Yesterday as we ushered out 2007, we celebrated Jules' fourth birthday and spent our last full day together with Ryan. That's a lot for one day and one family to handle! We went to Place de Verdun to let Julian choose what rides he wanted to go on (I had promised him multiple carousel rides but they also have motorized swings and these funny robots you can drive specially set up for the holiday season/Christmas village). In fact, he chose the swings and the robots but not the carousel. He was wanting to cut to the chase and get home for presents. We took a little detour to watch the roller-skaters on the indoor rink and the associated french teenage hoodlum scene but slowly made our way back so he could open his gifts and have cake. The only cakes patisseries have at this time of the year are buches de noël , couronnes, and galette des rois so I chose a chocolate buche with a little marzipan mushroom and chocolate "bonne année" greetings affixed with icing. Julian was so preoccupied by the star wars lego spaceship Daddy gave him that he barely touched his cake before heading back to play.
I am posting a picture of Julian's name- he has just learned how to write it himself. You can see (obviously) my model on top and his below.
Ryan and Miette spent the morning furiously reading together to finish the last pages of "His Dark Materials" before his departure. They did it! We then took a cab together to to see him off at the train station this morning. He is going to Paris for a day before returning to Chicago. We got out of the house smoothly, to the station early and then tearfully watched the train slide away with Ryan inside...............
A sad and happy beginning to 2008.
3 comments:
Dear Eva, Ryan Miette, and Mister Birthday Guy Julian, Tne fire in the woodstove here is warm and glowing but there is a big ewpty spot in the room. And that empty spot is you. We've had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's but we so miss you all. However, we're so happy for you because it seems as though you having such a great time. And we're having a great time hearing about it and seeing the pictures. We are so rxcited about coming to see you in February. I'm going to try to find our own plane so we can bring everybody with us, including Nellie and Stella. Our love and best wishes for a warm and joyful New Year. Grandpa Jim.
Dear Eva, Ryan Miette, and Mister Birthday Guy Julian, Tne fire in the woodstove here is warm and glowing but there is a big ewpty spot in the room. And that empty spot is you. We've had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's but we so miss you all. However, we're so happy for you because it seems as though you having such a great time. And we're having a great time hearing about it and seeing the pictures. We are so rxcited about coming to see you in February. I'm going to try to find our own plane so we can bring everybody with us, including Nellie and Stella. Our love and best wishes for a warm and joyful New Year. Grandpa Jim.
Eva!!!!!
Jim and I have been following you since we first received your email, and are both so jealous. You and the children look so wonderful. I can't believe how grown up Miette is, and so beautiful. And dear Julian...WOW. I guess most of your friends from Chicago, as well as all your family know what it is that set you on this path, but we'd love to know how you ended up on this latest adventure. We are also in the last days of our Christmas vacation, with Elizabeth home, and Emily visiting frequently from her apartment in Oakland. Peter, Tim and Meghan headed back to school today, but we'll still take it pretty easy for a few more days. Despite our being in Pittsburgh, we too are having a great time with everyone around. I am so delighted that I figured out how to write to you, that I will keep in much closer contact. Stay well, and I will be writing again soon. Thanks so much for including us among the recipients of your blogs. We miss you all!!!!!
Love, Jeanine
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