Monkey Mountain

Kindergarten's Summer Program

We got to go to the Kindergarten's summer program.   It was to make money for the Kindergarten.  They charged for entrance, drinks, food, dessert, raffle, and games.  The games were through a ball to knock down the cans and see how many times it takes to hammer a nail into a trunk.  They had a program with the teachers talking and the priest giving his blessings.  The kids and teachers sang a few songs.  They gave the kids matching shirts and they all sat quietly during the program.  Tessa even fell asleep.  

I had to bring a dessert that I didn't realize would be sold.  I brought cupcakes that were not very pretty.  I also volunteered to pour the drinks.  I thought Coca Cola and Sprite would be easy to understand but anything else they said and there was wine and beer and other drinks and they charged money and so I couldn't communicate or understand anything.  I was useless.  It was very fun to see how Germans do things.

They had really cute decorations.

Verdun

Verdun was a pleasant surprise stop on our way home.  It is a World War I memorial, cemetery, battle field and ossuary.  Under this giant memorial are thousands and thousands of bones of 130,000 unknown soldiers.  The Battle of Verdun lasted 300 days and 230,000 men died out of 700,000 casualties.  The numbers are mind blowing.  Ryan's great grandfather fought in WWI.   

A view of the battle field and graves from the top.

Muslim graves facing Mecca

Reims, France

Since the year 987, french Kings have been coronated in Reims cathedral with only a few exceptions.

The kids got to light candles to send a prayer for someone. 
Luke said he lit his for Poppy, Tessa for me, and Sam for Mimzy and Pop Pop. 

Coronation alter

Mont Saint-Michel