May 2020
The month we were set free! May 11th was a joyous day in the country of France. Confinement was over, at least for now. You will see the shift to more outdoors and more contact with people. It was like breathing again, but now, we had to breathe through masks. The world has seen worse, so I’m choosing to be thankful for what we do have… and it starts below.
The Little Mermaid wanted a mask, and those are her doctor glasses. Her Auntie Chelsey (my sister) is a doctor. Tonio and I often talk with Daphné about all the amazing things she could do when she gets big. Any idea or suggestion is quickly shot down, because she is determined that she will be a veterinarian one day. I love this girl’s tenacity and driven spirit.
I love these sleepy-faced kids. Django’s overalls were mine when I was a little tyke.
I can’t remember what is going on here, but it is possible that Daphné did something to upset Django. He is pointing to tell us, and she is doing her classic misdirection, “What? I don’t know what happened.” HAHA.
Watching the helicopter land on the local hospital (where Django was born, in fact) is a daily delight, sometimes several times a day.
There is so much beauty in this moment. Big, caring sister helping and protecting little brother. Little brother adventurously stepping off the trail to embrace something new and potentially dangerous. His first time petting a cat. This photo is definitely on the wall in their bedroom.
Being inside a lot inspired lots of baking, and who better to bake with than the 2 best sous-chefs in the nation. They are also very gifted at cleaning flour off tables. =)
Reading with Papa. I’m so thankful these guys love to read. It makes me excited for when they really can read - the world of wonder that opens!
This photo brings joy to my heart. Learning from Papa. Django’s name was inspired by the Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt ;). And we later discovered that Django Reinhardt wrote a song called Daphne. How fun is that?!!! You can listen to it here.
She never ceases to amaze us with her fashion choices. This costume was from her ballet performance in 2019.
The king of comfort and the boo boo lip.
May 11th, France freed its people from 55 days of confinement, and the beach opened up again!!! Yippee! It was a bit sunny, if you couldn’t tell.
Her Papa and her Tonton Seb (Tonio’s brother) have taught her the ways of Petrignani rock throwing.
Rocks are piled on the beach all winter and into spring to help block waves from engulfing the boardwalk. They are a favorite playground for little kids and big kids, alike.
Queen of the hill.
I pray they stay really great friends.
Rapunzel can’t NOT get her feet wet.
Same for him. Ha!
Couch caves became a regular activity. With no school, mom said yes to LOTS of things.
Django is so blessed to have this man as his Papa.
Celebrating my man’s birthday. 38. We “transformed” the living room into a restaurant, called the “Brasserie de Susan B.” Daphné was our waitress and photographer. She was delighted!
Strawberry shortcake from scratch. It was delicious!
Stand here.
Nothing like digging in the sand.
This was Daphné’s first time seeing a group of friends since March 17th. It was Florence’s birthday. If only that’s what was meant by “wear a mask” ;)
I love the big missing-teeth smile of Florence and the sweet smirk of Daphné, but I think I like the baby photo bomb best.
Visions of a teenage Django.
More sandy play. Boy, oh boy, was it good to get out and enjoy the beach after not stepping foot on it for so long. I know, I know, cry me a river Lindsey. Haha!
The park opened up too!!!
Picking up right where they left off.
Some guys from church helped clean the front of the building. It sat dormant and was quite dirty.
Apparently, I used to wear a bathing suit and rain boots around the house too, when I was little. And, we have since bought Django his own pair of boots. Ha!
Nancy helped me with Sunday school for this beauty, since we still didn’t have permission to meet at church yet (not until July 2020). This flame on her head is a representation of the beginning of the book of Acts in the Bible when God’s Holy Spirit was given to the people as a guide, since they no longer had Jesus on earth with them. You can read Acts 2 if you’d like.
And I’m excited to say… that’s all for May!
Love Linz