We are so thankful that Lawrence recovered so well from his stroke in March. They had previously planned on visiting longer. But thankfully they had vacation insurance which enabled them to change flights.
They arrived on May 21 and were whisked through customs and immigration. It was so good to see them and especially to see Lawrence looking so well.
They came home and tried to adjust from jet-lag.
But we didn't let them rest too long because a few days later we drove to Canterbury and Dover. It was vacation for the kids and Scott had a
bank holiday that we decided to take advantage of the free time. We were able to see the White Cliffs and Canterbury Cathedral before overnighting at a Dover hotel.
The next day we took the chunnel across to France and drove to the beaches of Normandy. Scott's parents have traveled Europe extensively, but had never been to the Normandy beaches. Lawrence (and Scott) both enjoy World War historical sites so that made this trip extra special.
Arromanches is a spectacular beach with the man-made harbor that has parts that still exist today. The kids had a great time walking around the grounded harbor parts. The weather was so much better this time of year than when we came Christmastime.
There were a few other highlights that we all enjoyed. First, the crater holes along the cliffs...the kids really enjoyed running and sliding down the deep grass lined pits made from dropped bombs. We had a beautiful sunny day which made sitting (and playing) along the coastal cliffs all the more enjoyable.
Bryce the new Karate Kid!
The
three kids climbed into a pill box
But Christina found a secret exit!
More sobering was the American cemetery. It is hard to fathom that many AMERICAN's gave their lives, but seeing the acres of white crosses gives visual understanding.
We really enjoyed the museum. We also appreciated the well maintained restrooms which seem to be lacking in most of Europe!
Other highlights of the Lawrence and Saralee's visit is our visits to Lincoln cathedral and Castle. I think these sites were Saralee's favorite. The Lincoln Cathedral is amazing, but I think Saralee really enjoyed the giftshop and surrounding medieval buildings. Across the way is the Lincoln castle which has a dismal history as a prison. The chapel was particularly frightening. They took prisoners hooded and placed them in steeply tiered cubicles to listen to a sermon. They weren't allowed to talk or see other humans. They were able to walk hooded around in circles and go to chapel...that was it. The rest of the 22 hours of their day was spent in a small, cramped, dark cell . No talking or communicating with anyone at any time. They abandoned the isolation "rehabilitation" technique when a staggering 10% of the prison population went insane. The tour guides are amazing and it made for a fantastic day...especially when we stopped at a fabulous chocolate shop on the way home.
We went and saw Peterborough Cathedral- where Catherine of Aragon is buried and where Mary Queen of Scots was buried (after she was beheaded, but before her son became King and reinstated her burial place to one of more respect in London). The cathedral is only about a mile from Scott's work!
Another day we went to Boston which is famous for its ties to the American Pilgrims. We just by chance arrived on the day of their market and found the closest possible parking spot to the town center. Then also by "chance" we arrived an hour before a concert was being given in the Boston church. As we toured the church Lawrence found a stained glass window with the image of Anne Bradstreet...a person in Lawrence's family tree! Both Saralee and Lawrence really enjoyed that day.
So June 18 Bryce went to Birmingham to compete and took 4th place (narrowly losing 3rd place). The Dustin's and Demientieff's were there to cheer him on. It was quite exciting! We are so proud of his efforts!
