National Day in Luxembourg

Luxembourg celebrates National Day on June 23. This is also considered to be the official Grand Duke's birthday, however there is not one Grand Duke that was born on that day.  The 23rd commemorates the birthday day of Grand Duchess Charlotte (probably the most loved ruler).

This year the National  Day fell on Saturday, however many festivities started on Friday.  Luxembourg national day attracts many visitors to the capitol, so it got a little crowded as people were enjoying the music, sausages, beer and waffles.  And of course, you could buy the patriotic T-Shirt.

We never saw this many people in the downtown square.

We enjoyed some music while kids had ice-cream.

The highlight on the pre-National Day is the candlelight parade and fireworks.  Fireworks did not start until 11:45pm, so needless to say Ian was out.  Carolyn did stay up to watch the fireworks while we sat on the lawn.  My camera cannot do the justice to the awesome colors, but here are some pics to prove we were there ;))

The next day we were back to take a glimpse at the military parade.

Throughout last weekend, I kept calling this day an Independence Day.  Many people and business decorate their yards / windows / patios just like we do in the US.

  I am going to miss the festivities of our hood and camaraderie of our dear friends.

Start of a Rainy Summer

Carolyn was talking with one of her friends this week, "So how is school going?" Reply: " I don't have school anymore!?"  Carolyn: "What?!?!?! You summer has already started?"  The thing is our kids still have three weeks of school left.  They are out on the 13th of July ( granted they start back the 15th of September).  In addition, it has been raining on and off here ( what a surprise !), and the temperatures have not been crossing 72 degrees.  So, with that said, it does not feel like summer here yet.  I am hopeful though. 

Last Sunday, during the walk in the woods, Ashley found these two fellas.  I guess they are appreciative of all the wetness.

 I thought it will help to see how big those things are.  And people eat those :(((


Our next encounter was much more pleasant.  This picture is taken from our balcony, facing our back yard.  Our neighbors were not very happy as this creature kept eating the flowers on the rose bushes.

The highlight of our last weekend was Ian's Birthday Party.  We had couple of our new friends over.  It is interesting to mention that only one of them is Luxembourgish.  Her husband is Swedish.  Another couple are South Korean and Danish.  I find it very fascinating our diverse is this small country of Luxembourg.  But, back to the pics:

This was the absolutely most favorite gift (from his mimi and papa).

Legos!!!!

Here Ian is wearing a special birthday hat that he got from his school:

 It was a fun birthday party, even though I had some cooking disasters.  And then we enjoyed some sun.  Yes, it does come out once in a while.

Best Vacation Ever!!!

... that is what Carolyn kept saying and then Ian joined her as well.  Not sure if he understands what "vacation" is but seeing kids faces full of the excitement was indicative of the great time that they had.  Needless to say we have started our week long vacation with the Disneyland Paris.  We had to do some negotiations with the kids: 1) your fun, 2) mom and dad fun.  It is all about taking turns in that age.

I have never been in any Disney parks, so I was not sure what to expect, but Ashley kept comparing this park to Six Flags in Arlington.  We were very glad that Ian could ride many of the rides.  However, it broke his heart that he could not go on to ride the Space Mountain or the Indiana Jones with his dad.  Here are some pics from the three days at Disney:

Next few pictures are from the parade.  It was so awesome!!!!!

Kids were smiling from ear to ear!!!!

Paris was our next stop.  We spent 12 hours in Paris.  It is definitely is not enough time.  Our kids were troopers though.  First of all we visited the Eiffel tower.  And yes, we went all the way up!!!  I am very afraid of the heights but I knew it will be worth it.  And when again will I get this chance!?!?

We were in line for 2 hours to get to the top of the Eiffel tower but it was so worth it.

From time to time we just had to stop and just people watch.  Ashley and I will definitely try to come back.  We would love to visit the Louvre not just take pictures of the buildings and I also would like to shop in the store of the Champs Elysees street.  Where else would you be greeted by those guys :

Just a quick note about them.  Well, actually, about the store.  These guys are the greeters for Abercrombie and Fitch.  This brand is crazy popular in Europe.  I watched many young girls, and some not so young, stopping and taking pictures with those guys.

Next, Ashley braved to try the escargot.  I should have taken the picture with him actually putting that thing in his mouth, but I will vouch for him.  He did eat one escargot.

 Last pic as we left Paris.

Next stop, Versailles.  The king's residence is still breathtaking.

Ashley and Ian having fun at the book store.

Gardens in Versailles.....

Mount Saint Michel was our destination the next day.  It was very beatiful there.  We talked the 2 km to get there.

The first building of St. Michel church is dated back to 500 A.D. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuild.  It originated on an island, but since then people build the permanent road to it.  It is still a residence of monks and some others who are dedicated to restore and protect this jewel.

After we climbed the numerous stairs, we spend a little time of the beach, collecting shells.

At this point of our journee  we were only hour and a half away from the Omaha Beach.  Our last stop. This is the memorial that is set up right there, on the beach.