Our summer was busy. Big Isaac had training in Alabama. While he was there the boys and I went home to visit family in the States. It was a fantastic visit (and one I need to still blog about). However, we drove 4,500 miles in three weeks. So once we were all together again and got back into our Germany "groove" we decided to take a quick trip to Normandy, France. We wanted to go to a place rich with history, American friendly, and quiet. Here's how our mini-Vacay went….
Day 1:
We were recommended this awesome B&B by friends and we are so glad that there was room available (please, read more about this place and check out their webpage at the bottom of this post). We got the beach themed room. That morning we had our yummy french breakfast and then went on some adventures...
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| loved our room and breakfast |
Adventure #1:
Pointe Du Hoc and Normandy beach. This was a "must see" on Big Isaac's European check list. First we took the boys to a history museum about Normandy beach and Pointe Du Hoc. There was a short video we were able to watch ( it showed the history of the beach but was not too violent for the boys). We also walked them through the museum and explained what happened on the beach we were about to go see.
After the museum we took the short drive to Pointe De Hoc. It was humbling to see this place. I am in awe that these men continued to scale these cliffs despite the ladders being cut down,being shot at, and watching their comrades die.
After an hour of watching our boys run up and down bomb craters and exploring artillery bunkers we went back to see Normandy Beach. Isaac's great uncle, Luis Cavazos, was nineteen and one of the men to storm the beaches of Normandy. He survived that day. The next day he was killed at breakfast. It was humbling to visit this beach that Isaac's uncle and so many other brave men fought on. And that many died on. To watch and realize our boys were running in the water, playing in the sand, and laughing because so many brave men sacrificed their lives….humbling. So very, very, humbling.
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| Pointe Du Hoc and Normandy Beach |
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| Normandy was Israels first trip to the beach. He loved it! |
Adventure # 2:
American Cemetery
After the beach we went to the American Cemetery. We walked down many, many rows of crosses. Little Isaac would pick a row and we would read the names on the stones and where they were from. The ones of the Unknown always made me teary eyed. The lump in my throat never went away that day. May we never forget the sacrifice these brave men made.
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| May we never, ever forget the sacrifice of so many brave men. |
Adventure #3:
Bayeux Tapestry and Cathedral
Big Isaac also wanted to see the Bayeux Tapestry. I had no clue what he was talking about. Or so I thought. Once we entered the museum and started the tour of the tapestry, 6th grade history flooded back to me and I realized I was seeing in person something I had only seen in text books. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the museum but it's something I will never forget.
After the museum we went to Dinner. I have to tell this next story to simply brag on my boys. We quickly realized the restaurant we had picked was not kid friendly. It usually required reservations and I have no idea how we got seated. We couldn't help but notice the stares. After thirty minutes the ladies at the table to our right asked me, "How old are your boys?" I gulped and replied, "four and seven" fully expecting a lecture on how children should not be brought to such nice places. Instead they went on to tell me how extremely well behaved our kids were and how impressed they were. We then went on to talk about their grandchildren and all the places they were visiting. Both the food and unexpected conversation was great.
Whew! After such an adventure filled day we were prepared to go back to the B&B and crash. However, on the way back our car literally broke down pulling into the B&B parking lot. Couldn't help but say a prayer thanking God for not letting us get stuck on the side of a dark country road in France.
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| Bayeux Cathedral |
Day 2:
This was originally suppose to be our last day there. However, Isaac spent all day on the phone with our European roadside service. I took this opportunity to explore the beautiful B&B grounds and take pictures, do homework with little Isaac, and read part of a book. The boys got the chance to just run around outside and play with the toys.
As it would turn out, our roadside service allows the country you're in to take three
full business days to fix the car before they will tow it back. Even though they had picked up the car at 9:30am it did not count bc it was not a full business day. So they got Sat, Mon, and Tues to fix the car. Unexpected extended vacay for us.
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| This B&B is just amazingly beautiful |
Day #3
Mont Saint- Michel
We rented a car and headed off to
Mont Saint-Michel. I saw this place on pinterest. So naturally I had to see it. They were doing construction so it was not surrounded by water like it usually is. However, it is still beautiful. When you arrive you park in a big parking area. You then walk to another area. There you can take a horse drawn carriage ride for 5 euro a person, ride a free bus, or walk. The boys begged to take the carriage ride so we did. It was very nice and relaxing. I do have to say this place is a very touristy place. We paid a hefty price for a few sandwiches and drinks for lunch there. You can then take about a bajillion and one stairs to the top. All along the way are gift shops. The place is actually a monastery. So, it's very plain. However, the history is interesting to listen to once you get to the top and the views are breathtaking. We had a wonderful, sore feet day (ha ha).
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| St. Mont Michels |
Day: 4
Flea market, shopping, and Caen Museum
We are used to nada being open in Germany on Sunday's (Just some places to eat). So were were pleasantly surprised that stores were open, there was a flea market, and the
Caen Museum was open.
First we explored the really cool flea market. The boys also enjoyed a small kiddie ride. I also got to go a beautiful boutique and Isaac bought me a jacket and dress made in
Paris. How I love that man.
We then went to visit the Caen Museum. Usually, our boys are great little travelers and like museums. We figured they would be extra worn out after the crazy amount of stairs we did the day before and walking around at the flea market that morning. However, they were hyper. Really, really hyper. So, when the museum said they had a free nursery we decided to try it. A sweet lady takes care of the kids in a glass room ( I loved this bc you can always see the kids if you want to check on them). There was also a small outdoor play yard for them to get out energy.
Once we entered the actual museum I realized the boys hyperness was a God thing. The boys are not old enough to see the pictures or history in the museum.
We were recommended 3-4 hours to see the museum and were surprised how fast three hours went for us. The museum was a hard one on the heart. Before I had children pictures of war never tore at my heart the way they do now. My heart grieved (s) for the families of the war. My heart aches for what they went through. In this museum was a section about the Japanese invading China and the Philippines. That part was extra hard for me. My mom has shared our own family history of World War II. Of my LoLo and LoLa (grandparents) hiding in the bushes with some of my Aunts and Uncles from the Japanese. Of them watching Japanese soldiers torture their friends. Of how happy and relieved they were when General McArthur and the rest of the American soldiers arrived on their beaches. Tell your kids your family history. It's important.
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| Flea market and Caen Museum |
Day 5:
Etretat and Honfluer
We decided this would be a day for the boys. They deserved one. We wanted to take them to a beach. Etretat seemed like a cool place to see. So off we went. I was not prepared for this adventure. Have a mentioned I'm a wimp when it comes to heights. Especially opened heights!? I didn't know we could actually walk to the top of the cliff. Annnddd I didn't. Me and Israel made it about halfway up and I decided my heart couldn't take it. Big Isaac and little Isaac went to explore. They had fun :)
Once they ventured back down, we got ice-cream and went to the beach. We were not expecting it to be a rock beach. It was really neat to hear how loud it was. The boys still loved it. They threw stones in the ocean and little Isaac (our water born Florida baby) enjoyed actually playing in the chilly water.
We then went to Honfluer for dinner. First, we bought macrons, caramel, and apple juice to take home. Then the boys enjoyed a fun carousal ride on the water front, followed by a very delicious dinner (also on the water front). It was the perfect way to end our vacation.
enjoying Etretat |
Beautiful Honfluer |
B&B #1
La Ferme Du Pressoir
This Place is AMAZING! It's not just that it's beautiful. The owner, Odile, is an angel. Every evening she would ask us what time we wanted breakfast. We would come downstairs to the most amazing french pastries and coffee. She would then make us omelets. The eggs were from chickens on the farm. The herbs from her garden. She took our boys to help gather eggs, pet and feed the horses and goats, and sit in their jeep. She always greeted us with a warm smile and hugs for the boys. She would ask what places we were visiting and then pull out pamphlets of info. She would highlight good places to eat and things to do that were kid friendly. When our car broke down she called the mechanics for us to see when it would be finished. She also set us up with a new B&B when there was no longer any room in hers. She volunteered to show us where the new B&B was and gave Isaac a ride to get our rental. The boys just recently asked if they could go back to see her. We will forever be grateful for her kindness and generosity.
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| Odile with the boys. She's an angel. |
B&B #2
This place was beautiful. I was scared to touch anything ha ha. All though there were not any toys to play with outside, Isaac and the boys enjoyed playing war. The breakfast was good and Annie (the owner) is sweet.
