Tour de France

Our adventure to the Tour de France was nothing like we expected.  We had plans to go with Josh's boss and his family to the city center of Toul, France to watch the Tour.  We attempted to eat at a menu we found online with good reviews, but it was closed.  We had driven past a barricaded area with American Jeeps and flags, so we decided to go park by them since there were also eateries nearby.  

We had some lunch, and then Amy and her girls headed to see if they could take some photos with the Jeeps.  They were American-loving French people who gladly let her in, offered her a drink, and let her take photos.  We finished up lunch, found a spot nearby, and she came to find us to get ready for the Tour.  

A lady from within the barricades sought us out and invited us to join them (at their prime viewing spot on the corner where only friends and family of the Jeep association were welcome).  It was awesome.  We got lots of great pictures, lots of hugs and kisses, and praise for being American.  

 We had to wait around for quite awhile, but then we got to watch a really great parade of all the sponsor cars.  They were throwing swag and driving really fast! 

 My sweet boys (and Luke Skywalker), sharing suckers.

 Some ladies, fighting over whatever was thrown.  It is underneath the lady in yellow's foot!  They would fight over stuff like that, then walk over and hand it to the boys! The locals were very excited over the whole Tour because it had not been to their city for many years.  It was really fun to see the turnout and to get to meet many very kind people.  I only wished I spoke some French so we could have communicated.  Usually people speak some English, but I think that's because we usually stick to the more touristy spots.  Most of these people didn't, being in a small town in the middle of France.

 Want a French Cheeto?

 We had to buy this hat, it came in a pack with a T-shirt that Josh got to send to his cycling-loving friend back in KS.  Pretty cute, huh?

 (It's much cuter on Brigham! Shh!)

 These two were the ones responsible for letting us in.  They were SO sweet and let us know that they loved America.  Francoise (the man) really took to Amy, and he insisted on buying one of the souvenir packs that they bought.  They didn't speak any English, but it was clear he was insisting to purchase it for them.  Col. Stafford had an extra Army coin with him, and gave it to them as a thank you.  Francoise got very emotional and was so grateful.

 Like I said, they didn't speak much English, but the lady with hat spoke a little, so she translated for everyone.  They spoke much of D-Day and President Kennedy, among other things.  They were generous with their food and alcohol, and were very friendly and hospitable.  (It was multiple hours that we were there waiting for the Tour.)

 There was some sort of monument there that the kids liked.

 This is how Brigham killed some time.

 And finally, the Tour was coming.  I insisted on waking Brigham up, so I was wrestling him out of the stroller and missed the leaders, who were just a bit before everyone else.

 And here is the rest of the pack.

 The guy in black was the last rider.  But we didn't know that.  We were sure there must be another pack a ways back.  There wasn't.

 But here is millions (I'm sure) of dollars worth of bikes on cars.

 Our family picture at the Tour de France!  It was awesome.

 The group insisted we be in the group photo.  Me and the boys stayed back, but here is everyone else.

 After the photo, we were invited to ride in the Jeep with Francoise to his property.  Moms took kids and followed the soldiers on their ride.

 He showed us all of the stuff he had there.

 And even offered us a train ride!

 Cranking the engine to get it started...

 He reminded me of Grandpa John and his tractors.  He was just beaming and was so happy to share his hobby with us.  It was fantastic.

 We headed back to Toul so we could take a quick tour of the city.

 Where we saw this impressive cathedral.

 It wasn't open, but we tried!

 We even took a break to play tag in the garden.

It was a phenomenal day.  We are already looking forward to planning our next trip to the Tour next year.