Baby 3, "It's A...."

It's a BOY and as you can see (thanks to the idea of my sister-in-law with the balloons), Sadie Mac was not really excited about it. She was really, really, REALLY wanting a sister! After the video was shut down, there was a total and complete M.E.L.T -- D.O.W.N!!!! But since, she has recovered and tonight she had a ball up her shirt (being "pregnant") with A GIRL!!! She may be in denial... I think it's better she knows now and can prepare herself. A friend emailed me a few days after we found out with much wisdom and said, "I think Noah and another boy are a better match for Sadie Mac than her and another girl!!" SOOO true!

Grandparents for Christmas!... Les Vacances!

For two weeks of December we get grandparents here to spoil the kids!!! 

Kids are getting to do crafts and snuggle. Grandma is a bit limited with a broken leg, but she's doing the best she can. 

One day we drove to Normandy to see the American Cemetery and the beaches of Omaha. 

It was really cool and amazing. Thinking through all those who died fighting for freedom. 

Then... off to the famous Mont Saint Michel...

I called Jannie "hot rod"

Fun pics around the town

Souvenir shopping...

This is near one of the churches and I love this pic of my two treasures...

Being that France is mostly catholic (or was at one time)... there are lots of statures of Jesus on the cross. This is Sadie Mac's imitation of it. She insisted I take her pic... 

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey... yes, WOW.

  Only the 4 of us made it to the top... and here is a family shot!

Saying Goodbye...

 

It was an amazing place... so thankful we had a chance to go and see the Abbey... it's amazing! 

Cookie Party!!

Last week Sadie and I invited several of her little friends from her class and their mothers to our house for a traditional "American"cookie party. On the invitation I explained how this is a custom of ours and we'd like to share it with friends.

To my surprise... all of them came and one brought a friend! 

I was super busy with 8 or so moms and their kids (nearly 15)... but I was blessed beyond what I can explain. To have these dear sweet ladies in my home and share this time together was a gift. We were also able to share with them the real meaning of Christmas and how Jesus came as a baby, born into simplicity... and yet is the King of all! So, we celebrate His birth! 

What a treasure to share with friends! 

Here is Sadie Mac and 4 of her little princess friends... 

(caught off guard without a smile and one not looking!)

Étretat, France

Last weekend I had the privilege of sharing my time with some wonderful ladies I am thankful to call friends. We walk this journey of living in France together and we had a great time exploring the northern coast together. 

My favorite stop was in Étretat where the rocks and water make the shape of an elephant. 

It was a sweet gift to go with these friends... 

 At the top of the cliff/mountain was this gorgeous golf course where God let the sunshine down for a few moments... it was glorious!

More favorite pics...

We all considered the weekend... a SuperGreatSpectacular Time!!!

Thanks friends for the memories!