Grenoble and La Ferrière June 15th to 17th
Emmanuel and the girls picked us up at the train station and soon after took us to a party... which happened to be at the house of an old colleague of Wade's, Christian Wauquiez. To put it mildly, he was a bit surprised to see us! His reaction was shock and the happy greeting of 'Wade Owens! What the hell are you doing here?" It was great to see Christian and to meet his family. His home is delightful and has stunning views. We left the party early to attend a match in Grenoble then we went back to the De Martels vacation home. The next morning was Father's Day and Myriam treated Emmanuel and Wade to a very nice breakfast that included a sliced banana with melted chocolate among other things. The rest of the day was spent hiking in the beautiful forest near their home. It was a VERY fun weekend.
The De Martels
Laetitia, Emmanuel, Myriam and Catherine at their home in Thoiry
The De Martels Vacation Home
Their home is beautiful and the setting is amazing. This area is the 'traditional' vacation location for Catherine's family. Her parents own a home nearby, as do several of her siblings. We got to briefly meet her parents, which was quite a treat.
Tiny Guest House
This little house used to sit on property that Emmanuel's grandparents owned. He used to spend time in this cabin as a kid. He was recently able to move it to La Ferrière. It is actually not that small and is very charming!
Hiking in La Ferrière
Hiking in La Ferrière
Hiking near La Ferrière
There were many streams running down the hillside
Myriam, Catherine and Lauren
Hiking near La Ferrière
Looking down the valley. The buildings are part of a ski area called Les 7 Laux.
Picnic Lunch
Mini Waterfall
Father's Day Celebration
Myriam stood in as Wade's daughter for the day since Emmy and Audrey were nowhere to be found!
Father's Day Breakfast!
Seriously, you must try this: slice a banana in half lengthwise, put some chocolate in between and microwave it for a few seconds to melt the chocolate. Delicious! Thanks Myriam!
Sunrise from the deck of the De Martels House
Mountain View from the deck of the De Martels House
Mountain View from the deck of the De Martels House
Neighbor's Cottage
Another Hike in La Ferrière
On our last morning in La Ferrière, We went for a hike with Emmanuel. This led to a nice Cascade (waterfall), in the midst of a bit of devastation. Apparently an avalanche had come through here earlier in the year and town down trees and caused general mayhem.
Emmanuel and Lauren
Creek Covered with Debris
A Warm Greeting in Thoiry
We spent our last night with the De Martels at their home in Thoiry. Our room was really nice and we were greeted with fresh flowers and other nice touches. They truly deserve a 5 star rating!
A Warm Greeting in Thoiry
Allez les Bleues!
We watched France play Nigeria while we were in Thoiry
Laetitia
This lovely young lady is coming to Vancouver to stay with us for two weeks in October! We are so excited that she is spending her fall school vacation with us!
