Fountains

With spring, comes the beginning of all sorts of fun outdoor activities, like this.  Welcome back to the fountains!  We are really blessed by our city... fountains, parks, the sea, the mountains so close... no complaining here (except for when I'm homesick and miss my family, of course).

Strutting her stuff.

Oh, she is such a joy!

Daphné's friend, Astor.

And a new friend named Freddie.  Daphné doesn't like water, at all.  HA!

I put together the few videos from the afternoon.  Enjoy!

Love Linz

Leah : Day 1

Hi guys!  My friend Leah saved up money from her amazing side job (selling her art) to come visit me!!!  I'm so honored and thankful.  Her trip was quick, so we packed in some good stuff.  

Here is day 1 (August 26, 2016).

I last saw Leah in January 2010 when I visited Montana just before I visited Tonio in France before we were even engaged.

She's a dear pen pal, so I feel like we haven't really even been apart.

I had to take her around town.

And of course the Nice soccer team merchandise store!

A visit to the fountains to let Daphné romp a bit.

She always makes friends with the older girls.

So this is why my back hurts at the end of a day.  Ha!

Chasing my little water bug!

Socca and rosé in Old Nice.

Please no pictures. -Daphné

Holding my love bug.

Daphné took to Leah immediately!

Leah left behind her husband and 2 kids (3 & 5 years-old) to come.  A special thanks to her husband for holding down the fort! 

Visit Leah's blog : Leah Eash Illustration

Love Linz

Grandma & Grandpa (Day 11)

Today was the most joyous of days and the most tragic of days, Thursday, July 14, 2016.  

We started off the day, enjoying our Indian Princess.

Then went for a walk into town.

Stopped off at the fountains, because they're just SO much fun!!!

Grandpa enjoyed following his little granddaughter around.  I really like this one.

 Grandpa is ginormous, taller than the hotel!

Oh man, she's going to be a little surfer girl one day.  She's already got the rash guard on.

Waiting for the fountains to start again.

Yay!!!

This girl is fearless with water.

She got blasted several times in the face and went back for more.

Taking a little break.

Ready to stomp on the fountain.

Then after the fountains, we hit Old Nice for some gelato.

The narrow streets of Old Nice.  The princess is in her chariot just below us.

Of course we had to go to the Promenade, and to our delight, they were preparing for the Bastille Day parade.

Lots of old war vehicles.  Here's my dad saluting next to the American flag.

My mom, Daphné and my dad enjoying the parade.

And here we are with the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea as the background.

Me and my gal! 

All these pictures along the sea were taken just hours before the horrific attack on the Promenade.  Thankfully, we were all tucked in the safety of our home a mile or two away.  My heart is still so heavy and hurting.  I wrote more at this BLOG POST.  I'm not surprised by the evil in this world, but it gets really personal when it hits your own city like this.  I can't stop praying for those who lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence.  Also, for those who are waiting at the hospital hoping their loved ones make it after being severely injured.... and I'm praying a special prayer for those who witnessed first hand the gruesomeness of the attack.

I still cry.  Then I hug Daphné and kiss Tonio.

 

I'm thankful we got to finish the day like this.  Peaceful.  Safe.  All our loved ones accounted for.  It's simple times like theses that you cherish more than anything in the light of the chaos.  I'm thankful God is still on the throne, and He is still worthy to be praised!

Love Linz

a little photo round up

If you are a daily blog follower, thanks... and you've probably noticed I've been a bit more active over here =).  I'm trying.  I find it a much more peaceful place to share pictures.

Here are some recent random photos.  My next post will be on the 14th, and you'll see why ;)

The Euro has started, and Nice is absolutely crazy today with Polish and Northern Ireland fans!

Enjoying some sun.

Playing with Astor's cups.

And trying out his stroller.

More fun in the water.

Heeeeeey!

Daphné's top 3 favorite book before bedtime : JD's Boots, Goodnight Moon, and Llama Llama Red Pajama.

Reading 2 books from her Uncle Tanner and Auntie Sarah : Love you Forever and Scuffy the Tugboat.  These were the two that they also donated to the NICU where Daphné's little cousin Eisley spent most of her life before she died.  Thank you guys.  These are really special gifts to remember Eisley.

Studying how to get into mischief... ha!

This was after a Mamie/Papi play session.  She plays hard with them!

And this is just a regular night.

Funny little bean.

Another night.

She wedged herself between our pillows.

Don't worry... she doesn't stay here (I cannot sleep with her next to me - ha!).

This is where she ends up and sleeps the night.  As you can see, I take lots of sleeping pictures.  They're just so sweet, AND I actually have my hands free to do it ;).

Don't forget to check back on the 14th, which is Tuesday.

Love Linz