Romantic evening dinner cruise on the Seine? Don't forget your pants.

I share this blog with the full disclosure that I will sound like a brat. And probably am. But, being that it might make for some entertaining reading for you guys, I'm sharing. So, give me grace. Being that our anniversary was in February, and our trip was the beginning of March, Husband and I decided to postpone our 17th anniversary celebration so that we could celebrate in Paris, instead. I mean, no brainer, right?

So for weeks, actually- probably months before hand, we started researching romantic locations to dine around Paris. Parisinfo.com was one of the first places we started, in addition to Trip Advisor. And Paris Info did have some great recommendations, and you can find those HERE. But, in the words of Ed Sheeran, "you and me are thrifty", so we took those ideas and ran with them to see if we could do better. It's how we do in the H house.

We could do a dinner at the top of the Eiffel, but then you can't really see the Eiffel, right? And, after looking at a few of our favorite chef's restaurants in Paris, we said- thanks, but no on the price tag; because we also wanted an experience in addition to good food. That led us to check out some dinner cruises on Parisinfo.com; but the prices seemed a bit steep for a mediocre experience (by Trip advisor reviews); and yes, again, this is how we do.

Research led us to a little vessel experience of Bateau le Calife, a 1939 wooden boat that seemed to ooze charm from the pictures on the review pages. We set about booking because at this point- we were less than a month out from our trip, and I was panicked (who me?) that we might not get a reservation. I did a bit of back and forth with the company by email, with the help of google translate (which turned out to be unnecessary since they spoke great English). It turned out that you have to call and actually pay a deposit to reserve a spot, so of course, being the telephone chicken that I am- I delegated that task to Husband. WTG, Husband!

Booking and correspondence was easy, and we were on our way! Almost, of course. For you girls, out there, you know what comes next.... What in the world shall I wear?

There is a whole part of travel planning that you guys will never know about; and that is the planning that goes into the woman's suitcase. One sets about digging through pinterest for other ladies' experiences, recommendations and pictures; followed by checking various sites to verify dress codes and trip advisor to see what everyone else wore; followed by shopping and/or digging through our closets. I mean, obviously, we all usually have some sort of something in mind, but just to be sure...

That is some serious effective packing. 

After all this research and a couple trips to favorite stores around town to scout out the right outfit- I ended up landing on a LBD that was already hanging in my closet. The trip advisor reviews said they saw everything from dressy to business casual, but being that it was a celebration, I decided to go with dressing up on the little black dress, instead of down. I mean, I know Paris should be understated mostly; but I had inherited my mother-in-law's vintage gold chain mail evening bag from West Germany; and by golly I was going to find a reason to use it finally- understated be darned. Some snazzy, black suede stiletto heels and I felt like I was going to be grown-up-looking for a night out. I showed everything to Husband, and he approved. Okay, phew. One outfit out of the way.

Let's cut to about a few weeks later; and it's Monday evening, the day of our cruise reservation, and we are actually in Paris. Remember that little blog I posted about our monster day at the Louvre and Notre Dame? Remember the foot pain and agony and how tired we were??? Well, it's that day.

So, let's say- hypothetically- that a husband and wife come back to the apartment to take a quick nap and rest up and give the barking feet a break before a big night out. You're both pretty chill, and tired, and just hanging out until it's time to start getting ready.

For some reason, wife says something along the lines of (and I will acknowledge that this conversation is not recorded verbatim), "what did you bring to wear?"

Husband says, "Oh, I'm just wearing these pants, and a collared shirt."

Wife glances over to notice that husband is wearing Wrangler blue jeans.


(Silence.)


Wife: "Umm, really?"

Husband: "Well, yeah. Online it said it could be business casual."

Wife: "Business Casual is not jeans. Do you have another pair of pants?"

Husband: "No. I tried to pack light."

Wife: "Did you bring a sports jacket?"

Husband: "Yes."

Wife is sitting on the opposite side of the bed, staring at the closet doors, flashing back to that time in the Bahamas when husband didn't try on the new swim trunks before the trip (even though wife said too), and they ended up being humongous and husband had to spend half a day searching the resort to end up purchasing an $80 pair. Wife sighs as heavily as that run-on sentence.

Husband knows that sigh, and says: "Should I go out and find some slacks?"

To which wife snarkily and brat-ily answers- "For $300 euros? No way. I showed you what I was going to wear, with a gold chain mail purse, why didn't you pack slacks?"

Husband says, "I'll go out and find some slacks."

And round, and round until hubby sets out on foot to search the Boulevard Saint-Germain for slacks under 300 euros.

Wife is surprised when Husband returns, fairly quickly- ecstatic at finding presentable black, albeit skinny European style slacks and a nice sweater, found for a reasonable American price, in a fair amount of time- from none other than the all American Gap. (As suspected, the Parisian pants come with a fashionably hefty price tag).

Husband and Wife set about getting ready, in much better spirits; and aside from Wife's bad hair night- they are ready to catch the Uber to Ponts des Arts, right on time. P.s. Uber guy didn't really know where to drop off and we ended up walking a good ways in my heels, but the rest of the evening was just magical, and I hope you all get to go.

You can read my full review of Bateau le Calife, HERE.

Bateau le Calife

 

The charm and warmth of the boat was so cozy, which was great considering it was still lightly misting and raining at times. We met a couple tables of Americans, and yes, we could have gone a little more casual (not jeans, though); but I wouldn't trade anything for this hilarious memory. It's these little moments that are uncomfortable at the time, that we laugh about later. (Sometimes, much later). And the sparkle of the Eiffel made it all worthwhile.

Disclosure: This story has been shared with the permission and consent and review of both guilty parties.

Ain't no party like a 40th party cause a 40th party don't stop.....

So, some of you might know that a group of my neighbors like to kick off summer in grand fashion, and in years past, we've had some pretty epic EOY (end of year) parties. It all started a few years ago when Paige decided throw an amazing block party to kick off summer. Every year those parties got bigger and bigger and more and more involved to plan. Paige moved on to another neighborhood a couple years ago, but the tradition continued.

This year, my kiddos were on the way out age-wise for the types of parties we've done in the past- games, bounce houses, etc; and also we were getting a little tired of putting in the time to plan and run. We usually started planning super early, and this year got away from us and suddenly it was May! I was about to pull out of the whole thing when the other two EPP's (epic party planners), Angela and Cristi suggested that we do a destination party instead. Easy-peasy! No planning, no problem! The problem came in choosing a place. We briefly talked about Broken Bow, OK but then ruled that out for a variety of reasons, with cabin scarcity being an issue at that time of year and with that short of notice. I wanted to go to Schlitterbahn (um, one of my favorites, and I'll have to blog about that later); but we all agreed that 5 hours down and back was not fun for a short weekend stay. 

So, our local options were Great Wolf Lodge, Gaylord, or they mentioned the Hilton Anatole. I haven't been to GWL- I'm sure it's fun, but pretty pricey, and definitely more kid driven; we wanted adult stuff to do too. I've stayed at the Gaylord, but wasn't sure about the water park because I hadn't done it, and again, pretty pricey. I was thinking, why in the world would we go hang out at a HILTON with our kiddos, until Cristi says, "Oh, it's got a waterpark." I had no clue that was the case- I thought it was just a convention hotel in DT Dallas, but that changed everything! Turns out they renovated everything last summer and put in a pretty sizeable water park. They must've figured out they were losing some business to JW Marriott in the Hill Country because that place is the bomb, and I need to blog on that too. 

It was my birthday weekend, so I would be sharing this celebration with the kiddos- so my vote was heavy in the direction of Hilton Anatole so that we could use Hilton points since the weekend was likely to get expensive with everything else. (Regular rates range from $189 and up a night). Fortunately, the other EPP's agreed with me on the Hilton and we were off. 

It is also a tradition that every year the EOY (End of Year) party is nearly cancelled because of the threat of rain and storms. We have been lucky every year- but last year; we moved it and it didn't rain (of course). This year was no exception and the threat of weather loomed, and we had the added bonus of baseball challenges with tournaments looming the whole weekend. I'm thankful that we are not a baseball family anymore because this control freak could not stand the unpredictability. Turns out baseball tournaments were not the problem since it rained cats and dogs on Friday. Days before hand, we had to decide whether it would be worth it to burn through the points since we would also have to board the dogs, and who wants to sit in a hotel room all weekend with your kids while it rains? We decided to take a chance and keep the reservation.

24 hour period from Friday to Saturday evening. That's a little rain.

Turns out, we're glad we did! Yes, the rain was coming down sideways when we checked in Friday afternoon; but the hotel had so many other options and the kids just love staying at a hotel anyway. And Moms and Dads all got to hang out in the lobby and have drinks, play cards with random people later, and hang out guilt free! It was an EOY with little planning and almost "built in babysitting". EPP's for the WIN! 

You can read my full and thorough review of the hotel and the restaurants on Trip Advisor, here. Here are a few ways we saved money during our stay (and you will want to do that because everything is kind of overpriced): 

1.  Kids under 12 eat free with each adult entree purchase at Media Grill and the Counter Bar. We used this on Saturday night to get meals for my two sons (teen and pre-teen) so that they could stay in the room and/or go to the movie while we went to dinner. $16 out the door, versus $100 I heard someone paid for two burgers  and drinks through room service. 
2. Free breakfast in the Gossip Bar for Hilton Honors members and snacks in the Executive Lounge (although, based on other reviewer's experiences, I'm not sure if this was a weekend thing). We took advantage of this both days. 
3. Free water stations around the pool, and the wait staff was always on hand to bring waters. Also, you can bring bottled water and personal tumblers in. Some mentioned that their bags were checked, but that was not the case for me any of the times that I went in with a bag.
4. While you could not bring food or beverages (besides water), there were picnic tables outside the pool area. We didn't use them because we didn't think of it, frankly, but others did. 
5. Biggest money saver of all was that we knew we would have two mini fridges in our suite. So, since I knew I'd have 3 teenagers and a pre-teen, I made an $80 Target snack run that paid for itself for the price of one hotel meal. I stocked up on chips, tortilla chips and salsa, pb&J, bread, mayo, mustard, pop tarts, donuts, lunch meat, veggie tray, cheese and pepperoni tray, hummus, cheese, lettuce and tomato, soda, a two gallon jug of water, and a million other goodies that teenage boys might eat. I felt like either the worst or the best mom ever at that checkout line. You decide. We took a break mid-day at the pool to run up and eat lunch. That cooler of food was worth it, and they even had leftovers. With two mini fridges, we could have easily packed more. Don't forget paper plates, cups, forks, napkins! I remembered everything except knives and napkins. Somehow the kids went through all the cups playing soda pong though. 
6. We kept a stash of wine, beer, mineral waters and other beverages locked in our king bed room. 
7. Use a personal tumbler if you are hanging out with a beverage in the lobby, or you will get called out. 
8. Side note, apparently the coffee in the hotel is terrible. I'm not a coffee drinker but so many people mentioned it. So I would add that to your shopping list and maybe make it in the room. 

My son bragged to me this morning that he only spent $3 at the hotel and that was because he wanted a Hershey bar. I like that frugality, son! 

Jade Waters features splay/slide area, water slides, lazy river, water b-ball; swim up bar and more. 

We brought a Switch and Classic Nintendo gaming system that the boys could use.

Hilton Anatole a prime choice if you need a place to celebrate for a summer event (like a 13th or 16th birthday party) and want to stay local. 

Saturday and Sunday's weather ended up being great. While hanging out at the swim up pool bar, us adults decided that 40th birthdays are supposed to be celebrated all year, so I'm just going to roll with it. What's next? Cheers y'all! 

Wiping the Mud off their Hearts

Martin did the research on booking our tour to Normandy, and he absolutely went the perfect route in choosing Oliver with Normandy44 Tours. We were traveling with our two boys- 10 and 14 and they will tell you this was their favorite part of our whole trip to Paris and France; and I agree. You can read my full review of the tour HERE.

We took the train from Paris, which I believe would be much better than traveling in a van full of strangers, and Oliver met us at the station- perfectly on time. As we arrived, Oliver mentioned that the gray, misty and muddy day was very much like the weather on that day in June, 1944. It was damp, wet, a bit chilly, and definitely muddy from the previous days’ rain.

He wasted no time getting the tour started- we boarded the van and began the drive down the small streets of that little town. Oliver talked as he drove, and we just tried to take it all in. We made our way to our first stop by way of a small one-way farm road, and Oliver remarked that we were lucky there wasn’t a tour bus coming the opposite direction to share that little road. I was thankful for that.

The first stop was a group of German bunkers, known as Longues Sur Mer, still housing disabled cannons- set remotely away from the sea with a large field in front of it. Not where I thought we’d start, or even what I expected- so far from the actual sea. But it became immediately obvious that Oliver would take us off the beaten paths that we saw the other tours exploring. He explained that this area housed anything but the “top brass” of the German artillery. These guys were the youngest, oldest and least shiny of the bunch. This was important, because actually, this was one of the first lines of the defense against the allies, these cannons could fire far enough into the ocean to attack the incoming fleet.

We were given time to explore these areas; and this was the moment we realized we had NOT come with adequate footwear for this task. We slipped and slid down the top of the green, grassy hills built around the cannons, and I just prayed prayers I wouldn’t end up fanny down in the mud. Of course, this was a kid’s dream, and we left our first stop with tennis shoes covered in mud (I should add- one kid had brand new, fancy kicks covered in mud).


We drove on through the village- and as we wound through the little town, I asked how many civilians were killed during these battles- approx. 25,000 was the number he gave. I marveled at the idea of having your homes centered in the middle of this awe-inspiring conflict. The town has stayed much as it was- the locals have left it as both a tourist sight, but also to remember. It’s amazing to me how you can sense the rich reverence of the War, of the people in Europe. We have no clue here in the US. I suppose there’s no point of reference when it’s not in your own backyard.


Our next stop was Omaha Beach. Shortly thereafter, a group of US plain clothes soldiers arrived on the beach, lighting cigars. I think this is a rite of passage for them- to come here and remember the sacrifices. Our guide, while great- was apparently allergic to cigar smoke and shooed them away, and I immediately bristled. No one has more right to be there than they.


Nothing can really prepare you for the vast expanse of exposed beach that these men had to cross. The best I can describe it- would be if you’ve ever been to California’s Santa Monica Pier. I remember visiting that beach on our honeymoon, and I laughed and laughed because it took me so long to cross it from the parking lot to reach actual water. I was used to warm, North Carolina Atlantic beaches that are eroding by the moment- and you’re pretty much there when you step out of the car. So, this beach, at low tides was pretty much not that. Oliver explained that the German cannons were not facing directly out to sea, but pointing left and right on the diagonal along the sea line. So as these guys were coming up the beach- they could not look into the barrel of the cannons and know where fire was coming from- no- the cannons were strategically placed so that no matter where a man entered the beach- he was immediately in the cross fire, coming from left and right.

The men on those boats entering Normandy were not necessarily Marines, either. One such boat had National Guardsmen- not trained or skilled or even knowledgeable of “Sea legs” so they exited those boats- sick as could be; fighting against the sea, fighting to stay alive before they even got their socks wet; only to face one of the most bare, expansive beaches I’ve ever seen- with just small concrete x’s (used to keep enemies away at high tide) as barriers.



It was fitting that after that visit- we toured the American cemetery. My kids have never been to Arlington National Cemetery, so they were not prepared for, but were awed by how the crosses and Stars of David went on for rows, and rows and rows. We walked among them, and I noticed how the dates went on for months, and months- it didn’t stop at D-Day. The fighting went on, and on, and on. Brothers, buried side by side; rich families and poor- but all equal in their ultimate sacrifice.




The next stop was Pont du Hoc. This one was even more terrifying to me. These soldiers had to scale the side of a sea cliff, under fire- to overcome their enemies. As I walked along this sea wall, I marveled to Martin that it was absolute, concrete miracle that the Allies won this day. The odds, the overwhelming obstacles were so many. The bravery and courage that it must’ve taken these men to knowingly charge in, and win- I am still at a loss for words.






Our next visit was one of my favorite stops. Angoville au Plain was a little church where two medic paratroopers, realizing they had landed in the wrong location, rallied to set up a “hospital” for wounded Allies, Germans, and citizens of the town. They saved 85 lives there; and it is now covered in stained glass honoring the US Paratroopers from that day. I could write a whole blog about this little church, and my feelings there.





We also toured Utah Beach, Sainte Mere Englaise, and finally the German Cemetery. We toured the last because my husband is German, and war takes lives of many- both willing and unwilling. They are all brothers, husbands, sons and fathers.

We returned to Paris that evening, by train. Tired, worn out, completely muddy, and completely changed by what we had seen that day. My kids will talk about it for years to come. I learned that day that war is an art, even a grisly science; but that you also need a bit of luck and a lot of God’s face shining on you.

My kids stripped off their shoes, as did I; and I grabbed paper towels to begin peeling off the mud of the day. As I wiped it off, tears came to my eyes. I thought about how those survivors must have felt- maybe wiping mud, and sand, and blood from the day off their shoes, their clothes, their faces; and trying to wipe it off their hearts. We threw our shoes in the washing machine, and they came out almost as good as new. That would not happen for them. I know now why they call them the Greatest Generation.

Every living veteran I know would implore you to not thank them, the living, this Memorial Day. They would simply ask that you remember the ones that are not here- this is their day to be remembered. There’s another group of men and women out there fighting a war that has gone on for many years. I heard last night, it’s the longest war in the history of the US. Let’s not forget them this year. Let’s remember the fallen this Memorial Day; and on Veteran’s Day- please remember the ones who are wiping the mud of the day off their hearts.

With respect to the fallen, and love to the survivors,

The Hueneke Family