Normandy: How I Wish You Were Here

I have to admit that I have been pretty darn lucky with how many times I have been able to see my mom over the past year. I cannot, however, deny that I was distraught when I found out that yet another of her employees felt the need to throw a wrench in our plans to meet. I have told my mom numerous times now that next year she will look back and be very happy that things have turned out the way they have for the business, but that does not mean I didn't want to go wring a few necks over in Durham (nobody makes my mamma mad and gets away with it!).

The trip was all paid for and the bags were all packed when my mom made the decision that she could not go. Fortunately, she did not see any reason why problems at Triangle should mean Lee's trip should be ruined as well, and so Lee, the trooper, made the trip over to France on his own to meet us. For the record, this means that Lee wins the award for meeting us the most times during the year. GO, LEE! (We'll definitely have to think up some awesome award for you.) Though the three of us did end up having a fantastic weekend together - or, as I dubbed it, "Kids' Weekend" - we did think about my mom a lot and comment frequently that we wish she could have been with us.

Our plan had been to meet up at the CDG airport and drive out to the northern coastal area of France. Our first stop together was to be Giverny to see the home of Monet. I know that this is probably one of the places my mom most wanted to see. The grounds were amazingly beautiful. We felt as though we were walking through Monet's paintings as we strolled the idyllic grounds of his home. Since my mom was unable to be with us, both Lee and I felt it important to take as many pictures as possible to at least give her a taste of what we experienced. So, Mamma, here are some flowers to make you smile :-) Love you!