special time to get to spend together in person. What a gift she must be in your life 🙂
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It was a lovely time! Thanks Meg, for your comment.
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Aw, I love the young Alexis’ enthusiastic face in the photos (and she doesn’t seem to have changed much)! Looks like you guys had a jam packed time – so many great memories in your photos! And I can understand that you must miss her and your other loved ones terribly. Berto and I had five miscarriages and eventually could not have children (fortunately, with the grace of God, we were able to make peace with that) … but I share your sentiment about couples longing for a child. I am so glad your daughter is everything and more than you could have hoped for.
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Oh Corna, I’m so sorry to hear that, it’s such a heartbreaking thing to go through. And it is quite common as well. At least now there are options and support groups where couples can receive help and encouragement. I’m glad to hear that you are at peace; thank God for that. Thanks for your comment. All the best to you and Berto.
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This post brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful it was to see your family through the decades, to watch Alexis grow as you were showing her the world. Thank you for sharing your years of family travel with us. I LOVE the most recent photo of the four of you in front of Mont Saint Michel.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It was so nice to spend time with them. As you well know, I take a lot of photos. Thanks for your comments!
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Thanks for tagging my post!
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Being abe to show your family around your adoptive region is such a special feeling, and I’m glad you could enjoy this time with your daughter and son-in-law! Living far away from family is really hard, but it’s moment like these that make it worth it. I hope you’ll be able to see each other more often now!
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Thanks Juliette! We had a lovely time together. You’re correct; time together is the best. Thanks for your comment!
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