Grandpa's visit Part III

We returned from the Loire valley to news reports of riots. Although we haven't experienced any direct impact of the riots (other than a couple of train strikes), they have certainly become a major news topic here (and abroad, it sounds like). The riots reached Paris for the first time today (until now they have been concentrated in the suburbs), with some car fires near the Place de la Republique. We appreciate everyone who has called to make sure we are okay. Don't worry - we will stay very far away from any hint of danger.

The day after we returned, the kids went back to school. I think they were both happy to get back into their routine. Grandpa Dave enjoyed accompanying both kids to school and then we all enjoyed a grownup day of sightseeing and wandering around Paris. On his last day in Paris, Grandpa got to see our local library (the comic books were especially interesting), we saw the Christmas windows at Printemps (a Paris department store), and we found the perfect local bistro (Le Bistro de Peintres, just a few minutes from our house) for a final Parisian dinner of the visit.

Today is all about getting back to normal. Laundry, housekeeping, marketing, and long naps for the kids. Having visitors is exhausting, but wonderful, and we're looking forward to seeing more of our friends and family as the year goes on.