I haven’t taken enough photos of the main floor at the chateau. On walking in, it’s a long, massive area that houses a living room area, an enormous banquet table, and a full kitchen.
Our car (me, Liz, and Audrey) arrived first. And we got really lucky with our parking (it was incredibly hectic, and most folks parked several blocks away and walked in on foot).
Someone pulled out not two blocks from one of the entrances, and we were in the right place at the right time.
While the others were on route, we explored a little bit of the market.
The direct flight from Chicago > Bordeaux was a bit pricey, so we opted for a layover in Paris (CDG). Walking to our connecting flight.
Liz tried all the things, but wasn’t able to sleep much at all. I napped for a brief bit, and was surprisingly ok with how little I actually slept.
The Holders were away on a travel vacation over Christmas proper, but flew back in to Chicago yesterday. And so we made plans to hang out, and to have a late birthday dinner/celebration for Kirt.
After showing folks around our house (and our newly updated floors)… we decided on something for our afternoon: mini-golf.
After work, Liz and I headed to Journeyman Distillery, in Valparaiso. We were meeting up with family to celebrate Julie’s 70th birthday, at a unique local venue.
We ended up hanging out at Gil and Jen’s house, a few doors down. I didn’t take any photos really, but got this one of all the sisters doing a silly set of poses on the stairs.
Somehow… this kitchen seems to evoke shenanigans. I’m not sure when or why, but I looked up to see my wife being hoisted up into the air. I think some kind of dare was involved.
For most of the event, I was helping pass out mocktails and moving food around. Tricia was working the grill like a pro. For most of the evening, after the adults left, Liz and Tricia and I were in the office shielding ourselves from the music and screaming and general chaos of kids having fun.
I should say: everyone at the party was impossibly polite. Every young man and woman, full to the brim with “Yes, sir” and “Yes, Ma’am” with nearly everything they said.
The pathway to/from the terminals wasn’t just cold concrete. The path took me through a tremendous amount of artwork.
I have to say – the kitchen was a scene of utter chaos. And I absolutely loved it. People moving around, jostling, yelling for space and help. A bustle of activity and collisions and it was just so glorious to witness.
You may gauge the holidays on the meals that are served. But for me, the pleasure and measure of it is in the preparation. A house is full of love when its kitchen is full with motion.
A long day, but faster than it seemed. Despite us being in DC for a few days, it felt like we didn’t have enough time to visit with Kirt, Tricia, Paige, and Lisa/James. It felt like a blur to me, but it was probably doubly so for Liz.
All in all, I’m quite awed by what Liz has done. I know Tricia and Paige also completed the marathon, but for Liz… this was her first. And something she’s been working and training for, for almost a year. I’ve seen the work and struggle up close, and trust me when I say to you: it’s a LOT.
For most of the day, but especially starting from here on out… Liz kept saying “I’m freaking out!”
It got a bit… shouty. And a lot loud. And a lot competitive. But was as raucous and as fun as I hoped it would be. Really a fun, fun game all around.
Back home – Tricia is back home! And hanging out with everyone in the front yard.
Woke up early today, to see Tricia off. She’s heading to training for a few weeks, and was catching an early morning ride to the airport.