Locks of Love

I hope you all enjoyed our last FHE (well, second to last if you count the impromptu Icelandic volcano pizza/movie night on Sunday). I know I enjoyed hearing all the amazing things you have all learned during your time in Paris. I was truly inspired by a lot of what you shared. It really has made me think over the past few days as I've been finishing up my time in Paris of the MANY things I've learned here, and like Rebecca said that night, I know I will be realizing things I learned during this Study Abroad experience for the rest of my life.

And I loved the idea of the locks the first time I heard about it from Reba. I love the poetry of leaving this part of you and your time in Paris, and throwing away the key, and I am so glad we all had a chance to take part in the tradition. I think it will be a great experience for you to come back to Paris to find your lock again and remember all the amazing times we have had together. We went on the Pont Neuf boat cruise again today, and it was so fun to go under the bridge and see all our locks lined up there in a row. Here's some pictures of our beautiful night on the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar Senghor.

Lock decor.

Then on to dinner.

I'm still trying to figure out why Steve (and Chelsea) got the Tartare.

Finding a home for our locks.

And I had no idea that Jack had become so attached to his lock and was heartbroken when he realized he had to leave it. We appeased him by giving him Garret's (sorry Garret).

Throwing the key into the Seine.

Our own row of locks.

And if you ever want to find yours again, look for section 23A.

Max and Jack want to go back to see our locks one more time before we leave, and I think we will have to visit them again, and hopefully many other times to come. And thanks so much for being part of the BYU Paris Study Abroad program. It was great getting to know and learn from each of you, and I look forward to seeing you all (hopefully soon) back in the USA.

À Bientôt!

The Recital

Hey everyone! I know you all thought you'd be home by now, but since you're not, I thought I'd entertain you with some new blog posts.

I wanted to thank Angela and Mike for the great recital the other night, and I know, like everyone, I enjoyed it immensely. Here's the photos:

Mike teaching Jack a few things on the guitar, and during his performance.

Angela at the harp.

It made us laugh, it made us think, and it was overall just beautiful.

Thanks Mike and Angela for sharing your talents with us. It was a great evening!

The French Easter Fiesta

You know, when I made that Mexican meal for Emily and Haley a couple of months ago I swore to never make Mexican in France again. Really, the rice was that bad. But their enthusiasm for my mediocre (at best) attempt made me get enough courage to try again. And I am so glad I did. It was great to have you all over for Easter, and I thought you'd like to see some photos from the feast:

Me telling everyone to come and get it. Max was wise and ate on the top bunk to avoid the feeding frenzy.

The spread: Homemade guacamole, salsa, refried beans, chicken tacos, with a few little French additions, like creme frâiche instead of sour cream, gouda cheese instead of cheddar, and romaine lettuce instead of iceberg.

Luckily cooking for you guys is like shooting fish in a barrel. Especially when you have been Mexican deprived for months.

And everyone has been asking me for THE brownie recipe, so here it is. I know that the end result looked a little like a cyclops alligator, but seeing as there were no leftovers, I'm guessing you all went away satisfied.

Brooklyn, Skye, Emily and Rosalie being attacked by Jack.

The Uno competition.

I know it's hard to be away from your families on the holidays, but thanks so much for spending your Easter with us. And I'm thinking we should all get together for all the major holidays from now on, okay? Great!

Thanks students, I love you guys!