Grandma meets Cyrano!

We came home by way of Bergerac just so Grandma could meet Cyrano--top right picture in case you don't see the nose! We got back to Bordeaux just in time to see the city all lit up!

Beautiful France!

We planned to meet the Desilles at the place the Coste familly recently bought (perhaps some of you remember Amelie who was a student at BJ for a couple of years--the family are members of the Barnes church in Paris). Our plans are to use the facilities for our student retreat in May. It was absolutely gorgeous! Much nicer than any where we have been before. It was formerly a gite with 5 apartments. The Costes want to change it over into a retreat/conference place. There is a lot of land and since it is only 30 miles from Sarlat, you all can imagine how beautiful it is! My favorite place in France. I think it would be a great place for the Bixbys to meet to celebrate Mom and Dad's 40th--what do you think?

Meeting Baby Desilles!

Yesterday we met Matthieu and Jeanine in the Dordognne. We were happy to meet litttle Jonathan, born just 4 days after Stefan. Grandma was especially interested in the way they carried him (looked like rather complicated scarf tying to me, but he liked it and slept the whole time he was next to his Daddy!) It was great to see them.

Happy Birthday!

We won't say how many--just that next year is the BIG one! Hope you have a very special day and that your family treats you like royalty today. Thanks for being such a godly example to all of us. We love you!

Stefan Is One Month Old!

Mozart's Mass in C Minor

We had a wonderful evening enjoying the music of Mozart live! It was incredible and we had great seats - third row, center!! It was a memorable night of great music and wonderful company!! The picture isn't the greatest, but it's a reminder of the incredible night we had. The kids enjoyed being part of the Metras family for the day and got lots of attention and had oodles of fun too.

You're invited to join us ...

... for sunrise at Cocoa Beach!

A last-minute change in plans allowed us the opportunity to enjoy a hotel overlooking Cocoa Beach.

We also briefly visited the Kennedy Space Center yesterday, though we did not actually go in. (See a few pics at Thomas Tales.)

A visit with Aunt Doris

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with "Aunt" Doris Gilbert last week. She was extremely gracious and hospitable to us, and we made ourselves right at home! The kids especially loved riding around on her golf cart. And she is one active lady, volunteering at the dining hall, the hospitality house, the local hospital and she even hosted a churchwide meal while we were there. We were glad for the opportunity to be a part of her world for a few days. Thanks, Aunt Doris!

Bordeaux's Roman Ruins

Yesterday Dad and Grandma went to see the Roman ruins downtown. It took them a while to find them (can you believe we have NEVER visited them before!) but they were both amazed at what they saw right in the middle of the city. Apparently it is a coliseum that dates back to the first century!

Just Give Me the Camera!

Give Me That Mountain!

Grandma was certainly not going to let a mountain of sand stop her! Of course, that sand pile is the biggest dune in Europe! Dad drove her down to the ocean yesterday and they had a splendid time. I didn't want to have an 84-year-old show me up, so I stayed home :-)

The Wallings

Neil and Sandi Walling were our hosts during the missions conference at Faith Bible Church of Naples, Florida. The Wallings were very gracious to our family, and our children really attached themselves to them. Micaiah & Miriam became their surrogate grandchildren for the weekend! Mr. Walling gave us a ride in his fully-restored 1933 Packard, which you see pictured here. Just before we left them last Monday, the Wallings also took us to the Naples Zoo. For a few more pics of that day, you can visit the Thomas Tales blog. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Walling, for a great visit!

Trip to Spain With Great Grandma

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day or for more gracious hosts. We had a wonderful 36 hour trip. We left Sunday evening and spent the night with the Keisers. It was dark by the time we got to the mountains but we promised Grandma she was in for a delightful view the next morning. And she got it! The temperature was mild and the sight out the Keisers front door was breathtaking. About noon we drove on up to the Bonkowsky's where Grandma got the 1st class tour of the camp. We enjoyed lunch with them (and some guests, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe who work with a Jewish mission) We had to shop (of course!) and then headed back home. It was a great trip.

Farewell Fellowship

Last night we had a somewhat tearful farewell for the McKnights who are leaving for South Korea, and the Hansons who are leaving for Boston, MA. Of course, Jo and Brian have two more weeks, but we combined the fellowship. The cake says: "May the Lord bless you and keep you. Love, CPBC Family". It was very nice.

Hanson Family Photo

This was taken last night at the Farewell Fellowship.

Great Grandma in France!

It has been a busy Saturday here. It started early with breakfast for my Bible Study ladies at 8:30. Then Grandma shared her testimony and a short challenge. I translated for her.

Then this afternoon, Huguette came for tea. It was her first "solo" outing since her stoke. She and Grandma are both 84.

You all may have snow ...

... but we have Florida!!!

Saying Goodbye :-(

Notice that even Stefan had the "poochy lip"--- I don't blame him. I did, too, on the inside!

What a Sharp-Looking Guy!

Snow Day in SC!

I was so excited to listen to the weather at 5am and find out that I could stay in bed a little later than normal! It was a beautiful 3-4" snow, but is already melting away. It was enough, however! Mirabelle absolutely LOVES the snow. It's hilarious. She really misses her family, though.

Monday at "Uncle Ora's"

In between meetings, we spent Monday afternoon at the farm of Michael's Ureat Uncle Ora near Roswell, GA. Uncle Ora Coleman and his farm are pretty classic, and we sure had a wonderful visit with him and his furry friends. After that we were able to spend two nights at Michael's grandparents place in Locust Grove, GA, and have just had a very good meeting and enjoyable fellowship in Spring Hill, FL.

Would post more pics, but the hour is late, and morning is fast encroaching. Just wanted to let you know that we are having a blast with all our new experiences and making lots of friends.

Ben's first game

Not as exciting as a first birthday, but thought you would enjoy pictures of Ben's first basketball game. That's #24 at the free-throw line. [Don't ask]

Did they win? [Don't ask that either!]

I think it is going to be a good experience.

Oh.. Is the blurry photography on purpose? [Don't ask that either!]

Pictures of last weeks Celebrations!!

One last Kiss!

Dad and Grandma leaving at the airport!

Dad and Grandma Bixby left yesterday afternoon. Grandma forgot her passport so we had some fun searching, but in the end, they made it in plenty of time. In Dulles, they were upgraded to business! Dad said there was 2 feet between Grandma all-stretched-out and the next seat. They are safe and sound at home in Bordeaux now.

Papi Says Good-bye to Stefan

Happy First Birthday, Corban!

One year ago today he was born, one year ago tomorrow they brought him home! How exciting--God is so good!

One Year!!

Today Samuel Corban Bixby turns ONE!!

Mommy and Daddy are unabashedly bias!!

Want to come and have some cake???

I would love to give you a great BIG kiss!!!