wordless wednesday

"paris is always a good idea."

Charles Dickens once said, "What an immense impression Paris made upon me. It is the most extraordinary place in the world!"

I have to agree. A million times.

Until very recently, my impressions of Paris were based heavily on memories of swimming in my own sweat due to the European summer heatwave of 2002, gawking at the ruckus-causing bus drivers "on strike", and missing my high school boyfriend (note, it was much the same mindset described here). 

What a difference a decade makes. I spent most of the train ride from Toulouse to Paris daydreaming about my arrival. I'd immediately transform into my very own version of the chic, glamourous and perfectly Parisian Audrey below (dog and all).

brit, (volley)ball, and bike rides

This past weekend, our dear friend Brittney trekked down from Poitiers (where she's playing this season) to visit for a few days. Though the weather was less than desirable, we powered through and made the most of our time together.

We lunched avec David "The Mayor" Gerard at Victor Hugo and enjoyed the architecture in the centre. Too many glasses of lunch wine led to a serious afternoon nap sesh. I'm sure Andy was thankful for a giggle and girl talk reprieve as he prepped for the match that evening.

four score and seven years ago...

...I mean, wait. Four years ago, my very best friend in the entire world got to marry her best friend in the entire world. How rad it that? I've been taking a lengthy, day-dreaming trip down memory lane for the last several minutes, recalling the precious and memory-making weeks leading up to the big day - bachelorette celebrating in Napa, last minute wedding planning at the condo, apple shining and bouquet making in various hotel rooms, dress fitting and most importantly, best friend marrying.

wordless wednesday

an open letter to easy jet / speaking english: part 2

Dear EasyJet,

First and foremost, I'd like to thank you for existing. Your affordable fares to many desirable European cities make mini-vacations, holidays and visits with friends possible.

Secondly and even more importantly, thank you for having a direct flight from Geneva to Toulouse.

We look forward to utilizing your services in the not-so-distant future.
Best,
Kate

***

Thanks entirely to EasyJet, my girlfriend Claire was able to bop on over to France this past weekend. It was so great to see her smiling face again, speak non-broken English, have lengthy discussions about just how great and larger-than-life God is, show off our hometown, and host at Hotel Hein for the first time this season.

Claire arrived Friday afternoon. After a thrilling trip to Auchan, we forced Andy to pose for the awkward "first game of the season" photo below, whipped up a quick and healthy dinner, girl talked in the bathroom while getting ready, and headed over to Palais des Sports to take in the season opener of Spacer's Toulouse.

celebrating santiago

On Sunday afternoon, we trekked out to the Eloi family's house to celebrate their son, Santiago, turning four. It was obvious from the moment we walked in the front door that Nana (Andre's wife) and Rachel (Alex's wife) had worked their Brazilian butts off to ensure this Spiderman-themed fete was a success.

It was great to see the players, meet their families, watch all the kiddos jump around in the bounce house, and attempt to communicate with the collective group in French!

Nana is incredibly creative and a very talented treat maker. There were handmade Spiderman centerpieces and decorations, several different varieties of delicious bon-bons, and an impressively constructed Spiderman cake.

Eloi family, thanks for hosting such a wonderful afternoon and including us in the fun!

on to the next one...

double date

A young married couple we met a few weeks ago at church, Tim and Renske, invited Andy and me to join them for a picnic and walk in the forest this past weekend.

It was so fun to share a meal together and to get to know these two a bit better. In just the small amount of time we've spent with them, we've realized that they are a lovely, silly, slightly awkward, genuinely kind, and just plain fun couple to pal around with. After we finished eating, we took a short but pleasant walk through the woods. I'm hoping the beautiful weather we've been having (not necessarily evidenced in the photos below but trust me) continues so we can enjoy many more afternoons like this!

To encourage fellowship in the TIC community, "home groups" are kicking off this week with our first meeting at Tim and Renske's apartment this weekend. We're so excited that there is a group of 30 - 40 young adults living in/near the centre that we can connect with on a weekly basis.

on to the next one...

wordless wednesday